My life with my friends “Diabetes”
I was 14 years old when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I started passing a lot of urine like there was an open tap flowing through me. I saw major changes in my body system; severe weight loss, fatigue, hunger all the time, and almost got blurry vision. I had a little idea of the changes because my mother is a diabetic. When I told her about these changes, we went to the hospital one Monday morning. Then I was told I have a new companion in my life now and her name is DIABETES and I am to live with her for the rest of my life. In fact I was broken, I cried for weeks and the situation was getting out of hand. I told myself I was not going to continue with my education again, because my life was going to end soon.
Though this new friend diabetes came unannounced, I have learnt to live with her and manage her well with the help of my doctors and nurses and Life for a Child. Life for a Child has been of great help in my journey because in Ghana, diabetes is expensive, but Life for a Child has made my life with diabetes stress free. I was given free glucometer, syringes, insulin, and a whole lot of benefits.
Diabetes hasn’t only impacted negatively on me but I have also seen some positive impacts because I always draw my siblings and friend’s attention to it and educate them as well. It has been a difficult journey, but I take one day at a time.
I’m now 22 years of age, and a final year student at the Kumasi Technical University and I want to be a teacher.
My name is Emmanuella Owusu Asante and I know DIABETES WON’T STOP ME!
Thank you.