Dear Heather .. I Was Diagnosed with Diabetes ...

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

19 May 2008 12:26 PM

Dear Heather,

I went to the doctor recently because I've been tired all the time, I got the shakes and experienced a few other troubling systems including incontinence and severe thirst. During the course of the general exam, she asked me a lot of questions and I'll admit it, I'm overweight and I could probably stand to lose about 75 pounds or more. She recommended a few tests and when all was said and done, she told me I had diabetes. It's Type II, the kind you get when you're in bad physical shape like I am and when you've failed to take care of yourself, like I have.

It was an eye opener and I admit that I felt really sorry for myself for a while. I do not have to take insulin shots ... yet. She wants me to manage my diet primarily; she's also suggesting exercise and more. I don't even know why I am writing this to you other than I wanted to share my experience with others and I like your blog. I like what you say and how you say it. I wish I could go back in time and make different decisions - like never eating French fries every day as a snack food. But I can't. I can only move forward and I am scared, I am scared because I don't want to have to give myself insulin shots. Thanks for listening and any advice that you may have, I'd love to read it. - SadSugarisBadMom

Dear SadSugarisBadMom,

Wow. Thank you for writing to me and allow me to take a moment to express my absolute respect for sharing your story with me and my deepest support for you to achieve your goals. I'm sure you know that your diabetes is called Type II and you are insulin resistant, more than insulin deficient. Inactivity is your greatest enemy in coping with Type II.

I imagine your physician has provided you with dietary recommendations as well, so I'll just touch on exercise. If you add some exercise to your daily routine, even if it's walking a few blocks (and believe me if you do not exercise regularly, starting off small and building yourself up is the way to go). When you exercise, your body will process glucose faster. The faster it processes the glucose in your system, the lower your own blood sugar is going to be.

As you can imagine, this is a positive circle that should encourage regular exercise. In conjunction with a modified diet, you can actually shed excess pounds and improve your condition. Be certain to check with your physician before beginning any exercise program because he or she will be able to give you more specific guidelines as related to your particular condition.

In a blog I wrote a couple of years ago, I advised:

Exercise and natural weight loss is the best path towards your wellness and permanent fitness. If you are concerned that you may have Type II diabetes or that you are a candidate for it, see your physician immediately. Your physician can provide you with a workout routine and proper nutrition guidelines to help improve your health and manage your condition.

I stand by this idea and I hope you let us know how you progress. Good luck!

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger