Ugh. Life doesn’t just “get in the way;” we LET it happen. (At least, that’s what I think.)
So during the month’s that I was otherwise involved, I wasn’t writing. A+ was not a grade that I earned in Diabetes 101, during that time. It wasn’t pretty — evidently, I’m a stress eater.
I admit it — I caved. Damn those cravings! SUGAR = addictive.
The good news is I’m back on track. Part of my “relationship” with Type 2 Diabetes, is my belief that every day is Day 1.
I’ve been sick. You know, “praying for death” sick. 😦
Some evil “stomach bug” crept into my system and took over. You don’t want the details. My blood sugar was all over the place. I tried the “natural” route, but I was only able to live in one room in my house (…the room with the echo), so finally, I called my doctor who told me to only eat crackers, dry toast (if I’m hungry — which I’m not), and drink 1/2 water and 1/2 Low Calorie Gatorade for a few days, to avoid dehydration and to give my intestines a break. In the end (no pun intended), I was in the waiting room of a gastroenterologist. She sent me for a ton of tests, the results of which I won’t get ’til Thursday, if I’m lucky.
But, she also gave me a medicine that “calmed” everything down, in the meantime. Thank God!!! That pain was a killer — my poor body. She wanted me to eat more; the thought was disgusting. She added plain chicken, turkey, baked potato. Ugh. She was right, eating a bit more did help.
With every situation, we learn something, right? (Not that I haven’t learned this before…) When I have a stomach issue, I hate the thought of food — including, my addictive junk foods. It’s been 8 days now and I haven’t had a thought about (my drug of choice) sugar. Nothing, Nada. I feel like I’ve been in a rehab for carboholics/sugar addicts.
Do you know what? The Sugar Beast had nothing to do with my being ill but, I’m going to take advantage of this situation, grab onto my proverbial detox and hold on for dear life!
Seriously, regardless of the results of the testing, I want to be done with sugar — SO DONE. Being sick just brought this to the forefront of my mind (again, I say again!). This Type 2 Diabetic’s plan is to do everything in my power to steer clear of it. I know, I know, we’ve all said it before.
I see this “Silver Lining” as a gift, and I’m going to wrap myself in it — like a soft, satin, protective shield. It will be difficult — if anything, I’m NOT naive. I know it’s really hard (at least for me) not to get dragged into a sugar feast, but, the way I’m looking at it, I’ve got a head start, and I’m grateful for it.
I’ve got the motivation, now I have to get back to developing the habit...AGAIN. Every day really is DAY #1.
My sister’s birthday is coming and that will be my first “real” test. Wish me luck!
I take it back — no “luck” needed. 🙂
Just when I think I’m under “control,” the SUGAR BEAST drops by. No, he doesn’t just “drop by,” he pushes his way in!
I’m trying to determine whether or not there’s a pattern. I think not. It’s just there — waiting right outside my thoughts. Just waiting and watching for an opening to seep into my T2D brain.
I picture those “openings” as doors with titles above them: TIRED, HUNGRY, ANGRY, to name a few. If any of those doors crack open — even a tiny bit — the SUGAR BEAST is right their waiting to slither in and take over.
Good news: Wednesday, I went to Meyer’s Farm to stock up on some fresh vegetables. When I got home, I put the green and yellow zucchini, the bright red onion, and the peaches into a lovely ceramic bowl. Bad news: They’re still there. 😦
Well, now I’m really annoyed. Annoyed enough to do something about it? YES! I’m going to stomp on the beast, cut up those veggies and transform them into a fabulous side dish for tonight’s dinner. I’ll let you know the result of my creation…
Ugh. I’ve not been looking forward to this.
Last week I went for my blood work so my doctor would have it prior to my visit. Friday was my appointment.
She was thrilled. My blood work was great. A1C = 6.6. She was happy, I was disappointed, actually, amazed! “If you saw what I’ve been eating, you’d never believe that’s accurate.” Dr. G responded, “It will catch up to you, you know that.” Yeah, yeah. I didn’t respond — she’s ALWAYS right.
For awhile now, I’ve been taking two Metformin instead of three. My goal is to get off them completely. The ONLY way to do that is to stay on track — no diversions. Lately, I’ve been the Queen of Diversions!
A little over a week ago denial crept in (with a vengeance). I actually ate potato chips and onion dip. 😦 It didn’t kill me, but what a stupid decision. And then there was the pie…cookies… Yes, I didn’t fall off the “wagon” I took a deep-dive plunge. Ugh.
The good news is, I’m back to healthy choices. If I have to have desserts, I’ll be heading to my sugar free Jello or small portions of fresh fruit.
Just remember there is such a thing as TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING (fruit can fall right into that category!)
Obviously, I didn’t do too much damage, or 6.6 would have been WAY higher. I absolutely do NOT want to go back to 3 Metformin/day, so I’m re-committing myself again to staying on track — DAMN IT! It’s all about accountability, as always. There’s no hiding those numbers and not taking my blood sugar, is just plain irresponsible. I’m determined.
I know that when I’m dedicated and determined, I get involved in a project using my hands. I know when I do the artsy/craftsy thing, I won’t snack/eat the wrong foods.
I know that when I sit and watch TV, I’m putting myself at risk. Gigunda risk!!! I become bored and troll the cabinets for something “bad.” Rarely do I find anything, because I don’t buy the foods/snacks that I know I shouldn’t be eating. I wish I could tell you that I give up and go back to watching the tube. That would not be true. There are times when I cave. I’ve walked and driven to the corner store or the gas station for a candy bar to “tide me over.” (I sound like a drug addict. Well, sugar IS a drug!) .
Diabetes sucks. Yes, it does. BUT, there are worse diseases, that’s for sure! So, I’ll be grateful and get back on the bike and do the right thing — one day at a time.
This disease is one heck of a roller-coaster, that’s for sure. Better days ahead.
Back to DAY #1!
I recently read an article in Prevention Guide. The theme was Sugar Detox Made Easy — yeah, right! 🙂
I keep telling myself, you’ve done it before, and you can do it again. That’s absolutely true, so what’s my problem? Maybe, my issues are because I’m doing the same things over and over and expecting different results. Isn’t that the definition of INSANITY!
My answer to that dilemma is to branch out, in terms of my research. I bought this magazine sometime in January. I’ll admit to skimming it; like that ever worked… This time around, I read it cover to cover and back again.
Author Aviva Patz wrote, Your Step-by-Step Detox Plan. In fact, she had a slew of helpful hints to formulate an action plan. Action Plan? I didn’t sign up for an Action Plan. However, her program consists of things to DO to help in dealing with diabetes, to overcome the addiction. She talked about the importance of writing down a Manifesto. WHAT? C’mon, I’m a busy woman. I don’t have time for this nonsense! And then, the little voice inside me reminded me that I always have time to eat cookies, and cakes, and candy, Oh, My! Developing a manifesto took about three minutes, and consisted of writing the pros and cons of quitting sugar, and the same for NOT quitting sugar. She recommends keeping your notes nearby for when that temptation creeps in.
Ms. Patz talked about replacing the addictive food with something palatable but not as unhealthy. Example: Fruit — still sweet, so it will stomp out the cravings, while eating healthy nutrients. (Be careful. There is such a thing as having too much of a good thing.) Easy does it — fruit will absolutely effect your blood sugar levels. The goal is to maintain a balance.
I’ll be writing about Patz’ article for a number of days. She presents some great healthy alternatives to poor choices, and I’ll be passing them along to you.
Of all her suggestions, one jumped out at me — why didn’t I think of this??? She suggests that we don’t use the words “I can’t” when sugar is offered to us. Sounds like my usual, “I can’t have dessert, I’m diabetic.” waaa, waaaaah, waaaaaah, poor Kathy… Instead of the “poor me” response, Patz advises us to simply say, “I don’t eat refined sugar.” Simple, to the point. She compares the dilemma to that of the VEGETARIAN who easily states, “I don’t eat meat.” She’s right! It’s a choice — OUR choice! It makes perfect sense. It’s empowering. The decision is ours and the words, “I can’t,” give away our power and weaken our resolve. It’s brilliant! Obviously, this is an easy change in behavior and will likely end with the person offering the sweets to back down. Sounds good to me. No more pity party when the host cuts the cake. 🙂
“I don’t eat refined sugar.” Period!
My sincere thanks to Aviva Patz for an article that was not only motivating, but also made sense.
Who’s perfect? Not me, that’s for sure. In terms of posting on my blog and reading others, I’ve brought procrastination to an art form. LATER, TONIGHT, TOMORROW — these are the nonsensical terms I’ve been tossing around, in an effort to procrastinate. My decision, is to TOSS THEM RIGHT OUT THE WINDOW, and get with the program.
Thanks to the blizzard in NY, I’ve hunkered down today (like I had a choice) and read some blogs (especially Bill’s, Simple Living Over 50 — his posts usually smack me back into the NOW of this crazy life). I finished catching up with his posts and will read others that I follow, after writing this post. First Things First, right?
The snow just stopped — YEA!!!! I have a guy who comes with a snow blower, a plow and a shovel to dig me out. I baked some cookies while he was de-snowing my property for the first time last year. I thought it would be a “nice gesture” — warm Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies on a cold snowy day. OR was I looking for an excuse to eat some sugary delights? I prefer to believe that it was an act of kindness. 🙂 We Type 2 Diabetics know the truth! I’ve made it a tradition now, Matt plows and shovels while I bake. Damn those cravings!
I was talking to two friends this morning — BOTH were baking. What is it about the winter and/or a snow storm that pushes us to bake? Is it the CARBS? SUGAR?
I don’t get it. Normally, I don’t care a whole hill of beans about cooking or baking. Seriously, those days are over. I get on a “kick” once in a while, but mostly I’d rather do other things. But today, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and banana bread “took over my brain.” Considering how sugar effects the brain, there’s a LOT of truth to that. NOT funny, but true. Except for dinner (leftovers), I’m done with that oven for now. I’ll dust it off, if we have another storm! 🙂
I know that I just have to do the best I can do, and then, DO A LITTLE BETTER on this journey called diabetes!
Have to go take my blood sugar…
I LOVE Thanksgiving! What could be bad? Spending time with those you love, food, gratitude — no gifts. It’s all good. The laughter is priceless.
Upon reflection, in terms of T2D, it was a very good day. Cooking the meal keeps me away from the h’ors d’oeuvres. It works every time. I can be in and out of the kitchen and still participate in the conversation without stuffing my face.
A turkey dinner with all the fixings is still my fave. NO Presidential Pardon for this bird! I had some of everything, but I didn’t overdo it. (Yea me!) “All things in moderation,” a quote from my late dad. Choosing not having the usual array of sugar-filled desserts, this year we enjoyed a beautiful bowl of colorful, fresh fruit, thanks to my cousin, and a small, but luscious cake to celebrate my daughter’s birthday. Most importantly, everything was served up with a heaping portion of gratitude. After all it’s called THANKSgiving for a reason.
I’m thrilled to report that, for the first time EVER, I didn’t have my late-night (11 o’clock) sandwich. That’s usually a bonus — white bread (yes, you heard me right) with a little butter, turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing piled high! –my mouth’s watering, just thinking about it–but, I really wasn’t hungry, so I passed on it. I’m hoping to make this a new tradition. Normally, I have another turkey sandwich for breakfast the next morning 🙂 I can’t believe it; I passed on that too! It wasn’t a conscious decision, I just skipped it and had a normal breakfast. What’s going on???
Thanks to my daughter for not only taking home leftovers, but MOST importantly — the CAKE! It wasn’t calling my name quite yet, but we all know it would have been SCREAMING — “I’m over here!!!” — eventually. She gave it to some men who work in her building. I’m sure they were happy to have it, but not as happy as I was to get it OUT of my house. 🙂
My point? All in all Thanksgiving 2016 was a delight. Looking forward to next year’s Turkey Day! But alas, there are more holidays still to come. This is when I turn into Scrooge — my plan is to change that attitude this year.
The holidays have always presented a problem for me. Lots of reasons, but generically speaking, it’s the greed — you see and hear it everywhere. The television is a primary source of envy for kids — “Mom, look. Tommy has that!” It’s a killer for people who have young children. The whole money thing is another issue. It saddens me to watch people pouring money onto their credit cards to make their children “happy.” You want to make them happy? TAKE them somewhere. DO something WITH them — make memories. The laughter on those bonding days will stay with them forever. O.K., that’s MY feeling on the topic. Scrooge? Maybe, maybe not.
Happy Thanksgiving, dear Readers — enjoy the holidays — one day at a time.
— who advises on matters of foods and their impact on one’s health. A registered dietitian promotes good health through proper eating. That’s what I need, I told myself, and off to The Diabetes Education Center I went! I had an appointment with one of their dietitians and it was wonderful.
Diabetes is a disease and I needed/wanted a health specialist. It was an outstanding visit. (I’ve been there before, over the years; sometimes you just need a tune-up. This was one of those times.) I AM dedicated and determined, that’s for sure.
I’m trying desperately to get off the Metformin — and attempting to be realistic at the same time. Maggie, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, helped me step back into reality. Reviewing my file, she complimented me on my A1C and pointed out that we were having a conversation similar to some we’d had years ago, when I first started. Oh NO!
I have this (flawed) theory that less is better. In other words, less food (carbs, etc.) will help to keep me on track. Thus, I’m probably not eating enough! Then, when hunger strikes, guess what happens? 
CRAVING ATTACKS! She’s right, of course. That evil sugar beast creeps into my head and won’t leave until I cave. An attack on my blood sugar levels!!! Ugh… If you’ve been there, you know what I mean.
We talked about alternatives that will help the cravings to subside (I still use my Grapefruit Oil, which provides laughs for my friends. But, guess what? It helps me! See post dated: Nov. 21, 2015). This was a suggestion from a friend and guru of all things alternative.
Maggie helped me sort out a multitude of food choices that will get/keep me on track. I’ll get back to you with a TON of information that she gave me; tomorrow, if possible. But for now — it’s dinnertime, and I have to move on with some healthy choices. 🙂
Keep the faith, fellow T2D’s! …and to Maggie, THANKS A MILLION!!!
IMPORTANT: Check with your physician before making ANY changes to your diabetic treatment plan.
Monday, June 27, 2016
Whaaa, whaaa, whaaaaaaaa!
No more, I’m done! I realized last week that I have been procrastinating beyond belief, and let me tell you — I can procrastinate!
When my brother became ill and passed away in April, I came to a full STOP. During that time period, I wrote not a word — not on my blog, not anywhere. Normally, I’d tell myself to “write it out,” but the words never came.
Four days after his funeral, I began my “dental journey.” I really want to write DENTAL NIGHTMARE, but I’m determined to stop feeling sorry for myself. During the two months of dental nonsense, my blood sugar was out of whack — low, because I was having such difficulty eating. I felt awful on every level. Feeling sorry for myself, I took the “opportunity” to procrastinate some more. Poor Kathy. 🙂
Here’s the Reader’s Digest version: Went to the dentist — my blood sugar is not the only thing out of whack — so are my teeth. (Say it isn’t so!) As I left his office, I made an appointment for July 6th to START the process OVER! 😦 I swear. I’m thinking positively. This time it’s going to be perfect — no problems. That’s what I’m telling myself. Going with the flow…
I decided NOT to use this setback as yet another excuse to avoid writing. Why am I avoiding the one thing I love the most — writing? I don’t get it. On Saturday, I made a commitment to get back on the horse and write, write, write — starting Monday (today). Notice, I promised to do it, but not for two more days!!! (The Master Procrastinator!)
I woke up at 7:15 this morning, and decided to check my e-mail before breakfast and then I would write. First my blog and then a piece for one of my writing groups. Maybe I’ll take a shower first, do a little laundry… At 9:05 I opened an e-mail from a friend and fellow member of some writing groups that I attend. She wrote: Hi Kathy, Would you please send me the address to your blog? Oh, no! I was embarrassed to have to admit that I’ve neglected posting on my blog, as well as the rest of my writing. I’m a MESS.
But, then it happened. I realized that Linda’s sending me that e-mail was no coincidence. I don’t believe there ARE coincidences. What I DO believe is that if she hadn’t sent me that e-mail, for sure I would have found another excuse. I responded with diaryofadedicateddiabetic.wordpress.com, and thanked her for being the bearer of the message I needed to hear. I told Linda that, thanks to her, TODAY is the day I climb out of the hole and get back to my life, and importantly, my writing. …and that’s what I did!
Regarding my blood sugar issue, I’ve decided that, due to my dental dilemma, I will not eat three meals each day. I’ve been so nauseous an have had NO appetite, that I’ve been lucky to get in two. (I’m down 20 lbs since we began my dental work on April 20th.) In an effort to ward off the nausea, I’m going to eat more smaller meals. Maybe that will help. I’m sure it will help to balance out my blood sugar levels. Because of all this nonsense, they’ve been lower than ever.That would be great, except that I feel horrible. So, tomorrow I’ll be on a regimen of five or six small meals instead of three “normal” meals. I remember, that when I was first diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, that was the instruction I was given, but i haven’t done it in years. Here’s hoping!
Wish me luck–
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Who knew? Not me! Evidently Tom Hanks was diagnosed with Type Two Diabetes and announced it on the David Letterman Show in 2013. Guess I missed that episode.
As you know, I believe in using humor to help me through my day with diabetes. However, when watching the link (see below) about his diagnosis, I wanted to say, “Be careful, Mr. Hanks, guess who might just have the last laugh?”
Tom Hanks is an actor whom I admire and was hoping that he was taking his diagnosis seriously, when I came upon an article in a magazine known as Diabetes Focus.
The article mentioned his announcement on the Letterman Show, but it also went on to explain the steps he and his wife (Rita Wilson) were taking to manage his T2D and improving their lifestyle as a whole. Those steps included limiting sugar and exercising on a daily basis. He took it seriously.
Hanks pointed out that genetics plays an important role and that he was “genetically inclined” to get the disease. I wish I’d understood that, those many years ago when I was diagnosed. I’d had two babies that weighed in at 9.3 lbs. and 9 pounds even, and I was informed that gestational diabetes simply meant that I “might get diabetes later in life.” It was treated as “nothing to worry about.” Believe me, that “later in life” showed up much sooner than I’d anticipated!
The GOOD NEWS in this is that, SO much more is known about diabetes today and, it’s no longer treated as “nothing to worry about.” It’s an epidemic, and I’m hoping that parents world wide are paying attention to their medical history, the food that they and their children are eating and the exercise that takes place with their family members each day.
Should we LAUGH IN THE FACE OF DIABETES? Hell yeah! BUT, only with the knowledge that we are controlling it with diet, exercise, and medication (if needed). It’s a serious matter, that can be dealt with a dose of humor — to get through the day. 🙂
Sometimes, Laughter is the Best Medicine! 🙂
Diary of a Dedicated Diabetic 