Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

11/11/02

Q:
I was diagnosed with diabetes 1 & 1/2 year ago. I am 50 and very lucky to be able to control mine with diet. I am well under control and the Dr. is quite pleased with my weight loss and glucose counts. Since I never see my sugar elevated anymore, am I really considered a diabetic any longer?

A:
If you stopped managing your lifestyle so well, the manifestation of diabetes would again be evident. You are genetically disposed; poor lifestyle habits constitute a trigger. In this sense, "Yes," you will always have diabetes. Will you get complications from it? Holding the course you are on and maintaining, most likely not. The art is management; it is a lifelong process.