PEDIATRICS Vol. 68 No. 6 December 1981, pp. 839
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DISADVANTAGES OF HAVING DIABETES–AND ADVANTAGES

Robert William Keltner

About three years ago I became a diabetic, and since then I have been very interested in learning all I can about the disease. I am interested in the medical profession and am considering going into diabetes research.

As with other diseases, there are disadvantages to having diabetes. I have found that I must maintain a delicate balance between insulin injections, diet, and exercise in order to keep my blood sugar at a normal level. The maintenance of this balance requires a great deal of my attention, so occasionally I am unable to concentrate completely on some activity. I must always be conscious of my sugar level and be ready to make adjustments if my level is too high or too low. Another problem I have experienced is that other people do not understand diabetes. I have encountered people who think diabetics are sick and cannot lead normal lives. Other disadvantages of diabetes are the daily insulin injections I must take and the complications that can occur if proper control is not maintained. Although I have not experienced complications, some diabetics experience slow healing of wounds and impairments of eyesight and circulation.

Despite the disadvantages of diabetes, I have found that having it is advantageous in some aspects. My healthy diet and regular exercise have allowed me to stay in good shape. Some doctors consider diabetes "the healthiest disease." Another advantage of diabetes actually stems from the disadvantages of the disease. In some ways the problems involved with diabetes have made me more determined to excel at whatever I do.