The Lesser of Two Evils

         I am a Type 2 diabetic.  I “control” my diabetes, for the time being at least, with oral medications.  For the last year or so my physician has wanted to begin treating me with insulin because my hemoglobin A1C, or more commonly, A1C, has been elevated.  The A1C is a blood test which gives the average blood sugar level over a three month period, and an optimum level A1C for a Type 2 diabetic is 6.5 or lower.  Mine as of this month at least, is 9.8.  Clearly not optimal.
       
        Diet plays a huge role in controlling diabetes.  I have not always been a healthy eater, but over the last several years I have prided myself on healthy eating.  I do most of the cooking in my house and I use very little, if any processed foods.  I make my own pasta sauce.  I make my own seasonings and rubs so they don’t contain too much salt.  I limit red meat in the family diet using more pork and poultry.  We have salad with dinner every night.  Clearly though, all of this is not enough.  Admittedly, I am a late night snacking, TV watching, couch potato.  I don’t exercise as I should and, unfortunately my A1C reflects that.

       

        This is where I get into the reason for this post:

        Rather than just accepting my Doctor’s recommendation to start an insulin regimen, I chose to make some changes.  Granted these changes should have been made eons ago, but as they say, better late than never.  In the few weeks since I was informed of the results of my A1C, I have made subtle changes to my lifestyle.  I have all but eliminated late night snacking, I have joined the gym, and I am in the process of further refining the family menu.  I know what you are thinking, “Yea you joined the gym but do you actually know where it is?”  I do know where it is, and I am making a conscious effort to get there.  On the days when I don’t go to the gym, I at least walk the track at the local high school.

        I don’t know if I will be able to avoid insulin forever, but I assure you I am not going down without a fight.  For the next few months I will post my progress, dietary changes, and some of the recipes I prepare in my attempt to avoid insulin.  Hopefully something of benefit will come to others in a similar situation.  Wish me luck.