First off... This is just my opinion and how I changed it.
In 1999 and 2000, I was battling chronic rejection of my double lung transplant. Back then we got hit hard and fast with steroids and changed from Cyclosporine to Prograf to help control it. All this caused me to be diagnosed with steroid induced diabetes.
I was put on insulin and began checking my blood sugar 4 times a day. My Primary Care at the time sent me to a three day Diabetes Management class that was extermely informative. First, we discovered that the insulin I was on wasn't what I should be using. I had serious side effects and it was recommended that I make a change to long acting insulin. Once changed, no more side effects. I learned to combine meals for effective control, drink tons of water, exercise even if minimally.
Through all of this, I had lost down to 90 lbs, on oxygen, in a wheelchair after 30 days hospitalized in Pittsburgh for Thymoglobulin. I was fighting to get out of that wheelchair and walk ! I had to walk to stay listed for a second lung transplant. I also had to lift 80% of my body weight with my legs. Once I was able to lift 100 pounds, there was no turning back for me. The Doctor said I could ease off.. Nope. not me. I had room to gain weight and it not afffect me :) This was a bit further down the road.
In all of this came the Diabetes. I felt this was one thing about my health that I could control. Yes, there were times I wanted to scream. Times I wondered if I could eat anything, without causing my blood sugar to rise. My blood sugar was so high at time of diagnosis that my vision was blurred. It had to be controlled quick. I was also so thin, there was no place the needle, no matter how small a gauge did not hurt. I was covered in bruises just from this alone.
As I started testing, I began to see a pattern. Certain foods affected me more than others. I'd already given up sweets. I never truly cared for them much anyway. I only wanted something sweet at rare times.
I was walking very slow.. A turtle could outrun me with ease. After each meal, I began taking a short walk around my apartment building. I had to use a cane because my legs weren't strong enough yet, and my breathing was labored. This one short walk, got my blood moving and my sugar dropping ! Eureka... could this be all there is to it? Bolstered, I began to push for more walking.
I had also given up potatoes, rice, noodles, anything fried and (my nemesis) bread. I became a control freak ! I thought if I can control this, it's my responsibility, that is one less prescription I have to take ! After a few days I felt better physically. After a month I said goodbye to the cane ! And after 10 years of being insulin free with good blood sugar readings, it isn't checked anymore when I go into the hospital. This was major elation for me ! I proved to the medical field that we as recipients do not have to accept that diabetes will happen, but if it should happen we are more than able to control it without medicines.
Now, I can eat what I want, though I combine my meals. If I have this at breakfast, I don't have that at dinner. Life is a series of give and take. And. I. Walk. everyday, twice a day if possible.
That three day Diabetes Management class was the best class I was ever sent to. I learned and now practice so much from it.
Control what you can, give the rest to your Team.. and remember.. Water...Water...Water.. drink it like a fountain !
Once again... This is my experience only. If it helps you, that's great. If not, don't shoot the messenger, please.
Photo from a bracelet I have, and the poem The Dash.
