Thaindian News

Los Angeles, June 10 (IANS/EFE) A 44-year-old American author - who was only seven when she was diagnosed with diabetes - has written a book seeking to bring hope to those suffering from the lifestyle disease and tell them how they can lead a full life.

Adriana Arreaza-Rodriguez is confident that her book about living with diabetes, “No es tan dulce” (”It’s Not Too Sweet”) will “point the way” for other people suffering from the disease.

“This is a book that seeks to bring hope to those who, like me, suffer from diabetes and tell them they can lead a full life,” the Venezuela-born author said.

“It takes much discipline, persistence and tenacity, accompanied by faith in God and confidence in one’s self. When we stick to all this, we can achieve the most ambitious goals. I am witness to this and it’s what I want to share through my book,” she said.

Arreaza-Rodriguez was only seven years old when she became the first in her family to be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Since then, Adriana has had to inject herself with insulin every day while adhering to a rigorous diet aimed at keeping her blood sugar within safe limits.

Even then, she considers herself lucky.

“In 37 years that I have been suffering diabetes I haven’t had a single complication,” she said.

“Statistically, after 12 years of diabetes you should develop something - the organs start degenerating, people have problems with their kidneys, go blind or their extremities are amputated.”

“Complications are very frequent, but in my case there is nothing. I have a normal life; it’s a miracle,” she said.

Married for 24 years, Adriana is the mother of two daughters, aged 21 and 14.

In her book, released last month, she offers not only her narrative but an explanation of medical concepts and terms as well as practical guidance for diabetics.

“They are fundamental details and people often have no idea how important they are because doctors don’t always take the time to explain to us, with the depth that’s needed, those things that can make the difference between being healthy or not,” she said.

Arreaza-Rodriguez also shares her wisdom on a weekly internet radio show, also called “No es tan dulce”, at the website turadiolatinoamericana.com.