I affectionately call my life "Fighting the War on Diabetes. I am 53, and at 5'8", 175 pounds, I have Type 2 Diabetes. I was diagnosed in 2006, kind of accidentally. I weighed 165 at that time. After seeing my family doctor, I received a call telling me my blood sugar was over 400. At 46 I thought I was having prostate trouble, and I had felt some numbness in my left foot for a couple years, but I had not a clue I was diabetic. I should have known. My maternal grandfather was diabetic, and an uncle is diabetic.

Just after diagnosis, I was plain angry, then after a few months I felt sad, and eventually about six months later, I accepted the fact that I was never going to be the same again. I decided to accept the reality of things, and began learning about this disease, eating better, and I rededicated myself to my exercise program of over twenty years.

I still have ups and some downs, with my sugar, and with my emotions, but I refuse to stand still and let Diabetes win. For the last two years I have been insulin dependent, and I wear an insulin pump, which has helped change my life. I am an avid cyclist. A few days ago I biked 38 miles, and my goal by next spring is 60 miles in 4-5 hours, so I can bike in charity events. I choose to fight, and enjoy the pursuit of better health. I think of it as a journey, and I also hope that in some way, I help someone else to learn to fight Diabetes. I have come to expect so much. I hope to prolong my life, and also insure my quality of life. I want to see grandkids grow up and feel healthy as they grow. This I know: You don't have to assume Diabetes is incapacitating, or the end of a good life.

Join me in "Fighting the War on Diabetes!"

Les Biffle
Welch, TX