by Joanna Penn

Created on: February 21, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

Well, I thought I'd write this article because some people are confused on how diabetes affects sufferers. This is my personal experience and my opinions.

I was diagnosed 5 years ago now, after some confusion in my symptoms; excess thirst, tiredness, lack of concentration, itching. My GP told me it was probably hormones. Then while at a St John Ambulance duty one of my collegues commented on my sweet breath.. so he checked my blood sugar. 26.4mmols... way too high.

When I went the Accident and Emergency Department they sent me home with antibiotics.. two weeks later was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes at the age of 16.

Then my GP took my treatment, educated me in what to do with my diet. And come back in a month to see if you are better. I was feeling crappy to say the least and my GCSE results showed I wasn't well. I think it was about Christmas time I was referred to a Diabetic Consultant. He then put me on Metformin 500mg once daily.
The side effects were awful.. My blood sugars had not got down, so increased my dose, and yet again til I was on the larger dose of 1500mg a day.
I was bloated and felt awful, my blood sugars still didnt go down.. so was put on Insulin Once Daily, that reduced it slightly but again still feeling terrible.

I was rushed in hospital with an infection, and then put on Novomix 30; 12 units a day. Boy my life was looking grim, was in and out of jobs. Had continuous kidney infections and generally felt down. So I took matters in my own hands, I ate loads of chocolate and then didn't take my insulin. So not only did I lose weight, I felt awful but I thought that I may actually get help.

To cut a long story short, I was employed at a childrens activity centre last January. Was very ill, severe kidney infection and the consultant nephrologist explained that I will be on diaylsis by Christmas. That gave me the jibbies... And so I came home, mopped about til March and then I collapsed with severe hyperglycemia.

I then made a decision on my hospital bed that I needed to change, and soon. So I changed my GP, to a more local one who has been great.. then I changed diabetic consultants. Went for counselling, and then realised something. That diabetes affects the way the brain works, makes you depressed. Which in turn makes you not want to help yourself.

Now I am on a new insulin regime, and I am so much better, and my future is bright now. Going off to college to study nursing. So if anyone is reading this, and can relate. Please take care and do it for you.

Learn more about this author, Joanna Penn.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.