Get Screened for Diabetes

One of the hardest jobs I have ever had was trying to take care of my ailing parents. Mama had diabetes and it took a terrible toll on her body. She was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in her 50s. I don't ever think she took having diabetes seriously. When a neighbor asked her once how she was coping with diabetes she told him, "It ain't bothering me and I ain't bothering it." And, she meant it. Most of the time, mama did not manage her diabetes, and left uncontrolled, diabetes will destroy the body one organ at a time. In her late 70s, mama began to have trouble with her eyes. By the time she turned 80, she was almost blind. She also developed kidney disease and was forced to go on dialysis. Her legs became useless because diabetes unchecked plays havoc with the circulatory system. Many black people with diabetes "wear" the disease like some badge of honor and will quickly tell you they are diabetic all the while stuffing their faces with fried chicken or filling a doggie bag from the family reunion with ribs and collard greens swimming in fatback grease. I'm telling you all this so that you can understand what diabetes can do. If you experience symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, or blurry vision -- get yourself checked out! Diabetes can be controlled with proper diet, exercise, insulin or other medication. Take charge of your health today. Don't let diabetes take you out!