The Diabetic Dilemma: When Diet and Medications Don't Seem To Work

It has been an uphill battle for me and the enemy seems to be winning. I should not allow that to happen. I am still in control. I will win.

I am, of course, talking about my battle with Diabetes. Its seems despite all the dieting I am doing, my sugar levels do not go down to normal levels. My endocrinologist says my body has coped with the constant elevated level of glucose in my blood. It is the risk of damage to my liver and kidneys that my doctor is worried about.

Two days ago, I had my quarterly lab tests to check the effectiveness of my current medication. It was in late January when I was started on insulin. I am now on 18 units per shot, once a day. In addition to that, I am to take 1000 mg of Metformin after breakfast and another 1000 mg after dinner. I had high hopes that after three months, I could probably be taken off the undesirable task of poking myself with a needle.

Didn't work out that way though. After seven (7) insulin pens (Lantus Solostar), my blood sugar is still at 9. For non-diabetics, the normal blood sugar levels range between 4.27-6.07. Now, you see why I am so frustrated with my blood results.

I have decided that if I cannot see results quick, then I will crawl my way back to health. I always find it difficult to alter my diet drastically, so I am going to make small changes and then move my way up. My first step is to have little to no rice at all. I will replace rice with complex carbohydrates which fill me up longer. I bought sweet potatoes which I boiled in a pot. That will be my dinner today, together with some pork and carrots. 

I have read that apple cider vinegar is really good for diabetics. One to two tablespoons mixed in an eight ounce glass of water taken before meals may block the absorption of starch in a meal, therefore preventing the "sugar spike." Another thing I am going to try is the supplement Chromium picolinate. Chromium helps enhance the body's reaction to insulin, thereby facilitating the effective transport of glucose into the cells which is then converted into energy. It was also observed to help in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

I know that I will have to put a lot of effort and discipline to make this work. However, I have to do this. Not only for me, but for my husband and children whom I love so dearly. I wish to live long enough to enjoy my future grandchildren.

Today starts my journey to get to a 7.0 HbA1c reading. Let's see in three months time. Keeping my faith in the Great Healer. With His help, I can do this!