First Anniversary with Type 2

[sam123]

This is my first anniversary with Type 2 diabetes. Last year during this time of the year I was so worried and my life was like a "****" but this time I feel very relaxed and I am in a better control of my diabetes.

From the last one week, I am eating approximately 300-400g carbs/day (just like non-diabetic) and now I am feeling very bad. It seems that I just forget that I am diabetic and I should not eat like non-diabetics. I think I need little motivation especially during this holiday season. Please share your experiences on how you manage not eating all those delicious “CARBS”?

[gelchick]

I never go to gatherings or parties hungry- I eat a nice sized salad and bit of protein before I go. I survey the food and give it a carb-worthiness rating from 1-10 where 10 means that it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I only sample 9's or 10's. I carry a tall glass of sparkling water and lemon at all times and replenish at will. For sit down dinners, I eat the salad, and veggies and talk a lot. Mostly, I try to spend my time talking and catching up with friends and family.

sandy

[Handybear]

I have actually taken my own food to parties and family gatherings. When I have explained to the host or hostess my special dietary needs there is never a problem.

[cgsmichelle]

Its so hard to chose your own battles sometimes. I threw in the towel this weekend. I had a terrible virus and my throat never hurt so bad. I have not had fruit juice since being diagnosed. I wanted freezing cold apple juice so badly. I put some juice boxes in the freezer. I sipped on them for 2 days. It was 25g of carbs per tiny box. I finally felt decent enough to function yesterday and we had to go to Christmas party every time somebody asked why I was not eating something extra yummy I just reminded myself of that prescious juice boxes. We are all going to have moments. So do not be hard on yourself. Just think fondly of the past week and made a decision not to repeat it. I think bringing your own food to parties is a great idea. I started doing that when my kids have class parties. Hope you have a Merry Christmas!

[Dan Gato]

Sam,
You have had great A1C's !
& that's with eating lots of carbs.

I'm a mid carber, less than 100 a day.

Drink water or diet sodas
eat protein

[MJB]

I just eat the good stuff. Meatballs, shrimp, veggies etc.

One of the blessings of this disease is you don't eat a bunch of junk, at least you shouldn't eat a bunch of junk.

[Larry H.]

This topic is certainly timely for me. I just went a little past my year since diagnosis. I never had huge numbers but none the less there were warnings of things that could come. I cut back as you and then as numbers looked pretty good got a bit complacent about things.. I ended up last week having my highest continuing numbers of the year. When I look at it I know it was because I overdid a few things on a daily basis. A bit because my doctor felt I had nothing to worry about.. the numbers proved him wrong. So back to reality.
For me reality means watching what I eat, not totally denying myself of every possible pleasure. I cut down to one slice of low carb bread on my sandwich at lunch. Mostly avoided things I knew were probably not good for me. Got walking after every meal instead of once in the morning.. Did much better in summer when I was constantly working outside. So I added some reps on the Health Rider that mostly sits there while I walked past it.. The results have been good, fasting fell by 20 or more points. After meals is coming down nicely.

My main consideration now is to watch closely what I eat and if like last night, mom has company and served some cheese cake with nearly 50 carbs a serving, I had about a 6th of a slice. I ate a scoop of 4 carb vanilla ice cream with it and at least I got to enjoy the taste of it. I made some no sugar, almost no fat cheesecake tarts yesterday so I have something to enjoy. I will eat a bit more no sugar jello with mild additions that make it very low carb. I need to bake some of those flour less peanut butter cookies that are in the recipe site. Haven't had those for a while.

I will probably eat a small square of fudge mom made but only in tiny sections now and then so as to enjoy the taste but not overdo the carbs. Then I fill up on things that are good for me. Small amounts of high fiber cereal. Nuts in limited quanites A few whole wheat crackers now and then and try to keep the carbs overall to less than 50 or so a meal. It may indeed not work for everyone, or even me in the long run. But once in a while a treat of modest size is in order. Christmas may be one of those days. After that I need to concentrate on why I am doing what I am so that I can keep things under control.