I’m speaking about my computer “complications” — that’s why I’ve been missing in action for a little while.
NOTHING frustrates me more than when all does NOT go well with my “toys” (laptop, iPad, iPhone). Ah, yet another addiction. For some reason, nothing is syncing. Therefore, I can’t post pictures on my blog, at this time (using some “old” ones — sorry); I’m unable to write and send my work out — e-mail issue (I’ve been doing battle with aol about that). Why do the companies blame each other? I’m determined that by the weekend, my toys will be back on track!
Okay, my title is “It can be COMPLICATED,” and of course you know that diabetes is complicated — whether it be Type 1 or 2. I’m Type 2, so that’s what I’ll be discussing, and I’ll be surprised if you can’t relate. {By the way, I realize that we all DO really know the answers to my questions and reasons for my frustration; somehow, it’s still FRUSTRATING.}
This is not a discussion about the medical complications resulting from diabetes — I’m not there and grateful for it. This is simply a discussion about how complicated and frustrating the management of it can be…and what we can DO about that.
The ups and downs of blood glucose ARE complicated — at least to this Dedicated Diabetic, as proven by many posts to this blog (Diary). Sometimes it’s simple, I write everything down, walk — my blood sugar goes down = Perfecto! Other times, I end up in the hospital, for something completely unrelated, I walk the halls like a maniac in an attempt to keep my numbers down. Result = They go up anyway. Never fails.
It just is the way it is. It’s a puzzle — even though I’ve read the books, met with the doctors, attended the seminars, blah, blah, blah. Is this reaction a lack of acceptance? I wonder? I find it hard to believe, but I’ll be delving into that further in the next few days.
As far as what to “do” about it. I’m just going to keep on keeping on, examining advice from others in this boat, and doing the right things to manage this crazy thing called diabetes. I AM and will continue to be DEDICATED, determined.
Hey Kathy, I scream out at the top of my lungs — SHUT UP AND BEGRATEFUL!
Forgive me for what may seem like I’m climbing on a soapbox. Diary of a Dedicated Diabetic is, however, a blog about taking care of ourselves. These words are about our taking care as individuals, and as a country.
It’s been difficult to write about anything positive amid the sadness of the world . The terror that took place in San Bernadino, California, this past week is just overwhelming, especially with Paris and Brussels, barely in the background.
To hear people speaking about “another” mass murder caused my heart to break. I no longer want to hear the statistics of these events. I don’t want to listen to, or engage in, conversations that use words like, “so sad, unbelievable, and what can we do?” These conversations bring a sense of helplessness, and I don’t believe that we’re helpless. We are not victims!
We, in the United States, are members of a democracy. I’m so grateful for that. But, because we live in a democratic nation, we CAN do something. We can call and write our Congresspeople. We can voice our concerns and opinions. We can and must demand that they take actions to make and keep our schools, malls, churches, movie theaters, and workplaces SAFE! We should and must expect them to listen and act — for the good of all.
And now — about diabetes. Type 2, in my case.
Making good choices and taking care of ourselves on every level is imperative. Last Thursday night, I made a great choice! I went to a seminar on diabetes that focused on the Holidays. One of the handouts was titled, “Holiday Season Eating.” 🙂
First of all, the presenter was excellent. She was a diabetes educator/registered dietician and really knew her stuff. Her presentation was filled with information and helpful hints; we left with a packet of healthier recipes; time well spent.
There was much discussion about portion control (happily, without using those words). Non-starchy vegetables were encouraged. She reminded us that 1 cup raw or 1/2 cup cooked non-starchy veggies = 5 grams of carbs. LOTS of choices — no need for that feeling of deprivation.
A four-page, double-sided folder was given to us as an easy-to-read chart of everything you always wanted to know about good choices, for the person who has diabetes. It’s in a simple format that makes preparation quick and easy. Speaking of preparation, there was a lot of discussion about its importance (We knew that! Do we do it? Not necessarily…) but, Heather placed it right up to the front of our minds. Thank you!
This was the first time, EVER, that I didn’t want a diabetes education seminar to end. There was much more information to pass along to you. I’ll do that in future blogs — promise!
In the meantime, let’s stand together and make good choices in every level of our lives.
Keeping my hands busy working on a project, stops me from feeding my face. Crafting and DIY-ing, are my all-time favorites.
Crocheting is great. I didn’t say I’m great at it, but I love doing it! I’ve managed to make afghans and throws for babies and adults, scarves (straight and infinity), and head/ear warmers. That’s about it. Nothing fancy — no sweaters or hats, not yet anyway. I love the colors and sizes of the various yarns — chunky may be my fave. It’s great to engage in a night of crocheting, sans food. It means I’ve moved toward completion of a gift, or something for myself, without “moving” food down my throat. That’s a good thing!
Large crocheted afghanCrocheted Ear Warmers
I belong to a small group called the “Crafty Bitches.” Truth is, sometimes we craft, sometimes we bitch, sometimes we do both. It’s great just to sit with some friends, talking and crocheting, most of all laughing. We made a pact when we started the group, years ago, that no food would be consumed when we met, and with very few exceptions, we’ve stuck to our plan. Yea, us!
Last year, I decided I wanted to learn to quilt. NOT hand-quilting. Let’s not get carried away. I have an ancient sewing machine that’s heavy, and pretty much dead; so, I bought an inexpensive machine that came with a video (awesome bonus), and I was off and running. God Bless YouTube! I started with a rag quilt; couldn’t be easier. To date, I’ve made five — all for babies. One is an “I Spy” quilt (You know, I Spy a truck, I Spy a butterfly, I Spy…). I’m working on it now for a friend’s grandson. I’ll send it with a list of things the child can find on it — pretty cool. There’s no way I can, or would, eat while doing this; I wouldn’t want to ruin it.
In November of this year, I decided to learn beading. While shopping, I almost always end up looking for a bargain in the jewelry section, particularly bracelets and earrings. I can do this! …and so it always begins. Again, what would I do without YouTube? I made bracelets and earrings for the masses; wrapped them up, and voila, Christmas presents. Unless they were pulling my leg, the jewelry was a big hit. It wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be, but I kept it simple, and with the right colors and a touch of bling, I created jewelry that would rival Tiffany’s! O.K., that’s totally untrue; but, they were pretty good and fun to do. Most importantly, I couldn’t eat and bead, lest I devour an earring or two.
Beading, crocheting, and quilting, are projects that have helped to keep me OUT of the kitchen. I can thank them for assisting me in managing my numbers. I can attest that “crafting helps to keep diabetes under control.” 🙂
Seriously, I hope that you can see there’s some truth to what I’m saying. There’s lots more in the realm of crafting andDIY-ing that I’ll discuss in future posts; relating it to the control of my diabetes, of course.
This Dedicated Diabetic is hoping that you’re staying on track towards a healthy lifestyle.
Posted by K Keevins at 11:30 PM 2 comments:
A War is Won, One Battle at a Time
Last week I saw an ad in the paper for a free seminar on Diabetes. There’s always something new to learn, right? I was suspicious, because it didn’t take place in a hospital. I figured the doctor was probably hawking a book, but I’m o.k. with that, so I went with my mind wide open.
The event was held in a hotel — stop laughing. LOL, I did too 🙂
The room was packed, I took the only seat left. Never, and I mean never, have I ever heard anyone speak so fast — I’m talking auction speed! Some of the terms he spit out were, “concierge medicine, supplements, medications.” I listened anyway.
After his spiel, which lasted an hour, I filed away one important statement. It was a fact that I already knew. It wasn’t what he said, it was HOW he said it. Bluntly.
“You have a choice to make,” he said seriously,
“What’s more important to you, your carbs, breads, cakes, cookies, candy, — or your FEET?” What’s more important, your dairy products, cheese, ice cream, — or your VISION?”
He was right. His words slapped me right across the face. Hard, really hard.
Driving home, I felt sad. Quickly, my sadness changed to motivation. This take-away was exactly what I needed. Time to move forward. I removed the word “cheat” from my vocabulary.
Diabetes is no joke.
Recently, my struggle has been increasingly difficult. Shopping, any type of shopping, is torture. You know what I mean. Almost every store has candy at the register. Think about it; the hardware store, the craft store, clothing store. Why? WHY? I venture in to buy a screwdriver, but the sweet-stuff is always there! It’s calling my name — Kathy, one piece won’t hurt. You know you want me! My mouth is watering, and it’s not over the screwdriver. I bite my lip (a sure sign I’m about to slip), my nostrils flare (I really want to smell it; just smell it). It’s so hard to stay on track.
It’s true. It can be torture; but I’m determined. My feet trump junk food. Here’s my plan: DON’T EVEN LOOK. If there are magazines, read the covers. FOCUS on the purchase, not the surrounding temptations. Finally, cha-ching, my item(s) paid for, and I’ve made it out of the store without caving into temptation. Another battle won!
Nobody ever told me this would be easy. I don’t know about you, but I never thought it would be this much of a challenge. Now, with my renovated attitude, do you know what I say to that moaning and groaning? Tough! Just DO it, Kathy. I’m well aware that my quality of life, my life, is at stake.
I choose good health.
And the war continues. I will win! One day-at-a-time.
Diary of a Dedicated Diabetic 