Doctor's Orders

Nawal is happy to have the Glucovanse to help her with her diabetes.

“I used to drink a lot of fluids and go to the bathroom several times a day,” said 56-year-old Nawal Asi. “Although I knew very well that it could be hereditary, it was sheer coincidence when I discovered I had diabetes.”

Nawal’s aunts from both sides, some cousins, and her sister all have diabetes, as did her deceased mother. When visiting a cousin, Nawal gave her glucometer test a try and was surprised with the results. It has been 12 years since Nawal was diagnosed with this incurable disease.

“Despite all the signs I was surrounded with, I never expected I had diabetes,” Nawal confessed. Now, she benefits from a recently donated medication called Glucovanse, donated by AmeriCares and delivered to the West Bank by ANERA.

Nawal’s doctor is Diabetes Specialist Intisar Alem. She helps diabetic patients, such as Nawal, overcome the disease through simple healthy habits. Her extensive experience in diabetes stems from her vigorous studies and training in the United Kingdom and the former Yugoslavia. Dr. Alem is a recognized diabetes specialist throughout the West Bank and she never misses a conference or workshop about diabetes.

“There is almost no awareness surrounding this disease, and our society’s unhealthy life-style is reflected in the increasing rate of diabetes among adults as well as children,” said Dr. Alem. “Aside from hereditary factors, obesity is strongly linked to diabetes, and its prevalence is increasing due to the rise in the number of fast food restaurants and a marked decrease in the amount of fruits and vegetables in our diets.”

Now Nawal worries she has passed it on to her eldest daughter, Rania. Rania has recently developed worrying signs. Only in her early thirties, Rania suffers from constant fatigue, thirst, and a bitter taste in her mouth. Nawal encouraged her daughter to make an appointment with Dr. Alem for a general check-up, but can only wish for the best. Diabetes, she admits, is “a tough disease” to live with.

“I was never a sugar lover, but ever since I found out I had diabetes and was ordered to stay away from it, my body seems to be craving it all the time.” Nawal has taken up exercising at the gym to keep healthy and “pamper her pancreas,” based on her doctor’s orders.

Dr. Alem gave Nawal some stern advice about her irregular eating habits. “You should eat six times a day – three small meals and three snacks in-between,” said the doctor to Nawal, who only has coffee for breakfast. “You also need to remember to take your medication at fixed times! Trust me, just follow my orders and soon enough you will forget you ever had diabetes,” said the doctor to her patient with a reassuring smile.

Date Modified: February 2011