Jul 5, 2021
With Dr. Marc Siegel, MD, Board Certified Ophthalmologist & Glaucoma Specialist
If you’re an insulin-dependent diabetic, you know the constant blood sugar checks, daily insulin management, and 24/7 diet maintenance can feel like a tremendous burden. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Watching what we eat and monitoring glucose levels is critical, but a healthy and positive attitude is also vital to our well-being. We have to be our own best patient advocates. If we’re proactive and pay attention to what our body is telling us, we can find a consistent daily routine that works for us. Then, when there are changes to our normal diet or exercise level, we can adjust our insulin accordingly.
My guest today, Dr. Marc Siegel, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and respected glaucoma specialist. In addition to his distinguished surgical career, Marc is well acquainted with the challenges of living with Type 1 diabetes. He is here today to talk to us about the latest advances in eye surgery, and why a chronic illness doesn’t have to keep us from living our dreams. This episode will inspire you to have a positive attitude no matter what challenges might come at you!
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 much does Marc have to monitor his diet and exercise?
- Where does Marc’s positive attitude come from?
- 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:
“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
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