Managing Diabetes Sensibly

Amy sat across from my desk, her eyes brimming with tears. One of our doctors had just diagnosed her with Type 2 diabetes and she needed to change her dietary habits. That’s where I came in.

Type 2 Diabetes is a debilitating but manageable illness which is becoming more prevalent in today’s culture.

My new patient had recently come from her father’s hospital bedside. He had lost a limb to diabetes, and she was frightened she’d suffer the same fate.

Apparently, she had argued with her father for years to take better care of himself, but to no avail. He refused to recognize that his unhealthy lifestyle was affecting his daughter’s mental health, along with destroying his own body. He failed to realize that if one family member struggles, all are affected.

He continued to eat chemically processed, fattening foods, too many sugary items and never exercised.  Now Amy had received the same diagnosis; Type 2 Diabetes, and she was scared but ready to fight for her health.

What makes someone fight for wellness while others apathetically accept their fate? It begins with a determined mindset!

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Believe that vibrant health is worth fighting for!  Treasure what God has given you. Diabetes needn’t be a death sentence if you are willing to change.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, take control. Lose and maintain a sensible weight. Changing habits is the first challenge and that is something you must desire more than sweets and fast food.

Never act like a victim and ask, “why me?”  I’ve had patients who actually stated that diabetes was the best thing that had ever happened to them because it was a wake-up call!  Many of my patients controlled their disease with diet, and exercise and felt fantastic for the first time in decades! They only wished they had done it sooner.

The Key is Education and Small Steps:

1. Increase fiber to 25-35 grams daily (4-9 tsp.) Fiber allows insulin to enter more slowly into the bloodstream. There are two types of fiber and we need both.

Soluble fiber becomes a gel in our system, moving dangerous LDL cholesterol out while lowering blood sugar. (It’s like Liquid Plummer.)  A shortlist includes beans and sweet potatoes. Brussel sprouts, applesauce, avocado, pears, chia seeds, broccoli.

Insoluble fiber is like Rotor Rooter, remaining intact as it clears our intestines (corn, potato skins, beets, apple skins) It pushes out toxins so valuable nutrients can be absorbed through the digestive tract.

Choose a variety of fibers including whole grains, (oats, quinoa, long grain rice) fruits, (apples, pears, prunes), and vegetables, (peas, legumes, beans, bananas, and sweet potatoes.)

2. Get into a Daily Routine because this stabilizes blood sugar. Ensure that you eat around the same times each day and exercise at regular intervals. This keeps your blood sugar levels steady and reduces stress on your vital organs.

3. Create a sensible pathway to de-stress. When our bodies are stressed, it not only raises our insulin levels but also creates a hazardous acidic pH level, making us hungrier and more prone to illness.

Create a strategy to de-stress: get fresh air, listen to music, take soothing baths, schedule a massage, or simply sit and read on your back patio.

4. Exercise routinely! Diabetics run the risk of circulatory problems and nerve damage. But don’t overdo exercise. That would add stress! Find an exercise routine you enjoy and keep doing it! Try walking, biking, swimming, dancing, gardening, and jogging.

5. Greatly reduce or eliminate artificial sweeteners. They’re addictive! They also tend to calcify the kidneys. In addition, the body cannot metabolize them, so these chemicals remain in your liver, building up toxins.

Most importantly, artificial sweeteners increase insulin levels because your body is tricked into expecting more food! Stevia has an alkaline pH and is a good substitute. My patients consumed small amounts of regular sugar while giving up the simple sugars in donuts, cakes, pies, and candy.

6. Drink lots of pure water – at least 8 glasses – it washes away toxins!

Yes, diabetes is a tough disease to manage, but remember you’re worth the effort! You have Strengths you might not recognize yet. Our Lord Sustains!

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