February 13, 2024 Finding support and hope—and returning the favour

Carolyn Brown’s mother lived with type 2 diabetes for 20 years but, despite being a nurse, she failed to take the condition seriously. She rarely sought or followed medical advice and took her diabetes medication only sporadically. “It was tough watching my mom struggle with a lot of diabetes-related complications,” says Carolyn. “She had high blood pressure and blocked arteries, and the last years of her life she couldn’t walk because diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) took away the feeling in her feet.” Carolyn’s mother died in 2018 at the age of 79.

 

At the same time, Carolyn was dealing with her own health problems. When she was just 19 years old, she was diagnosed with Turner syndrome, a genetic condition in which one of the X chromosomes (sex chromosomes) is missing or partially missing and which causes a variety of medical and developmental problems, including high blood sugar (glucose). “I was warned I would likely develop diabetes at some point. Seeing the effect of diabetes on my mother, I swore I would never end up like her.”

 

By the time Carolyn was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 39, she was so tired and burned out from her health struggles, she could barely get out of bed. Diabetes Canada was there to help, providing resources and seminars to help her learn how to manage her diabetes, and connecting her with a support group.

 

“The support group was a great resource in my journey with diabetes. It is so important to be able to talk to other people who are dealing with the same issues and to know that help is out there,” she says.

 

Carolyn, now 59 and living in Waterdown, Ont., has had diabetes for 20 years, but she still finds it hard sometimes to have to constantly monitor her blood sugar and watch what she eats. But she takes heart from the developments she sees in all areas of diabetes, from research advancements to new treatments. “A lot of good progress has happened so far, and there is more to come, which gives me hope,” she says.

I have left a legacy donation to Diabetes Canada because I know this money will help improve people’s lives in so many ways. It amazes me how it changes a person when they know they are not alone in their struggle.

Did you know?

Legacy giving is a way to leave a generous and lasting gift and support a cause you care about. Make Diabetes Canada an important part of your life story just as Carolyn Brown has. Visit Leave a Legacy for Diabetes Canada now to learn more.