Life can be full of challenges. That might not be news to many people. Some of the challenges are fun to take on whereas others just make you wonder: “Why did this happen to me?”
Well, it all started like a joke on that fateful day at Agbara, a border that joined Ogun and Lagos states, after I took some bottles of chilled carbonated drinks of various types like citrus, cranberry, apple, etc.
I noticed part of my body had shut down, and I was urinating more frequently and sweating profusely. At this point, I was confused and had a lot going through my mind but still didn’t understand who to talk to. I took a pain reliever (Diclofenac), which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used to treat mild-to-moderate pain, but it wasn’t working, I couldn’t sleep, and negative thoughts ran through my mind all night.
The next morning, I decided to go to a clinic where I explained how I was feeling, the matron in charge diagnosed and said I would need to do the test, We did tests for Blood pressure, Malaria, Typhoid, which all was normal, but a test on Random Blood Sugar (RBS) was skyrocketed. The result turns to a lottery ticket and everyone is having a glance, but to me, I thought it was a prank. I told the Doctor that I am leaving for Ibadan and he responded, “Mr. Adewale, you need urgent medical attention and would like to admit you and start medication with immediate effect.” I told him …Off I go to Ibadan, I will call you in some hours. God’s willing.
In Ibadan the capital of Oyo State, I called the Doctor that I had arrived in Ibadan, and he said, “ WHAAAAAAAAAT, I guess he thought otherwise that maybe something bad has happened “ I responded that God IS ABLE. but he insisted i seek medical help or deposit myself at the nearest clinic. I called our nurse to come and treat malaria and typhoid, and she did by setting drips, giving injections, and pain relief drugs, but there was no improvement, so she suggested that I should go for a blood test, which is Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS). Then I remember the doctor also asking the matron at Sango-Otta Did she conduct FBS or RBS? But to me , I have no idea what those terms imply. I decided to go to the FBS @ Oluyole Diagnostic Centre, and the man let the cat out of the bag. He said , the sugar level is too high, which is 458mg/dL instead of 80 to 130 mg/dL and he says this shows that I have chronic DIABETES, and he explained further. His interpretation and explanation of the result as an expert captured my mind of the risk involved ahead of my life, which is stroke, heart disease, losing sight, retardation, and cardiac arrest. I asked myself, is this how my end will be? …….NO WAY!!!! TEARS!!!!
WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot control the level of sugar in the body, resulting in high glucose levels. The body’s supply of energy comes from digested foods such as bread, maize, pap, rice, potatoes, milk, honey, sugar, fruits, vegetables, and others. These foods are broken down into glucose. The glucose is taken by the blood to the different parts/cells of the body and provides the necessary energy for the cells.
CAUSES OF TYPE 2 DIABETES
The pancreas (an organ behind your stomach) releases insulin to help your body store and use sugar from the food eaten. Diabetes happens when one or more of the following happens:
The pancreas doesn’t make any insulin.
The pancreas makes very little insulin.
The body doesn’t respond to insulin the way it should.
Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes do make insulin. But the insulin their pancreas releases isn’t enough, or their body can’t recognize and use the insulin properly. (Doctors call this insulin resistance.) When there isn’t enough insulin or it isn’t used as it should be, glucose (a type of sugar) can’t enter the cells. It builds up in the bloodstream instead. This can damage many areas of the body. Also, because cells aren’t getting the glucose they need, they don’t work the way they should.
THE JOURNEY BEGIN WITH PRIVATE HOSPITALS WITH NO SPECIALISED MEDICAL DOCTORS (ENDOCRINOLOGIST)
I decided to go to a private hospital (name withheld) alongside 2 of my friends, We got there and they registered me after asking for some personal details, I paid and some test were conducted. I noticed 70% of nurses on duty were trainees but I requested to see the doctor and this time an expert so I can explain to him or her., A very young, prominent guy with a lot of hidden potential but in the wrong environment showed up and asked me some questions, but I can understand he doesn’t have the intellectual capacity of what to diagnose, despite my explanation with a result, he keeps writing in the case note. He told the nurses to give me drips. At this point, I was in excruciating pain, weak but later discharged and was given a sleeping drug tablet (Name withheld). I felt a bit relieved and was told to check back in the morning.
In the episode of the sleepless night, a series of thoughts positive and negative occupied the mind despite the pain. At this point, I couldn’t defecate, still sweating and urinating and losing weight every hour, and eating wasn’t easy, I took only water but urinate often. The next day, I went to the hospital, and I told them that there was no improvement, I could see more faces and another doctor. I was placed on the bed, and I was told to deposit some amount of money that would be needed for tests to be conducted in the laboratory. Despite my excruciating pain, they are after the money instead of taking care of me, but I paid ..because I don’t want to die in pain.
My younger brother and wife saw the mistakes from the previous doctor, which he was trying to cover, and this got my brother angry; he called on my elder sister, who insisted I should leave the private hospital and be taken to University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. There was an argument, but we eventually leave after paying them.
On arrival at University College Hospital (UCH), after the registration as a new entrant, a minimal consultation fee was paid and a stand-by doctor attended to me, while I showed him some of the previous tests I did and little explanation. He showed a keen interest and also called some of his seniors for advice and assistance on the complex and complicated case. While a dialogue was going on about whether to place me on admission or not, there were other teams to examine the case note while I was told to do some tests and get some items, and they set up a drip while we awaited the results. The discussion continued with some other team from the department that I didn’t know at that time . They keep examine and asking questions.
Various tests were conducted, and I was placed on drips for several hours, God knows what they are looking for in the result, They were discussing with different team leaders while some were asking me questions, but unfortunately, I don’t have a medical record history with UCH, But still, I was told to get some rest. After another set of tests, it was discovered I have a very high blood sugar level with a reading showing 438 and everyone was surprised, and the last man standing, who is Prof. Babalola, instructed all the team on what to do and asked if I am financially buoyant. We rolled the DICE !
Full treatment commences with a strong financial support base but I had to accept my fate and they treated me with insulin injection and other drugs. At this point, I asked myself this question and queried my instinct on how to manage my life with diabetes well, This question vanished when one of the Doctors told me how they lived with it in her family, herself, dad, and mom with instructions. Many other doctors shared their experiences. A family tree was designed to check diabetes history in my family, both paternal and maternal . All was positive, with some experience of amputations. So I pretty much know what I will be facing if care id not taken. It is a very difficult decision.
The professor assured me that the changes will be a milestone and that I will see changes and value for money , which I agreed to and got inspired with high hope and optimism. After a few weeks of monitoring, and evaluating for stability of the sugar level, I was told to visit the health educator and dietitian, which I did without any delay, and truly there are changes but with strict instructions.
NEW LIFE BEGINS
I adapted to my new lifestyle and started to appreciate the lessons it taught me about life, human behavior, finances, and a lot more. I began a change of lifestyle process, which was so difficult … I mean extremely difficult because all the food I was told not to eat or cut down is my best food, or, let me say, the favourite and most available food around, especially the junk food when at work. Honestly, life was not too cool, as I had to think of living long and staying healthy to see my children grow….TEARS!!!. Secondly, episodes of expensive drugs and insulin injections , excruciating pains, sleepless nights, and the recommended meals by the dietitian. Imagine …. few teaspoons of rice or beans, but with a lot of vegetables.
INSULIN THERAPY
Insulin, a hormone produced by the beta cells in the pancreas, helps lower the level of glucose in the blood and thus keeps the blood glucose level within the normal range. Insulin/or tablets often need to be added to the diabetes treatment for optimal blood glucose control. Patients who are not well controlled on the oral antics diabetic medication will need to be initiated on insulin therapy.
MY ADVOCACY
To readers, and family and friends, I want to implore you to please do regular physical examinations, go for regular or periodical tests, including your cardiac function, blood pressure, and blood sugar level from time to time. This will assure you of your health status. Don’t die in silence when the silent serial killer is not relenting. I beg of you.
If you are like me or have an elderly person suffering from this sugar level problem, this is to inform you that Diabetes is not a death sentence. It can be well managed through the tripod:
A) Meals/food recommended by Dietitian
B) Drugs/insulin injections
C) Exercise (Physical)
Living with diabetes is more than just a medical condition; it’s a journey that affects every aspect of life. From carefully monitoring blood sugar levels to making conscious choices about nutrition and exercise, it’s a constant balancing act. However, it has also taught me the value of mindfulness, the importance of staying active, and the strength that comes from facing challenges head-on.
APPRECIATION/GRATITUDE FOR SUPPORT DURING MY SICKNESS
I want to take a moment to appreciate the incredible presence of God in my life during my recent illness. Through the challenges, I felt His strength guiding me and His love surrounding me. Olodumare, I thank you . I adore you.
I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to the amazing people who stood by me during this difficult journey: My Mom, Sisters (Sis Nike & Joke) , Luqman, Wife (Mayowa) Kids, and my in-laws (Mr Wole Adetunji and Alhajji Abdulwahab, I thank you so very much. Also to my publisher and ADM crew, NUJ famz, FTAN family, SPED family, Toba Tegbe, Adewonuola Lala, Oyelowo Oyelere, Alhaji and Alhaja Akande, Mrs Wande Babalola , Taiwo Olaitan (Eeso), Hon. Suleiman Alade, Mrs. Olugboye, Hon. Dayo Ogunwobi, Olori Foluke Banjo, Prophetess Sade, Femi Olaopa, Ifedolapo Falana, Seun Fagbenro, Bunmi Williams, Barr. Kofo and Uncle Akiniyi Akinbode, Ademola Adejumo and TripleH family, Mr Daniel and Fidelity Bank family, Victor Adeyemo, Toyin Ajenifuja, Dupe Oderinlo, Tunde Oderinlo, Adebayo Adediran (Pepeye), Moses Ogunleye, Mayowa Adeogun, Wale Alariya, Adekunle Adesina (DJ Ferari), Lukuman Ogunyemi, Yetunde Ajao, Akinyemi Ogundiran, Babajide Adeyemo (Philo), Faity Osusanya,.Mr Malo. Bukky Briggs, Hon. Tobi Oladapo, Clement (Afrikainternews), David Akhamie (Dotolive), Hon. Akeem Ige and wife, Moses Biodun Israel (Olumose), Leke Olowu (Puffy), Seun Osundiran, Tunde Ogundiwin, Damilare Adeleye and Yetunde Ajewole (The Jagabans), Victor Adeyemo, Mc Anthony Adedeji, Shinning G, Jerry Durojaye (J.koko), Bolaji Orisatoki, Sola Omitola, Uche Mazi Fisher. Nasir , Baba Afilaka, Oluwaseun Amao (MJ), Temitope Olafikun, Akeem Fetuata, Rev. Seun Alieu, Alashade Akeem, Kazeem Ibiyemi, Sola Ojerinola (Irunmole), Teddy Everton Igori, Olaoye Omolabake Azeez, Olaoye Oluwafemi (Scooby), Wole Ilori, Omoba Mayowa Adeogun ,Immanuel Odeyemi, Micheal Bamigbade, Mayowa Adetunji (Mayorex Autos), Omobonike Abimbola, Adedeji Adepoju Tunrayo. Akande Funmilayo (iya Adam gf mi).
A special thanks to Dr. Nwabueze, Professor Fasamade, Dr. Jokotade Adeleye, Dr. Esan, Dr. Ijilade and Dr. Balogun of the Endocrinology Department of University College Hospital, and also the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, I thank you all.
Your support, kindness, and encouragement meant the world to me. Whether through a comforting word, a helping hand, or just being there to listen, each and every one of you played a vital role in my healing process. Thank you for being my pillars of strength. I’m truly grateful for all the love and compassion you’ve shown.
In Conclusion, my story is not just about personal growth; it’s about advocacy. I’ve decided to use my experience to raise awareness about diabetes, dispel myths, and inspire others to take charge of their health. Diabetes is a widespread and growing concern, and I believe that by sharing our stories, we can build a community that supports and empowers each other.
