A Portrait of Resilience: Grandma Wen's Inspiring Journey with Type 2 Diabetes

A Lifetime of Triumph Over Diabetes: The Story of Grandma Wen

In the gentle warmth of early summer in Beijing, we had the privilege of meeting 93-year-old Grandma Wen, a testament to resilience and determination in managing type 2 diabetes for five decades. Her journey began under challenging circumstances, yet she has emerged as a beacon of hope for those facing similar struggles.

From Exhausting Labor to Diagnosis

Reflecting on the origins of her diabetes, Grandma Wen sighed, "It was arduous. Back then, I didn't comprehend it." As a worker at the May 7th Cadre School, she single-handedly tended to fourteen livestock, performing tasks like grass cutting, feed preparation, and soil excavation for their enclosures. Driven by compassion for the animals, she tirelessly replaced 100 square meters of soil daily, pushing herself beyond her limits. This relentless physical exertion, combined with inadequate nutrition—limited mostly to steamed buns and hunger pangs—ultimately led to her diagnosis in her thirties.

Strategic Self-Management: A Masterclass in Diabetes Control

With a twinkle in her eye, Grandma Wen shared her approach to managing her condition: "Mao Zedong Thought teaches us to strategically despise and tactically attach importance. Don't be afraid." Initially relying on oral hypoglycemics, she eventually transitioned to insulin therapy, which she now administers expertly and effortlessly each day.

Her commitment to disciplined self-care is evident in her meticulously recorded blood glucose levels, consistently below 7% HbA1c over the years, indicative of steadfast control. Remarkably, despite living with diabetes for decades, Grandma Wen's quality of life has remained undiminished. Retired for 30 years, she religiously attends the University for the Elderly weekly and has honed her talent for figure painting. She proudly displayed her artwork, featuring delicate depictions of "a lady with a hairpin from Dream of Red Mansions" and "the carefree Budai monk," now transitioning to landscape paintings due to diminished eyesight. Her radiant smile spoke volumes about her enduring love for life.

Nourishing Body and Soul

Grandma Wen's diet is a model of moderation and balance. During our visit, we observed her lunch: hand-rolled noodles garnished with egg, day lilies, mushrooms, and a few succulent pieces of braised pork ribs. She underscored the importance of incorporating meat into her daily meals.

Beyond adhering to a tailored monitoring, medication, and meal plan, Grandma Wen's secret weapon against diabetes lies in her indomitable spirit. Confident, optimistic, and tenacious, she embraces her passions, leading an elegant, healthy life filled with joy and purpose. Grandma Wen's story serves as a powerful reminder that, with discipline, determination, and a positive mindset, a rich, fulfilling existence is entirely achievable even in the face of chronic conditions like diabetes.