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NIH MedlinePlus the Magazine, Trusted Health Information from the National Institutes of Health

Feature:
Diabetes Stories

"With diabetes, it's always a continuous education and a continuous struggle."

Sorcy Apostol

Sorcy Apostol, 63

Elk Grove, Calif.

Type 2

Having diabetes is really challenging for my lifestyle—especially controlling carbohydrates. I am a Filipina, and our basic food staple is rice, which is high in carbohydrates. We eat rice with a passion.

My older sister also has diabetes, and I'm very scared for my daughter. Educating myself and my family is very important. My husband and I have 10 brothers and sisters, and we get together on weekends. We used to cook 30 cups of rice, but now we only cook 10 cups. That means everyone eats less rice. My husband helps me manage my diabetes, too. When I wake up at night, he takes my blood sugar and fixes something for me to eat.

I teach at Sacramento City College. At the beginning of each semester, I tell my classes that I am diabetic and will always take a break halfway through class to check my blood sugar and have a snack. My classes understand, and they support me, too.

With diabetes, it's always a continuous education and a continuous struggle.

Read More "Diabetes Stories" Articles

"Diabetes has instant consequences…" / "My biggest challenge with diabetes…" / "Don't take diabetes for granted." / "Diabetes is beatable!" / "As a native nation, we must fight diabetes…" / "With diabetes, it's always a continuous education and a continuous struggle."

Fall 2009 Issue: Volume 4 Number 4 Page 15