The 71-year-old SeongYeol lives in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea. He is a proud father of two sons and a grandfather of two grandchildren. For 33 years, he worked as a registered safety officer at the Gunsan Maritime and Port Administration. His commitment often meant working night shifts, but he always had confidence in his health.

Five years after his retirement, SeongYeol received a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes during a routine examination. Although this was bad news, his doctor reassured him by explaining that diabetes is manageable. Unfortunately, further tests revealed that he also had albuminuria, leading to a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. This news hit him and his family hard – especially the fear of possibly needing dialysis.

During this difficult time, SeongYeol received unwavering support from his wife. "I was most afraid that my husband would need dialysis. It felt dark ahead of us," she confessed. But she remained his pillar of strength providing constant comfort: “Everything would be okay and you will get better with medical support.”

As they adapted to this new chapter in their lives, he realized how important a healthy diet and lifestyle are. Initially, family outings were challenging due to his dietary restrictions, but with his improved health, he was able to enjoy these moments again.

SeongYeol has recognized the importance of regular health check-ups, especially for diabetics. He emphasizes the need for kidney function tests, as diabetes can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other complications. 

"Through innovation and science, we can heal, find comfort, and dream of a better future. It’s simply amazing," he says, highlighting the transformative power of medical advancements.

With his improving health, SeongYeol looks forward to traveling with his wife, exercising regularly, and cherishing their time together – looking positively toward the future once again.