How did I find my way?

Type 1 diabetes has been my companion since my teens—when little was known about diabetes. I sharpened my stainless steel needle on a whetstone and boiled it for 10 minutes with my glass syringe before taking one shot of NPH insulin each morning. From that beginning I danced through thick and thin into current technology. Now I wear a state-of-the-art insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor.

My book introduces medical recommendations for staying well with diabetes. And I immerse those facts in stories. Making diabetes my ally has enriched my life, and I hope you will make that choice too.

And Now?

I retired from daily work as a diabetes educator in a clinic in 2023. Within weeks I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease! For years I had asked doctors, “Why can’t I walk a straight line?” Beyond imbalance, other early symptoms confirmed my diagnosis. I found a neurologist to help me through and began taking carbidopa/levodopa pills for Parkinson’s.

My research indicated that both age and diabetes are risk factors for Parkinson’s. The only thing recommended for good care is to take your pills and exercise. The primary exercise recommended for Parkinson’s is BOXING!!!! Punching Out Parkinson’s is the standard.

Fighting Parkinson’s ran firmly against my decision to ally with my physical conditions. I tried to explain to those running classes, but I tried boxing anyway. I was evaluated, fitted with boxing gloves and told to report for class three days a week.

More to come….