I finally admitted that obesity and diabetes were part of a life-threatening legacy - and I had to deal with that reality or die.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I considered obesity a disease. It can destroy you from within. It almost destroyed me, and I do not want that to happen to anybody.
Overcoming the obstacle of my diabetes diagnosis was something that forced me tackle the challenge head-on and, with an amazing support system, eventually come out stronger.
I was having serious issues with becoming a diabetic.
I got Type 1 diabetes at 30. It hit me in 1982 when I was a White House Fellow in Washington. I had viral pneumonia. I lost 35 pounds in six weeks. And I couldn't see anything. Everything was blurry. I was always thirsty.
The way to deal with the devil of obesity and diabetes is literally one day at a time.
When I first found out I had diabetes I denied it.
I learned a great lesson from my mother on her deathbed. She counseled me on the importance of taking care of myself so I wouldn't end up in an unhealthy body like she did.
When I was larger, people said I was fat. Now that I've lost weight, they say I died.
I was determined to share my positive approach and not let diabetes stand in the way of enjoying my life.
I chalk up the fact that I got diabetes to my body saying, 'Dude, you have been doing wrong for way too long!'