The world of carbohydrates, that is.
Yup. I see my life taking a whole new turn.
I have a doctor appointment tomorrow (Tuesday at 1 PM ). For a complete physical. I haven't had one in years. The closest I've gotten to a complete physical is seeing the OB-GYN and he'd order different kinds of tests.
When I went to the doctor the first time for my bronchitis, she said I needed to have a physical and a complete blood work-up. So I went to Quest Diagnostics and they drew 4 tubes of blood and I also left them a urine sample. They're testing my blood for diabetes (I know I have it... I just need to have it confirmed), my A1C, cholesterol, thyroid and also testing for anemia.
I was tested about 6 years ago and my blood glucose level was 125. They used to say that 70 to 120 is normal, 121 to 160 was high blood sugar and anything over that was considered diabetes. Well, they have since lowered those numbers. Now anything under 100 is normal, 101 to 125 is high blood sugar and 126 and above is considered diabetes. I was able to keep my levels down to the low 100s (102, 110) with diet and exercise, but in the past 4 years, I haven't done so well.
I've been keeping track of my numbers with a glucose monitor and slowly, over the past few years, the numbers have inched up. It seems that in the past few months, they're really taken a jump. I've been hovering between 160 and 200 lately. I'm realizing if I eat any decent amount of carbs, my sugar levels will soar.
So, tomorrow, I think Dr. Z will be reading me the riot act. I've already said goodbye to sugar a long time ago, but I've been known to sneak a candybar or some ice cream. I think I need to say goodbye to that as well. But I'm a carb addict! I love bread and pretzels and tortilla chips and mashed potatoes and corn! Did I mention that I love bread? I'd rather eat bread and rolls than almost any other kind of food in the world. Do I get points for not eating white bread any more? No! Goodbye to pasta, cake, pies, cookies. No more pizza or croutons or hoagies (this hurts me DEEPLY) and steak sandwiches on those lovely Italian rolls.
I have to start reading labels and making sure my carb intake is low. I'm hoping if I need to take medication, it will be pills and not insulin injections. John is an insulin diabetic. He needs to use an injector to get his insulin, He absolutely cannot jab himself with the needles. His hands have been shaky and have gotten shakier since his chemo, so it's even more difficult for him to do it. There may come a time when I'll have to give him his injections. The thought of that makes me want to throw up!
I knew this day would come. My sister and my brother are both diabetic. My grandmother lost a leg and her life to diabetes back in 1942. My mother most likely had it but was never diagnosed.
The good news is, this might make me lose some weight!
I'm just glad I'm not a pastry chef. That just might kill me.
Oh damn! Now I'll have to shave my legs!
14 comments:
Joanie, I'm sorry to hear about your medical woes, BUT there's plenty of yummy foods out there! My aunt is diabetic and about a year ago I sent her a huge care package of no sugar treats. I was amazed at what was being made and even tried and loved some of the candies. Now with Splenda and the like, they're making plenty more diabetic/diet friendly "junk foods".
Garret
you'll still be beautiful no matter what :)
sorry to hear your having some health issues...you know a freind of mine is unable to have any yeast, wheat, sugar, but there are so many substitutes...I've started using Agava juice and cactus juice instead of sugar, purely because it tastes better, is healthy, has hardly any calories and can't rot the kids teeth....you can cook with it and everyhting, it means i can make my friend cakes and stuff when she comes....I would recommend it!
It'll be a lifestyle change, but for the better. Good luck.
Ok, you're inspiring me to take charge of my diabetes. I just started taking metformin again, but I really need to pay attention to my diet and get out my glucose monitor again. We can do it together!
@Garret, I discovered sugar free sweets a long time ago! And I also learned what happens if you eat too many! LOL Splenda is my very good friend, although I don't use any sweetener in my coffee or my tea.
@Braja, oh you always know just the right thing to say!
@Sally, sugar isn't my problem, carbs are. I use Splenda when I need to sweeten anythng and now you can cook and bake with it. I'd have to check the carbs in those juices before I'd use them.
@Lisa, thanks! yes, a lifestyle change for sure. I need to keep in mind what will happen if I don't start taking care of myself. I kind of like my legs and my eyesight.
@Amy, oh boy! Are we a lot alike or what! I'm glad to see you're taking better care of yourself too. We can support each other! John takes metformin as well as glimipiride. This is in addition to humulin (insulin)twice a day.
Have you looked at Heather's site Bacon is My Lover? She is on a low carb diet and she has some great tips for living on low carb.
This means you are not allowed to yell at me if I become the sugar police again!!!
I know you can do it!! It will be hard but I bet that after a short while you wont even crave them. You will find other, yummy alternatives.
Good luck, Joanie!
@Kat, I'll check it out! Thanks.
@Gina, yes, ma'am.
@Candy, I will ALWAYS crave treats and snacks, especially the kinds that aren't so good for you.
It would be incredibly hard for me, too, but you will do what you have to do for your health. I think you'll be able to search out acceptable substitutes for the things you love, but I would totally have to grieve over my carbs for a while.
Hope all goes well and you start feeling better soon!
I just read all of the things you did to your hubby....I laughed my ass off. Way to go girl!
My sister is on some diet. The thing about it is that it allows no sugar or bread.
The weird thing is that she says she is NEVER hungry. She has to MAKE herself eat. It's that weird gnc (or some three letters that mean some hormone) For 2 weeks she had to take these injections.
Total weird. It is supposed to be especially good at belly fat which is MY problem. I'm thinking of doing it.
Char, find out what diet it is. South Beach perhaps?
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