I lost a friend to Diabetes....

KarenH — September 14 at 5:47 pm
KarenH

Last week a childhood friend of mine passed away at the age of 53 from complications from Diabetes. He was Type 1. He passed away last Tuesday while his wife was out of town. I really don't know anything more specific than the coroner saying it was related to "complications from diabetes."

John and I have had a long distance friendship through emails for many years. He lived in Arizona and I live in TX. Our parents were neighbors when we were children so that's how far we go back. He was a very special person and loved by so many. His death hits close to home as a reminder of how serious this disease can be. I am very sad to have lost such a wonderful person…Karen

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Replies (44 replies)

  • aldrich0405
    aldrich040­5 September 27 at 10:37 pm report

    I'm so sorry for your loss!!

  • imsuzie2
    imsuzie2 September 28 at 12:35 am report

    Karen, I wanted to add my condolences and thoughts to you and John's family. Loss is never easy, and I can only hope that memories of your friendship help during this trying time. Hugs, S2

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 28 at 11:44 am report

    Thanks! It means so much to me to have great caring friends on here…Karen

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 28 at 11:43 am report

    Thank you so much…Karen

  • In memory of allen
    In memory of allen September 26 at 9:25 pm report

    I lost my mother, and both brothers to diabetes. My brother philip was only 53

    and allen was only 49. My mom was 74 I lost them all in 9mths, My older brother died on Monday and my mom on Fri, sixth

    months later my brother allen died. My mom and allen both had there legs amputated above there knees, as well as bypass surgery, stents, retinal bleeding. And allen had kidney falure as well. This all happpened in 2006. RIP…

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 26 at 11:44 pm report

    I am deeply sorry to hear that you lost both of your brothers and your mother within 9 months of each other due to diabetes. That is almost too much for anyone to bear. I hope and pray that your health is good and that you are taking good care of yourself…I care and you will be in my prayers…please keep in touch…your friend, Karen

  • LisaLu
    LisaLu September 27 at 5:53 am report

    I am sorry to hear of your loss. I believe it is a major wake up for some of us. I my self know I do not take care of myself enough and I intend to do better thanks to all of the advice and love and careing i have found from the people of this site. Thank you all! and Hugs to everyone. And Karen my prayers are with you and John's family.

  • T&T
    T&T September 27 at 8:27 am report

    I'm sorry to hear about the lost of your friend. I'm also worried for myself inthe same matter … I have not really accepted my condition for the seriousness that it is … keep me in your prayers … thanks …scared

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 27 at 10:30 pm report

    T& T, I can understand where you are coming from. Diabetes is scary and you need to take one day at a time and try to make the best choices you can. It's not easy because I have bad days too. You will be in my prayers…your friend, Karen

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 27 at 10:28 pm report

    Thanks Lisa! I know all about it being a wake up call and even so I find myself making the wrong choices on some days…not every day but way more then should be. We can just take one day at a time…Thanks again…your friend, Karen

  • tabby9146
    tabby9146 September 26 at 11:30 am report

    I am so sorry for your loss.

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 26 at 11:46 pm report

    Thank you I appreciate it! Karen

  • Frustrated mom
    Frustrated mom September 21 at 12:44 pm report

    Karen I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers..My son is T1 and this scares me, becasue he is not incontrol of his..I worry so much for him..He is only 17…

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 21 at 4:08 pm report

    Thanks so much for your prayers. I hate that your son has to go through this and I hope he will get in better control of his diabetes…Karen

  • lfaamom
    lfaamom September 21 at 7:16 pm report

    I am so sorry for your lost. I was reading about your friend dying and I was surprise that he died when his wife was not there, thats so sad. Condolenses to you and your friends family. Take care, sweety,I will be praying for you. Lina

  • Alicia039
    Alicia039 September 21 at 11:10 pm report

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My mother passed away 4 years ago due to complications from her diabetes. She was 61. She did not take care of her diabetes. As soon as I was diagnosed I have made myself a promise to take control of this disease. My meds help a lot now I just need to lose the weight.

    My prayers are with you and his family.

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 22 at 10:31 pm report

    Alicia,

    Thank you for your prayers. I am so sorry that you have lost your mother to diabetes. I keep hearing more and more people who have lost someone to the disease. Keep up your good work…Karen

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 22 at 10:26 pm report

    Lina, thank you for the kind words. Yes, it was very sad that his wife was not there. She was out of state attending her niece's wedding so it made it that much worse for the both of them… Karen

  • BeckyJ
    BeckyJ September 21 at 10:41 am report

    Sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my Uncle 2years ago from the same situation. His death certificate reads 'end stage renal failure' but it was due to diabetes. Strange that he was also 53. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Even today I am thinking of Uncle Phil and wishing that he had taken this disease more seriously. His story inspires me to take control of my own diabetes and take control NOW! Remebering the amazing times I had with him makes each day a little easier to deal with this.

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 21 at 4:06 pm report

    Becky,

    Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I am sorry to for your Uncle Phil. I know this has been a wake up call for me but even so I have my bad days with my sugars…Karen

  • DiabetesDiva
    Diabetes­Diva September 17 at 12:49 pm report

    I am so sorry for your loss. My best friend of 25 years died last year suddenly at the age of 53. Her birthday was yesterday. I keep in contact with her family and friends and that helps me deal with the grief. John sounds like a wonderful friend and hope your happy memories bring you comfort. He died too soon and I hope & pray a cure is found for this difficult disease. Take care.

    Kate

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 21 at 10:23 am report

    Kate,

    Thanks for writing and I am very sorry that you lost your friend also at 53. Diabetes is so scary and I'm hoping someday there will be a cure too…Karen

  • Gabby
    GabbyPatient Advocate September 17 at 11:44 am report

    This is a sad time for you and many who cared for your friend. It is good that you are able to share it with others, it helps with the healing. At least it does for me in times of loss.

    Our thoughts are prayers will be with you and all his family. ((hugs))

    Thank you for also sharing because it is a reminder that we face a disease that is capable of taking our lives, even in our most asserted efforts.

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 21 at 10:21 am report

    Thank you so much for your prayers, kind words, and hugs! Karen

  • Lovepo
    Lovepo September 17 at 11:07 am report

    I am so very sorry to hear of your sad news.Whenever anything happens like this we often think about our own health issues too. God Bless

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 17 at 11:15 am report

    Thanks so much…it is very much appreciated! Karen

  • Debe Pendice
    Debe Pendice September 17 at 6:33 am report

    I worked in an Emergency Room for many years. I have seen alot of people die from diabetes. Yes you are right it is an awful diease. But these days it is somewhat controlable. Friends here need to sit down and think of what they want for the future. They can take control of their diabetes right now or end up in so really bad medical complications.

    I am so sorry for youe loss. He was so young. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Hearing stuff like this might be awaking call that we all need…Debe

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 17 at 10:57 am report

    Thanks Debe, for the kind words it means a lot to me. Yes, he was young and well he's my age too so it is a reminder to all of us.

  • Deleted User 12427
    [deleted] September 15 at 7:16 am report

    I am sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you.

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 15 at 1:21 pm report

    Thank you so much…it is very much appreciated! Karen

  • Judimar
    Judimar September 14 at 11:34 pm report

    Hi Karen,

    Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and John's family. Losing someone you love is never easy, but as long as you keep your loved one's memory alive they will always be with you.

    *hugs*

    Judi

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 15 at 1:20 pm report

    Judi,

    Thanks for the prayers and hugs…it means a lot! Karen

  • dyanne
    dyanne September 14 at 10:22 pm report

    So sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend. I hope you are doing okay. My thoughts and prayers go out to both of your families. May God Bless you all and help you through this difficult time.

    dyanne

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 15 at 1:19 pm report

    Dyanne, Thank you so much for your prayers! Karen

  • hbkunkel
    hbkunkel September 14 at 8:53 pm report

    My thoughts and prayers go to you and his family. What a shame his wife had to be gone when he died. God bless all of you.

    Hugs, Betsie

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 15 at 1:18 pm report

    Betsie, Thank you for your prayers. Yes, it was terrible that his wife was out of state when it happened. And hugs to you too! Karen

  • Turtle
    Turtle September 14 at 8:47 pm report

    Karen,

    I am truely sorry for the loss of your friend. My prayers are with you and his family.

    Turtle

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 15 at 1:16 pm report

    Thank you for your prayers! Karen

  • BLC
    BLC September 14 at 7:57 pm report

    So sorry to hear about your dear friend. You are right this is a very serious illness. This made me realize as a type 1 myself that I certainly need to be taking better care of myself. May God send you healing.

    BLC

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 15 at 1:16 pm report

    Yes, this has made me be aware and try just that much harder. Thanks!

  • Harlen
    Harlen September 14 at 6:15 pm report

    You have my simpathy And I know what your going thrue

    we are here for you

    Harlen

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 15 at 1:15 pm report

    Thanks Harlen!

  • tholz
    tholz September 14 at 6:02 pm report

    My prayers are with you and his family. How bad to pass with wife out of town. My Aunt passed 2 yrs ago from diabects to. She didnt take care of her self

    Tammy

  • KarenH
    KarenH September 15 at 1:14 pm report

    Tammy - thanks for your concern and prayers! Karen