The journey starts with a 13-year-old boy who gets diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This 8th-grader had never heard anything about diabetes except “Somebody lost his limbs to diabetes” or “Somebody lost his life to diabetes” and the dark clouds of despair over his house made him realize that his time had also come. His parents stopped sending him to school and if some guests came to visit, they always used to say
“Haye Allah abhi say diabetes hogai, Itni si umar mein?”, “Insulin lgatay ho? Insulin nahi lgani thi.”, “yeh tou last stage hai”, etc.
And that one specific phrase that used to hit the nail on his heart: “Sugar ka Mareez!”
It took a major toll on his mental well-being. He started to be extra cautious about what he could eat and what not, yet facing daily rollercoasters, from highs on the meter to 70s and even 90s used to feel like killer hypos at that time, as he always had levels around 300, while 250s used to feel like a blessing.
Then a short span of joy came, which was the honeymoon period. It lasted for 2 months and he believed that he had successfully cured his diabetes and stopped taking insulin as the levels were not being affected. But it was a mere delusion and the diabetes was back. Levels started to skyrocket more than ever.
Due to the constant roller coasters, his uncle took him to the hospital in Lahore. They consulted the Head of Diabetes Department and the doctor straightaway diagnosed him as type 2 without any lab tests, and prescribed him tablets. He remained fine for almost 6 months with a strict diet but then his glucose levels stopped responding to the tablets.
It was at that time when his HbA1c rose over 10 again, his weight dropped down to 40 kg and he became just bones and skin. He consulted another doctor and came back to insulin again but his insulin sensitivity was torn to shreds. The body wasn’t responding to insulin like it used to do in the past, and he kept visiting his doctor every week. Then his doctor said those magical words that almost changed his life,
“Beta apnay Doctor khud bano, kab tak aisey roz roz mere paas atay rho gy units adjust kerwanay, Apni body ko khud samjho aur zaroorat k hisaab say units adjust kerne seekho”.
These words gave him the motivation he longed for.
To improve his sensitivity again, he started working out at the gym, stopped taking any type of sweeteners in tea, and completely quit fizzy drinks, bottled juices, bakery items, fried food, and eating out (except barbeques) for the whole 3 years. And it did wonders, his HbA1c started to remain in 7-8s but he was still frustrated and wanted to drag it down to 6 or below. He observed closely and found out that it was because he used to over-treat his hypos each time and he started taking correction doses for that accordingly. After that, the HbA1c came down to 7.1 and 6.6 the next time and 5.5 and it never went above 6 again.
Today, the boy who was almost on the brink of losing all hope is now a law student with a fulfilling job and active lifestyle proving that living with type 1 diabetes is not a barrier to success. His journey has had 2 phases, when he was at his lowest, people treated him differently. Their language had a deep effect on Sanaullah. Whereas, the doctor’s encouraging words motivated him. This shows how much our words can matter in the life of someone fighting a battle as tough as diabetes. Remember, Meethay Bol Matter. His story is the hope that serves as inspiration for others facing similar struggles, showing that with the right mindset and nourishing support, anything is possible.
