Charlotte Eschbach, 45 years

Hello! Who are you? And tell us a little bit more about your diabetes.

I am from Boston, Massachusetts, but I have lived in Mexico since 1998. I am a preschool teacher.

When I was diagnosed, I had hepatitis A, both kidneys infected, and several other health issues, all due to the complications of undiagnosed LADA 1.5. I noticed something odd: I started losing weight too quickly and decided to get blood tests. I got the blood test, and the same day, the lab called me (unheard of here) and told me to get to a hospital immediately. In my DKA and confused mind, I waited until Monday. I was immediately put on insulin and sent home because the doctor didn’t think I’d make it and asked me if I wanted to go to the hospital, which I refused.

My daughter, who is in medical school, got me transferred from my house to the hospital, and I believe that she saved my life. I was in the hospital for approximately 3 weeks, and they tested and did everything possible to help me live. I got a correct diagnosis of LADA or diabetes 1.5 and the proper treatment.  I was released and still under the care of my daughter for 1 month. After that, I moved to a new house and learned to live an entirely new life.

I didn’t grow up with my diabetes, but my diagnosis was emotionally much harder than financially. I went from being an active woman to a shell of myself.

“Your diabetes is unique to you.”

Charlotte Eschbach, Mexico

Your treatment

How do you treat your diabetes, did a lot change over the past years and are you able to manage it well?

I get the most support from my family and friends. I also have 3 endocrinologists who work together and support me where necessary.

To treat my diabetes, I use a Freestyle Libre CGM and multiple daily injections (MDI) of long-action glargine (Toujeo) insulin and glulisine (Apidra) insulin. Before that, I just used variables of long-acting and short insulin.

A lot has changed since my diagnosis. I lost my job, I lost my car, and my son was no longer able to live with me. I moved to a different state and had a long recovery. Everything changed. I was a vegetarian, I was physically active, and I had better control over my life.

I think I manage my diabetes well, but I am always improving.

Can you recognize the symptoms of a low/high blood sugar? Do you test often and can you tell a bit more about your experiences with low blood sugar?

Yes, I can recognize them. When I have low blood sugar, I get shaking, sweat, have a drunken feeling, get cold hands and chills, and have disorientation and anxiety. This happens approximately 1 or 2 times per month.

I test myself 11 times daily, but that can run up to 19 times.

To treat my low hypos, I use juice boxes, bread, or sweets. Depending on the type of hypo. Luckily, I have never blacked out before.

Food and diet

How does your diabetes affect your eating and do you find being on a diet restrictive?

For breakfast, I eat eggs, veggies and drink a coffee. For lunch, I eat salads, nuts, and sausages. And for dinner, I eat meat, salad, and veggies. Sometimes, I skip a meal.

My favorite food are tomatoes. For snacks, I eat nuts, pork rinds, dark chocolate with no sugar, turkey slices, jicama, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

I don’t eat anything that isn’t good for me. I am very strict. If I eat something that affects me negatively, I stay away from it. So, I don’t really change my insulin schedule.

To keep me hydrated, I drink at least 2 liters of water daily.

A diet is not restrictive for me because I don’t see it as a diet but as a healthy change to my eating style and pattern.

When people ask me about food I can or can’t eat, I don’t get annoyed. I understand the lack of education about diabetes.

Do you believe that a plant based diet can improve diabetes? Did you ever experiment with this?

No. No.

Do you have a hard time eating out in a restaurant? And what are you thoughts on making this easier?

Sometimes. I usually end up with steak and salad. To make this easier, maybe there should be more fresh foods available on menus. I love to go out and eat at healthy places.

“Educate yourself about your diabetes.”

Charlotte Eschbach, Mexico

Exercise and work

Does your diabetes restrict you from exercise or your daily job?

In the week, I do stretches and meditate.

I am a preschool teacher. The stress sometimes does have an effect on my diabetes.

Final

Do you have any positive or negative effects because of your diabetes?

To manage my diabetes better, I go to a psychologist to help me with the emotional part. I educate myself about my disease the most I can.

The hardest part of having diabetes is the lack of understanding from others. But the best part is that I don’t smoke or drink anymore.

Diabetes does cause other problems for me.

What is the best advice that you can give to non-diabetics, new diagnosed diabetics and diabetics?

The difference between types of diabetes. My tiredness isn’t due to laziness; it’s the fact that my body doesn’t work the same as theirs. I am strict with myself because I am my best advocate. This affects me emotionally in extreme ways. That there is no cure, and that my diabetes isn’t the same as your grandmother’s.

You are your best advocate. No doctor, no friend, no family member is going to understand deeply. Therefore, you must be your own voice. Learn the most you can and keep learning. Your diabetes is unique to you, so please don’t fall into generalized anxiety if you are experiencing different symptoms. Ask for help, and don’t be ashamed.

Educate yourself about your diabetes.

What would you ask the other diabetics?

How did your significant other react to your diagnosis?

Share your thoughts in the comments. I cannot wait to hear from you!

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