I remember several years ago, after my diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, how I broke out with rashes under both of my breasts. Very red, itchy, bumpy rashes. I can recall being extremely uncomfortable, so much so I couldn’t wear a bra. Thank God I was living by myself because my breasts bothered me so much that I would walk around the house holding both my breasts up.

I treated the rashes with powder, cornstarch, vaseline, toothpaste, hydrocortisone and Destin. Those products didn’t work for me, so I had to see my primary care doctor. After she examined me, she prescribed a topical powder for me. The skin under both breasts began healing after several days of treating them; the itching stopped immediately.

During that time, I found out that uncontrolled diabetes can be a cause of skin rashes. My A1c was 11 the highest it had been. Due to me eating what I wanted and not exercising. However, when the rashes returned almost a year later, that was the beginning of me trying to do better.

I had a follow-up today with my PCP, and she was pleased with the results of my labs. She was amazed at my A1C, which was 6.6, and I was elated. I explained that I believed my A1C was good partially due to not eating beef and pork and exercising. My PCP didn’t care what was bringing my numbers down as long as they were coming down. Prior to today, I’ve never had a good report when it came to my diabetes. I thanked God for my progress and on my way to the car I patted myself on the back. GO DOREEN GO!