Managing Diabetes is a Team Effort

Ravinder Sus discusses the importance of positive outlook and support system while tackling with Diabetes

- Ravinder Sus

Name: Mr Ravinder Sus

Age: 63 Years

Occupation: Retired Bank Personnel

The journey so far

I was diagnosed with Diabetes at the age of 45 years. I was always a sports person and used to play outdoor games before transplant. Once I had a bit of cough and cold so I went to my doctor. I told him that I frequently feel thirsty especially during night-time. He checked my random blood sugar level which was high. Then, I checked my HbA1c, fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels and it was confirmed that I have Diabetes and I was unaware of it. I do not have a family history of Diabetes.

I immediately started with my medication but did not take proper care. It had slowly affected my eyesight and my kidneys were severely hampered. I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease stage 4. In February 2019, my nephrologist told me that the stage has come when I have to undergo dialysis. I started with my regular dialysis sessions. I was also suggested kidney transplant either from a donor or a family member. That is when my wife stepped in to donate one of her kidneys.

My wife and I, both, did our complete body check-up in which tests like ECG, chest X-ray, ultrasound and blood sugar levels were done. Then the donor organ was checked for its match with the recipient. Both donor and recipient are required to seek the Government's approval prior to the procedure. In my case, my wife and I were asked for our photo identification, Voter ID card and marriage certificate and were interviewed by the officials. Both of our siblings were also interviewed by the approval board of the state government. Then, we fixed a date with our doctor for the surgery and got admitted to the hospital. After six days of observation in the hospital, we both were discharged to go home.