As I continue to heal from Charcot Foot, at least another 10 days in a cast, I have the opportunity to learn, observe and discover. There is a positive to every negative, and I have to say this to myself a number of times a day. It is easy to feel sorry for myself falling into the why me mindset. That simply is not an option. I say that countless times a day as well.
I decided to work on my diabetes during my recovery. It would be so easy to sit, eat and gain weight. I have the perfect excuse; I am on crutches, what else is there to do? Thanks to technology, I am making sure the above does not happen. An app on my new HTC Incredible Smartphone allows me to track my blood sugar. Wow, this is great. I am now aware of what I put in my mouth, and what is the most effective way to take my meds.
Here are some of the changes I have implemented in my battle with diabetes:
Portion control keeps my blood sugars in check. Six small meals a day works for me. My hba1c results were over 10. That is terrible, just dangerous. Since i have changed my eating habits, my projected results are 5.3 that is a miracle!!
While in the hospital in January with a pulmonary embolism, an angel was sent to me in the form of a night nurse. Despite taking proper meds my morning blood sugars were high, 185-250 range. Normal about 72-120. My nurse told me the lack of a snack with good carbs was raising my sugars. We tried adding two sticks of string cheese. Last week my morning sugars averaged 90.
So while I have very little mobility, the chance to look at patterns has helped me turn things around quickly. I feel the difference, my blood circulation is better, my stress level is so much better, I have taken a negative and turned it into a positive. Controlling diabetes is a mindset which I can control. Those of you with this horrible disease must admit you have it, and must learn how to control it. Make sure you test your blood numerous times a day, change your eating habits and learn about the advances in fighting diabetes, a fight only you can control.
