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Get More Out Of Life While Managing Your Diabetes
When I was first diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of
21, I had not given the first thought to living a healthy
diabetic lifestyle. As far as I was concerned, a healthy
lifestyle was reserved only for fitness junkies and overweight
moms.
I didn't know squat about the benefits and overall happiness a
healthy lifestyle would lead to. I was perfectly content eating
frozen pizza, smoking cigarettes, and binge drinking on a regular
basis. After I was diagnosed with diabetes, I had a lengthy
discussion with my doctor that resulted in an epiphany,
"Everything I love is killing me!"
First, we'll define what I mean by healthy lifestyle. When I
asked the question, "What is a healthy lifestyle?" the common
answer seemed to be, "Don't smoke, don't drink, eat only
vegetables and protein, and make sure to exercise every day."
My first thought was, "You can give that crap right back to
the birds." I was 21, loved to party, and absolutely chock full
of testosterone.
The ideas, practices, and benefits a healthy lifestyle
provided sounded great for managing my diabetes, but I sure
didn't like the idea of my social life falling off the face of
the planet. Believing in the power of moderation, I made some
compromises with my disease:
1. Smoking
I quit smoking cigarettes and only smoked cigars on special
occasions such as bachelor parties, Super Bowls, or the birth of
my first child. That last part was a joke. After many years of
searching, special occasions are the only reason I can find to
put nicotine or smoke of any kind in your body.
2. Drinking
For me, this was a big one. I'm not really the type of guy
that likes to meet girls at church, and school was not really an
option for me, but drinking was all my friends and I did. As a
result, drinking alcohol (sadly enough) was a major component of
my social life. From that day forward, I laid down some basic
rules.
No liquor. Liquor causes severe instability in blood sugar
levels, and will cause serious problems. I stick only to beer and
wine with a maximum of three drinks. If you monitor your sugar
regularly and eat beforehand, you should be able to enjoy a nice
night out.
3. Eating
Of the areas available for improvement in my lifestyle, eating
was the easiest for me to adapt and overcome. When I learned that
protein had a minor effect on my sugar that was good news, any
hamburger and steak-loving American would be happy to hear that,
but the bad news was that French fries, baked potatoes, and (my
favorite) sweet potatoes were off limits. That meant I had to
learn to love vegetables.
From that point forward, I began cooking veggies with light
butter and cayenne pepper. I know that sounds odd, but I like
spicy food. As far as your diet is concerned, for the sake of
your happiness, find your favorite spices and seasonings and
begin experimenting with healthy foods.
4. Exercise
When it comes to exercising many people (including myself) do
not follow through for long enough to see substantial results.
Personally, I believe in living an active lifestyle instead of
becoming a fitness and free-weight junkie. What worked for me?
Basic exercises (lunges, squats, and crunches) in front of the
television every morning followed by a 15 minute walk.
Complying with the guidelines I listed above, I'm still able
to have a fun, active lifestyle while controlling my diabetes.
Finally, I need to say that I'm not a doctor, just a guy with
Type 1 Diabetes. The practices I listed worked for me to maintain
the young-adult lifestyle that I wanted. You may be different,
and understanding your own personality traits is critical to
successful moderation and control of your diabetes.
Brandon C. Hall is an online business owner and Type 1
Diabetic who runs many websites. For the latest articles and news
related to diabetes and the diabetic lifestyle visit: http://www.diabetic-resources.com
MORE RESOURCES:
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