Tyler Pierce, 37 years

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

I was diagnosed when I was 22 years old. I believe it may have been LADA, so I had it unknowingly a long time and it kind of crept up more prominently. I managed (not very well) at first by just following the doctor’s guidance. However, I was happy at the time to have a ‘resolution’ after so many years of health issues. I still don’t advertise my diabetes often, and used to hide it outright.

Emotionally, it was hard, and financially, it was an issue, too.

“I was happy at the time to have a ‘resolution’ after so many years of health issues”

Tyler Pierce, 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 am using injections per need of Novolog and nightly Lantus. I am using Novolog and Lantus insulin. Before, I used Novolog and Lantus.

Online communities like /r/diabetes and my wife are a real big support. I now avoid treatment via Doctors and endos beyond getting prescriptions for insulin.

I manage my diabetes quite well now; it’s not perfect, but I check my blood sugar at least a few times a day, usually probably six times.

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 my low blood sugar: lightheadedness, clumsiness, difficulty speaking or following through on thoughts, tiredness, and distortion of time passed. It used to be fairly frequent, particularly tiredness, but now it happens only every few days and typically not for long.

I check my blood sugar a few times a day, usually six times.

I use glucose tablets if it’s a bad one and whichever snacks I’ve decided to have around, and I try to be as patient as possible if I know glucose is on the way.

I have briefly fainted, but never enough to put me fully out. I passed out enough in the morning to hit my head on the stairs maybe twice to that degree, but I was able to get to the food afterward.

Food and diet

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

I currently eat two meals a day, usually one at 11 a.m. and one at 4 p.m. I eat a lot of eggs, bacon, rib eye steak, nuts, some berries, asparagus, and other greens. I sometimes skip meals and sometimes eat snacks between meals.

I don’t find being on a diet restrictive. When I’m on ketosis, and I like to be in ketosis, often my cravings are for what is good for me. It was a dramatic change instead of feeling sugar-starved.

I drink lots of water, and I do skip meals once in a while.

It’s not frustrating when people do not understand. I don’t get annoyed when people ask me about eating a certain food.

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

I have experimented with going fully vegan. I think it can cause some cleansing and can be an improvement for some people, especially if they are on the food pyramid previously.

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

Sometimes, but I think usually ordering a salad with chicken or salmon on it is available. I just don’t eat out as much because I can get more quality at home, and going out now and then with friends is fine.

“I just don’t eat out as much because I can get more quality at home.”

Tyler Pierce, United States

Exercise and work

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

I swim, box, and golf. My exercise varies widely.

My daily job is software engineering. Yes, it can be restrictive, but it’s a fairly good career to match with diabetes.

Final

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

I meditate and pray to manage my diabetes better.

The hardest part is the history. The effect it has on your personality from past issues. The consistency that comes at you with.

The best part is perspective. It helps you understand a broad range of people. The forced challenge helps you see into yourself as well.

My diabetes causes anxiety at times.

I don’t feel that diabetes has any other negative impacts, but I think small-town life is more suitable than the rush of a big city. Christianity has only had a positive effect.

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

Nothing really! They can always talk to me, like a lot, if they don’t already have a strong community.

One piece of advice I’d give a non-diabetic is not to eat too much sugar!

What would you ask the other diabetics?

Did your hopes and dreams change?

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

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