Nutrition Effects on Diabetes

In the past few months, our female cat just about 20 years old, has been “missing” the litter box. Now, if any of you are cat owners, you know that the last thing you want in your home is cat urine on the carpets! Keeping a scrupulously clean litter box is a given…no kitty odor there!  But knowing the changing habits of a senior pet can be challenging.

You might wonder what this has to do with nutrition effects on diabetes. We took “kitty” to the vet Saturday morning when daddy was available to hold her…she’s a one man cat. The veterinarian’s staff and doctor herself raved about her general health, but agreed her symptoms indicated tests for the obvious problems of bladder infection, diabetes and kidney failure. Not so different than human symptoms, she had been drinking more water than normal, and of course, peeing more than normal as well.

The vet performed a thorough physical exam and believe me, I was so impressed with our cat’s behavior! You see, she is an indoor cat…never outdoors except for breaking through the screened porch about 10 years ago when the screen was rotten. Along with good genes, I’m sure that is why she’s lived this long. Tests showed nothing conclusive for diabetes but she is close to kidney failure…primarily due to old age. We’ve been told to change her diet to give the kidneys relief from processing proteins. Also, we’ll add a litter box in the home so she has access if she can’t quite make it to the usual box.

Incontinence in pets is not unusual and not fun. Call your veterinarian for more information on your pet’s needs.

When I was first diagnosed as diabetic, my doctor gave me names of education programs to look into and to get scheduled for detailed information on delivering insulin injections and nutrition aspects of food, etc. I set up one class, a two day session close to home, and sat back, pleased with myself and my actions. The next day, I received a call from the scheduling company that my insurance would not cover the cost of the class. I was shocked, first, because I hadn’t been told there was a cost. When I was asked for insurance information, I also was asked where I got my testing supplies. I assumed correctly they wanted my business for the supplies, but at no time was a cost for the class mentioned. When insurance would not cover the $346 cost, I cancelled my reservation!

I found it hard to imagine that my insurance wouldn’t cover the cost of this class the doctor wanted me to take. At this time in my life, it would be an economic hardship for me to pay directly for this class. I am currently unemployed and just happy that under the circumstances, (diabetes) that I have insurance coverage at all!

I’ve been receiving email alerts on general health care for diabetics as well as food preparation and  other items of interest. My numbers are doing great so I’m not too concerned at missing the class. We’ll see what my doctor has to say.

Simple things like waking up hungry, testing blood sugar around 90, and having a good day of activity and good feelings, they all contribute to a great life…for me. You see, I remember the past but don’t dwell on it. I plan for the future but don’t count on it. Today is wonderful and it’s where I live. Join me today!

I am currently attending an internet marketing seminar. What does that have to do with this blog? I hope to help others trying to gain control over diabetes and gain optimum health.

It’s been a great few days and I’m learning a lot. Keep reading and watch for changes . Let me know what you would like to see or hear about and I’ll do my best to write about each suggestion.

One of the “requirements” from the doctor when diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, is to attend a diabetes education class. Two options were given to me and I checked into both.

Due to family vacation time, one was out of the question. The other, had to be rescheduled. Upon the rescheduling, I was advised that my insurance did not approve the coverage for this expense. I was told that for $348 paid out of pocket, I was registered for the 2 day class. I actually thought about it for a couple days, then called back and cancelled. Sorry, but I feel the same way about this class as I do about being told what drug I WILL take. I am not just another diabetic. I continue to research my health (or lack thereof), and take full responsibility for my own care. My doctor of 8 years, soon to be former doctor, talks “down ” to me, and that is not appreciated. Hopefully, I will find a doctor not so harried and condescending, but who explains options and accepts my questions. Yes, it took me a few years to learn, but as long as I was in good health, who knew???

I apologize for having been gone so long. Several areas of my life have prohibited posting. However, I feel I need to get back here since my diabetes hasn’t gone away! Gee…imagine that. Good intentions don’t account for anything if no action is taken.

Has anyone else read about a product called Tagatose? An article on wsoctv.com reports the FDA approved the “manufactured” version of a natural sugar back in 2001. Found in cow’s milk products such as milk, cheese and yogurt, tagatose is in Phase III trials further evaluating it’s effects on type 2 diabetics.

I always thought cow’s milk was for baby cow’s. Just my opinion.

I’m not having good numbers since my trip north. This evening, my glucose reads 140. Hmmmmm……and I had steak and broccoli for dinner. I am “flummoxed” over this! (Means I don’t know what’s going on!) There are several issues I’d best address. Food and drink among them.

I have a surgery scheduled for my eyes tomorrow, and that means, I won’t be seeing to drive or use the computer again for a few days. I’ll be back in touch asap.

Thank goodness for books on CD!!

The time has come to decide what I’m going to do to help others in my situation….I’m a type 2 diabetic. Thing is, it’s much more than just “doing” diabetes.

I, like many others, I’m sure, feel they are doing all they can to get their blood sugar under control. So what can explain the glucose reading of 168 tonight BEFORE dinner? AND, I had been outdoors for several hours off and on, doing physical labor, cleaning out landscaping, bending and lifting, sweating in the sun. As I have said in previous posts, I am my own guinea pig. There must be ways I can experiment and use those results to help others. I also realize, we are all different. I’ll be reporting several different things that I’m persuing, hopefully, to help us all in beating diabetes. Not as simple as  it sounds, but any little thing will help…don’t you think?

Been out of touch…on vacation with my 85 year old mother and 9 year old granddaughter. Just a tad busy but now I’m back and getting into my posting routine.

The trip was hard for me, eating out a lot and snacking when necessary, I’ve got to get back in the swing of things. My numbers are in the hundreds (115…tonight 158, cheesecake’s the culprit). I can do this.

Made a decision to market vitamins for diabetics. On the trip, I had packaged my vitamins and it is SOOOO much easier than getting into all those bottles every morning. Wish me luck!

Even before I found out I have diabetes, I enjoyed the motivational tools of Anthony Robbins and Dr. Wayne Dyer.

Dr. Dyer has had many messages that touch me. I believe the universe truly is conspiring with me, not against me. To me, the universe is God. God provides only good things in my life. How I choose to use them is another matter.

I’m trying to make the best choices I can. Stick with me and see how I do!