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!
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1) I don’t have diabetes, but a few members of my family have it..
2) Watching my mom counting out her foods was hard enough to see.
Hi Cathy, I’m catching up on Two Questions.
Great topic, it is a serious problem. I am not a diabetic but my father and grandmother both were so I am very familiar with it.
I try to stay healthy and control my weight to avoid diabetes since it does run in my family.
@IcyBC…thanks for sharing your experiences with diabetes while pregnant. Thank the Lord, it went away after baby was born. I know that had to be a concern for you. Ooo, I bet the finger sticking was not only painful, but aggrevating too boot. God bless!
1) I have gestational diabetes while carried my youngest child, and after birth, it disappeared..Thanks God! 2) The hardest part for me was poking my ten fingers three times a day, and controlling my eating portion..I’m so thrilled to see you tie the questions to important issues..Great ideas..
@Ewa…thank you for stopping by. I’m glad you don’t know anyone with diabetes. It’s a terrible disease which gets pretty complicated if the patient isn’t careful with his/her health. Oh, thank you for the well wishes for the success of my book. =D God bless!
I don’t have diabetes, and I don’t really know anyone who has,
thanks for stopping by my blog and my facebook page:)
good luck with your book!!!
@Self Sagacity…yes, I know there are often times other medical complications which accompany diabetes. It’s a scary disease to have. Perhaps an ounce of prevention now will save those of us who do not have type II diabetes these worries.
@Lui.Heaven…wow, your mama lived a to be a nice age at any rate. I’m sorry for your loss, though. It sounds like you’re doing the right things. I believe the key is keeping your weight under control, but activity and diet are boosters to your success.
Thanks for stopping by ladies!
And my As:
No. But I’m not sure. My late Mama had diabetes and the doctor said she will be on insulin for years but it took only a month for her to take shots. She lived insulin free for 14 years but at 73yo she had a stroke and died the following year. My cousin doctor told us to keep watch because it runs in our family. I affirm I don’t have it. And of course I try to eat right, exercise and pray!
My brother has a bad case of diabetes. It isn’t good, there are other medical problems that contribute to his illness, so I am not sure which is worst.
He develop it later in life. Our family s prone to having diabetes. Thanks for linking up today.