Aliya Asif, a vibrant and carefree 35-year-old woman had it all – a thriving career, a loving husband, and a zest for life. But little did she know, a sudden and unexpected twist was about to upend her entire world.
It all began with a faint whisper of symptoms at the age of 28 – constant dizziness, blackouts and headaches on one side of her head. Ms Asif brushed it off as mere migraines, a familiar foe she had battled before.
But as the episodes persisted, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was amiss, Ms Asif told GDN Media as part of an ongoing Annual Ramadan Community Campaign in support of Bahrain Diabetes Society.
“As the days passed, I knew something was wrong. A visit to the doctor revealed a shocking diagnosis: Type 2 diabetes, anxiety and depression. The diagnosis was a life-altering blow. I felt like my world had crumbled, leaving me shattered and lost,” added the Indian national, who lives with her husband and 18-months-old son in Adliya.
“The symptoms of diabetes soon took over my life. I was constantly thirsty, tired and irritable. My job, my relationships, everything suffered as a result. I felt like I was losing myself,” she said, lamenting.
Just when she thought things couldn’t get worse, she discovered she was pregnant. She was overjoyed, but complications arose and she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes mellitus is a type of diabetes that happens during pregnancy. It usually goes away after the baby is born, but it can increase the risk of the baby developing low glucose levels in the first few days of life.
“In the eight month of my pregnancy the doctors told me I’d have to undergo an operation to save my baby. The ordeal didn’t end there – I suffered from excessive bleeding, a cruel reminder of her fragile state.
“I felt like I’d hit rock bottom. But something inside me refused to give up. I knew I had to keep fighting for my baby’s sake and mine.”
Determined to regain control of her health, Ms Asif turned to ayurveda, an ancient Indian practice that emphasises natural healing.
“Along with my medicines, I began drinking jeera and methi water advised by my doctor every morning, followed by 30 minutes of cardio. Initially, it was tough. My body was weak and the exercise left me breathless. But I persisted, determined to regain control of my health. I took my journey as a challenge.”
Giving an insight into her fitness journey, Ms Asif mentioned that she adopted a whole-food, plant-based diet, avoiding processed foods and added sugars. She did her own research and put together a plan.
“I did some research online of experts’ view on what kind of diets I should follow. I experimented with whole grains, legumes and homemade date paste. I included vitamin C-rich foods like amla, oranges and lemons in my diet, which helped boost my immunity.
“I focused more on a liquid diet. My new diet, combined with regular cardio, began to show remarkable results. My blood sugar levels stabilised and, after few months, I began experiencing a surge in energy. I no longer felt fatigued throughout the day and woke up feeling refreshed. My transformation from 110kg to 89kg was nothing short of remarkable.
“I began practicing meditation and stress-relieving yoga to keep my mind and body calm because stress elevates sugar level. More importantly, I felt empowered, like I was taking control of my health and wellbeing. I’ll suggest everyone to understand one’s body type and not blindly following online remedies. Knowing your body type is the key to an effective therapy. Not everything works for everyone, especially in chronic cases.”
Recalling her journey, Ms Asif asserted that diabetes can be an insidious disease.
“You can be without symptoms for years and feel completely fine. But once the complications of diabetes start to take hold – and eventually, they will – they can affect virtually every area of your health. More than half of all people with diabetes will develop some type of neuropathy. I suffered from constant mild pain in the occipital area of my head.”
Ms Asif quit her job in 2022 and got back to work after gaining control over her health in August last year.
“I still have my ups and downs, but I know how to manage my diabetes, anxiety and depression,” she said.
“I’ve learned to listen to my body, to honour its needs and to prioritise my wellbeing. I’ll give special thanks to ayurveda, combined with balanced and good diet, and regular exercise in achieving optimal wellness. I hope my journey can inspire others to take charge of their health and wellbeing.”
pratyoosh@gdnmedia.bh
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