Sam50
Well-Known Member
I think most people would agree that finding out that you (or a close relative) is diabetic is a steep learning curve. At times it can feel vertical. There is a huge amount of information to process and changes cannot be implemented overnight.
In the past 6 weeks since Hubby was diagnosed our knowledge of Diabetes has increased exponentially. I used to think that it was either something that you were born with and had to inject insulin.....or you developed it from eating too much sugar and becoming overweight.
Which is a horribly simplistic and inaccurate way of thinking !
I know differently now.
We have learnt that sugar hides in many guises, under many names and in foods that you wouldn't think had sugar in them.
That not all calories and not all carbs are created equal.
That you cannot reduce the carbs and increase the protein without managing portion size.
That it is essential to monitor your levels.
That stress and lack of sleep elevate cortisol which elevates BG.
That elevated BG can take a couple of days to come back down if reacting to a stressful event.
That losing weight and lowering blood sugar may not have quite such a symbiotic relationship in every body.
That everybody's body is different.
That you should be skeptical of 'professional' advice.
That you really need the help and support of forums like these where you can get advice from people who have 'lived the condition'.
That small steps lead to bigger changes. This past week I have succeeded in getting Hubby to ditch the sweeteners (hooray !) drop the diet lemonade and walk every day for 30 mins. We run a business from home so there is always post, instead of walking 5 mins down the hill to take letters he know walks the other way to a further post box. It's a start.
He is now seeing his post meal readings come in at 8.5 from 21.2 at diagnosis 6 weeks ago
Feeling positive and he's hoping to surprise the nurse in October when he has his next HbA1C.
Apologies for the long waffle !
In the past 6 weeks since Hubby was diagnosed our knowledge of Diabetes has increased exponentially. I used to think that it was either something that you were born with and had to inject insulin.....or you developed it from eating too much sugar and becoming overweight.
Which is a horribly simplistic and inaccurate way of thinking !
I know differently now.
We have learnt that sugar hides in many guises, under many names and in foods that you wouldn't think had sugar in them.
That not all calories and not all carbs are created equal.
That you cannot reduce the carbs and increase the protein without managing portion size.
That it is essential to monitor your levels.
That stress and lack of sleep elevate cortisol which elevates BG.
That elevated BG can take a couple of days to come back down if reacting to a stressful event.
That losing weight and lowering blood sugar may not have quite such a symbiotic relationship in every body.
That everybody's body is different.
That you should be skeptical of 'professional' advice.
That you really need the help and support of forums like these where you can get advice from people who have 'lived the condition'.
That small steps lead to bigger changes. This past week I have succeeded in getting Hubby to ditch the sweeteners (hooray !) drop the diet lemonade and walk every day for 30 mins. We run a business from home so there is always post, instead of walking 5 mins down the hill to take letters he know walks the other way to a further post box. It's a start.
He is now seeing his post meal readings come in at 8.5 from 21.2 at diagnosis 6 weeks ago
Feeling positive and he's hoping to surprise the nurse in October when he has his next HbA1C.Apologies for the long waffle !
