Diabetes is a symptom of a damaged  pancreas that can no longer produce the insulin your body needs.  The  pancreas is a long gland right behind the stomach that secretes insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin, into the blood stream.  Your pancreas becomes diseased by acids sugars, carbohydrates, excess fats, and uric acids, that keep going from the stomach directly to the pancreas.

Your pancreas is the next link in the digestive chain, whatever you eat goes directly to this delicate organ.  So instead of digesting food and producing insulin, it now becomes a “shock organ”.

Which means:  IT HAS TO ABSORB AND NEUTRALIZE ALL THE ACCESS ACIDS OUR MODERN DIETS DUMP INTO IT.

If you start loosing unexplained weight without even trying, always seem to be thirsty, urinating frequently, always wanting to eat, very tired, or sleeping more than usual,  more lows than highs, irritable, more emotionable than before, it is time to run not walk to your doctor and ask  to be tested for diabetes.  Not everyone shows these symptoms, some  have milder symptoms which they explain away and even ignore. 

Listen to your body, know yourself well enough that if any danger signal pops it’s ugly head you would know this isn’t the norm for you.

I like what Mark Anastasi says quote:  Your diet is the single Biggest Influence on Your Diabetes Condition!

Read for yourself this amazing account on “diabetes” by Mark Anastasi, on how diabetes can never be cured by traditional medicine.  He shows scientists have discovered a way to “stimulate” the pancreas to slowly but surely produce a little more insulin each day on its own.

Here is a list of some of the things I feel quite passionate about doing to help me live with diabetes.

Learn as much as you can about the type of diabetes  you have,  the medications and if you are on insulin, the type perscribed.

Search out alternative medicines that could be of help.  Ones that won’t interfere with your persriptions.  Be thorough in your research and if you find something consult with your doctor.  I find doctors are open to discussion about good  alternative medicines.

Learn all you can about nutrition, food values, food subsitution, portion size.  It may sound complex, but it becomes easier the more knowledge you aquire.

Exercise:  There are great choices out there.  Find the one best for you.  Going for walks and using my treadmill  is great for me especially when the weather is bad.  Our winters can be very cold, and there is lots of  ice, making walking outside hazardous.  This is when using  my treadmill is great.

Keep active mentally.  No matter what your age, you need to do activities that stimulate  and keep your  mind active.

 Unfortunately diabetes can with some take it’s toll on them physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Be a doer.  There are lots of ways and things to do for others.  Being a doer keeps you from becoming  “I centered”.  People need people, give of yourself.  You have talents that can be shared by others.  Age is no factor.

Get to  know yourself, know your limitations.  Don’t be afraid to say NO if you feel you are being stretched too far.

Keep a positive outlook.  There isn’t anything that we have to face in life that we can’t learn from.  Turn those times into challenges.  Look for options, evaluate them, work with them in order to find the solution.

You  control your emotions, don’t let them control you.

Take responsibility  for yourself.  Life is the greatest gift we can have.  Diabetes  is  something we can live with.  Yes, there are many areas we have to learn to adapt to, but it can be done.  We can love life and be happy.  I have had diabetes for 21 years now, and still counting.

Contrary to the old saying “Life Is Like A Bowl Of Cherries” diabetics can think it farthest from the truth.  We know fresh cherries have to be eaten in moderation, as they can be dynamite for your blood sugar, but in moderation they can be eaten and enjoyed.

The key is to beable to find the balance that is so necessary for a diabetic, which is sometimes hard to do, and it means being persistent even trying again,  maybe again, to achieve that balance.

 Unfortunately, the mindset of diabetics can be  very “ negative” and “me” centered, there is no room for being positive, they look at life as truly being “no bowl of cherries”.

It is easy for a diabetic to develop a guilt complex because they are diabetic.  There is so much negative from the media on all sides when it comes to diabetes.  When do you ever see or hear anything positive in a  commercial about a “diabetic”?  The image they present alone is negative.  No one knows the realities of being a dabetic more than a diabetic, but does the negative have to be constantly fed?

Life, like cherries can at times be good or bad.  I think you have to make your own “good bowl of cherries”, by broadening your horizons.  Focus on the positive instead of the negative, stretch yourself to learn and try new endevours.  Stop and think of past times when you wish you did this or that, or learned how to do something  you thought was special.  Don’t get caught up in ” I’m being denied” as it will be you that will put the limitations on yourself.  Learning something new can be a great experience.  Too many times we are quick to say ” I can’t do this or that” I have no talent.  How do you really know unless you try.  Being a “doer” is what makes up a “delightful bowl of cherries”.  Believe  me no matter what your age or what your diabetic situation is, it can be done.  You can turn things around for yourself.  It is here I am going to say ” I am proof, I do it all the time”.  I have been a diabetic for 21 years and still counting, and adding to my list of “creating that great bowl of cherries”.

It is a  well known fact that having a pet can be good for your health, especially if you are diabetic.  Some of the complications diabetics face unfortunately are with heart, kidney, high blood pressure, just to name a few. Your pet wether it is a cat or dog can be beneficial to you in these areas.

Who better to take you on a daily walk than your dog.   No matter what the size, a dog needs exercise, and exercise is high on your priority list isn’t it?  A better companion you could not ask for.  They listen with such intent to all you have to say, and encourage you on.  My pet is a small  dog, has lots of energy and knows when it is “walk time”.  He is as set in his routine with me as I am.  Rain, shine, sleet snow, Rapper is always ready “to go”.

It is a proven fact that animals have a calming effect on people.  I know my “Rapper” senses if I am off color, or having a down day, and does his best  to get me going in a different direction.  Taking time out and just sitting and patting him does wonders.  I have three cats as well, and they are “ love to sit on your lap” kind, and love to purr.  Cuddles is a talker, and purrs the loudest.  At  night I go to sleep to her “music”.

Doctor say that listening to a cat purr can be good for the heart and blood pressure.  Sometimes we need motivation to keep our routine active, so we can enjoy that feeling of well being.  My pets help do this for me.  Stress times are fewer, I am calmer and don’t over react to situations, which helps keep my blood pressure in check.  All in all I feel  in many ways my  “pets are a big plus when it comes to managing my diabetes.

Having a well trained, obedient pet is even a bigger plus.  Alot of stress can be eliminated and it makes for a happy situation all around.  So far I have been fortunate, my pets have been easy to train., or so I thought until….. I came across this program of  Dog Obedience Training with SitStayFetch”.  It certainly gave  me new insight into solving your  dog’s behavior problems.  Looking closly  at my pet I realize “Rapper” is not perfect, and there are areas I could help him improve his behavior.

If you are thinking about a pet, do it “right”.Don’t waste time, look into this SitStayFetch: Kindom of Pets with Daniel Stevens.  I am receiving his free 6  Day course and what I have learned is amazing.  Try if for yourself, it will make for a happier home believe me.

CLICK HERE:

When you are a Diabetic “loose weight” is usually the first words you hear from your doctor.  Right away I think we put up barriers, emotionally, and mentally.  Some just shut down period.  There is unlimited advice, programs, and yes different weight loss products that are meant to help increase our knowledge, so we can make better choices if we want  to use them.

 One of my favorite on line sources for information is dLife.com.  It has the most content for diabetes that I have come across.  Recently I read a very interesting article on “The 7 Best Weight Loss Tips”.  If weight is a problem I suggest you read this article, it will help put how important loosing those extra pounds can be in a new perspective.

Using a tape measure instead of a scale is a great idea.  Personally I have always preferred a tape measure over stepping on a scale.  There has not been a scale in my house for quite a number of years, and my good old faithful tape measure is the one my mother gave me when I was learning how to sew in school.  Some of the numbers are pretty faded, and the stiffness has long gone out of it today, but I still use it today.

Having a definite exercise routine is very important to me.  I am not a jogger, I just love to walk.  If the weather is bad I use my treadmill.

Choose soup, make it a habit is a good suggestion the article wries about.  I make alot of soup for us, as it is one way of including healthy ingredients, and gives you the feeling of being full.

The next point is “Learn from former Smokers”.  This must be read by you the individual.  I have never smoked so I am the last one that should comment on this.  I chose not to smoke, and for me it was a good choice.

The last  points have to do with mental and emotional well being.  Some very good comparisons are made here regarding use of comfort food for stress, distraction, and negative emotions.  Psychologically being addicted to food, similar to smokers and alcholics.  I urge you to read this article as it is very worthwhile.

You are getting ready to take that holiday you have been planning for some time. It is the first you have taken since being diagnosed with diabetes. Your first thought is “how am I going to cope”? Don’t worry, it isn’t as bad as you think, but any trip needs good planning.

Knowing how long you are going to be away and where you are going is important. If you are not traveling that far away is one kind of situation, but traveling long distances or abroad is another when it comes to being prepared, also how you are traveling, by car, plane or boat.

Keeping  to your dailey routine  is not impossible on short trips or if you are staying in one place,  and you are in the same time zone. This is the trip we will talk about first.

*   Consult with your doctor, let him know you are going away, and  how long you expect to be gone. Get him to verify what meds/insulin you are taking, and make sure you will have enough, plus extra  to see you through your stay.  

*  If you  are on insulin it is a good idea to take a portable cooler to keep your insulin in while travelling.  Be careful not to put it too close to the ice.  When I travel  I  pack my snacks, water, fruit, in first then  my container  for my insulin,  and one for my meds, so things are kept cool but not frozen.

*   Plan your meals on a weekly bases so you have an idea what you can eat, along with any food subsitutions.  You have a better chance of eating properly when eating out if you do.   Try to keep close to your  regular time for eating, and be prepared to have a snack if necessary.  Test your  blood sugar  frequently.

*   Don’t neglet taking your meds.

*   Keep well hydrated if you are travelling in hot weather.

*   Remember to keep in the shade, wear a hat,  and carry your sun screen with you, and good moisturizing cream for your feet , legs, and elbows.  Avoid getting sun burned  in hot weather.

*   Don’t  travel for long periods of time without  getting out of the car and walking, even if it is around the car a few times.  Doing isometric exercises  especially if you are not driving can be great while travelling, this  will help your  whole body  circulation.

*   Most important don’t forget to keep bug spray close at hand and be sure you use it. 

We live in a “throw away society.  Anything we don’t want anymore, or if it doesn’t make us happy, or suite our purpose we can “throw it away”.  The biggest throw away of all being “marriage”.

 Diabetics have alot to deal with at the best of times.  Not every married couple has the perfet partner, but something brought them together in the first place.  Was it “LOVE”?  If it was shouldn’t it be the strong glue that binds them together no matter what they have to face?  I’m not talking about abusive or chronic infedelity situations, or any kind that is life threatening  to self or family members, I am talking about “what comes with having to both work at a marriage”.  Unfortunately, there is a school of thought out there that suggests if your partner doesn’t give you  the  support you need, why no problem, you can dispose of him  or her.  All I can say to an attitude like that is “how sad” for both.

Whatever happened  to couples being encouraged to sit down and talk about what they feel  is  the problem.  Sometimes it is a case of educating the partner.  Diabetics need to educate themselves and their partners.  It can be fear of the unknown that can be a real negative for the partner.  True some don’t handle new situations very well, so they want to run, hide, or deny that anything is  different, they may even want to strike out and hurt the other partner with strong and hurtful words.  The striking out part can be the hardest for couples, as it usually becomes very emotional and personal  on both sides, with each becoming defensive, opening the door to saying things that in that moment of time can not be taken back.  Soon, barriers  are between them and neither one is willing to be the first to break them down.  In time the wounds fester and keep growing. Then the day comes, one  of them decides “that’s it” and away they go.

Wouldn’t  it be much  easier to “speak kind words” to each other?  Talk openly about the problem.   Look for solutions, not just “what’s best for me.  If the glue that binds two people is indeed “love” then I know this is possible.  Solutions and yes sometimes compromising enters into the picture in order to find those solutions, but through it all there is usually common ground to build on.

As I mentioned earlier education on the subject is vital to both.  It is not just for the person that has been newly diagnosed with diabetes.  If both make it a positive challenge that they participate in together, the stronger their foundation will be.  It takes time and patience, and most of all  the right kind of “love” two people can have for each other.  Believe me that kind of “love” will stand the test of time.  Mine has for 54 years now and still counting. Ours  has had most of what real life is about and at times it has come in pretty big doses, but through it all  can say “love” brought us through it all.

Here is some general information for you put simply to help you better understand diabetes if you have  recently been told you have it.

When you have diabetes it means your  blood glucose, or blood sugar is too high.  When that happens too much glucose in the blood is not good for your  health.

The food you eat is important as glucose comes from that food, and is also made in the liver and muscles. The cells in your body carry the glucose.  Insulin is a harmone made by the pancreas which releases the insulin into the blood stream.  The pancreas is a long gland, right behind the stomach.  Diabetes is a symptom of a damaged pancreas that can no longer produce the insulin your body needs.

There are definite signs for many when they have diabetes which can be: you are very thirsty, going  to the bathroom frequently, feeling very tired or hungry, weight loss, slowly healing sores, skin can be dry and itchy, having tingling , or losing the feeling in your feet, noticing your eyesight could be changing, and you are experiencing blurring.

Sometimes there are many people who don’t really have any signs at all, and they go undiagnosed for a long period of time.

Remember diabetes is no respecter of people or age, it  can strike any one at any time.   Don’t loose time in seeing your doctor if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.  It is always better to hear from him/her that you are quite fine rather than  have it be a worry.

Looking after your body is very important if you are a diabetic no matter what age you are, but as we age it is even more important. Seniors sometimes start to neglect themselves, figuring it doesn’t matter any more, but it does. It becomes even more important to our good health and well being.

Making sure your feet and legs are healthy does not take alot of time out of your day if you make it routine dailey. Usually in the morning we can be inclined to look after the upper part of our body and neglect the lower. If you are in the habit of a dailey shower or bath then maybe you do better.

Use a good moisturizing cream for the bottom of your feet and heels. For me plain old vaseline for dry skin does the trick. The last thing you want to have are cracks, and dry skin as they could lead to infections. Don’t put cream in between your toes, keep them dry. Wear good socks or stockings, and if you are used to going without socks or stockings try and use sockets. Your feet can get pretty dry and crack easy. Most doctors routinely check the feet when your diabetic. Keep your toenails well trimmed, do not pick them. Knees are important. Ladies if you wear slacks alot they can become dry and flakey, and for males even more so. Moisturizing your legs and feet a couple of times a day could be a good thing. Remember climate has a lot to do with your skin condition.  Sometimes we are too casual with our shoes  and they don’t fit properly.  Always choose comfortable and good fitting shoes.

There are a lot of good products out there to use. Find the ones  best suited to your needs.

Being active means that you finds ways to be physically active every day. There are lots of good choices you can make to keep you physically active when you are a diabetic. Walking is my favorite. Having two dogs in our family makes walking an easy choice, and they know the routine as well as I do.

We are fortunate to have lots of green space, that means we get to go to the parks for our walks, and they are pet friendly. Having someone to go with you can be a plus, and a be good company.

When our weather is not good during our cold and snowy winters, I like to use my treadmill. My dogs will take turns walking with me on it. This is when I can listen to music, read, or watch TV. This way time passes quickly and before you know it your time is up.

Exercise is individual and should be fitted to meet your needs. It is important you find what is best for you and do it on a consistant bases. There are lots of group exercise classes, swimming, and don’t forget dance classes.

Being active will help improve your blood sugar, blood pressure, help protect you against heart disease, to name a few. DO IT NOW. Don’t wait. Being active can be fun, and have its own rewards.

Here’s to your good health , through making good choices.