There is probably not one of us who can say that diabetes has not touched our lives in some way. Farming areas are very unique in that they are both perfectly suited for good diabetes management, yet expertly trained to manage it poorly. Especially in farming communities, we enjoy all the bounty of the land, including fresh vegetables and healthy protein sources. However, ‘country cookin,’ though it makes for the best church potlucks and bereavement gift baskets, can be a challenge to proper diabetes management.
The good news is that self-management of insulin-using diabetes is easier and offers more personal freedom than ever before. Self-management is not a new concept for treating diabetics, but, judging from the comments still heard in church fellowship halls and at family dinners, it isn’t widely understood.
Regarding food intake, a good explanation is that diabetics should eat the same healthy diet that all persons should be eating, which includes carbohydrates, the sugars that are in food. Healthy diets moderately include desserts, breads and pasta. A body’s pancreas (pan-kree-us) produces insulin continuously, and makes even more when carbs have been eaten. A diabetic’s pancreas does not work properly and they must ‘be the pancreas’ by injecting a combination of long acting and fast acting insulin. Traditionally, doctors have told patients how and when to take insulin, and the patients must adjust their lives to accommodate their insulin. With self-management, diabetics are given the tools to control when and what they eat, and adjust their insulin to match their lives.
Of course this freedom comes with responsibility, and everyone needs to make good choices. When healthy people eat carbs, they do so moderately, and so should diabetics. Along those lines, some quick dietary tips that might surprise anyone, diabetic or not; ‘Sugar free’ foods are rarely carbohydrate free, and often have more carbs than regular forms of a food. Also, breads and pastas, though not ‘sugary,’ affect the body just like pure sugar. The most important skill for all healthy eaters is the ability to read nutrition labels on packaged foods.
It is not the purpose of this article to start a revolution. Many diabetics find a strict, regimented lifestyle is very effective in their health management. The carb-counting approach to self-management puts flexibility back into the hands of diabetic persons. It has been known to provide feelings of inclusion and normalcy, and can ultimately result in better outcomes. However, in all cases, it is important to consult your physician regularly
As a diabetic, it can be difficult to acknowledge one’s condition, for fear of judgment and restrictions imposed by those who only wish them well. No one wants to feel different, and carb-counting self-management provides a way to enjoy all the social benefits of eating food. Ask your doctor about the method.
Rebecca Bradley is the Quality/Risk Manager for Ozark Health Medical Center in Clinton, Ark.
