In 1993 when I was 32 I was told by a doctor who I was seeing for a job related physical (Truck Driver) that I was a "Borderline" diabetic and to "keep an eye on it".
I tried to take his advice but had to face the fact that I lived on the road and it is very difficult to exercise when you spend your day in the drivers seat and almost impossible to eat healthy at a truckstop. Due to not having insurance, The only physicals I got was the job required physical every 2 years
In January 1999, I developed Pneumonia. While I was in the hospital I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. The doctor told me to get some Diabetic Education and prescribed medicine along with a healthy diet and exercise. I had no insurance at the time, a young son and wife at home and had difficulty paying for the $600 a month prescriptions. Some months I had them but most months I went with-out. After a while, I put Diabetes in the back of my mind and went on with life.
On February 18, 2000 I had a massive heart attack while delivering my load in Pittsburgh, PA. After I arrived at the hospital the nurse told me my Blood Glucose level was 671 and that Diabetes had caused this heart attack. I was 38 years old.
Now 13 years later, I have Congestive Heart Failure, COPD (not related to diabetes), my legs and feet are rotting away and walking anywhere is very difficult, I had to give up my lifelong career that I loved (2006) and I barely survive on Social Security Disability. 2 years ago I signed up for Diabetic Education and I am finally the master of my Diabetes.
The moral of this story is this: Take your diagnosis very seriously. Do not allow career, money or anything else to stand in the way of taking care of you.
Macomb, IL
