There is no getting around them. I know, I've tried and failed. Though they may not be the most welcome, they don't need to be as hard as they first seem. I'll break them down into baby steps later.
1. Diet. Everyone says it's simple, but if you've ever tried to interpret the food list booklets from the doctor's office, you know it's not. Carb counting, exchange lists, food pyramids--no one system seems to be complete. And all that planning and figuring. It looks time consuming
2. Exercise. For Type II diabetes, this is probably the most important step, and the hardest. It's hard to move, especially if you have distal neuropathy or are overweight. Walking is the best to start out with. You can start slow and work your way up to longer brisk walks.
3. Medication (if prescribed). Taking drugs is easy, right? Just pop a pill. But a lot depends on taking it at the right time. And then there are the side effects.
4. Blood Testing. Without checking your glucose levels yourself, you won't know what steps to take when. It's an important step in getting control, and an unpleasant one. The good news is monitors are getting better and easier to use.
5. Supplements. Vitamins, minerals and herbs. These can help, but they can't take the place of good diet and exercise.
6. Attitude. Some books call it Stress Relief, but I think I need something that will apply to more than one area of my life. A change in attitude can alleviate stress, instill confidence and even, some say, create reality.
But where to start? They are all important. My blood sugar is over 300 and exercise can make it go higher. I don't have money for new groceries or supplements. My attitude sucks and I feel fairly hopeless. So I'll start with Medication.
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