Type 2 Diabetes - An Imperfect Disease

"What are my options? I don't have any, so I have to work 

with what I have, with what they are going to give me, 

and then I have to help myself. 

~ Tony Flores, DiabetesHealth.com

Diabetes is an imperfect disease that imperfect people imperfectly try to manage.  The following link takes you to Tony's story from DiabetesHealth.com.  Tony gives a realistic view of what it is like to live with diabetes.  What I love about Tony's story is his realistic reminder that people living with diabetes will have rough, imperfect moments but they can get back on track with a positive attitude and a change in diet, exercise, weight loss, and (when needed) medication.  Tony also reminds health care providers of the importance of explaining to patients in simple frank terms the complications that can occur when diabetes is not under good control instead of repeatedly asking patients to take medications and make lifestyle changes without explanations. Lastly, Tony reminds health care providers that encouragement in small changes toward management of blood sugar control carry a lot of weight in helping patients continue to improve their health.  I only know you through your story Tony but thanks for sharing a part of your life as you seek to live perfectly with such an imperfect disease!

http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2011/03/15/7087/type-2-profile-tony-flores/#commentpost

"People have to be explained about diabetes. There's got to be someone who will tell you what's going to happen if you don't do what you're supposed to do. They can't just tell you, ‘Okay, this is the medicine. Take it and you'll be okay.' No. You have to let them know that there is something else behind it, that they're going to die if they don't change. A lot of people that I know, they tell me, ‘Oh Tony, I don't know how you manage. I've been trying hard, and I'm still at 300." Meanwhile, they're drinking soda. They are still just playing with the idea. Diabetes doesn't make you feel anything. There's no pain until they tell you, ‘Okay, that's it, you are done, the game's over.' You don't want that. You have to let people know in advance, ‘This is what's going to happen, and when it is happening, it will be too late: We're not going to be able to help you."  ~ Tony Flores

Meal Planning To Right Or Create Your Plate

Healthy eating is an essential treatment for blood sugar control.  Contrary to popular belief, there is no diabetic diet.  People with diabetes are encouraged to eat healthy meals with a combination of foods from all food groups.  Many meal plans are available to assist people with diabetes to plan healthy meals.  Do you find carbohydrate counting to difficult?  Are you unsure of how to stick to a healthy meal plan when eating out and away from home?  One of the most simple ways to stick to a healthy meal is to use the plate method to "right" or "create" your plate.  The following video from the American Diabetes Association demonstrates an easy way to structure your foods on your plate so that you can enjoy a healthy, nutritious meal without worrying about counting carbs, remembering the glycemic index of foods, or remembering service sizes for food exchanges. 

For more information on meal planning visit http://visionsofcontrol.com/HealthyMealPlanning.aspx