The Doctor Weighs In

There is a wonderful story in the NY Times today about two brothers who have lived almost all of their lives as diabetics.  One brother, Gerald, turned 90 this month.  His brother, Robert, is the baby at 86.  They came down with Type 1 diabetes at a time when it was really tough be diabetic.  They describe using large glass syringes for their insulin injections.  Their mother had to sharpen the needles on a whetstone (who even has a whetstone anymore?).  The insulin in the early days of their disease was made from ground-up pancreases of pigs and cows, unlike the pure, genetically engineered insulins of today.  This meant the strength of an injected dose was inconsistent and it also meant they had to take large (painful) doses of the drug.

Despite these hardships, both brothers decided at an early age that they were going to do everything in their power to live healthy with the disease.  They followed a strict diet, exercised regularly and kept meticulous records about what they ate, their blood sugar levels (once these became readily available), and their insulin doses.

Instead of complaining about their lot in life, they simply became determined to live normal, active lives.  They both had careers, married, had children, and now have grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Both make a point of spending time with younger diabetics to give them hope and encouragement.  Gerald says, "My main reason to stay alive is to prove to young people there's a way to live with diabetes, to live well."  He acknowledged, "It hasn't been easy, but I've had a wonderful life."

The next time you feel like life has dealt you more than you can handle, think about Gerald and Robert.  I know I will.  What an inspirational story!  Thanks, guys, my hat is off to you.

This blog was originally published on the PEERtrainer website (www.peertrainer.com) on February 6, 2006.