Y Tabloid - Issue 88 - September 15, 2009 - Y-oman.com

The Sweetest ThingKarima FaridMillions of diabetes sufferers across the world hold Diagnosed withtheir own inspiring stories. Reading these stories ofproblems faced, their challenges and triumphs, andgenerally how fellow diabetics have coped with theircondition, provides an interesting, inspiring and atdiabetes at the mereage of two, Habiba’syoung parents haveto deal with theother times sad, but nonetheless an account that canbring a tear to the eye of even the toughest of people.heartbreakaccompaniesthatthisHowever, these messages can deliver a salutaryfrightening illnesslesson we can all learn from and Habiba Al-Tawqiand adapt theiris just one of these people who wants the world tolearn more about the illness. Life is certainly far fromlives to deal witha child requiringover for those afflicted by diabetes.special needs.Eating becomes literally a matter of life and death, sospecial diets were put in place and separate mealscooked for their child. The emotional stress one goesthrough cannot be ignored, as patients become lost ina bombardment of endless information and directionsof how to lead a healthy life. It’s a matter of stayingalive without ending up blind, on kidney dialysis, withsevere nerve damage, or amputation, just a few of thepossible side effects for diabetics.Meet Habiba Al-Tawqi, an outstanding character and afighter, she is the author of Diamond Life, a book thatconfronts head-on her own experiences as a diabetic.On the whole, the book is the story of her life, whereshe sends out a positive message to the readers to letthem know that “Diabetes is not the end of the world,it becomes a different way of life.” This personal storyis what she calls her “treasure” and fits with the title ofthe book, Diamond Life.Habiba was inspired to write her autobiography afterreading a book, many years ago, about a German girlwho suffered from the illness. That is where it all startedfor her; the motivation and inspiration she gained fromthis story drove Habiba forward to write her own accountof living with the disease with an intense roller-coasterride of emotion expressed in its 12 chapters. If you areunaware of the illness then Diamond Life prepares thereader for an explanation of how diabetes works, andwhat difference it makes to everyday life for a sufferer.Nevertheless, Habiba is an example of positivity andgrace, becoming the Arab Childrens Health Congressand Diabetes Ambassador in 2007, she imparts asimple message for all victims of diabetes: “Whateverbattles you must face, live your life, love your life, andthank God for your life.” Habiba donated 200 booksto the Diabetic Association in the U.A.E, to help raiseawareness and show people with the disease that theyare not alone. Although a hit in the UAE, the book is yetto be released in the Omani market.For any family dealing with diabetes, emotional issuesare just as burdening as the physical disease itself. Thesemental strains must be addressed, not just for the persondiagnosed, but the whole family. If you are living withdiabetes, please make sure you get the emotional helpyou need and deserve. You may have to live with diabetes,but ensure that you have it under control, and that it doesnot control you. After all, it’s a disease which requires asmuch care emotionally as it does physically.28