Second Chances

Ilene Raymond Rush’s diabetes journey started with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes 22 years ago, while pregnant with her first son. For seven years, she was able to avoid a diagnosis of type 2 with daily six-mile runs, but with a second pregnancy the gestational diabetes returned. In 1987, Ilene was diagnosed with full-blown type 2, and started on a regimen of drugs, diet and exercise.

Over this time, as a freelance writer for magazines and the Web, she’s had access to scientists and the latest research on diabetes – a perk that has proved both inspirational and frustrating: it’s one thing to know what to do, but it’s another thing to do it.

For her, every day is a second chance towards better care. She doesn’t always succeed, but she’s given up on achieving perfection. “If I give myself a second chance -- forgiving myself for that extra serving of cake or glass of wine, not stressing over a missed exercise class now and then – I’ve found I can better deal with everything from A1C’s to deadlines at work.”

An Appreciation of Type 2
What's so great about chronic health conditions?

The Psychology of Type 2
Handling the psychology of diabetes can be so revealing.

Judging the Nominee
The spotlight is on Sotomayor, diabetes, and the impact of chronic illness in the public eye.

Testing Byetta
Self-knowledge, lost pounds, and the side effects of Byetta.

25 Things About Having Diabetes
Random thoughts about type 2 diabetes and chronic disease

Me and My Carbs
Adventures with the status quo and the nutritionist.

Good Enough Care
It’s not all about achieving perfect diabetes care, but instead about having a life.

Busy-Bodies for Health
Putting in your two cents about diabetes and juice.

Something to Cheer About
Why support biomedical research?

Your Cheatin’ Heart
Learning to break the rules of diabetes.

A Watery Tale
Dealing with the double duty of diabetes and dehydration.

You Are Not Alone
Avoiding social isolation as we age.

Problem Solving Made Easy
Diabetes doesn’t take vacations, but you still can.

How Good is Your Care?
Your medical care deserves to be taken seriously.

An Exercise Prescription
Staying active and exercising as we age.

Choosing Wisely
Dealing with managing both diabetes and depression.

The No Resolution Zone
Opting out on the New Year resolution merry-go-round.

The Eyes Have It
Learning from the past and preparing for a future of good health.

Searching for an Endo
One woman’s quest to manage her father-in-law’s diabetes, and her own.

Disclaimer
dLife's Daily Living columnists are not all medical experts, but everyday people living with diabetes and sharing their personal experiences. While their method of diabetes management may work for them, everyone is different. Please consult with your diabetes care team to find out what will work best for you.