Diabetic Recipes
Idaho Studios
I often wonder what the "best" age is to be diagnosed with diabetes. (I'm not saying there is a "best" but I wonder when it's "easiest" persay.)
I was diagnosed when I was four. I don't remember being sick or the initial diagnosis. I don't even remember "pre-diabetes" life where I was a "normal" kid who didn't take shots or get low on the playground. I simply remember having it. I remember always being aware that I was different. I remember sugar free chocolate and how horrible it tasted. I remember trying things out like "pain free" meters or insulin pens. I still remember my first Intensive Management class (yes, I'm old enough to have lived many years in the non intensive way with three set shots and no adjusting fast acting insulin).
For some, they are diagnosed later in life. My friend was diagnosed at fifteen, another at twenty-one, my dad at sixty. And I wonder (I've never approached the topic with another diabetic for fear of arguments) who has it better? They got to live fourteen, twenty, fifty-nine years without diabetes. They know the life without shots, pumps or finger tests. But does that make it harder? Do they then crave the old life more? They've saved those years on their heart, their kidneys, their eyes, basically their lives! All those years have to help in cutting down the risk of complications. Is the acceptance harder though? Does it take longer to learn everything you must know?
I really can't say that one is better than the other. The grass is always greener on the other side. I suppose that both have their pros and both have their cons. One thing I do know: I'm thankful for all the stories we have.
I was diagnosed at 30. It was hard, but being a Biology/Chemistry teacher did make it a little easier. I do remember being able to eat without thinking about the carbs and their effect on my BS and mood. Being a diabetic has forced me to be a better eater and make healthier choices. I want to see both my children (5& 11) grow up and have their own families.
Being diabetic definitely forces us to be better eaters if we want good control. I tell myself all the time that it's a bonus to the disease. And it's a good way to pass good food choices to your kids!
I was diagnosed at 23 or was that 24. I'm 28 now so I've stopped counting. If I stop and think about how it "used to be" I cry. But I don't stop. I go threw "good" phases where I count everything and I'm really good w/ my pump and exercise. Then there are days when I don't feel like exercise and I eat and don't care. I don't have kids - so I'm not passing any good choices yet. But, as a typical woman, at a size 8/10 I'm constantly trying to find a way to loose weight. I'm not obese by any stretch of the imagination. But at 150# I'm constantly trying to loose weight. The quality of food I eat is VERY healthy. Whole grains, a deck of cards for meat, lots of veggies and nothing refined. And I rarely eat out. It's just the quantity. And just to stop anyone from reminding me, Yes, I've been to a dietitian, and yes, I know about portion sizes. I'm just HUNGRY. So, should I take the miracle pill diet supplement that those fashion magazines advertise, or should I try to find some sort of motivation to keep me on track...exercise, portion size, and all? Any ideas.
I think we all struggle with managing weight/diets with diabetes. I know what you mean about just being hungry. Sometimes you just want to eat a little more! I think the best motivation for us diabetics should be the better food choices we make, the longer we live and the less likely we'll develop complications. That's my motivation at least. But you have to find your own in the things that are important to you! Best of luck with that!