About
This is not your grandmother’s
“sugar disease.”
My name is Chrystal and I am a Insulin Dependent Type 2 Diabetic. I am dedicating my website to the Type 2 diabetic experience. Type 2 diabetes is often misunderstood and viewed negatively. I created this website to empower other diabetics and friends of diabetics. I wanted my website to be a “one stop shop” for non diabetics and for other diabetics looking information all in one area. One thing I have learned is information about diabetics is available but you may have to look in several places for it. I am hoping that with my website I can help people to learn about diabetes quicker and offer resources to aid in living with the condition.
Since being diagnosed, I never asked the question of “why me.” I have always thought of diabetes as a new chapter in my life and as an opportunity to make changes in myself. I had to learn my new biological limitations and how use them to achieve greater goals. I asked myself how can I use my diabetic experiences to help others who do not know there is a rainbow behind the rain. I can further appreciate the struggles of the Type 1 Diabetic. Yes, I understand as a Type 2, I may not experience the severe hypoglycemia and other ailments. I still feel we are all united in our struggles. We cannot be divided over petty differences. We are all together in the quest of finding a cure for diabetes and bring awareness to all communities.
I want to take diabetes from the shadows and put it in the forefront. This way we can encourage a dialogue of understanding. People in their 20’s-30 are now being stricken with diabetes due to genetics and poor health choices. The statistics for diabetes are staggering and growing everyday: this is not your grandmother’s “sugar disease.”
I want to educate and dispel myths about the disease. I thought the best way to do this is through clothing, accessories, blogging and video experiences. I want diabetics to feel inspired, proud and unafraid. I want to show that we exist and can live fruitful lives and make better choices.
Our energy must also be directed toward activism with insurance companies so all diabetics can receive proper knowledge, benefits and supplies. As the number of new diabetics increases, we have got to take action to educate parents and children on care/management, healthy lifestyles and food choices.
At the time of my diagnosis, I was given a food chart and a prescription for pills. Then I was sent home not really knowing what to do. I immediately started to educate myself. I found a wonderful Endocrinologist named Dr. Bindra at the UCLA Gonda Diabetic Research Institute who is helping with my diabetic maintenance. It is tough but it has to be done. This may seem to be a daunting task but I am sure with 1 in 6 people becoming diabetic over the next several years, I will be in good company.
