My name is Léonie, I have been living with type 2 diabetes for 35 years, a chronic disease for which there is no known cure but that can be treated and controlled.

In my case, it is a genetic disorder that calls for daily insulin injections, pills and dietary restrictions. Be that as it may, life offers many pleasure opportunities for me to enjoy, and everything's fine.

Complying with medical advice 

I am extremely vigilant when it comes to my health and I have always complied with the sound medical advice I received from my cardiologist and endocrinologist. I am delighted today to have this opportunity to pay tribute to them in recognition of their excellent care over many years.

Taking an active role

My story also emphasizes the importance for people who have diabetes to have a thorough understanding of their lifestyle and its particular requirements.

As a patient partner, I take an active part in my treatment and share my experience with my healthcare team. This is how our joint efforts help us reach our common goal, namely, my well-being.

My secret

I owe my longevity to a strict day-to-day compliance with my prescribed medication, its dosage and frequency. I watch my weight and stick rigorously to a healthy eating plan so as to best manage my diabetes. One beneficial element is missing from my lifestyle, physical activity.

Exercise

I fully recognize that I am missing out on physical activity and I don't think I am the only person with diabetes who is an exception to the rule!

Quite frankly, exercise was not the main concern of the young people of my generation, we were busy with setting our priorities after the wartime restrictions we endured.It is faced with this reality, I suppose, that came the sedentary lifestyle adopted then by many of my congeners.

That being said, there is in fact no excuse nowadays as walking is readily accessible to almost all of us. It is a good way of discovering one's neighborhood, which is often not that well-known to us. Everyone goes at his own pace, the important thing is to make the effort.

Observance and perseverance

I wish to take this opportunity to encourage people with any type of illness to faithfully adhere to their prescribed medication.

Multiple medicines and treatments are now available to us that will improve our condition and overall quality of life, provided we carefully follow our healthcare professionals' instructions.

If it should happen that a prescribed medicine does not agree with you, there is always an alternative. Do not keep the anomaly to yourself or, worse still, decide on your own to discontinue taking the medication. Your doctor or pharmacist should be informed without delay.

Cholesterol

My cholesterol levels, both good and bad, are normal. Over the years, I was prescribed statins as a precautionary measure against cardiovascular diseases to which a person with diabetes is particularly sensitive.

Statins: a widely studied medication

Many of us are aware that statins have been the subject of various controversies since their introduction into medicine in the late 1980s.

The side effects and usefulness of statins in the prevention of cardiovascular events are the main factors mentioned.

Based on the results of several studies, involving tens of thousands of patients, statins have clearly showed their effectiveness in reducing bad blood cholesterol (LDL) and, consequently, the number of strokes, coronary syndromes and deaths.

It was also concluded that statins are generally very well tolerated.

As a consumer, I did my own research and found that statin therapy in the elderly is recommended for individuals based on their cardiovascular risk, and that's good enough for me.

My medical follow-up

My average blood sugar levels are satisfactory, and my blood pressure is no cause for concern either.

My glycemic and cholesterol levels are monitored by taking a blood test every 4 months.

I always make sure that my blood test results are forwarded to my two healthcare specialists.

Taking charge of one's life

It is essential for us to take our health in charge. We now have more information than ever at our fingertips that we can discuss with our doctor and our pharmacist.

Medecine has come a long way in the last few decades; it is up to us to take advantage of it!

Don't miss: DIABETES, medical point of view