Diabetes Treatments (Whole Body)

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Let me begin by saying, I am NOT a doctor! This is not official advise. However I am a diabetic. Here are some tips I have learned as a sufferer of diabetes. In order to treat this disease, the whole body needs to be taken into consideration. PHYSICALLY: We must take preventative approach. Eating right is important, but to some degree, eating right is relative. Not everyone is affected the same way by all foods. For instance, my brother (also a diabetic) is more negatively affected by sweets. My dad is more negatively affected by pasta, and I am more negatively affected by potatoes. There are some diabetics who have to completely avoid fruit. The only fruit that has ever run my glucose levels up is bananas, and that is only if I eat more than two in a day (which isn't often because it is not my favorite fruit). One of my students was a type 1 diabetic and he could eat candy in moderation, but carbs would run his levels sky high. We don't like hearing this, but exercise is a must. Exercise not only lowers levels, but increases oxygen flow which is quite important for diabetics. MEDICALLY: We are bombarded with television ads for medicine for diabetes. It is imperative that we know our bodies. Because the side affects of these meds are, sometimes, serious; we need to make sure we are transparent with our doctors and that we do not leave their offices with a single unanswered question. My levels did not come under control until about 3 years ago when I saw a new endocrinologist. She put me on a new shot called Trulicity. It was like a miracle for me. This shot does not work for all. Fortunately, this new doctor does not put all her patients in a cookie cutter mold. She treats us as individuals. EMOTIONALLY: Did you know that your emotions have a direct result on your glucose levels? They do, and sometimes, it is worse than the physical effects. Emotional turmoil will cause sugar levels to surge. We can not control our emotions all the time, but when possible, we need to avoid stressful situations. And for those who have loved ones who are diabetic, try to understand what is going on inside of them instead of getting defensive or impatient with them.