Joseph Levy

Shortly after I became engaged to my (now) wife, I started to have increased thirst and sudden weight loss. In Feb of 1975 a visit to my doctor determined that I had diabetes. Back then blood sugar testing was only done in a doctor’s office. I determined how well I was doing by testing my urine for sugar. Initial medication with Metformin was unsuccessful and my Doc was able to get me a week at Joslin Clinic in Boston, MA, in March, 1975. Placed on a diet (which, with some modifications I still follow today – including weighing foods out to the gram) and Insulin therapy of NPH and R, I was sent home.

Insulins have changed over the years from R/NPH to H/Lantus, to Lyumjev/Tresiba, but the combination of medication, diet, and exercise remains a constant in my life.

Testing has changed quite a bit too. From urine testing to glucose meters to CGM, realtime blood sugars make staying in control more manageable. My healthcare team prefers an A1c between 7.0 and 7.5 to avoid lows – I’m still an active walker and golfer, so I’m always concerned about going low.

Though not diabetes related, in recent years I’ve had cataract surgery, a hip replacement, a knee replacement, and triple bypass surgery. The surgical team has always been great following my blood sugars and keeping it in range during surgeries and recovery.

Finally, a big shoutout to my wife Jo-Ann who has put up with me for 50 years. Without her, I would not have gotten this far.