An Update

Just a reminder:
I've noticed more readers have been getting involved. Any person, either diabetic or a caretaker for a diabetic, or a medical professional, is invited to write a post here.
Simply contact me jwlreebiz@aol.com.

Also, anyone wanting to share general health tips, news, or a story is also welcomed.

My kidney stone post

This is not a paid post.

This is not a diabetic problem, per se, but as many of us have kidney troubles, I guess it fits the general catagory.

From time to time, I get kidney stones. Right now is one of those times. It is annoying as hell, and occasionally painful. All day long, I feel like I have to urinate, but can barely do it.

I started taking kidney and bladder products from Dr Schulze and it seems to be helping so far. Especially if helping means I'm peeing out lots of gravel and who knows what else. It took a couple days, and it is far from over, but at least it's a start. The company has a lot of other products, and they seem to do what he says they do. He uses organic or wild harvested products and I'm satisfied with anything I've ever used. My sister is also a big fan. Dr. Schulze is a proponent of a healthy lifestyle (yeah, like I'm going to start that now) and believes that with proper nutrition, the body can cure itself of almost any disease.

I can say that since embracing a healthier lifestyle, I am off all diabetic meds after being on them for over 20 years, so there may be something to all this.

Just wanted to let everyone know about this company and the options.

In a slightly related matter, a friend of the family was warned by the Mrs. not to use all the artificial sweeteners, etc. The woman tried to get Mrs. to come over to the dark side, and embrace Splenda, and even went so far as to call the company and ask the rep if it was safe. Here's a surprise--the company said it is perfectly safe.

Mrs. refuses to use any of that junk, and rather than drink her coffee sweetened with chemicals, she drinks it with just some naturally sweetened flavored soy milk, or regular cow juice. Yes, we can get used to it. I love sweet stuff, and nothing makes me happier than those flavored coffees that are loaded with sugar. The deli I used to go to had a machine, and I could mix a bit of chocolate, with some French Vanilla. It was heavenly. But, I now drink regular coffee exactly like the Mrs. does. We can retrain our sense of taste.

Long story short, and so I don't get sued, there is no known link, and it is simply a coincidence, but Chemical Lady now has cancer.

Not for nothing, but I'll take real food over chemical enhanced crap any day of the week.

Diabetes and Depression; a follow up

I have suggested before, based upon personal experience and many conversations with other diabetics, that a link exists between these two conditions.

I Googled, and found that very little research has been done concerning this, but here is what I have found: Numerous studies have been conducted, and plenty of anecdotal evidence indicates that sugar causes depression, so it would be pretty logical to presume that one who has excess sugar in the blood system could also suffer from depression related to sugar.

Yes, it's a stretch, and has no basis in scientific data, but my hypothesis is as good as any scientist's.

I also find the connection could be based upon the feelings that high sugar usually elicit: tiredness, crankiness, and generallly unpleasantness.

Anyone know where I can get a major grant to study this?

More helpful foods for diabetics

In addition to dill, and cinnamon, coriander has been found to be helpful in controlling sugar levels.

Now, what does all this tell us?

Nature holds the key to solving the diabetes issue. By eating better, and using some of these additions, it is possible to gain control without meds.

By the way, these are based upon anecdotal evidence. No way should it replace a doctor's advice, nor should anyone stop taking medications without the approval of a doctor. However, some diabetics (especially type 2) have found that incorporating these foods and spices in their diet have proven beneficial. And it has made their food taste better without fat or sugar.

Oatmeal--It's what's for breakfast

I just did a post on my toast site about oatmeal http://thejoyoftoast.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-breakfast-recipe.html

As most diabetics know, this is a great way to start the day. But one of the secrets of nature is that many different herbs and spices are beneficial to diabetics.

Doc Nicole has examined the research and she agrees that cinnamon has proven to help lower blood sugar in us. And it doesn't take a lot. About 1/8 teaspoon sprinkiled on your oatmeal in the morning has shown to be the amount that helps. But please be careful with spices. While they are helpful, it is possible to do damage with too much. Keep in mind, in nature, spices are usually accompanied by other things so they are difficult to take too much, but when we use the spice jar, they are concentrated.

Another spice that has proven useful to diabetics is dill. So, when you have that potato, spice it up a little and you are going to make it taste better and be better for you.

Doctor's appointment

I had one yesterday, and I got a good yelling at. Apparently, it did some good, because today my blood sugar was 106 in the mornng. That's the best it has been in a few weeks.
Yesterday, I did very well food wise, and I have been for the last few days. I plan to continue to do that.
The doctor did say one thing to me that really hit home. It is probably the entire reason my health is so bad.
He said I am stubborn.
Yeah, me, stubborn.

And I gave that a lot of thought since.

Despite all the evidence to the contrary, I do whatever the heck I want to do.
That's stubborn.

I shouldn't have cookies, candy and other sugary stuff. Really, no one should as any more than a very rare treat. I certainly limit my intake, but still have way more than I should. About the only thing I do right is not seek out the crappy alternatives like all those sugar free chemical laden foods.

I eat too much, even though I have been on so many diets.
That's stubborn.
Is food stronger than me? I say to myself that I'm weak, when the truth of the matter is that I am strong, to the point of being, uhhmm, stubborn.
Damn, could the doctor have been right?

For today, I'm working on that. My blogging buddy, Doc Nicole of Kitchen Table Medicine, has a bunch of information on diabetes. I know all about the disease. It's time to deal with it.

Update

My sugar was good this morning. It's at 119, which is ok. I am working on keeping my diet clean, and trying to limit my carbs a bit.

I expect tomorrow to be better.

I've started a little exercise program, but have to do more

Update

My food has been good. I've been eating a really healthy breakfast, then some fruit for lunch and a healthy dinner (Usually)

I have been taking an organic onion, and saute it. Add a cooked potato, then two eggs. I scramble it, and it tastes really good.

It's not a perfect meal for diabetics, but it's not bad. I'm going to take my sugar tomorrow and see what has been happening. It has been a bit high lately (130 or so.)

Quick update

Been struggling with all the Holiday hoopla. But it's over, and I'm back on track.

A sweet update

My sugar has been running a bit high the last week. In the morning it is about 130. I have been a little sloppy, so I'm tightening up, and see what happens.

I've been missing my vitamin doses, and have developed a habit of taking a hot chocolate every night. That stopped today. And I have been having too much fruit late. I'll see what happens in the next couple days. This is too serious to mess around with, but I just seem to push the limits.

Depression and Diabetes

This was brought up a few posts ago. Research has been done concerning sugar and mood. Sugar Blues is a book by William Dufty that was released in 1975, and he concluded that several psychological disorders may be improved, and possibly cured, by removing sugars from the diet.

I have also read of an informal observation in a prison system, and it had been noted that the prison population used much more sugar in coffee and tea than most people. This was not exactly an exhaustive study, but it did indicate something that could use further study. Unfortunately, studies require funding, and as anyone who knows to follow the money, well, no one is going to pay for a study to have people use less of a product. Unless, of course, the company is selling a product that could be used instead. And, since sugar substitutes often produce the same results, don't look for Monsanto to fund anything soon.

Part of the challenge for the diabetic, then, would be to completely remove sugar. One theory that I have heard espoused, is that diabetics may have an unusually strong reaction to sugar, one that is heightened compared to "normal" individuals. That is, they are almost allergic to it, yet crave it much as an alcoholic craves booze. Considering the reaction of an alcoholic to his drug of choice, it may be logical to think diabetics have this same relationship with sugar. And alcohol is sugar based. Hmm.
Just some low carb food for thought.

Interviewed by Doc Nicole

The official doctor of the blog interviewed me. Thought you'd like to read it.

http://www.kitchentablemedicine.com/living-with-diabetes-an-interview-with-joe/

Substitutions

I'm not a big fan of substituting things. I would rather not eat something, than to eat a sugar-free substitute. Crazy, huh?
But, there is a good reason.
Splenda, Nutrasweet, the pink stuff, the blue stuff, it doesn't matter--I can taste it and I don't like it. Diet soda just has an aftertaste that I really find, for lack of a better word, nasty.

But, one good thing is that the substitutes are not particularly healthy anyway. I don't know the specifics, but our body treats substitutes like sugar, even firing the synapses as if it were sugar.

So, where am I going with all this?

General Tso chicken. This is one of my favorite meals, but it is high in fat, carbs, and everything that is unhealthy for anyone, let alone a diabetic, particularly a type 2 who needs to lose some pounds.

What to do when I really, really, really want something? Usually I would limit portion size, but that works with chocolate or treats. I will have a tiny piece of good dark chocolate instead of a bag of milk chocolate. That works. But it just won't work with dinner.

I have found a way to have pizza. No, I can't have regular, but I do get thin crust, which gives me a pizza-like experience. Back to the General.

Fried and breaded and served over rice with a sauce. It looks like I'm going to have to really limit the times I have it.

But when shopping, the Mrs. found General Tso's sauce on the grocery shelf. Hmm.

Ok, so last night, she sauted some chicken breast, mixed in a little of the sauce, and served it over brown rice. It wasn't exactly like my favorite Chinese restaurant makes it, but it was pretty good. Hot and spicy, with a hint of sweetness. And it was healthy. Low fat, and limited carbs.

So now, we have a new dinner that both of us like-- a healthy version of General Tso's chicken. This is going to become a regular meal for us.

How do you substitute to meet your needs as a diabetic?

Diabetic friendly food

I just did a review of these on my other blog. These would be good for a type 2 diabetic, or anyone controlling portions and carbs.

http://thejoyoftoast.blogspot.com/2008/11/muffins-health-food.html

Depression and Diabetes (part 1)

While no significant study has ever been conducted linking diabetes and depression, it has been suggested that such a link exists.
Bear in mind that many diabetics feel guilty for having the disease because, in many cases, particularly with type 2, it is brought on by lifestyle. Again, not always, it is tied to being overweight.
While it is easy to find the reason some people are overweight, it is often complex.

I have yet to meet an overweight person who truly is baffled by his/her weight problem.

Surely some are cursed with a terribly slow metabolism, but even then, most tend to eat way too much. A Big Mac, fries and a soda is not a healthy meal. Have a diet soda instead and it really doesn't change the fat and sodium overload situation. Sure, it's a few hundred calories less, but so nutritionally deficient that it doesn't really matter.
I know fast food is cheap, and damn, it's tasty, but sometimes that doesn't justify it. I've worked hard to get my habit (and that's all it is) down to maybe one fast food meal a week. I'm trying next to get it to once every other week. I'll check back and let you know how it goes. I'll be back with more in a few days as I study the depression/diabetes link.

Getting a Second Chance

Getting A Second Chance

It seems that a lot of people in my family have diabetes. I guess we were lucky or something. On one side of the family every cousin, aunt, and uncle struggle to keep their sugar levels low so they won't have to face the consequences down the road.

Some do better than others.

Others seem to totally ignore the condition, which is hard for me to understand.

I know it is difficult to accept; but, there isn't a cure, so deal with it. I think the most shocking moment for me was when my doctor looked at me and said, "This is what you are going to have to do to combat this disease."

Disease—who said anything about a disease. I just got a little sugar diabetes, nothing to worry about.

Well, that thought lasted all of two minutes and then the cold hard facts set in; this is serious and life threatening.

One of my family members has been given a second chance with this dreaded scourge. I think they got their wakeup call. Diabetes can't be cured but it can be managed quite well if you put your mind to it.

I'm the Diabetic Diva tune in next time when I hope to discuss the successful implementation of an exercise program into my daily regime.

Seems like a new cure every day

Diabetes is such a big business terrible disease, it seems as if a new and expensive improved method of treatment becomes available every day.
Yet, Doc Nicole gave such an inexpensive and simple way to cure and prevent diabetes, it makes one wonder why it is routinely ignored.
Well, to be heartless and cruel, it's all about the Benjamins. Follow the money, my friends, and you will see the, as Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story.
According to the most recent data, the health care sector contributes millions to each party, and ranks 6th among all sectors in political contributions. Of course, the biggest contributor is the finance industry (sort of puts the recent bailout in perspective, doesn't it) but you can be sure the millions in health care dollars are not ignored.
Please don't wait for the government to step inand cure diabetes. It isn't going to happen. Eat right and exercise and you will do more than any health care program. Trust your instincts, and trust Doc Nicole. Don't wait for a miracle, create one.

Advice from Dr. Nicole

The official Naturopathic doctor of this blog is Dr. Nicole. Her site, Kitchen Table Medicine, is a must read for me. You can find a link on the sidebar. One of her articles is about eating to control blood sugar. Doc could easily have put this in a book, thrown in a few anecdotes, maybe a chart or two, along with a few recipes, a picture of a fat guy, and charged us $29.95. But no, she is kindly sharing this information gratis. Look for more from Doc Nicole in the future, as she is planning to put together some recipes, with ingredients proven to control blood sugar, and will help spread the word that better health is right at your kitchen table. Visit her site, and learn how to be healthier.
And the doctor is in:

Welcome to my favorite diet!
Eating your meals with a “Low Glycemic Load” means that you are going to stay fuller longer and thus less likely to go out and binge on a bunch of junk. Staying full is as simple as eating foods with a high protein, fiber, and water content. Keeping yourself feeling satisfied is the most important aspect for success with any weight loss program. Regardless of it you have diabetes or not, you are in the right place when it comes to learning the basics on how to eat correctly to stabilize your blood sugar. Stabilizing your blood sugar translates long term in to weight loss, ridding yourself of that jittery, irritable, faint feeling associated with hypoglycemia, improving energy and mood, as well as providing the foundation for an anti-aging program!

Wow all that from just one diet!

How exciting.

I bet right now you really want to buy whatever I am selling. Well I am not selling anything, except healthy diet and lifestyle.
I am simply here to teach you how to change your eating habits permanently over the long term, and field any questions or concerns that come up as you start this new adventure to a healthier you.
The most exciting thing about this diet, is that I can sum up how to do this diet in one simple sentence:
Every meal you eat should be high in protein and fiber.

Yes, it is that simple.
Memorize that.
Make that your new mantra.

Fiber is your new best friend forever!!!

Lean proteins are your new favorite friends.

The next step is to memorize what high fiber foods are and what foods are healthy sources of protein and to stock your cupboards with all these foods.
Trust me we will get fussy about the numbers later. But you need to get the basics down before you will be ready for anything like.
Most foods high in fiber are either fruits, vegetables, or whole grains. Begin to make best friends with vegetables now as for diabetics and those trying to lose weight they are essentially “free foods”, meaning the calorie count is relatively insignificant, with of course some occasional exceptions.

Here is a list of good lean protein choices: Chicken, fish, white cheese, plain nonfat yogurt, beans, and whole grains.

Now let’s keep in mind that certain proteins high in saturated fat like beef, bacon, and cheddar cheeses are just not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Especially for those of you with diabetes we want to be on the look-out for heart disease and kidney problems. If you are having a hard time giving these up then simply treat them like the garnish for your plate. Instead of a pile of bacon you get just have one little piece.

Over time you will begin to feel so much better on this diet that it will be WORTH it for you to get rid of the offending foods. Remember “nothing tastes as good as being healthy and looking good feels”.

Be sure to drink plenty of water in between your meals. A high fiber diet will naturally require more water. Water will also help keep you feeling full. Sometimes we feel hungry when really we are thirsty.

Now most patients that have Type II diabetes (non-insulin dependent) have it because they already have a very unhealthy relationship with food, if not engage in compulsive eating patterns, and use food as a drug. For my patients having a hard time making these necessary dietary changes, I recommend counseling. Counseling may help treat the underlying problems of anxiety or depression.

While they are trying to make the necessary changes to change their emotional relationship with food, I recommend that they keep chewable fiber tablets on hand so that if all else fails they can at least lower the Glycemic Load of the binge. Now you have to be careful not to get the chewable fiber tablets high in sugar! But sometimes a glass of Metamucil or your favorite fiber supplement can help offset the huge quantity of sugar consumed. Yes this is a quick fix tip, and no it is not addressing the root cause of the problem, it is simply offering a solution to a common problem and trying to approach it realistically while we work towards a permanent solution.
Now that you are eating lean proteins and high fiber foods, the next question is…

“Can I have carbohydrates on this diet?”

Most doctors agree that in most cases a “Slow” carbohydrate diet is better than a “Low” or “No” carbohydrate diet. Personally I am not a fan of the No/Low carbohydrate diet unless it is for specific therapeutic purposes.

“So how do I know if my Carbs are “slow” or not?”

Well that is where the magic of the low glycemic index diet and the numbers assigned to certain foods come in to play. This usually is a bit too complicated for me to just start patients out with right off the bat. I prefer to have my patients on a whole foods diet of lean proteins and fruits and vegetables before playing around with various carbohydrates.

Glycemic Index numbers are determined in a laboratory by measuring how quickly a test panel of humans blood sugars rise after consuming the food. The higher the blood sugar rises, the higher the glycemic index number is as a result. For instance a piece of white bread has a high index number as it will raise your blood sugar rapidly.

Interestingly enough after analyzing the numbers on the Glycemic Index chart one can conclude that not all carbohydrates are created equally. Some will release more rapidly in to the system than others. This might explain why you have a half cup serving of pasta at dinner and your numbers are different than when you have a half cup serving of corn.

The take home message with all of this, is that if you have diabetes…especially type II, it is sincerely in your best interest to get off all the “white” refined foods and stick with the healthier choices of carbohydrates found in fruits and vegetables and whole grains as they are high in fiber as well as packed full of vitamins and minerals which will not only protect your system from long term damages associated with diabetes, but will also keep you younger and feeling more fabulous as part of an anti-aging program.

Switching to this diet can be challenging and require a great deal of support, feel free to leave your questions in the comments of this post!

http://www.kitchentablemedicine.com/diabetes-diet/

The Diva speaks again

My favorite Diabetic Diva

The last time we were together I mentioned that I may or may not talk about exercise in my next discussion on diabetes. I've decided that I wanted you to know about something else.

So, please bear with me as I give you a descriptive reflection on my daily injections.

I'd like to meet the person that said my body was to be used as a human pincushion.

No, I'm not into acupuncture.

I'm not one of the carnival people that like to put needles all over their bodies.

I don't have an tatoos.

I'm one of the lucky people that rely on a needle to give my body insulin to keep me alive. I don't think I worked very hard for this honor. I surely didn't want to be the best in my field. Who wants to stick needles in their bodies? Not once, but four times a day.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. It's a lot better than the alternative, if you know what I mean. But sometimes, you just get tired of doing it.

Depending on the time of day a typical injection can go like this:

Locate syringe for the injection and decide which insulin you will be using. Locate area you will be injecting and cleanse with an alcohol pad. Pull desired amount of air into syringe for injection into insulin bottle. Depress air into insulin bottle and then draw desired amount of insulin into the syringe. Hold needle up to the light and tap the side to release any air pockets. Pinch up the skin and insert needle into your desired locale (stomach, thigh, arm, hip, butt, or anywhere you can reach) scream like mad when you hit a nerve and depress the plunger until all of the insulin has been successfully transferred from the syringe into your body. Withdraw needle and discard properly.

I do this four times a day. I begin my day with a shot to the stomach and end my day with a shot in the ass.

For now, I'm the Diabetic Diva, and kids, don't play with the needles.

What doctors don't tell you

So, you were just diagnosed with diabetes. If you are like most people, you are given a prescription for some pills, and maybe a sheet with a diet on it, and then sent on your merry way.

Now what?

The best thing you can do is find a dietician, or at the very least follow the diet you were given. About the worst thing would be to continue what you had been doing that contributed to your becoming diabetic to begin with and asume the pills would take care of your sugar problem.

What the doctors do not stress enough is that the pills, whether they are Metformin, glucophage or any of the various medications, are only a supplement to diet and exercise.