I Have Done Very Well with Juvenile Diabetes

by Penny
(USA)

I have been a juvenile diabetic since I was 5 years old. My parents wanted me to live an independent life without feeling limitations. Their guidance through my childhood and into adulthood has made me a healthy, happy, vibrant human being! Even without diabetes, my life was not typical. My father was a pilot for TWA and school vacations were spent wondering through cities of a foreign countries learning about people, their lifestyle, history and culture! My primary school was not the local public school, but a Waldorf school in Kimberton, Pennsylvania. Attached to the school was a biodynamic dairy farm, adding 500 acres in which to learn about organic farming practices and the care of the animals that lived there. While most people are just beginning to understand the meaning of organic and homeopathy, I’ve been steeped in the knowledge and culture for almost 35 years. I’ve been a practicing massage therapist for 19 years. In those 19 years, I have put my skills to the test working in very challenging circumstances. My clients range from terminally ill to professional and world-class athletes. I have an insatiable need for knowledge in healing and bodywork. My background in understanding nutrition for diabetes, and my personal experience with integrated approaches to health have benefited not only me, but my clients as well. A year ago I opened a small, integrated wellness center called The Body in Balance Center. I wanted to offer a place where people could find experts in the healing arts to help educate them in make healthy choices. My history is what has helped me to remain in good control of my diabetes and live life the way I want to! I don’t think it's a coincidence that I have an A1C of 6.3 after 37 years of the disease. I’ve worked at understanding my body, mind and spirit with this disease. I nourish myself with a combination bodywork, yoga, acupuncture and holistic nutrition and a steady diet of traditional medicine side by side. What I try to do is make integrated choices. I won’t give up traditional medicine, it’s too important. But what has been absolutely clear, is that a combination of traditional medicine integrated with non traditional sources has kept me healthy, whereas others who have made a choice of one or the other, have not done as well. In offering my own experiences to read, I hope to offer guidance to others having to make choices for themselves.