This summer an American Diabetes Association task force will focus on this group of patients [patients that have gotten their blood sugar under control without the aid of medication or improved enough to quit taking medication] and whether they can be considered “cured.”
One of my team members, well the assistant coach—my wife, sent me a link to this article on MSNBC website, “Beating diabetes: Some do, but are they cured?” There’s a segment of diabetic’s, like myself, that control their diabetes without medication. ADA is studying if can we call ourselves “cured.” Ironically, one of my friends asked me a few days ago if I was cured. As far as I am concerned, I am. However, I must always be conscious of my glucose levels just like I’m able keep my blood sugar levels under control, it can easily get out of hand if ignored.
The good news about this study, I could finally give one answer to the question, “are you a diabetic?” Because when an “official” (i.e. dentist, insurance agent, etc.) type person asks me if I’m a diabetic, I say yes because I’m afraid of the consequences of saying no, i.e. dentist using too little/much Novocain, insurance canceling my policy once they get my medical records, etc. However, as I said earlier when a “non-official” (i.e. family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, etc) type person asks, I say no but with qualifications. It would be nice to have one definitive answer for both situations.
The bad news is if this study concludes that those of us that control our blood sugar levels without medication are actually “cured,” a percentage of us would probably revert back to being a diabetic. Because being “cured” would give some the green light to stay home and watch television instead of exercising for 30 minutes, eat 4 dinner rolls instead of one, eat a 2-inch slice of pound cake with ice cream instead of a few blueberries with a tablespoon of whipped cream. Before you know it we would be back in our doctor’s office seeking a prescription. Wait a minute, this may be a plot of “The Man” to get us back on medication, you know the global drug market for diabetes is over $15 billion……..… Hmmmm!!!!!
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