My Diabetes

People are always coming up to me and saying things like, "Boy, you are getting too skinny"! or "Michael Brown, you are just wasting away! What's your secret"? Well, I don't really feel skinny but compared to the 275 pounds that I once weighted, I am considerable thinner. What's my secret? Well, diabetes is a powerful motivator. After I was diagnosed with the condition, I attended a nutrition class at a local hospital. The dietitian advised counting my carbs as a way to manage my blood sugar. By doing that I have managed to lose 50-60 pounds over the last few years. It is still difficult and I don't always do it well. I still have problems keeping my blood sugar at appropriate levels. Why? I love carbs. Keep your sweets. Give me a loaf of French bread and a tub of butter along with a big plate of fettuccine Alfredo. Counting carbs is not the answer to everything but it has worked for me. The only thing that makes me unsuccessful is my own personal weakness. Read the labels before you eat the food. When I came in to work today, our company food service vendor had given everyone a package containing two strawberry Pop Tarts. These Pop Tarts called my name with their siren song as I drank my coffee. I then picked up the package and read the carb count. These two tempting pop tarts contained 73 carbs! Now, according to my nutritionist, to maintain my appropriate blood sugar levels, I should never eat more than 195 carbs per day. These two little pop tarts would have exceeded more than 1/3 of my daily carb allowance. As I was typing these thoughts a lady from the food vendor delivered some strawberry shortcake with whipped cream to my desk. It's a conspiracy! I can't find the carb count for this dessert. It must be so high it won't fit on the label! We all need to think a little more about our food choices. The need and desire to eat is powerful. We all love a good meal. I'm right there with you but 50+ years of poor choices finally caught up with me.