Seven Critical Mistakes and How to Avoid Them if You Have Diabetes Like so many of you, I've learned many lessons the hard way. That was the case with James, my first husband who had diabetes for 10 years when I met him. I didn't know much about diabetes back then and it was not even on my radar screen to talk to him about it. Because James took insulin I assumed he knew about diabetes. Tragically, I was wrong. Over the next few years the devastating complications associated with diabetes emerged: blindness, nerve damage, kidney failure and ultimately, death. Fortunately for you, there is … [Read more...]
Return of the Dietitian’s Husband!
Welcome to the "Return of the Dietitian's Husband" (or, The Horror of the Holiday Bulge)! This article was written by Bob, my husband and guest blogger. Here is his first article, in case you missed it, "The Agony of the Diabetes Dietitian’s Husband". There it was, approximately ten pounds of malicious metal and glass. The creature stared at me, daring me, mocking me. Its bulbous eye both inviting and foreboding. "Go ahead, try me" it seemed to say. "You think I'm afraid?" I said aloud. "You think I won't do it?" Silence was the response. "I'll show you. You have no power over me!" I … [Read more...]
Knowing the Symptoms of Diabetes can Save a Life
I found out at a recent Diabetes Educators conference that children have died because their symptoms were not recognized as diabetes, they were not diagnosed and treated, and they died. Knowing the symptoms of diabetes can save a life. I was shocked to hear this because I thought Type 1 Diabetes was always diagnosed since the symptoms are so severe. My first husband lost 30 pounds in a month, had excessive thirst and urination. He knew something was drastically wrong and went to the doctor and started insulin that day. I know Type 2 Diabetes develops slowly, often without noticeable … [Read more...]
Prediabetes-What to do
If you have prediabetes........ ACT NOW! DO SOMETHING! PAY ATTENTION! If you have prediabetes, there are actions you can take today to stave off diabetes. While change is not easy, it's worth it and now is the time. The fact is, you have the opportunity now to delay or prevent diabetes. After you get diabetes, it doesn't go away. There is no cure. It will be more work and more expensive if you get diabetes. That's why I'm imploring you to take action now. Here are 2 very common phrases I hear about prediabetes: "I just have prediabetes. I've had it a while" (No big deal. It's not … [Read more...]
The one number to know to prevent diabetic complications
If you want to be sure you are at low risk of diabetic complications-things like heart attack and stroke, nerve damage in your feet, kidney and eye problems, you should know this one little number: your A1C The A1C, sometimes called Hemoglobin A1C, is a lab test that is usually done every 3-6 months. It reflects short-term glucose control and long-term risk of chronic diabetic complications. I like to think of it this way (makes it easy to understand)..... Your hemoglobin molecule is part of your blood and lives for 2-3 months. During that time sugar in your blood (glucose) attaches … [Read more...]
