HEALTH FROM THE INSIDE OUT

My body seems to hate me. My pancreas is a bit of an arsehole (I’m diabetic), my cholesterol hasn’t got the memo about where I need it to be, it would appear that my gut has more issues than a Jeremy Kyle guest (suspected IBS), I need to lose weight (I have PCOS and a metabolism that has been sleeping since 1995) and other fun stuff. I’ll not be beaten though.

Clearly my body is somewhat lackadaisical in the behaviour department. I’ve been on a diet pretty much constantly since I was 18yr old (mostly swinging between SW and WW) with some success. In recent years a mixture of boredom and these plans just not suiting my somewhat unique situation has meant that progress has ground to a halt. I was diagnosed as type 2 diabetic last year after years on Metformin as a pre-diabetic and thankfully have a brilliantly supportive health team.  

Seeing what I eat and how hard I’ve been trying to lose weight and deal with my various health issues, my fab health team are confident that I’m doing all that I can. As what I’m doing hasn’t been particularly successful in terms of managing my diabetes and losing weight I’m cranking things up a bit. I’ve adopted a lower carb / Meditteranean-type diet, and have even started looking at including aloe vera juice (there is evidence that it helps with blood glucose, cholesterol and gut health so I’m giving it a go) and yesterday ate Freekah for the first time (which I’m pronouncing freaky because it sounds good).

Will it help, will it not? There’s only one way to find out. Thankfully it doesn’t taste vile so that’s a bonus!

Cutting out all processed food and snack foods (I’ve not eaten either for years), avoiding bread and being strictly dairy-free (gut issues), not drinking alcohol, not having a sweet tooth and eating basic home-cooked, nutritious meals constantly (in sensible portions) would, you would think do the trick. It hasn’t and isn’t and I can’t afford to be complacent. 

So…

I take your healthy balanced diet and increased activity levels and raise you a concerted effort to boost health from the inside out, taking any (sensible) options that are available to me. If that means trying new things (no faddy, juice plus, artificial nonsense thank you), I’m game.

Here’s hoping that my next diabetic review (end of June) shows some good results! I’m six pounds lighter in a month since my last review so here’s hoping these changes make a difference.

Any recipes, nutritious foods or sensible suggestions are most welcome. 

Diabetic Socks for Women

Last year I was diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic. This wasn’t a huge shock as I had been on metformin as a pre-diabetic for three years however while this and a strict diet warded off the inevitable for a time, last summer I tipped over and as such had a whole new set of information to absorb, namely around diabetic complications.

I’m proactive in managing my diabetes however the list of things I am now at higher risk of is substantial. My dentist tells me that I have a higher risk of gum disease now. My optician has counselled me on my eye health. I’ve been for specialist retinopathy testing (which thankfully came back ok), I’m awaiting a referral for a diabetic dietician (2 x group sessions) and I’ve had my nerves checked to assess my risk of nerve damage, particularly in my feet.

Despite being pre-diabetic for a number of years I was unaware that diabetic socks for women existed. To be fair, while I was aware of the need for looking after my feet I wasn’t as clued up about anything diabetes-wise as I am now. Footcare as a diabetic, as it turns out, is no laughing matter which is where women’s diabetic socks come in.

These socks are made of a different material to ordinary socks, being made of synthetic fibres and nylon, keeping your feet dry, being snug (but not too tight) and they don’t bunch up. The socks also boast antibacterial benefits which is a bonus. What might have been a minor inconvenience sock-wise to me ten years ago, could indeed become a real issue when it comes to the risks associated with foot ulcers and more.

Despite it coming as something of a jolt I am working hard to managed my diabetes, including checking my feet (and booking myself into a chiropodist), attending appointments, wearing sensible footwear, maintaining a healthy diet and boosting my activity levels. So far so good as far as I can tell, I’ll have to report back when I have my next diabetic review. As far as I’m concerned, if diabetic socks for ladies are something my health team think will benefit me, women’s diabetic socks will replace my usual socks. It’s a small sacrifice for healthy feet and to help me avoid complications which can turn serious rather quickly.