“Hope Beyond Diagnosis”

SeongYeol is 71 years old and lives in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea. He is the father of two sons and 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 retiring, SeongYeol received a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes during a routine examination. Although the news was difficult, his doctor explained him that diabetes is manageable.

Further tests showed that SeongYeol also had albuminuria, leading to a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. The news hit him and his family hard, especially because they feared he might need 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 says. She remained his pillar of strength and offered constant comfort: “Everything will be okay and you will get better with medical support.”

As SeongYeol and his family adapted to this new chapter, he realized the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle. At first, family outings were challenging because of his dietary restrictions. As his health improved, he was able to enjoy these moments again.
 

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

With his improving health, SeongYeol looks forward to traveling with his wife, exercising regularly, and cherishing their time together. He is looking positively toward the future once again. “Through innovation and science, we can heal, find comfort, and dream of a better future. It’s simply amazing,” he says.