Hoping for a cure ...

Life . . . 

The diagnosis did not come as a surprise, but it did come as a disappointment.  Diabetes had been in the family gene pool--and I was aging.  So, like most things in my life, I decided to tackle it head on.

My first venture into the world of diabetes was to attend a "Super" conference.  I managed to drag my husband along thinking we'd learn to manage this disease together.  The conference was an even bigger disappointment than the diagnosis.  The message I received was basically, eat what you want and just give yourself more medicine.  Really?  And the lunch--it was full of simple carbohydrates!  Needless to say, I wasn't impressed.

Although I've been told that a cure for diabetes is always being sought, I have begun to wonder--and not just about diabetes, but many other "chronic" diseases, too.  Let's face it, diabetes is BIG business.  The testing, the meds, the snacks--like Glucerna.  I was surprised to learn that several of their products--like their mini snack bars contain High Fructose Corn Syrup! (See their website, which lists product ingredients).  That's a real no-no for those living with diabetes. Even though their product ingredients suggest that the bars only contain 2% High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), why would a product targeted to diabetics contain it at all?  Ever read the ingredients on certain products marketed to diabetics?  If I can't pronounce it, I'm not sure I want to eat it.

Over the years, I've learned to manage pretty well--yes, I do test.  I've learned what I can and can't eat (and oh, do I miss bread!), learned that exercise makes a huge difference, and learned that friends really do help out.  I try to do the things I know to do: pray,spend time in contemplation, reduce stress in my life, grow my own vegetables, cook at home, eat lots of salad, exercise when I can, feed and play with my goats, dream about my future chickens and find something to laugh about every day.  And did I mention dark chocolate?  In moderation, it really helps.

To all those diabetics out there: don't just test, but question!  Question products marketed to you--especially food products.  Are they really helping you manage your disease, or are they keeping you dependant on the BIG business that has become so much a part of the world of medicine.  Take charge of your health! And to the great friends who helped me get on a good path--THANK YOU.  I may one day have to take medicine, but for now, I'm grateful I've learned what works best for me!