Jaie Smith, 42 years
type 2 · United States
Hey everyone! My name is Jaie Smith. I'm 42 years old, and currently living in United States. I've been living with type 2 diabetes for 10 years.
Hello! Who are you? And tell us a little bit more about your diabetes.
I was diagnosed when I was 32 years old with type 2 diabetes. It is hereditary and has affected half of my family. I didn’t hide my diabetes, but I also didn’t grow up with it.
Mentally, it was the hardest for me, and financially, it has always been a big burden, but I strive every day to find new ways to raise awareness about diabetes.
“My diabetes always been positive with the right care.”
Jaie Smith, United States
Your treatment
How do you treat your diabetes, did a lot change over the past years and are you able to manage it well?
Currently, I take four times a day Metformin pills. I don’t take any insulin, and I never used any other form of medication. It always has been some brand of Metformin. The dosage has changed with different doctors.
My diabetes has always been positive with the right care, but it was never easy trying to find a good doctor.
Some days I feel like I manage my diabetes great, and other days it feels like I failed. I have no other support with my diabetes battle besides my doctor, who treats me.
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?
Sometimes, I can recognize them. I feel nausea, dizzy spells, cold and hot flashes.
I check my blood sugar levels four times a day.
To cure my low blood sugar, I try to drink lots of water and stay calm.
I have never fainted because of a hypo.
Food and diet
How does your diabetes affect your eating and do you find being on a diet restrictive?
For breakfast, I eat one boiled egg and one piece of turkey bacon; for lunch, I eat a turkey sandwich and Peta chips; and for dinner, I eat brown rice and steamed veggies.
I try to drink lots of water. I never skip meals and eat snacks like raw vegetables, fruits, and almonds.
My diet is restricted. I don’t think it’s what we are eating. It’s how much and how the protein is.
Do you believe that a plant based diet can improve diabetes? Did you ever experiment with this?
No, I have never tried a plant-based diet, and I don’t think it can improve diabetes.
Do you have a hard time eating out in a restaurant? And what are you thoughts on making this easier?
Yes, eating out is the hardest thing. That is because no one bothers to educate themselves about diabetes. Which means there are few to no options for food choices.
“I try to eat healthy snacks and drink lots of water.”
Jaie Smith, United States
Exercise and work
Does your diabetes restrict you from exercise or your daily job?
I go walking four times a week. I am a Data Control Associate, and yes, it does affect my diabetes.
Final
Do you have any positive or negative effects because of your diabetes?
I try to eat healthy snacks and drink lots of water.
The hardest part is trying to manage and balance my diabetes. I have vision problems and issues with the nerves in my feet.
The best part is fighting for the cause of diabetes and raising awareness about it.
What is the best advice that you can give to non-diabetics, new diagnosed diabetics and diabetics?
I would like for everyone to be more educated about diabetes. That’s the only way to fight and beat it.
Make sure that you have a very strong support system. A doctor that you can have very good communication with at all times. Last but not the least, make sure that you stay educated about your own disease as well. Staying educated helps you fight this disease.
Stay strong!!!
Because it will impact your mental, emotional, and physical state, there will be lots of ups and downs and twists and turns.
What would you ask the other diabetics?
How do you manage the full-time job of having diabetes?
Share your thoughts in the comments. I cannot wait to hear from you!
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4 comments
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It’s genuinely inspiring to see individuals like you, Ely Fornoville, raising awareness about diabetes and sharing personal stories. It creates a sense of community and understanding that many battling with health issues need. Continue the great work, and remember, every little effort counts towards a larger impact.
hey Ely Fornoville, just wondering how you do deal with the daily stuff having diabetes? my aunt got it and she says its tough managing food n all.
I have diabetes too, and it’s all about finding a routine that works for you. Meal planning has been a lifesaver for me!
meal planning sounds good but not everyone got time for that, rite?