Q&A with Dave Semones
Residence: Warner Robins
Occupation: Pastor
Q: When were you diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes?
A: Thirty-nine years ago. I was 15 and passed out on a football field in Redlands, California.
Q: How old are you now?
A: Fifty-four.
Q: What difference did diabetes make?
A: Huge, of course. But I got good care and advice -- and I took it. I learned to do what I needed to do to manage it versus letting it manage me. My physician told me after two years of training I should have a relatively normal life doing mostly what I wanted. I was blessed. I learned it shouldn't stop me from doing what I wanted to. Plus, when I was first in the hospital there was a guy there who had a boil on his thigh bigger than his thigh. It was from not taking proper care when giving himself injections. I learned from that.
Q: But surely it stopped you from some things?
A: At the time I was looking at a career in the Air Force or as a park ranger. Those went out the window, but it led to my going into ministry. I'm thankful for that. And three weeks after I passed out I was back playing starting linebacker.
Q: What? That's seems unlikely.
A: A key for me was being raised by military parents and taught self-discipline from an early age. I realized I could do what I was supposed to and take my meds, exercise, eat right and avoid stress or I could ignore it and that would only harm me.
Q: Do you think, as a kid and as an adult, you're the exception rather than the rule?
A: I don't know. Yes and no. I knew the life I wanted was worth more than having that dessert. I wanted kids and to see them grow up. I wanted a lot of things more than I wanted to fight the fact I was diabetic. So now I still have 20-15 vision in my left eye and 20-20 in my right. Vision can be a big problem for diabetics. My doctor says my retinas are in great shape; better than his. My kidneys are functioning fully and I don't have any neuropathy (nerve pain).
Q: But does everybody get that initial advice, encouragement or have your discipline?
A: Believe me, I know it's God's blessing and favor and many others have fared much worse. I'm not special and they're not worse or being cursed or something. But like I never asked "Why me, God?" I just take it as it is and do what I need to. I can get discouraged but I know if I do what I need to then things will be better. I've suffered things. And I've learned to love fresh fruit and vegetables.
Q: Is that your best advice for teens and adults with diabetes?
A: Over and over: take your meds, exercise, eat right, avoid stress.
Q: What are your biggest challenges?
A: Stress and schedule. Day-to-day, it's taking a particular dose of insulin for a meal then it's delayed or person doesn't show up at the restaurant. Or eating something for a workout then you have to cancel it. Predictable is good for a diabetic, interruptions bad. Let me say, too, for me trying to keep everything perfect -- my numbers perfect -- was too stressful. I have a range instead. If you micromanage it you're bound to get it wrong. Take it easy. Get a range that works for you. It's good for parents to think that way, too. And rewards. My doctor told me to reward myself with the biggest ice cream I could get and have real fudge. But you don't get a reward every day. Or every month.
Q: How about the difference between Type 1 and Type 2?
A: Right. With Type 1 it's simply a disease. You can't avoid it by eating better or exercising more, even though you can be healthier doing that. Type 2, and I don't want to speak as an authority, but Type 2 is somewhat avoidable by healthier living. Recently, on Facebook I saw somebody making some cruel comments to someone with Type 1, but listen people, it isn't as simple as stepping away from the dessert tray.
Q: Thirty-nine years a diabetic and you're in better shape than a lot of 54-year-olds. True?
A: I love sports. I played intramural in college and made racquetball my go-to workout. I coached 17 years of soccer with my kids and have been a referee for two and a half. When I ref a double-header soccer match I may run up to 12 miles. On the other hand, I've got a friend from college who's diabetic and just had a leg amputated. My heart goes out to those of us suffering like that.
Q: Do you talk to others, young diabetics and adults, about your experience?
A: Sure. I'm best reached through dave@christchapelwr.com, I'm assistant pastor there.
Q: Thanksgiving is tomorrow. How is that different for you?
A: First off, I'm thankful -- but hopefully everybody is. I just think back how as a kid I made all the fudge and brownies. Didn't eat 'em, though.
Answers may have been edited for length and clarity. Compiled by Michael W. Pannell. Contact him at mwpannell@gmail.com.
This story was originally published November 24, 2015 at 7:17 PM with the headline "Q&A with Dave Semones ."