One Day at a Time
With a little help, Marcella Thompson is plotting her course to living to 100.
Marcella Thompson needs only to think back to a day 3 years ago to remember why she must remain vigilant about controlling her diabetes. That was the day she woke up in a hospital. She was very sick, and the single mother couldn't comfort her bewildered children—Brandon, 15, and Alexandria, 7.
Thompson recalled feeling tired and experiencing blurry vision in the days before. She'd thought it was the flu. What she didn't remember was passing out and Brandon calling 911.
Rude Awakening
"I didn't know anything about diabetes," says Thompson, now 50 and living in Danville, Virginia. "My reaction was denial." She was lucky, the doctor said. People with blood sugar levels as high as hers don't recover so easily. Thompson didn't feel so lucky; however, she knew she had to get back on her feet and back to caring for her family.
Her diabetes education began during her hospital stay. She listened to nurse educators. She watched videos and read pamphlets, even medical journals.
"I try to treat myself like I treat my best friend."
When she returned home, her children learned how to check her sugar levels. "I believe there has to be education, not just for the person with diabetes, but for the family," says Thompson.
Coming Back
Education and support have helped Thompson, but they haven't solved all the problems. "One of the hardest things is having to think about it every day, all the time, no matter what," she says. "Diabetes is like an obnoxious relative who comes and stays with you past his time. Some days you can handle him fine, and some days you want to hit him."
After 3 years, Thompson knows that living with diabetes is not something you learn once, but rather, is a lifestyle you work at every day. Not just physically, but mentally as well. "You can get depressed," she says. "That's why support is important."
Her faith and her fellow church members were crucial to her recovery. She also talked with a therapist. "You don't go because you're crazy—you go because you need a sounding board," says Thompson. With the therapist, she could say, "I am afraid. I'm lonely. I hate that my life is like this." The therapist provided perspective.
Her New Mindset
Today Thompson tries to be good to herself, treating herself "like I treat my best friend." The new lifestyle she's adopted has given her the energy to get more involved in her children's lives and to participate in school and church functions.
To Thompson, it's all been worth the effort. "I'm trying to live until I'm 100," she says.
Marcella shares her success strategies:
- Don't deny—modify! Thompson has learned to modify her favorite peach pie recipe with artificial sweeteners. A diabetes educator or a specialized cookbook can help.
- Look into resources. Thompson's health insurance provides educational resources and life coaches, whom she can call to talk about diet, health concerns, and emotional issues. Ask your doctor, employer, and insurance plan provider about the support and resources that might be available to you.
- Read, read, read. You never know where you'll find great information and inspiration to help you manage the challenges of diabetes. Ask your doctor for recommendations.
Patient Tools
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Daily Glucose Tracker
Use this handy grid to record glucose levels quickly and easily. -
Exercise Journal
People with diabetes say that they are more likely to remain motivated when they keep track of their physical activity. This simple, easy-to-use tool can help. - View More Patient Tools >>>