Faraz Ahmed is an IT Engineer from Mumbai, currently working at IBM, Pune. He is a firm believer in The One Supreme Creator of the universe and finds peace in praying and studying religious books, especially the Quran. He is passionate about fitness activities like running and cycling, and enjoys spending time with his friends and kids.
First Encounter with T1D:
I got diagnosed in 1999 when I was 13. Though I was never interested in food, I suddenly started eating a lot but was still losing weight. The other symptoms were the usual excessive hunger, thirst and urination. My mother took me to a physician with both of us having no clue it could be diabetes. The doctor simply told us to check my urine and blood sugar. Over the next couple of days it was checked and my diabetic life officially began! Being so young, I knew nothing about diabetes, but as soon as I was diagnosed, I read a few small booklets my father kept at home, and learnt a few basics before my first meeting with an endocrinologist. But, I still didn’t know about Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.
The Support:
I was perfectly calm during my first visit to the endocrinologist until I asked the question “How many days will I have to take these insulin injections?” The response kept me stunned for a few days. My mother was visibly sad and depressed for months! My father was away for those few months. But after the initial few months my entire family has been very positive and helpful, and we don’t see diabetes as a problem as long as we keep it in control and lead a healthy life.
The Negative Reactions:
Most of the reactions I got to my disorder were helpful, but I had a few sympathetic ones at times too. Being positive, having knowledge about diabetes and informing them that controlled diabetes is not a disease, and in fact makes you healthier than normal people, has been of great help. I’ve come across people with misconceptions that diabetics may be less competent and the need for regular meals and medication restricts us from outdoor activities. The best way to bust those myths is by being positive, informed and being a living example of an extremely healthy person who does well in different areas.
The Challenges:
Managing a schedule is a challenge, so it helps to have fixed timings. In college, we had breaks at the same time each day, and in office too we have the flexibility of eating at times we find convenient. But there may be exceptions, so I usually keep some eatables at my desk or in my bag.
The Temptations:
When I go out for dinners or for parties, etc., I first, check that my blood sugar is normal, and then start with fibrous salads/fruits. I reduce the portion size if I’m interested in some sweets. Then have a small amount of those sweets at the end, but never fill my stomach with them!
Words of Experience:
Be positive. Let diabetes bring a positive change in your life. We don’t have a cure yet, but thankfully, it’s not fatal like other incurable diseases. You can be healthier and fitter than most non-diabetics thanks to your healthy lifestyle. And the people and experiences in your journey as a diabetic may make your life far more enriching and beautiful than if you never met diabetes.
Faraz Ahmed
