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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 12 November 2017

Bina Patel, 59 has Type 2 Diabetes and lives in Vadodara, Gujarat. She talks of her challenges in managing her condition and hopes her learnings and tips will help the community. Also, which home remedies work?

Bina, when were you diagnosed?

I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes at the age of 47 (about 12 years ago). One day, I just couldn’t get out of bed and so I met my GP about it. He suggested I get a blood test done. The blood test showed my blood sugar to be 300 mg/dl. At the time my GP recommended that I avoid diabetic medications and try to bring down my blood sugar with diet and exercises. I followed his advice but realized that on days that I did not exercise, I would be very fatigued and tired. After about 2 years, I was started on diabetic medications.

What were the early symptoms?

I only had back pain and burning sensation down my spine. No other symptoms!

Is there a history of diabetes in your family?

My father and maternal grandfather both suffered from diabetes. Soon after my diagnosis, my sister was diagnosed and my 2 younger brothers are pre-diabetic too.

What is your present condition?

I am maintaining my blood sugar levels and that has been helpful. I continue to have an active social and family life, though lately I do feel more tired. I find that my energy levels are lower than what they used to be. I find that waking up in the morning is quite difficult possibly due to low blood sugar at that time of the day. I now have to keep an alarm daily.

Please describe your experience of managing diabetes.

I do yoga 5 times a week from Monday to Friday from 8-9am. I also go for a walk almost daily for atleast an hour. I am quiet strict with my diet as well. In summers, I love mangoes and cannot resist them. So I do eat a mango or two but then compensate by not touching rice on those days. On days, when I crave sweets, I make and eat some home-made dark chocolate pieces.

Any related complications?

I have since been diagnosed with thyroid and very recently with glaucoma in my left eye. I’m not sure if it’s related.

What medications are you on?

  • Jalra-M (metformin+ Vildagliptin) 50 mg/500mg
  • Thyronorm 50mg
  • Multivitamin and Calcium supplement

Were there any side-effects of the medicines?

When travelling ( especially in the US), I notice that my blood sugar levels drop to 100 more often. I’m not sure why because I try to maintain my exercise and diet as usual.

What were some of the challenges you faced and what is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?

My biggest challenge that still continues is remembering to take medication exactly 30 minutes before every meal. I find it particularly cumbersome when going out to eat, travelling or having guests over.

My advice to diabetes patients would be to stay active and stay on top of your food intake. Try alternate diet with different varieties of healthy ingredients. This helps keep food interesting and avoid boredom. For instance, I find bajri roti boring to eat every day - so on some days, I have wheat, jowar, mix grain rotis made.

Have you learnt anything in managing in your condition that you wish you knew before?

Initially, I tried a lot of sprouted methi, blanched tomatoes and jamun juice that I was told would be very beneficial. However, I realized that it did not reverse my diabetes or even reduce my blood sugar levels as promised.

What kind of specialists do you consult and how often?

I have so far only been under the care of my General Physician. I plan to see an Endocrinologist once I’m 60. I have a glucometer at home that I use once a month. I see my Eye doctor every 4 months.

Have you had to make some changes to your lifestyle because of your condition?

Yes definitely! My diet had to change drastically. I used to have 3 tsps of sugar in my tea earlier. I have had to cut down on my sugar intake and portion size. I now make karela juice every morning blended with amla/carrot/watermelon etc. I have always been active though.

Have you tried complementary medicine or therapies, like homeopathy or yoga?

I have been practicing yoga since 15 years, which I am very regular with. I also started monthly body massages that I found to be very good for my back.

I tried taking Patanjali’s diabetic powder but my blood sugar started dropping to 90 and so my GP instructed me to stop it right away.

Has it been difficult emotionally to cope with your condition?

I do find timely medication-taking to be quite irritating. I have however, never been depressed. I think that is because I was prepared for my diagnosis due to my family history. My father’s physician had warned me when I was young.

How have your family and friends supported you?

My daughters have been very understanding and now ensure I eat on time and avoid stressful situations.

My friends have been very supportive. They always encourage and accompany me on my walks.

Did you see a counselor for support? Were you offered counselling by doctor?

No, I never needed a counselor. In fact, My GP often asks me to guide his other patients about how I maintain my weight and stay fit.

What was the hardest part of the treatment? What kept you going? How has this changed your life perspectives and ambitions?

I have now learned to avoid and take on less pressured activities because my stress threshold has decreased. I often feel that stress at my young age brought on diabetes sooner. It was probability my inability to deal with stress at that time that was a major causative factor for my diabetes diagnosis. However, I have always been strong and resilient and have learned to use my strength for my health benefit now.

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