I have come to know quite a few people who are diabetic or pre-diabetic. Of course I knew what diabetes was, but it only happened to people like Wilford Brimley (the actor on the testing supplies commercial) - old and overweight. I also knew there were people with juvenile diabetes like Stacey from the Babysitters Club books I read growing up (and still read sometimes if I am being honest). The people that I know, however, do not fit into either of these categories. They are neither fluffy actors nor teenage babysitters. They are hardworking, normal, and most importantly they are people I love battling a scary and life-threatening disease.
So since finding out that my mom was just diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I decided to learn more. Afterall, people say we are practically the same person. Was it just a matter of time before I became diabetic too? First let's start with what I already know:
1) Your pancreas does not make enough insulin to counterbalance the foods you eat.
2) You must take insulin injections at least once a day.
3) You may not eat sweets.
4) You will have to live with this condition your entire life.
Now, I think author Ann M Martin was probably trying to education young children on juvenile diabetes, and she did a wonderful job, but when it comes to Type 2 diabetes these rules don't apply. My mom will not have this disease her entire life if she can control it with diet and exercise. She does not take pills or injections. And now to the biggest and most devastating myth...it's not just sweets that are bad. Carbs are the enemy? *gasp* A life without bread does not sound like a life I would like to be living. And it ain't just bread. Fruit, vegetable, and dairy all have carbs. Gum has carbs! Cough medicine has carbs! Nooooooooo!
Enough drama. Back to my point. In order to control T2D, one must reduce carbs and exercise. So I am trying it too. I don't want my mom to be in this alone. So this is the beginning of our journey. What to eat, where to shop, how to survive without potatoes and breadsticks. Stay tuned!
