Aside from the obvious (eating appropriately), NOTHING brings down this T2D’s blood sugar level faster than WALKING! It never fails. Never.
I may have taken it JUST A TAD over the top on Tuesday night. It was a gorgeous night in the city, the sky was “Starry Night” clear, just a slight breeze and in the low 70’s. Perfect for walking in the “Big Apple.”
A friend and I went into NYC to see the preview of a unique show called “The Flatiron Hex.” The New York Times gave it a great review(at the time of the Times review, it was being performed in a different space). Last Tuesday night’s preview was at the Henson Carriage House.
I’m a lowly blogger and not a writer of reviews for the NY Times, but I recognize an unparalleled presentation when I see one. BY THE WAY, it’s beyond me how ANYONE can execute a one-person performance — kudos to James Godwin! Bravo and best of luck to all the members of The Flatiron Hex, an exceptional, one-of-a-kind group of artists.
Back to Type 2 Diabetes and the benefits of walking: After the preview of Flatiron Hex, we revised our route and hoofed it back to Penn, via 5th Avenue — window shopping MAY have slowed us down a bit but, all-in-all, it was a good 5 miles + walk and worth every step. My blood glucose was happy, as was my A1C.
So, here’s what I did for Kathy:
I brought down my blood glucose, by simply walking. This is a good thing because, let’s face it, this body is never going to see the inside of a gym again (Being realistic.) Again? ?? LOL!
My A1C will benefit from my “hike.” That miserable test is the truth-teller. It shows all!!! Every freakin’ 3 months — it’s like a computer that spits out the details of your (diabetic) behavior. My doctor loves it. 🙂
I was good to my heart. (It’s thrilled when I walk my brains out!)
I passed each and every bakery, patisserie, and au bon pain on the route. (More bonus points for my blood sugar and my heart.) THAT wasn’t easy! 😦
Slept like a rock — exercise will do that…
Me? I’m a happy camper to have spent a spectacular night walking the sidewalks of my beloved NYC (I ❤ NY) and, seeing an outstanding preview! What could be better?
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.
This is a good thing because, let’s face it, this body is never going to see the inside of a gym again (Being realistic.) Again? ?? LOL!
Diary of a Dedicated Diabetic 