Guitarist Mus Mujiono enjoys life by controlling his glucose level

Diagnosed with diabetes in 1985 when he was about to have kidney surgery, jazz guitarist Mus Mujiono still enjoys his life today. He can even continue his music career.

In fact, diabetes is not a new issue in his family. His father, elder sister and brother (singer Mus Mulyadi) also have the same disease.

"I was a little bit panicked at the time because I thought the disease would really limit my activity and would consume most of my time," said Mujiono, dubbed Indonesia's George Benson for his skillful guitar play and scat singing (imitating the sound of the guitar).

A diabetic cannot get too active nor too inactive because the condition will influence their body's blood sugar (glucose) level. He or she must control the intake of carbohydrates and other meals that affect the level.

Mujiono regularly checks his glucose levels and his wife has put him on a strict diet at home. He only consumes 100 grams of rice per meal with vegetables and tempeh or tofu.

Mujiono, who has earned various awards aboard and at home, also exercises for an hour each day.

"As a musician, I need to mingle with people. Sometimes I go to parties or meet people at cafes or restaurants. So, I think it's better to control what we eat and do a self-check on my glucose level," he said recently.

His sister, who currently lives in the Netherlands, sent him a glucose level monitor that he uses instead of his old monitor, which was ineffective and time consuming. Then he was introduced to a OneTouch Ultra glucose level monitor from LifeScan.

"The old one, I'd better not name the brand, is as big as a Game Boy. But OneTouch Ultra is very practical and handy. I can even use it by myself."

He can save time and continue on with his professional and social activities easier than before, without having to wait hours for laboratory checks.

-- Emmy Fitri