It wasn’t a routine check-up, but rather a series of troubling symptoms that prompted me to seek medical attention. I had been feeling a bit off for a while, experiencing unusual bouts of fatigue and constant thirst. Concerned about my health, I scheduled an appointment with with Dr. Cristeto Azucena, a renowned internist, hoping to find some answers.
After a battery of tests, the doctor delivered news that I wasn’t prepared for – I had diabetes.
The moment the diagnosis was confirmed, it felt like a storm of emotions swept over me. Shock, fear, confusion – all seemed to collide within me. I couldn’t help but wonder how my life would change from that point forward.
Adjusting to this new reality was not easy. The first hurdle was understanding the disease itself. I dove headfirst into researching what diabetes was, how it affected the body, and what I needed to do to manage it. The more I learned, the more I realized that this was not something I could ignore or take lightly.
One of the most significant adjustments was to my diet. Saying goodbye to my favorite sugary treats and high-carb meals was heart-wrenching. It meant meticulously counting carbohydrates and monitoring my sugar levels. But I knew that it was a necessary sacrifice to keep my health in check.
The next challenge was incorporating regular exercise into my daily routine. I had to push myself to be more active, even when I didn’t feel like it. The struggle was real, but I soon discovered that staying active was key to managing my blood sugar levels and overall well-being.
Perhaps the most daunting aspect was the need for regular check-ups and medication. Needles and pills became a part of my daily life, a constant reminder of my condition. But I realized that they were my allies, helping me maintain control over my health.
Navigating social situations also became tricky. Explaining to friends and family that I had to be mindful of what I ate and when I ate it was a challenge. I often felt like I was burdening them with my dietary restrictions, but their support and understanding made all the difference.
Over time, what seemed like an insurmountable mountain of changes gradually became my new way of life. It wasn’t easy, and there were setbacks along the way. But with each passing day, I grew more resilient and determined to take charge of my health.
Having diabetes taught me the value of self-care, discipline, and the importance of cherishing good health. It was a rocky road, but it ultimately led to a more conscious and healthier lifestyle. While living with diabetes was undoubtedly challenging, it also became a journey of self-discovery, strength, and resilience that I never anticipated.
As I continue to navigate this path, I know that I am not alone, and there are countless others facing similar challenges. Sharing my story is a reminder that with determination and support, it is possible to adapt to a new lifestyle and thrive, even in the face of a life-changing diagnosis.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
