Fight diabetes in 2009!

[Omaha Steve]

This was sent to Nebraskans, but it does mention US Congress, so I posted it here.

The 2009 Nebraska Legislative Session kicks off this week, so over the next six months, I hope you’ll join me in our efforts to change the future of diabetes.

It’s vital that we make sure that members of the Nebraska State Legislature and Congress understand that diabetes is deadly and that more needs to be done to change the future for people with this disease. This year, ADA will continue its efforts at the state level to ensure access to quality and affordable health care for people with diabetes in Nebraska, and to promote better health in our schools and in our communities. Check your email regularly for our Action Alerts so that you can take action on behalf of people with diabetes.

Every voice counts when letting our elected officials know what issues are important to people with diabetes in our state. We look forward to working with you to help change the future of diabetes. Thank you for all you do as a Diabetes Advocate!


Sincerely,

Veronica DeLaGarza
Advocacy Director - South Central Region
American Diabetes Association

[roody]

1. I was expecting some dietary and lifestyle recommendations.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Tips to keep you from getting diabetes

Since the article didn't say, I will.

1. Know your risk factors. Were your parents diabetic/hypoglycemic? Grandparents? If so, you may be at risk for developing diabetes. (I am--my father died from complications from diabetes and my mother is hypoglycemic.)

2. Ask a doctor to prescribe a diet for you. It doesn't have to be to lose weight, but rather should be to maintain health. It should be individualized, based upon your health history, your family's health history, and any conditions you may have. It should be a diet you can stay on the rest of your life. (I am on a low carbohydrate and low glycemic diet, based upon the factors described)

3. Take supplementation to boost your pancreas. My doctor has recommended chrome for me--chrome regulates blood sugar, and can stop cravings. There are other supplements that can be recommended as well--this is the one that I use.

4. Exercise. This helps with circulation and metabolism in general.

5. Have regular check-ups and take any prescription medicines the doctor suggests. (Yes, I know that can be expensive, but look for either a free clinic, a screening clinic for diabetes, or a non-profit health organization that will work with you on payments.)

My father died at age 62, mainly because he didn't take care of himself. My doctor says that since I am very strict with myself with diet, exercise, and supplementation, she doubts that I will ever get diabetes.

[boobooday]

3. Speaking as a Type 1 diabetic of 30 years duration

I'm editing this to reflect the realization that mine was a very personal reaction to your post based on a cavalcade of shit from my own personal repertoire of doodoo.

:hug:

[Mamacrat]

4. Diet for diabetes.

Since you posted suggestions and another poster mentioned thinking they'd find advice I'll ask a question which does affect my medical condition as being pre-diabetic, but is not solely a medical question as it can extend to anyone trying to lose weight.

How to you get enough protein in your diet while still being able to lose weight? Especially at breakfast. Cottage cheese has been my best bet for breakfast.

I am supposed to lose weight and hopefully will no longer even be insulin resistant if I do. My condition started with gestational diabetes. I've lost 27 pounds the last time I checked. I've been taking Glucophage for a month now, too. I never had this problem before, in fact, I was often called "too thin," although I was within my appropriate weight range. It's just new territory.