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If you live with diabetes, you have probably heard that ketones are something to watch out for. That they have something to do with the dreaded diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). But do you really understand what ketones are and why they happen? It’s scary to think about, sure. But it’s also very important to be in the know about ketones and to be prepared. 1) What are ketones? If there isn’t enough insulin in your system, you can’t turn glucose into energy. So your body starts breaking down body fat. Ketones are a chemical by-product of this process. This can occur when people with type 1 diabetes

Roxanna, from Brownsville, Texas, shares the story of her diagnosis — and how it changed her life. My diabetes journey began in August 2016. I was 29 years old. Like many who are first diagnosed, I ended up in the hospital with high blood sugar, severe dehydration, fatigue and exhaustion. “If you were my sister,” I recall my doctor saying, “I’d send you to the hospital.” And off to the hospital I went. I remember that day like it was yesterday: the doctors, the nurses, the diabetes educator, the concerned look on my parents’ faces. I didn’t even know what diabetes was at the time, much less

Mary Van Doorn, a mother of two from Dacula, Georgia, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes—but her diagnosis didn’t hold her back. Mary founded Sugar Mama Strong, a diabetes support group and wellness program for women. This is her story: I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when I was just 21 years old, the daughter of two type 2 parents. Our genetics run deep—almost every adult on my mother's side now lives with type 2. At first, I ignored it. I lived in denial for a long time—I call it my young and stupid phase. At 21, you think you're invincible. I didn't FEEL sick. I didn't LOOK sick. It

The Importance of Learning and Understanding Your Health Care Journey When I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2008, I found myself unsure of how to move forward — how to make the necessary changes in my diet and lifestyle in order to confidently manage this condition. In the last 15 years, I’ve experienced amputations of both my legs below the knee as well as the loss of 5 fingers to diabetes; I’ve received shots and laser treatments to try and address swelling in my retinas due to diabetes, and now regularly receive dialysis. My A1C has gone down to 6 because of careful diet management

Lynda Jimenez is the Associate Director of Online Strategy & Operations for the American Diabetes Association. This is her story: Most women begin their journey through pregnancy as soon as those little lines appear. As for me, I started my pregnancy journey eight months before those little lines would make their appearance, an entire year and a half before my son was born. Living with type 2 diabetes, I already tried to live a healthy lifestyle, but I was nowhere near being prepared for pregnancy. Managing with oral medications, an okay diet and the occasional exercise, my A1C was hovering

Brent Adame lives in Midwest City, Oklahoma, and is committed to thriving despite living with type 2 diabetes. This is his story: A couple of weeks before COVID-19 shut the economy down, I noticed my eyesight was getting blurry and my appetite was insatiable! I continued with my lifestyle, afraid to go to the doctor. I tested my glucose levels at a friend's about a month ago and was 359 and at one point 401. I got nervous and blew it off for a week. Then I got diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and nearly died. Learn about DKA I checked myself out of the hospital about 34 hours later. I assumed I'd

Some days, taking care of your diabetes can feel like a full-time job. There’s new technology, new medications, and information from lots of sources about how to manage your diabetes. It can be hard to know which way to turn. A long-term condition like diabetes is complex. What works for you may not work for someone else. You need to find the tools that work best for you and fit your life and health goals. Keeping track of your blood sugar (blood glucose)—by testing on a blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)—is a vital first step. But there are other tools you can use to

On April 4, 2018, my life took a complete 180-degree turn to rock-bottom status. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Now, you would think this would have come as a complete shock. Deep down, however, I was not surprised. I knew it was coming. For years, in fact, but I was constantly adrift upon the River “Denial”. But, looking back, I was at high-risk for developing the disease. Here are the facts… First, I was genetically disposed. Type 1 and type 2 was rampant in my family history. My maternal grandfather lost his leg. My maternal aunt died of a leg infection at 9 years old that was masked

Emily Webb is a mother of four who lives in Taunton, Massachusetts. She was incorrectly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before learning about maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). This is her story: After being treated for gestational diabetes and then being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I can remember so many hard things. I have spent thousands of dollars on procedures, testing supplies and medication that may not have been necessary. I have managed weekly appointments with different specialists while working full time and raising small children. I have had to find places at work

Written by Pamela Roller, who lives with type 1 diabetes. Dedicated to all diabetics and their families. On November 14th every year A day diabetics hold so dear Sadly, diabetes has been on the rise Many have it, but don’t realize To stop diabetes, make people more aware Diabetics are not alone; others do care Internationally, we all must unite To hope, survive, and to win the fight The diabetes ribbon and symbol are blue Diabetics need a cure and support too Blue for the sky we all share In a circle for unity everywhere Grateful for the co-founders of insulin To treat the disease of friends