As a person diagnosed with a high blood sugar disease—Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes—you’re not alone. You are now a member of a health care partnership that includes health professionals, health educators, and researchers. Each member of this partnership will be working hard to ensure you have the education and tools to monitor and control your metabolism.
Adjusting to your new lifestyle will take time. You’ll have false starts and frustrations at first. This is normal. Your partners will help you make the adjustments and minimize the frustrations so that you can take control of your life again.
The Diabetic Diet
The misconception about diabetic diets is that they are “sugar-free.” The truth is that the diabetic diet uses the same nutrition principles that any non-diabetic should follow for good health.
The goal of a diabetic diet is to provide a balance of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates so that the body can maximize the “energy components” of each without overloading the system with glucose. A diabetic diet is not the same for every diabetic. A registered dietician will help you devise a nutritional plan.
Health-care partners will introduce you to local support networks. These groups have a wealth of information about diabetic diets, such as the Diabetic Exchange diet. They will also provide you with much-needed encouragement as you make this challenging change in your life. You’ll find support for exercise, lifestyle strategies and just “blowing off steam” in the company of those who can truly understand and listen.
Do I Have to Give Up Sweets?
You’ll have your sweets and eat them too! But they’ll be different now. They will be diabetic desserts that will be better for you. You’ll enjoy such delectable desserts as lemon meringue pie, chocolate ice cream, coffee cake, pumpkin cheesecake, and vanilla custard. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
Diabetic desserts don’t grow on trees! Find out where and how to buy and produce your favorite diabetic desserts, candy, and other sweet treats—even chocolate!—at Diabetic Diet and Recipes (coming soon).
Through your support network you’ll have access to an array of tantalizing ideas for diabetic desserts. So, don’t despair. Just because you have diabetes, doesn’t mean you have to suppress your sweet tooth.
Taking Charge
You know the risks of high blood sugar and the complications that can result. You also have the knowledge, technology, and support to decrease the risks and lead an active and joyful life. You are taking charge now.
There are many research foundations that are seeking cures to these high blood sugar diseases. New drugs are being developed for Type 2 diabetes. Pancreatic islet transplant techniques are being perfected for Type 1 diabetes.
Check out Clinical Studies on Diabetes to see how you can be an important member of the team looking for a cure.
You are in control of the level of good health that you want to enjoy.
Resources:
- Old Dominion University, School of Nursing, Diabetes Mellitus Planner, September 9, 1999. (www.odu.edu/webroot/orgs/hs/nurs/nursing.nsf)
- Test Universe. (www.testuniverse.com/mdx/MDX-3118.html)
- National Institutes of Health. (www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/diabetes.htm)
- National Institutes of Health. (www.niddk.nih.gov)
- Center for Disease Control. (www.cdc.gov)
- The Uncomplicated Guide to Diabetes Complications
Edited by Marvin E. Levin, MD and Michael A. Pfeifer, MD
