Vanathi, a 39-year-old single mom, who works as a maid in three homes has been diagnosed with diabetes. Her parents do not have diabetes and she is not overweight. She did however have a very traumatic relationship with her abusive husband who died of alcohol-related complications a year ago. As the only earning member of the family and two high school-going children, she finds managing her diabetes a real challenge. Her inability to afford healthy foods, medications, and self-monitoring supplies, and the added stigma of diabetes have caused her considerable distress.
Why did Vanathi develop diabetes and what could she have done about it! Each year, November 14th is marked at World Diabetes Day. The International Diabetes Federation selects a theme for the year and these are worldwide awareness and advocacy efforts around the theme. This is not only necessary but critically vital to…
