Meet Virginia

Every generation on my mom's side has/had type 2 diabetes. It's unreal how people don't understand the damage diabetes can do to your body. It can affect almost every organ. My mom had glaucoma, retinopathy, needed a kidney transplant, and had portions of her foot amputated. My mom passed when she was 53 due to complications with diabetes. Past relatives also had amputations of the feet and legs. I just didn't realize the extent of the damage from diabetes until I was diagnosed. I am using what my family members went through to monitor my health. It's been rough, but I am trying. I take 15 pills per day for diabetes, AFib, and scarring of the lungs that I got when I contracted COVID-19 and was admitted to the hospital several years ago. The key is to keep a positive outlook on life and address issues with diabetes. Sometimes I find it difficult, but I think about my mom especially. I am taking a class at Kaiser for food ideas for diabetics, I just started exercising on my bike again, and trying to keep up on my water intake. I encourage others in similar situations to eat right, drink plenty of water, exercise, and have fun with your friends and family.