Name: Ankush Garde
Age: 60 years
Profession: Chartered Accountant
The journey so far
My daily schedule has always lacked constancy. During tax season I work for 18 hours and on other days I am free most of the day. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with an ever changing time table takes conscious effort.
Impact of the diagnosis
I was diagnosed with Diabetes 10 years ago. It began with a skin infection and the follow up testing showed that my blood glucose levels had rocketed to 225 mg/DL. This surprised me as I had been careful with my diet. But this did not come as a shock.
There is a high genetic predisposition for Diabetes in my maternal family. Quite a few of them have passed away due to resulting complications. All my maternal cousins have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Being aware of this fact has made me pay greater attention to my health. I visited a diabetologist who advised further investigation lipid test and Hba1c which turned out to be 8.
Adapting my lifestyle
My diabetologist provided me with a diet chart which I have followed strictly ever since. I was put on a drug regime of metformin 500 bd. This dosage was later modified to metformin SR 500 BD. I keep in touch with my diabetologist regularly who alters the dosage if necessary. I have never needed to take insulin as I have maintained my Hba1c around 6.5 ever since.
My blood pressure is around 135 by 90 and I do not require any medicine to regulate it.I regularly keep a watch on my blood glucose levels. My schedule for which is as follows: On Monday and Friday I check my fasting levels. On Tuesday and Thursday, I check the post prandial levels (post lunch) and on Saturday I check the post prandial level (post dinner). I maintain a diary wherein I have recorded every blood glucose level reading since my diagnosis.
My exercise routine
I walk daily non-stop for 45-60 minutes and have reduced my weight by 10 kilos in the first year post diagnosis. I play golf twice a week. I wear wide toed shoes while exercising as it reduces the chance of foot related complications.
My diet
I modified my diet as per the diet chart provided to me. I strictly follow the diet chart and eat small meals every two hours. This has helped me maintain my Hba1c level at around 6.
At six in the morning I have a cup of green tea. After a while I have one medium sized fruit or two biscuits. My lunch consists of one chappati, a bowl of vegetables followed by a small bowl of rice with dal and a bowl of salad. Around four in the afternoon, I have tea with three biscuits or two
khakras. At around six, I have a medium sized fruit. My dinner which is around nine is the same as my lunch.I have been advised to avoid banana, chickoo and mango. I have been a vegetarian all my life. I do not like to eat sweets and this made eating healthy meals easier. When I do eat sweets I always eat them in limited portions.
My friends and Family
I openly discuss that I have Diabetes. I feel it helps generate awareness. If I can successfully control my blood sugar levels, then so can others. I stress that I have ensured that Diabetes does not affect my work life. Even today, I work on a full time basis, almost 16 to 18 hours at a stretch, when required.
Word of advice
• Carefully control your diet. It is as important as taking your medicines regularly and on time.
• It is important to check your Hba1c every six months.
• Keep a track of your test results and make it a point to tell your doctor regarding any variations.
• Burn more calories than you eat.
• Regularly get your eyes, blood pressure and kidney functioning checked.
• Take care of your feet and treat any injury with utmost care to avoid the onset of infection.
I continue to lead an active life. My wife and I love to travel and as my Diabetes is under control I have the freedom to enjoy my life to the utmost.
n
