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Murray Hoke - Edmonton, AB
Murray Hoke, 60, found out he had type 2 diabetes after completing a routine medical exam for an international driver’s license. He was surprised when the results came back, even though diabetes had been prevalent in his family history. Murray’s grandparents had both developed diabetes - one even went blind because of complications from the disease. Murray’s mother had also battled with diabetes and was bedridden because of lacerations on her legs and feet.
“At first I think I was in denial,” Murray says of his initial reaction to receiving the news that he had diabetes. He knew that he didn’t want to go through the pain he watched his family go through, so it was time for him to make some changes.
That was ten years ago. Today, Murray is managing his diabetes and living healthy by walking for one hour a day and watching his diet.
“My wife does most of the cooking in the house, so she had to change the way she prepared some of our food.” Murray adds that he and his wife have made a big difference through little changes, such as switching from sugar to Splenda in their coffee. “We eat a lot more balanced now - less meat and more fruit and vegetables.”
In addition to managing his diabetes, Murray has noticed additional health benefits because of his lifestyle changes. “My cholesterol has dropped and my blood pressure is now about the same as someone who is 25 years old!”
Murray lives in Edmonton, Alberta, and is a volunteer with the Association. He is also a regular donor to the Clothesline program and encourages everyone else to support the Association by making a donation of gently used clothing or household items.
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