Oct 17, 2022
With Dr. Marc Siegel, Board Certified Ophthalmologist & Glaucoma Specialist
Did you know that the discovery of insulin has significantly increased longevity and reduced the toll diabetes takes on people’s lives? Insulin was first discovered more than 100 years ago but sadly the rate of people diagnosed with diabetes today is higher than it’s ever been. One of the fastest-growing rates of diabetes has been among young children and adolescents.
Currently, diabetic patients make up more than 12% of the U.S. population with an additional 1.4 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes every year. While obesity is viewed as a major contributing factor, an aging population and a sedentary lifestyle are also to blame. Chronic health conditions such as
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes not only make it difficult for diabetic patients to regulate their blood sugar, but it also puts them at risk for a variety of
complications. A diabetic patient is more susceptible to heart disease, stroke, and chronic kidney issues in addition to other complications such as vision loss and limb amputation. That’s why taking a proactive role in managing diabetes is so very important.
Current medical research is focused on finding new and innovative ways to treat, or hopefully cure, diabetes. In addition to new medications that may replace the need for daily insulin injections, scientists are seeing promising results in Type 1 diabetic patient trials using embryonic stem cells to stimulate the patient’s pancreas into manufacturing insulin. If successful, these therapeutic trials could lead to a potential breakthrough in treating diabetic patients. In the meantime, it’s also important to note that living with diabetes does not have to limit or in any way prevent a patient from enjoying a full and active lifestyle. Insulin pumps, daily monitoring of blood sugar levels, along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, can go a long way towards improving the health and well-being of diabetic patients.
In June of last year, Florine interviewed Dr. Marc Siegel, a board-certified ophthalmology surgeon and respected glaucoma specialist who also happens to be living with Type 1 diabetes. Marc is a perfect example of a patient who doesn’t let his chronic diagnosis get in the way of living and enjoying his life.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
- What is glaucoma and how is it treated?
- What are cataracts?
- Is there hope that someone who is blind will be able to see one day?
- What is macular degeneration?
- Do vitamins and supplements for the eye actually work?
- What was Marc’s onset of diabetes like?
- What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
- Is Type 1 diabetes more likely to happen in your childhood years?
- Is diabetes genetic?
- How is insulin administered and glucose monitored?
- How does Marc monitor his diet and exercise?
- How does Marc keep such a positive attitude?
- What would Marc like to say to people living with diabetes and other chronic illnesses?
Today’s Takeaway:
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, there’s nothing to stop you from living life any differently than someone without diabetes. Marc has a wonderfully positive attitude and he doesn’t let his diagnosis prevent him from practicing medicine, performing surgery, loving his family, exercising, eating what he wants, and enjoying his life. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, he’s also a clinical assistant professor instructing medical students. Having a positive attitude can make all the difference. If you don’t believe me, just look at the many known professionals and athletes with Type 1 diabetes like Baltimore Ravens’ Mark Andrews, musician Nick Jonas, and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. We are so very lucky to live in a time when medical technology can help us manage our symptoms and improve our ongoing care. Our attitude and how we manage our symptoms play a role in overcoming even the most challenging of circumstances. While we can’t alter our diagnosis, we can choose how we respond. By taking an active role, listening to your body, and practicing good self-care, you can still live a full, active life despite a chronic illness. Life has so much to offer us. So why not dream BIG? Live large, take a chance, and don’t let others discourage you from achieving your dreams. Remember that every day is a gift, and no one ever got to the Winner’s Circle by sitting on the sidelines! I’m Florine Mark and that’s “Today’s Takeaway.”
Quotes:
- “You can lead a full, active, healthy life but it’s something that requires ongoing attention; it doesn't just go away.” — Marc
- “Roughly ⅓ of Type 2s can control their blood sugar with diet and exercise alone.” — Marc
- “Moderation is great.” — Marc
- “In a certain sense, you have an illness that you can participate in helping to make yourself better.” — Marc
- “You’re a healthcare provider because you will know your own body better than anybody else.” — Marc
- “Ophthalmology is a gift. It really is because we can give people the ability to maintain or keep or improve their vision.” — Marc
- “It’s a very life-changing event; I was mad, I was frustrated, I was depressed. All of the above.” — Marc
- “Especially as a diabetic, I want to take care of myself. I’m an active guy. I want to remain that way.” — Marc
- “For both a Type 2 and a Type 1, healthier eating, healthier diet, and exercise make your blood glucose control easier. It works together with your medication to help make your control easier.” — Marc
- “Nothing tastes as good as the way I look and feel.” — Florine
- “I really believe that you can’t control, often, the cards that you’re dealt, but you can only control how you deal with those cards that were dealt to you.” — Marc
- “I may not be happy that this is a problem I’m going to have for the rest of my life, but I absolutely am going to do everything under my control to lead a full, active life, and keep myself as healthy as I can for as long as I can.” — Marc
- “You can’t control that you have the problem, but you can control how it does or doesn’t affect your life.” — Marc
Brought to You By:
Mentioned in This Episode:
Dr. Marc Siegel — Glaucoma Center of Michigan