Aug 09
20
Taking care of thyself with Diabetes
Here are two stories of two women who are living with Diabetes, still doing what they want to do in life with Diabetes, conquering Diabetes, and truly taking care of themselves with Diabetes. It all depends how you feel of how worthy you think your life is to take care of yourself with Diabetes. A Diabetic needs to follow the protocols so to speak and do the necessary functions to take care of their body that has encompassed, took on, came down with, and has been diagnosed with a naughty, harsh, and bad disease called Diabetes.
So here I have below are the two stories of these two courageous, confident, powerful, and willing women. (The names I’ve used are not the real names of the people)
Mare, a 25 year old with Type 1 Diabetes wanted children. Mare’s doctor told her that before she became pregnant, her blood glucose should be close to “normal” and that her kidneys, eyes, and blood pressure should be checked. Therefore, Mare began to watch her Diabetes very intently. Mare checked her blood glucose 4 times a day, ate healthy meals and snacks, and walked a lot. Once Mare became pregnant, she spent a lot of time taking care of her Diabetes. As such, her hard work paid off and nine months later she gave birth to a healthy alien monster with gorging…oops just kidding, went off on a tangent there for a second… but seriously, gave birth to a healthy human Homo Sapien baby.
Ruda, a 55 year old who teaches at a junior high school on an American Indian reservation in New Mexico has had Type 2 Diabetes for almost 10 years. When she first found out that she had Type 2 Diabetes, she didn’t eat healthy, weighed too much, and didn’t get much exercise. After talking it over with her doctor, she began an exercise regimen/program. It took a while but eventually she lost weight and her blood glucose began to decrease as it became more regular/leveled. Overall, Ruda feels better and now even teaches an exercise class in her spare time.
Living with Diabetes-Blood Glucose, Heart Disease, Blood Pressure, and Cholesterol (by American Diabetes Association)
Keeping your ABCs in check can also help you lower your risk for heart disease and stoke. The ABCs are an easy way to remember some of the most important health issues related to diabetes. As a man with diabetes, it’s important to stay informed about related health complications, take a look at the ABCs, and speak with your healthcare provider to see if these issues are affecting you.
A is for A1C
Your A1C reflects your average blood glucose level for the two to three month period before the test. Your healthcare provider uses it to determine how well you are managing your blood sugar. A goal of less than 7 percent is desirable, which corresponds to an average blood glucose level of 150 mg/dL.
B is blood pressure
Men with diabetes should aim for a blood pressure level below 130/80 mm Hg. You should monitor blood pressure at each routine diabetes visit.
C is for cholesterol (lipids)
A complete cholesterol test, referred to as a lipid panel or lipid profile, includes the measurement of four types of fats (lipids) in your blood, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides. LDL is sometimes called the “bad”cholesterol. Too much of it in your blood causes the accumulation of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow. HDL is sometimes called the “good”cholesterol because it helps carry away LDL cholesterol, thus keeping arteries open and blood flowing more freely. Total cholesterol is the sum of your blood’s cholesterol content. Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn’t need to use right away into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells and released later for energy.