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FROM DIABETES TO DIALYSIS, MICHAEL TORRES OF TUCSON, ARIZ., WONĢ����ý�T LET ANYTHING SLOW HIM DOWN.

Ģ����ý�The key things are my diet and fluids and going to all my appointments and regular checkups,Ģ����ý� Torres said.

In 2016, after managing his diabetes for more than 20 years, TorresĢ����ý�s kidneys began to fail.

Ģ����ý�When I was first diagnosed with diabetes I was in a state of depression,Ģ����ý� he said. Ģ����ý�I thought I was healthy and suddenly I felt my life was over, but IĢ����ý�ve learned to take care of myself and keep going.Ģ����ý�

Now on dialysis, Torres remains a shop foreman and diesel truck mechanic because his employer created a flexible schedule to accommodate his dialysis treatments.

Ģ����ý�I have been blessed to work for 27 years with JoAnn Miller at Saguaro Trucking and they all treat me like family,Ģ����ý� he said. Ģ����ý�They watch over me and make sure I go to all my doctor appointments and dialysis treatments. They told me that whatever I have to do they can deal with it.Ģ����ý�

TorresĢ����ý� positive attitude and active life motivate him every day.

Ģ����ý�I look at my life totally different now,Ģ����ý� he said. Ģ����ý�My life used to feel like running straight through a tunnel, but now I feel like IĢ����ý�ve had a second chance and I want to appreciate all the little pieces of my life.Ģ����ý�

Ģ����ý�ItĢ����ý�s like the flowers on the side of road that youĢ����ý�ve never seen, but theyĢ����ý�ve always been there,Ģ����ý� Torres said. Ģ����ý�Maybe I donĢ����ý�t stop, but IĢ����ý�ve slowed down some and now I notice them.Ģ����ý�

With the support of his family, coworkers and the team at����Northwest Tucson, Torres continues to enjoy his favorite activities Ģ����ý� hunting, fishing, and being with his family Ģ����ý� and he hopes to get a kidney transplant someday soon.

In honor of National Diabetes Month, we recognize the commitment of our patients like Michael Torres to thrive and inspire others to do the same.