Arpita Kothari discusses how her battle with Diabetes has changed her outlook towards life.
Age: 54 years
Occupation: Sales Director – Automobile sector
The journey so far
I have been working in the automobile sector for the past 22 years. In 2009, during a pre-employment check-up, my urine reports showed high protein levels. A doctor in the hospital I worked at suggested that I undergo a kidney check-up because of on-going episodes of headaches, body swelling and fluctuating blood pressure levels. I consulted a nephrologist and got my kidneys checked. The 24-hour urine report suggested high protein levels in the urine (proteinuria) and swelling in the kidneys. I was asked to undergo a kidney biopsy which showed membranous glomerulonephritis. This is a condition where the filtration capacity of the kidney is severely affected and leads to protein leaking into the urine.
The doctor put me on steroids to treat my kidneys. When steroids were prescribed to me, the doctor mentioned that there was a risk of onset of Diabetes as Diabetes is a known side-effect of steroids and hormonal medications. In 2014, I started experiencing excessive hunger. My random blood glucose level was 375 mg/dL. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. I was prescribed insulin injections to lower the blood glucose levels.
My strength
Consistent health problems and increasing medication made me feel low and depressed at times. I had also developed a fear of insulin and needle pricks. I started being afraid of checking my blood glucose levels. I was mentally, emotionally and psychologically disturbed.
Seeking help
My family, friends and doctors were my pillars of strength in my hour of need. They guided and helped me overcome my depression and fear. They helped me see that life was so much more than simply
being a person with Diabetes.
My doctors took the time and care to ensure that I had the best healthcare possible. They counselled me about lifestyle modifications to help me cope with the realities of my life. I received counselling and proactively modified my diet, exercise routine and sleep patterns. I took charge and became involved with my treatment plan. I consciously paid attention to taking all my medication on time and as per prescription. In time this helped me turn my life around and lead a stress-free life with Diabetes.
My current lifestyle
After seeing my improved health parameters, my doctor stopped my steroid medication. I regularly check my 24-hour
urine test, HbA1c, fasting and post-prandial blood glucose levels, lipid profile and serum creatinine level every three months. My HbA1c is now 7 per cent.
I follow a much disciplined lifestyle now. I take my meals on time and ensure to eat a healthy and balanced diet as recommended by my dietician.
My diet
I follow the diet prescribed to me by my dietician. I know my proportions and fill my plate accordingly. My meals contain at least one serving of fruits or green leafy vegetables every day
I do not overeat and I keep a track of any extra food or sweet that I consume. If I eat any high-calorie food, I avoid eating anything more to maintain my calorie intake. As I am a vegetarian, I also take nutritional supplements to ensure that I receive all essential vitamins and minerals.
On waking up – 1 cup tea without sugar
Breakfast – 8:00 a.m. – 1 roti or 1 plate
poha or upma + 1 glass of skimmed milk
Lunch – 1:00 p.m. – 2 rotis + 1 bowl salad
+ 1 cup sabji + 1 glass of buttermilk
Evening –
4.00 p.m. – 1 cup tea without sugar
6:00 p.m. – 1 seasonal fruit (except for grapes, banana or mango)
Dinner – 9:00 p.m. – 1 roti + 1 bowl sabji
+1 cup curd
My exercise routine
I exercise every day for 90 minutes. I go to the gym every day and alternatively take up cardio, yoga, weight training and Zumba.
My advice
My Diabetes has helped me understand the value of good health and well-being. It has changed my outlook towards life and has taught me to set priorities in life and to stop procrastinating. Do not consider Diabetes to be a burden but accept it as a part of life. Do not think and de-motivate yourself by constantly asking ‘Why me?’. Instead, see it as an opportunity, a wake-up call to correct your lifestyle and lead a fit and disciplined life. Keep a positive outlook towards life as Diabetes is not a foe but rather a friend. Gift yourself the best and healthiest life possible.
