Dr. Carmon Weaver Hicks

One Fall day when I was in 8th grade, I was so weak and delirious that my mother called an ambulance. I was in a coma when I was admitted to the hospital. During recovery, I began to learn about diabetes and the new life that was before me. I lived a scheduled life as I completed high school and three college degrees. Occasional diabetic lows and highs happened but listening to my doctors and “artfully” following their words worked. Although the science of diabetes is critically important, I see my success as an art. Fortunately for me, my work life has been structured so meals and movement were on course. I enjoyed traveling and with snacks in my suitcase and pockets just in case I detected a low. I’ve traveled to Bermuda, Puerto Rico, France and nearly every US state. For many work-related conferences, I often traveled alone. Yes, I experienced diabetes emergencies and incidents along the way including passing out in a hotel lobby and side-swiping an automobile. I managed! Most of the technologies that make life easier were introduced along the way. When I was first diagnosed in 1969, I measures ketones in my urine. I switched from syringes and vials to pens. Now, I value my continuous glucose monitor. At the age of 49, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My doctors were concerned about my long-term diabetes, so I did not receive chemo or radiation. Six years later, cancer came back in my bones. I’ve been performing my juggling act of diabetes and metastatic breast cancer and have realized that diabetes’ daily management is tougher than cancer! As I reach my senior years (now age 67), I’ve been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy but all is well. At my last appointment with my endocrinologist, he suggested that I finally switch to an insulin pump. Well, why not? Adjusting to a pump will be my next research adventure as part of my retirement plan.