This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
In 1990, I was diagnosed with diabetes — a devastating disease. Before insulin injections were invented in 1922, it was a death sentence.
Today, insulin allows the 26 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes to live. Diabetes, like cancer, is deadly but, as my endocrinologist said, "Do the work, live a normal life."
November is National Diabetes Month, and I'd like you to know a few things.
This summer when my husband battled stage 3 cancer, I asked him which disease he'd rather have, diabetes or cancer? He answered, "Cancer."
I realized then that my treatment isn't just three months of therapy and then I'm done. I test my blood six times a day, take multiple insulin injections and count carbohydrates 24/7.
I'm 45 and have no complications because I exercise, eat healthfully and take my medication. I want to live, and I want others to know they can, too.
This epidemic will afflict half of all Americans by 2020.
Give to JDRF, the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes research; the American Diabetes Association; or the Utah Diabetes Prevention and Control Program.
Just do something this November so diabetes doesn't trump cancer.
Aimee Greenholtz
Park City