“Diabetes… it’s a dirty word”

By Brynn Campbell

After suffering from Type 2 diabetes for the past 10 years, Garry Reid, 55 of Belleville, had his second leg amputated because of complications with diabetes.

Reid has not necessarily been dealt life’s best hand. In fact, his past 10 years have been completely life-changing and an eye-opener for others as well.

Originally from Stirling, Reid grew up on his parent’s farm. When Reid turned 16, he moved to Trenton where he started working as a security guard and pizza deliverer. Reid eventually moved to Belleville where he continued on with his two jobs.

In 1986, he met the future Mrs. Sheri Reid through some mutual friends. They married shortly after and are still together today.

Not long after Garry and Sheri were married, Reid began to show signs of diabetes. Fatigue, increased appetite and dehydration started to weigh him down. His left foot had several ball-shaped growths, and his foot had completely lost its colour.

“It looked like he had gangrene,” says Sheri.
Reid went to see his doctor to figure out what was happening with his body. After a series of tests and blood work, the doctor told him he had Type 2 diabetes and would need to have his left leg amputated.
“My reaction was hysterical. It was very scary,” said Reid. “The hardest part was when they told me I was going to lose my leg. My whole life felt like it was going to be screwed up.”
Sheri felt nervous for her husband. “I was completely stunned,” she said, reflecting on her first reaction. Luckily for Reid, Sheri is a very devoted wife and has helped him from day one through his struggles.
Diabetes is a chronic lifelong disease and according to the Canadian Diabetes Association, more than nine million Canadians have been diagnosed with it.

The PubMed Health website states that diabetes is caused by too little insulin in the bloodstream, resistance of insulin, or both. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas to control glucose levels. Glucose enters the bloodstream and is a source of fuel for the body. When there is not enough insulin to control the glucose levels, the blood sugar levels increase and the body becomes at risk for diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by proper diet, exercise, limited stress and weight management. According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 80 to 90 per cent of people with diabetes are obese.
Unfortunately for Reid, he was not able to control his diabetes after his first amputation and was admitted back into the hospital Jan. 9, to have his right leg removed.

“My right leg was my best friend, my buddy,” says Reid. “It’s no pretty picture when you start losing parts of your body.”
Reid was discharged from the hospital on Mar. 31. It will take about another two months for his wound to heal. Fortunately for him, his wife Sheri and his two cats Ginger and Lucky will be able to take care of him while he is recovering.

A nurse from the Red Cross visits three times a week to check up on his health and change his bandages. An occupational therapist helps rebuild strength in the rest of his body.
Reid describes his whole health experience in one sentence. “Diabetes… it’s a dirty word.”