About Me

About this Diabetic Author:  Melodie Savoca

At the age of 6, I remember being on a car trip with my family and repeatedly asking my Mom for something to drink. Finally my Dad got upset and said, “Stop asking for something to drink!!” When my Mom looked at me she knew there was a problem since my mouth was parched as if I hadn’t drank anything all day.

Soon after I was hospitalized with a blood sugar over 1000, I felt fine. I was jumping rope in the hallway not really aware of my problem. When the nurses started to give me shots, it hurt, but it was acceptable because I was in the hospital. When my Mom said she was going to give me the shot, I burst into tears because I couldn’t understand why my Mom wanted to hurt me. In response, Mom burst into tears. What a beginning experience.

in the 70′s, a diabetic diet consisted of strictly weighted foods. My sugar level was tested with urine tests. (a very delayed reading) There were no diet foods with the exception of Tab soda and the only artificial sweetener was saccharin.

Mom kept all the junk food out of the house but I still ate sweets without anyone seeing. With blood sugar levels some times over 500, I started to see the affects in my teens. Different Doctors gave different recommendations for insulin therapy. I was taking 4 insulin shots a day. With my A1C levels being around 10-12, I was told my kidney function was slowly failing. (My kidney function lasted for 5-8 years longer then the 3-5 years the Doctors expected.)

At the age of 26, it was time for a kidney transplant. Mom had the best match and wanted to give me her kidney. My life changed drastically now with the side effects of taking immunosuppressant medication for my kidney transplant.

I finally realized the importance of managing my medication, following a strict diet, controlling my sugar levels and my need to change my life for the better!

Moving to Florida with my parents, a Doctor recommended I start exercising. I joined a gym and over the next 10 years became a gym fanatic. I was in the best health of my life.

Now enjoying married life, I exercise less, but spend 30 – 45 minutes doing cardiovascular exercise (3 – 4 days a week) and keep a small routine with weights. I now wear an insulin pump, check up sugar 5 – 8 times a day and count every single carbohydrate I eat. The results? My A1C is 6!

This website is to help people see what a lifestyle with diabetes is like. It’s a lifestyle. If you can prevent it, great! I hope this helps you. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, I hope this helps you develop a lifestyle that will give you a long healthy life. Diabetes is not something you want to postpone dealing with. You are not alone!!

I don’t spend too much time thinking about what I should have done with my health long ago. I’m now in my 40′s. Diabetes and medical research has improved tremendously!! I focus on maintaining a healthy life, taking my medication every day, watching my carbohydrate intake to stay trim, and help my husband eat health so we both can live a long and productive life ~ God is good!