Medical milestone
Peter Idzerda recently celebrated his 77th birthday with a remarkable milestone: 50 years living with diabetes. On July 10, the Canadian Diabetes Association and Novo Nordisk awarded Idzerda with a print of Banting House by artist David Harrington, with an inscription to recognize his 50 year journey on insulin.
“Peter is an inspiration to people with diabetes,” said Sue Taylor, Regional Director for the Canadian Diabetes Association. “He is a living example that with proper management and support a person can live a long, healthy life with the disease.”
Idzerda was diagnosed in Holland while serving in the military. After noticing symptoms of severe thirst and frequent washroom use, his aunt urged him to see a doctor. He spent three months in a military hospital being treated for what was then called “sugar sickness” and is now known as type 1 diabetes.
“The doctor told me, ‘You know Peter, if you have plans to marry, you shouldn’t have children,’” Idzerda recalls, “but my wife and I went on to have a healthy son and daughter and now five healthy grandchildren.”
Cutting back on sweet foods and treats is what Idzerda found to be the most challenging part of his new lifestyle, “I liked sweets. I liked a lot of sugar in my tea and coffee but I had no choice; I just had to adjust.”
Idzerda credits his wife’s support for keeping him healthy over the years, “It’s really because of my wife that I’m in such good shape; she is very meticulous with our diet.” He adds, “We have a wonderful relationship.”
In addition to help from his wife, Idzerda swims regularly to stay active and keeps a lighthearted approach to life, “I’m not a worrisome person; I have so many things to be grateful for.”
“Don’t worry about it too much,” Idzerda shares his advice on diabetes management to those newly diagnosed with diabetes, “Just follow the instructions and directions you get from your healthcare provider.”
The Ontario Diabetes Cost Model estimates that 1,169,000 people in Ontario have been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes as of 2010. This number is expected to increase by 734,000 over the next decade to 1,903,000. Type 1 diabetes, usually diagnosed in children and adolescents, occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. Approximately ten per cent of Canadians with diabetes have type 1.
For more information on type 1 diabetes and how you can make a difference, please visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).