November is the National Diabetes Awareness month. You can read American Diabetes Month to learn ways to promote and educate others of the seriousness of this disease. Frankly, the thought of diabetes terrifies me. I remember as a kid thinking this was a disease of ‘old people’, but let’s face it, that’s not the case. With the alarming rate of obesity in our country, type II diabetes has gotten to be a near pandemic (okay, I’m stretching the facts a bit, but 23.6 million Americans have type II diabetes) amongst young and old people alike. This disease neither prejudice or discriminates. It hits anyone regardless age, sex, or race.
My Thursday Two Questions:
- Do you have diabetes, if so were you born with it or did you develop it later in life?
- What’s the most difficult thing you think is or is about being diabetic?
Fortunately, I am not diabetic. However, a number of people in my family have developed type II diabetes. My closest relative is my mother, which has caused me to pay close attention to my body. How does one figure out when that gene floating inside your body will get turned on? Will it kick in with as little as 10, 15, or 20 extra pounds of weight? Getting older means your metabolism naturally slows down, but as we grow older, we can keep our metabolism revved by being physically active and watching our diet. We don’t metabolize carbs very well as we mature, unfortunately. Keep your weight on mark regardless your age.
I believe the hardest part for me if I were diabetic, would be the restriction in what I can eat. I’ve followed the Atkins diet for the past 3-4 months, which has brought into full focus how high the carbs are in some foods and how little healthy fiber I was getting. I like the idea of being able to eat like I did when I was a kid – no fear of putting anything into my mouth. Before a bite of food crosses my lips, I question, do I really want this? If the answer is yes, I can do without it then I find a healthier alternative to what I was craving and if not, then I moderate my temptation closely. We have the power to be in control of the food we eat, don’t allow emotion to use food to rule you. We know how easy it is to fall into that pit, don’t we?
Today, make a point to share with someone else that this is National Diabetes Awareness month. Let’s stop this madness, one person at a time.
For tips on what to eat as a diabetic click here.
Now, leave your answers in the comments and please visit the Blessings Reflections host of Thursday Two Questions. Thank-you!