I was in standard 10, a very studious and sincere student. I remember reading a chapter on diabetes then. While reading the chapter, I realized I was experiencing the same symptoms as written in that chapter on juvenile diabetes. I thought that “I too had diabetes.” I also read about its treatment, which is insulin injections as well as diet management, among other things. After getting my tests reports, my family doctor broke the news out to my parents that I have diabetes. My parents were in dilemma n wondered how they should tell that to their daughter. But I was very sure that I had been diagnosed with diabetes, and I had prepared myself mentally for it. I told my parents that I already knew about it and what I should do to manage it, which surprised everyone! I even gave the first insulin injection to myself! (Although as a child I was very afraid of them!).

When I was diagnosed, for some reason, not once did I feel “why me?” The only thing I hated when hospitalized was when dieticians at the hospital would stick a strict diet chart next to my table. Of course, these diet charts did not include any of my favorites or any fancy foods. What also bothered me was the thought of eating “on time.” I found the idea of timely meals absurd, because people eat when they are hungry or when they feel like it, and not the time and food prescribed by a dietician. Eventually, I held on to this notion and I would disobey my parents on this topic, thereby never eating on time. I would always demand for food that was not “on the list” and would blackmail my parents by taking injections but refusing to eat after that. So my helpless parents would bring me to eat whatever type of food I demanded! Clearly, my HbA1c levels skyrocketed and remained there for quite some time.

All this changed when I joined JDF! I met so many children my age, and I found the doctors very supportive. Some people suggested my mother to consult the dietician at JDF, Mrs. Ruby. Naturally, thinking of the boring diet charts, I was hesitant to visit a dietician.

But something unexpected happened when I visited Ruby Di. She was smiling and cracking jokes, and she first asked me to make a list of all those food items I liked the most! This made me very happy! Without further ado, I filled up an entire page with the names of all sorts of junk food. The Ruby Di said, “You can have all the items that u have written here.” I joyously looked at my mother. Ruby Di then explained how eating all these foods in proportion and at the right time would not affect my sugar levels.

I was so inspired by her demeanor in dealing with me that I decided to become a dietician like Ruby Di. So, I joined a course on nutrition. Soon, I completed my masters in nutrition. Currently, I am working with a nutraceutical company as a senior dietician. I have also begun my private practice. You can say diabetes helped me choose my career for which Ruby Di is my inspiration. I think I am quite successful at what I am doing, and when diabetes is in control (which I am doing since a long time), it can never come in between your dreams and career. I think hard work, positivity, and the desire to excel in whatever field you choose are the only criteria for a successful life.