Jung-Yul Kim
Before my diagnosis, I was a professional athlete playing football in the C.F.L. as an offensive lineman. Life was good and the future was bright. Once I was diagnosed with diabetes in the spring of 2001, I had to retire. Because of the challenges of the disease I had to change my diet. I lost close to 30 pounds in 3 months. Mostly from not eating the way I used to, but also because I became very depressed, due to the combination of losing my source of income and dealing with diabetes. My eating habits, drinking habits, and lifestyle were profoundly changed.
It’s been close to seven years since then and I still struggle with the changes. I stopped drinking alcohol and I eat healthier, but it is still a constant battle. I have slowly come out of the dark clouds to see a little light more recently, but the disease constantly affects me. I have my good days and bad days. I continue to struggle and try to maintain a positive outlook.
I truly believe that getting involved with the Canadian Diabetes Association has helped me deal with the disease and in turn help other people recognize how much this disease affects our society. I continue to tell my story so people can learn more about the signs and the ways to minimize getting it. I do not want to become a statistic so I continue to do as much as I can about spreading the word and trying to give people hope that a meaningful life can still be attained while living with diabetes.