Jeannette Whiteman and her mom.
In support of the American Diabetes Association’s upcoming Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes, Jeanette Whiteman from VSP’s Provider Services team, shares her mother’s journey with diabetes.
What was your first experience with diabetes?
I didn’t personally know of anyone who had diabetes until my mom was diagnosed in her fifties with Type 2 diabetes.
How has it affected you and your family?
My mom did not get her eyes examined yearly, so by the time she noticed changes in her vision, diabetic retinopathy had already begun. She became legally blind and later had to go on dialysis. Her way of life had drastically changed, and our family rallied together to adjust. Even though my mom went through some tough times, she remained positive, and tried to be as active as she could. She even learned to play the piano after she became blind!