Finding Hope in Each Day: Living with LADA-Diabetes:
A few years ago, I hadn’t been feeling well for months. After many doctor appointments, blood tests, and waiting, I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes.
Wow…where did that come from? I’d never been overweight, and I didn’t eat or drink junk all the time. How could I be diabetic? I was thrown for a loop.
My doctors began treating me for Type II Diabetes, but I wasn’t feeling any better. I was feeling worse. I had unexplained weight loss and hair loss, and my skin was turning scaly. I was becoming more frustrated and, honestly, a bit frightened.
Months went by with changes to medications due to my blood sugar and A1C being incredibly high. I changed my diet completely and followed the nutritional guidelines provided to me; I was exercising more, but still no relief from my symptoms.
It was several months after my first diagnosis I was diagnosed with LADA-Diabetes. LADA what?
Turns out LADA Diabetes is an uncommon form of diabetes that is often misdiagnosed and treated as Type II.
The latest statistics on Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) https://www.diabetes.org - https://diabetesjournals.org/ suggest that this form of diabetes accounts for approximately 5-14% of all diabetes cases in adults. While it's challenging to get exact figures, it’s estimated that 10% of individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes may have LADA. This form of diabetes, which shares characteristics with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, often progresses more slowly and is sometimes misdiagnosed.
Being diagnosed with an uncommon form of diabetes felt overwhelming. I’d never heard of this type of diabetes before, and suddenly, BAM, a massive lifestyle change, needed to happen.
This diagnosis brought new routines, diet adjustments, and the responsibility of monitoring blood sugar levels and taking insulin four times a day. It meant there were now things I could not do or eat. If I overexert myself, whether through exercise, yard work, cleaning, etc., my sugar can tank. Sometimes, having a cup of coffee with one tablespoon of creamer can spike my sugar.
It can be frustrating, a bit scary, and depressing. But, as with any challenge, it’s important to find silver linings and stay positive. I do my best, but I'll be honest. I have physically and mentally tough days. Don't we all, at times? We are all dealing with something in our lives.
Back to this Diabetes diagnosis. I want to share five ways a diabetes diagnosis changed my life and how I choose to embrace it positively. Granted, I could list more ways it has changed my life, and to be transparent, I’m not always feeling positive about it, but being a Debbie-downer won’t get me anywhere or improve anything. So, I pull up my big girl panties and get on with it.
1. Diet Becomes a Daily Focus
Can I eat that? What if I have only one cookie? Should I give up everything I like and only eat fruit, veggies, and chicken? I had so many questions!
What it came down to was I had to become more conscious of what I ate. But instead of feeling stressed out, frustrated, or restricted, I had to think of it as an opportunity to explore nutritious foods that fuel my body. I had to find new recipes or ways to enjoy my favorite meals in healthier versions. Instead of feeling bitter about what I could and couldn’t eat, I had to treat every meal as a chance to nourish my body and feel good about my choices, keeping me physically feeling good.
2. Health Awareness Increases
Living with LADA means paying close attention to how my body feels daily. For me, and I can only talk about my personal experience, my blood sugar levels can spike and tank rapidly and, at times, without warning. When this happens, it can leave me feeling overly fatigued and stressed, sometimes derailing my entire day.
3. The Power of Routine
Diabetes requires establishing routines, like monitoring blood sugar, taking insulin, and sticking to meal schedules.
I have always been a person of routine, but when you have to plan your day, activities, or outings around when you eat or when you need to take your insulin, it feels restricting. I felt my life was out of my control, and I became depressed. I felt like I couldn’t do the things I usually did because who wants to be around someone who has to stop to eat or take a shot?
Creating a new routine may bring comfort and structure to your day, but for me, this diagnosis and all that comes with it brought stress and depression.
I had to shift my mindset, and with help from a team of medical professionals and a counselor, I could see the big picture. With a consistent schedule, I found a sense of control and accomplishment, knowing I was taking steps to manage my health effectively.
4. The Role of Physical Activity
I have always exercised. I’m not one to sit still for any length of time. With this Diabetes diagnosis, exercise became more than just a way to stay fit—it is a tool for managing my blood sugar.
It took me time to figure out what works best for my schedule and body. Whether it’s a daily walk, dancing around the house, or cardio in the evenings, movement helps me feel accomplished and lowers my blood sugar.
I have to be careful not to overdue, as that will tank my sugar. I have to find a balance each day.
5. Support Becomes Essential
Support is important through family, friends, counselors, or online communities. Sharing your experiences with others, especially those going through something similar, can lift some weight from your shoulders. Surrounding yourself with positivity and encouragement helps to make this unexpected turn in your journey more manageable.
It’s easy to slip into the “woe is me” mindset, but remember, you are stronger than this diagnosis. So here are five nuggets of hope you can use whenever you need to.
"I am more than my diagnosis."
Darn right, you are! Diabetes is just one part of your life—it doesn’t define you. Your passions, experiences, and personality shine far brighter than any health challenge.
"I have control over my choices."
Every healthy meal, step, and blood sugar check reminds you that you are taking control of your well-being. Small daily wins add up. Be sure to recognize and celebrate those wins!
"My body deserves care and attention."
Caring for myself isn’t a burden; it’s an act of love. Each healthy decision is an investment in a better quality of life.
"I can still enjoy life fully."
Diabetes doesn’t have to put a stop to joy. You can still travel, laugh with friends, and pursue your passions. It’s about adjusting, not giving up.
"I am not alone in this."
Millions of people manage diabetes successfully every day. Connect with others who understand. It could be through support groups, online communities, or simply chatting with a friend. You're part of a strong, resilient community.
A Final Word of Hope
Living with LADA, or any long-term condition, is undeniably challenging. But each day is a new opportunity to find joy, celebrate your strength, and remember that you can thrive. Keep looking for those nuggets of hope—sometimes, they’re in the smallest moments, like a peaceful morning coffee or a beautiful sunset. Stay empowered, stay hopeful, and keep living fully! You’ve got this!
Be well, stay well, and be blessed!
Kim Lengling
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