I wish more people had shared concerns with my Mother when she showed signs of diabetes. Now in her sixties, she is almost blind from constant bleeds in her eyes followed by many laser surgery repairs. She had new lenses put into her eyes but she still has awful sight.
Not only that but she has severe neuropathy in her feet, meaning no feeling. She has had abscesses and infections on her feet because she has stood on large pieces of glass, which have become imbedded in her skin. She is lucky to still have her feet, she almost lost them last year after another ulcer.
She also has huge crater like scars fro massive abscesses in her skin. As well as this, she has had several dangerous falls as well as severe hypo's. Which could have been life threatening.
My Mum had the chance to change her lifestyle and avoid all of the above which are all symptoms of her diabetes. Instead she continued in her self destructive path and we have nearly lost her several times. It breaks my heart as it's clear to see that she is not long for this world. My Mum is now an insulin dependent diabetic, which is tricky given her eyesight problems.
My Dad had a similar attitude to being overweight and almost died from a massive heart attack at 55. He has had a triple bypass and turned his life around by losing a lot of weight, he is staving off diabetes through diet alone at the moment. Unfortunately the damage to his body is already done. He too will likely never make old bones.
My parents are young, in their early sixties, they should by rights still be working and planning an enjoyable retirement. Instead, every year I have with them I am thankful for. Knowing in all likelihood they will not live to see the retirement they deserve.
Please, on behalf of your children and future children, do something NOW before it's too late. Trust me, the future is bleak if you carry on down this path, riddled with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart issues and higher risk of cancers.
I remember my Mum saying she wasn't strong enough to change a lifetime of habit. I remember begging her to change her diet. Begging my Father to stop smoking. Neither paid any heed. I know they regret it. Your loved ones have every right to be worried for you! Please listen to them.