Name: Sarika PuntambekarAge: 41 yearsProfession: HomemakerThe journey so farI have very faint memories of my life before Diabetes. All I remember is that I used to be very talkative, active and highly fond of sweets but apparently that didn't lead to my medical condition.I was diagnosed with Diabetes at the age of 5. My parents told me that I started losing weight suddenly, drank loads of water frequently and then one day, I fell unconscious. At the hospital, I went into coma and eventually the doctors found out that my sugar levels were extremely high. From then on, I was put on insulin. I had all the typical symptoms of Diabetes at that time.Impact of the diagnosisMy parents were shocked initially because I was very small at that time and giving injections to such a small child was more painful for them mentally than it was for me physically. However, the doctors counselled them well and explained everything so clearly that all their doubts and apprehensions were removed. From then on, my parents accepted everything boldly, educated themselves, my sisters, me and everybody close to me as much as they could. They conditioned me in such a manner that I became smart enough to handle any kind of situation related to Diabetes entirely on my own.I feel that Diabetes does restrict some things which you really wish to pursue or take up in life. It compels one to have a military kind of disciplined lifestyle. One can't afford to tamper with time or diet or medicine, or else one loses so much health-wise. Because of such restrictions, I couldn't go on long school/college excursions with my friends. I faced some difficulties at the time of getting admission in hostel for higher studies as the wardens didn't want to shoulder responsibility of someone like me.Adapting my lifestyleSince I have been living with Diabetes for a long time now and also I am married, I have to try a little harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle because of so many other responsibilities. However, with the support and co-operation of my husband, who also happens to have Diabetes, I am able to lead a happy and healthy life. Of course it's not easy to achieve consistent levels but with regular monitoring; I try and maintain my HbA1c.I miss some kind of freedom at times that is difficult to express. But my friends have always been supportive and vigilant of me. They have not just made me comfortable but also proud in sharing anything and everything related to Diabetes with people. Every time I am invited to my friends' place, they would prepare only the dishes that I am permitted to eat. They would immediately fetch me something sweet if I feel hypoglycaemic any time.My fitness regimeI make sure that I eat plenty of green vegetables and permitted fruits. I do eat outside but with some restrictions and portion control. I try to do some kind of exercise but I prefer walking every day.I start my day with bedtime tea, one salt biscuit or wheat-based biscuit. For breakfast, I usually take oats in milk or a toast with milk and soaked almonds or daliya or upma or sprouts. My Mid-day meals include one fruit, salad and nuts. For Lunch, I take 1-2 chapattis with curd and vegetable. My Evening tea includes 1-2 Marie biscuits or some other light snack.For Dinner, I take 1-2 chapattis with daal and vegetables. Sometimes I take a bowl of soup before dinner.My inspirationMy family and friends are my greatest pillars of strength. The fact that I love my near and dear ones and more than that they love me encourages me to follow a healthy lifestyle and stay happy. I can show my love to them only by leading a healthy and happy life.
Name: Sarika PuntambekarAge: 41 yearsProfession: HomemakerThe journey so farI have very faint memories of my life before Diabetes. All I remember is that I used to be very talkative, active and highly fond of sweets but apparently that didn't lead to my medical condition.I was diagnosed with Diabetes at the age of 5. My parents told me that I started losing weight suddenly, drank loads of water frequently and then one day, I fell unconscious. At the hospital, I went into coma and eventually the doctors found out that my sugar levels were extremely high. From then on, I was put on insulin. I had all the typical symptoms of Diabetes at that time.Impact of the diagnosisMy parents were shocked initially because I was very small at that time and giving injections to such a small child was more painful for them mentally than it was for me physically. However, the doctors counselled them well and explained everything so clearly that all their doubts and apprehensions were removed. From then on, my parents accepted everything boldly, educated themselves, my sisters, me and everybody close to me as much as they could. They conditioned me in such a manner that I became smart enough to handle any kind of situation related to Diabetes entirely on my own.I feel that Diabetes does restrict some things which you really wish to pursue or take up in life. It compels one to have a military kind of disciplined lifestyle. One can't afford to tamper with time or diet or medicine, or else one loses so much health-wise. Because of such restrictions, I couldn't go on long school/college excursions with my friends. I faced some difficulties at the time of getting admission in hostel for higher studies as the wardens didn't want to shoulder responsibility of someone like me.Adapting my lifestyleSince I have been living with Diabetes for a long time now and also I am married, I have to try a little harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle because of so many other responsibilities. However, with the support and co-operation of my husband, who also happens to have Diabetes, I am able to lead a happy and healthy life. Of course it's not easy to achieve consistent levels but with regular monitoring; I try and maintain my HbA1c.I miss some kind of freedom at times that is difficult to express. But my friends have always been supportive and vigilant of me. They have not just made me comfortable but also proud in sharing anything and everything related to Diabetes with people. Every time I am invited to my friends' place, they would prepare only the dishes that I am permitted to eat. They would immediately fetch me something sweet if I feel hypoglycaemic any time.My fitness regimeI make sure that I eat plenty of green vegetables and permitted fruits. I do eat outside but with some restrictions and portion control. I try to do some kind of exercise but I prefer walking every day.I start my day with bedtime tea, one salt biscuit or wheat-based biscuit. For breakfast, I usually take oats in milk or a toast with milk and soaked almonds or daliya or upma or sprouts. My Mid-day meals include one fruit, salad and nuts. For Lunch, I take 1-2 chapattis with curd and vegetable. My Evening tea includes 1-2 Marie biscuits or some other light snack.For Dinner, I take 1-2 chapattis with daal and vegetables. Sometimes I take a bowl of soup before dinner.My inspirationMy family and friends are my greatest pillars of strength. The fact that I love my near and dear ones and more than that they love me encourages me to follow a healthy lifestyle and stay happy. I can show my love to them only by leading a healthy and happy life.
