Originally Published in Yale Medicine by Barbara Steinberger | October 27, 2023
Managing diabetes is a lifelong challenge that many face, yet few fully understand its gravity until the consequences become undeniable. My journey with Type 2 diabetes has been one of denial, poor management, and hard-learned lessons. Today, I share my story in hopes that others may recognize the importance of controlling this condition before complications take hold.
A Wake-Up Call at 60 in the diabetes journey
The day after my 60th birthday marked a turning point in my life. While celebrating with friends, I experienced what I later learned was a transient ischemic attack (TIA)—a "ministroke" caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. During dinner, I began speaking incoherently, unable to form the right words. My friends rushed me to the hospital, where, thankfully, the symptoms subsided within an hour, leaving no permanent damage.
While I was relieved to recover physically, the emotional impact of that incident was profound. This was a stark reminder that I could no longer ignore my health. But this wake-up call wasn’t my first. It was merely the latest in a long series of warnings tied to my uncontrolled diabetes.

The Early Years of Denial
I was first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2006, in my mid-40s. Like many others, I initially underestimated the seriousness of the disease. Despite knowing that uncontrolled blood sugar levels could lead to severe complications, I continued indulging in sugary foods and ignored my prescribed medication regimen. I felt healthy and symptom-free, and in my mind, this justified my choices.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that diabetes is a silent and insidious disease. Even when symptoms are not apparent, damage is happening behind the scenes. Over time, high blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves, impacting multiple areas of the body.
The Beginning of Complications
The first noticeable sign of diabetes-related damage came in 2010, with a mild tingling in my feet—a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. At first, the sensation was barely noticeable, and I brushed it off. But over time, it worsened into numbness, reducing my ability to feel injuries or pain in my feet. Little did I know, this complication would put me at serious risk of infection and even amputation down the line.
Years later, in 2016, I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, an eye condition caused by blood vessel damage in the retina. I ignored my doctors’ recommendations to seek specialized care, falling back into denial. My vision started deteriorating a year later, prompting me to undergo regular eye injections to slow the progression of the disease. Though unpleasant, these treatments likely saved my eyesight.

In 2017 and 2018, I was hospitalized twice for uncontrollable vomiting caused by suspected gastroparesis, another diabetes complication. High blood sugar had likely damaged the nerves governing my gastrointestinal system, leading to severe digestive issues. My blood sugar levels during these hospitalizations were dangerously high—around 500 mg/dl, compared to the recommended fasting level of about 100. In Canadian terms, the dangerously high blood sugar level was around 27.8 mmol/L, and the recommended fasting blood sugar level is approximately 5.6 mmol/L.
A Close Call with Amputation
Perhaps the most frightening complication came in 2020, when I developed an infected wound on my big toe. Due to the neuropathy in my feet, I didn’t feel any pain and only realized the severity of the infection when a friend pointed out that my foot was bleeding. By the time I sought medical care, the infection was severe, and I was told that amputation might be necessary if the wound didn’t heal.
This was a pivotal moment for me. For the first time, I began to truly grasp the connection between my blood sugar levels and my body’s ability to heal. By following my doctor’s advice, taking my medications, and eating a proper diet, I managed to heal the wound and avoid losing my toe. However, my newfound commitment to managing my diabetes didn’t last. Once the immediate danger had passed, I fell back into my old habits.
The Ministroke That Changed Everything
The TIA I experienced in November 2021 was a breaking point. It wasn’t just the fear of another stroke; it was the realization that my diabetes was affecting every aspect of my health. By then, I was also dealing with muscle loss, balance problems, and severe weakness in my legs. Walking even short distances had become a struggle. My primary care doctor explained that these issues were likely tied to diabetes-related complications, including peripheral artery disease and diabetic myopathy.
It was during my hospitalization for the TIA that I received another sobering diagnosis: stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD). Years of uncontrolled diabetes had damaged the tiny blood vessels in my kidneys, severely impairing their function. My nephrologist warned me that if I didn’t take drastic action, kidney failure—and the need for dialysis or a transplant—was inevitable.

Turning Point: Taking Control
The combination of the ministroke, CKD diagnosis, and my deteriorating mobility finally pushed me to take control of my health. With the support of my family, I began following a low-sugar, low-salt, and low-potassium diet. I took my medications as prescribed and started monitoring my blood sugar levels daily. I also sought therapy to address my emotional relationship with food, which had been a major barrier to managing my diabetes.
"With the help of some 'tough love' from family and friends, I finally realized that if I didn’t change my ways, I would be an invalid—or dead—within a very short time," says Barbara Steinberger—the author of this article—on her struggles with diabetes management - originally posted on Yale Medicine.
For the first time in years, I saw measurable improvements. My A1C—a test that reflects average blood sugar levels over three months—dropped from a dangerously high 13.6 to 7.2. I’m now working to bring it below 7, the recommended target for people with diabetes.
Living with the Consequences
While I’ve made significant progress, the years of poor management have left lasting consequences. I still struggle with mobility and balance issues. I rely on a long list of medications and endure regular eye injections. My kidney disease remains a serious concern, and I may eventually need a transplant or dialysis.
Despite these challenges, I feel fortunate. I’ve avoided the worst outcomes—blindness, amputation, and heart failure—that so many diabetes patients face. And I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of self-care.
A Message to Others
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that diabetes is not a condition you can afford to ignore. Managing your blood sugar isn’t just about avoiding symptoms—it’s about protecting your body from long-term damage that can rob you of your quality of life.
To anyone struggling with diabetes, I urge you to take it seriously. Work closely with your healthcare team, follow their advice, and prioritize your health. The earlier you take action, the more you can avoid the complications I’ve faced.
My journey isn’t over, but I’m finally on the right path. If my story can help even one person avoid the mistakes I made, sharing it will have been worth it.
For more information on managing diabetes, visit the T2D Network Website.
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