The Middle Years of Living with Diabetes
By the mid-80’s my insulin regimen involved four shots per day: 3 fast-acting insulin shots (bolus) to be taken prior to each meal and 1 long-acting insulin shot (basal) taken before bed. I was now using a blood glucose meter to help manage my blood sugar. However, pregnancy presented new challenges for me. Insulin demands tripled over the course of nine months. I took extremely good care of my diabetes in order to keep my unborn baby safe. In 1988, I gave birth (via C-section delivery) to a healthy son weighing under 9 pounds. In 1990, I was pregnant again but I experienced a miscarriage in my 11th week of gestation. It was devastating to me (and I rarely talk about it to this day). My gynecologist claimed that the miscarriage was the result of my poor diabetes management. My diabetologist*, Dr. Henry Dolger, disagreed with that assessment. He told me that 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage and it was totally unrelated to my diabetes self-care. In 1992, I was pregnant again and gave birth (via C-section delivery) to a beautiful baby girl weighing under 9 pounds. I happily devoted the next decade to exclusively raising my children.
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*A diabetologist is a doctor who specialises in the treatment of diabetes.
Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES has published two books which include insightful lessons of empowerment written by successful men and women with diabetes. Available for purchase.
MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Women with Diabetes by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES and Friends is a collection of life stories – each chapter written by a highly respected successful woman with diabetes. This group of diverse women share their stories how they find balance between managing their careers and/or family AND managing their diabetes.
The book is compiled by Dr. Beverly S. Adler who is also one of those women. “Dr. Bev” as she is better known, is a clinical psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator in private practice, specializing treating patients with diabetes and also has had type 1 diabetes for 37 years. All those years ago when she was diagnosed, there were no role models with diabetes for her. This book is geared for women with diabetes who need role models who can inspire them. The book is written for the newly diagnosed woman with diabetes who is overwhelmed with her diagnosis. Or, for the woman who has had diabetes for a while, but can also benefit from uplifting, inspirational stories to encourage and motivate self-care (especially if they already are trying to cope with some complications).
Dr. Bev is joined by 23 contributing authors who are all women of exceptional accomplishments! Each story is unique and heartwarming, as these very special women share their triumph over diabetes. The reader can learn how the women’s experiences with diabetes helped to shape them into who they are today. The theme running through the book is that “diabetes is a blessing in disguise.”
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic and very special guest, Dr. Beverly S. Adler,PhD, CDCES on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast. Known as “Dr. Bev,” to her patients, this Baldwin, NY, self-proclaimed “Diabetes Diva” is uniquely qualified to treat patients with diabetes. Dr. Bev has firsthand experience living with Type 1 diabetes for 35+ years. Hear her personal philosophy and learn how she empowers the lives of others living with diabetes. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, find inspiration in “herstory!”
