Hello friends,
It’s been so long since I’ve written. I’ve been recovering from another asthma attack, and I am finally out of the woods, as they say. Diabetes and asthma go together more often than many people think, mainly since prednisone raises blood sugar in everyone, but 18% of asthmatics also become diabetics, due to that very prednisone.
Sad to say, much of what you will read on the internet is written by people who call themselves medical writers, or my personal favorite, “expert.” I just found that today. Expert? Wow! Basically, a medical writer is someone who does research, good or bad, and writes about it. I know, because I have done it, and made good money doing it. There are also garden writers and home improvement writers, and I’m sure other “experts” who may or may not have experienced anything they write about. These writers are good at researching studies and manipulating the article for the sole purpose of getting paid by those who call themselves medical sites, but who are neither medical nor experts. So, be careful of what you believe on the web. If you find my name attached, just remember, I researched, but I am no expert about anything.
One article I read, which had me livid, said “obesity is the sole cause of diabetes.” That’s a plain and simple lie. No one knows what causes diabetes. Sure, a family history, like mine, indicates you probably will have diabetes, but you can delay or even prevent that history from catching up to you, by a healthy lifestyle. I was able to delay my diabetes, even with years of prednisone, through diet and exercise, until I was 52 years old. Nothing strenuous, except walking, at least three miles a day. If you are active, you probably walk a good mile, without knowing it. That leaves merely two miles left to walk. I also was able to control my diabetes solely with diet and exercise for four years. But one day everything changed. I discovered the progression of this terrible disease, and as a result I am now on insulin.
Being on insulin is not defeat. It is an opportunity to live my life as I wish. I still diet, test my blood frequently, and walk or ride our stationary bike. I’m up to three miles.
My favorite place to walk to, when we lived in
Gardening has always been an important part of my life. You can burn a lot of calories when you dig, and weed, and carry heavy pots or, in our case, dig and move the granite rocks that lay just below the surface of our Virginia Appalachian Mountain home. Many of the trees in our yard, I grew from seedlings. However, this year, my daughter and husband planted nineteen fruit trees in our back yard. They hit boulders with every hole. We won’t see much fruit for a few years, but when they do produce, in three to five years, we are going to can, can, can and dehydrate. It’s going to be a dream come true. Our yard, after twelve years is a beautiful place, with flowering trees and roses, along with many lovely blooming plants. It is a haven for me, even when I’m sick. Just looking at the beauty that God has given us, fills my heart with gratitude.
So, the truth is, being overweight does not cause diabetes, even though there is an obvious bigotry towards diabetics. Weight gain should never be ignored. Being overweight may be a symptom, especially if you have suddenly gained a lot of weight. Do not listen to the “medical writers.” See your doctor, and insist that you be evaluated. There are many diseases for which weight gain is a symptom.
If you are already being treated for diabetes, call around to the hospitals in your area. See if there is a program for diabetics. Often that includes support for each step of the way; diet assistance; and you may meet others who are living with their own struggles, and who understand what you are going through.
This last asthma attack was very difficult. Prednisone is a great producer of cortisol, and cortisol can cause weight gain. I gained twenty pounds, and I have lost exactly five pounds. The rest will have to be diet and exercise for me. I’m hoping that today I will be able to go a mile on my treadmill, or a mile on the stationary bike. (Since I began this blog post, I have reached three miles on our exercise bike. I wasn’t expecting that.) I have a lot of weight to lose, but I also have a wonderful support system in my family. My husband sees me as the beautiful woman he loves. He finds beauty in all my ways. My children are so supportive and a wonderful blessing from the Lord. I have an intimate walk with God, so I am looking forward to this walk with Him.
I guess my message today is, don’t give up, and don’t believe anyone who slaps initials behind their name. I knew a lab technician who passed with D’s and still got her degree. I also knew a medical student who never got more than a D, yet still got her license. Every degree has a story, some noble and some a blatant lie. Don’t be their victim. You are precious to God. This is not a curse. This is a challenge. Diabetes is not a death sentence. It may be a trial. It may be unfair, but it is what you have, not who you are. Don’t let this disease define you, and don’t let those who have not walked your journey tell you who you are.
Do the best you can every day. Walk a mile if you can every day. And if you can only walk a few feet, do that. There are 5, 280 feet in a mile. Each foot requires one step. Each step you take is one foot. That first step is the beginning. Take ten more. Tomorrow take ten more. Each step is the beginning of a journey. In ten minutes I will begin that journey again. On my treadmill or on the bike. So, I ask you, will you walk with me? One step at a time. I’ll be praying for you. Will you pray for me?
Father in heaven, the steps that Jesus took on the road to
Note: I invite you to go to the American Diabetes Association website at www.diabetes.org You will find many helps and encouragement there.
With love,