Necessity’s sharp pinch! (King Lear 2.4.231)

As most of you know, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in February (on Valentine’s Day no less!! God has a wicked sense of humor sometimes)



So, for the past 5 months or so, I have had to completely readjust my diet and lifestyle. A huge “pinch,” if you will—but necessary if I want to avoid having to take insulin.


And a host of health problems as well:


                     Retinopathy—which can lead to Blindness


                     Bone and joint issues


                     Kidney failure


                     Heart failure


                     Infections—leading to amputations


                     Oh—and, uh,… DEATH


To name a few….


It’s been a challenge, but I’m trying. Initially I was a very good girl about checking my blood sugars three times a day; but sticking myself with those lancets hurts! Lately I haven’t been as diligent—and I scold myself appropriately. [I do try to remind myself that giving myself insulin shots would be worse….] As a result, I’ve learned that I would suck as an IV drug user…. So there’s a positive, right?


Exercise is recommended, so I’ve been trying to take walks when I can. My sleep issues make me tired most of the time, so this is not always easy for me to accomplish. I’ve tried to at least do a couple of laps around my floor at work—especially since the heat indexes around here have been through the roof this summer. Said heat is also causing the pollen/allergy situation to be a real bitch too. Lots of days with watery eyes and clogged ears. Add to that my bum knee and other aches and pains. And every time I think I might have the money for a gym membership something happens.


[I’m a mess—just take me out back and shoot me.]


On the dietary front, I have been pretty good at watching my carbs. I diligently go for whole grains when I do have a sandwich. And my pasta consumption has been cut by about 80%!! Oh—and this chocoholic must give a couple of shout outs to some folks who are saving my life: Voortman’s for their Fudge Chocolate Chip Sugar-Free cookies, Crystal Light for their zero carb/zero sodium/zero sugar lemonade flavored packets that make my water taste so yummy on a hot day and Trader Joe’s for their low-carb, sugar-free dark chocolate bars…


And their tofu “Cuties” ice cream sandwiches [you really feel like you’re getting ice cream]


I’m learning it is possible to have my treats while still watching my sugar and carb consumption. Cutting out salt/sodium was no biggie because I’d done that years ago. [I find I can’t eat anything that’s too salty now—it tastes weird to me.] And I have done well dining out too. I recently went to dinner with a friend to celebrate our birthdays. I ordered the flounder (stuffed with crabmeat); I had a choice of either fries or rice pilaf with it—and I chose the rice.


I may just beat this sucker gang.