Tag: Diabetes

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Carbs.

Low carb subs? Thin crust pizza? Pasta? Italian food is a tough challenge when it comes to “low carb” OR attempting to regulate blood sugar. The dough, the noodles, the sauces. Again, I am not a jeanyis… can’t even comprehend what the Freddy Krueger Effect even is. But, if it’s loaded with carbs, it’s bound to raise the blood sugar.

Quite a few years ago, I found an awesome product on Amazon (Fresh/Market). It has been wonderful for both Italian style sandwiches and pizzas. Use it as a thin crust. Or grab some provolone, sliced pepperoni, and ham to make a cold cut pita.

24g Total Carbs – Add mayo, oil + vinegar, black pepper, provolone, lettuce leaf, pepperoni (sandwich), and ham.

Pizza? – Spread olive oil and Italian seasoning on pizza pan. Then spread pizza sauce on pita. Add a mozzarella/provolone blend and then your favorite toppings. Place on pan, bake at 400 for about 8-10 minutes.

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Discount Insulin

There has been a lot of talk about the discounted insulin from Walmart. Feeling a little rebellious (you get that way after having T1 for over 40 yrs, 24/7, 365), I decided to give it a try. Disclaimer: Those diagnosed with the disease over the past 20 yrs PLEASE CONSULT A DOCTOR BEFORE EVEN ENTERTAINING THE IDEA. It’s different insulin, peaks at different times, and WILL BE more confusing/dangerous than sticking to the formula you are used to. Note: You will need to schedule your time/meals accordingly, you will be on a completely different time table (insulin effects/meals/planning).

Given that I grew up on R(egular) and N(PH), it was a little less of a challenge. And I went solo, because I was getting a little frustrated with insurance and the amount of doctor appointments necessary to keep up. You CANNOT use this medication in a pump, probably will be taking at least 4 injections a day (2R + 2N), possibly less if you choose the 70/30 route. AND, I also stopped using a CGM…testing my levels with blood samples. Totally OLD SCHOOL. (yes, I could have taken it even further with vials/syr)

How did it go?

In the beginning, fairly well. The A1C was consistent with previous results. The major problems arose when I changed my diet from low carb to more countrified home cooked meals. Carbs, carbs, and more carbs. However, these meal changes will affect anyone (on any insulin) negatively if adjustments are not made…which is why you should regulate with a doctor.

Is it doable (to take this insulin regularly)? Well, two of the Walmart pharmacists I spoke with stated that they thought the insulins were more “emergency” products than anything else. Yet, given that I was on this exact stuff for well over a decade, I would say it’s definitely doable. And you can buy it without prescription OR insurance. Is the discount worth the trouble?

The newer insulins are faster acting making them much more efficient. Even without a pump, 24hr/3-4hr insulins provide a more targeted approach to regulating your levels. And a pump/CGM provide (near) real time monitoring with subtle adjustment/corrections throughout the day. It may be challenging/very expensive to get this all set up though. The “accepted” sensors. CGM. Pump. Monitor. And the “accepted” insulins.

What am I doing now? I’m currently pumping again. So far, so good.

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Yellow.

It was about an hour away. The town was notable for both it’s university and it’s unique, for the area, park. What made it unique? An unusual series of trails, elevations, and scenic views (including rivers, falls, forestry). As I rode in that blue Buick to camp, I didn’t know what to expect.

The car had that old wood grain framing around the cassette area and center air vents. And playing through the speaker, from a beige colored audio tape, was a love song for the ages.

We entered the parking lot, of the park, and I was soon dropped off. My cabin mates were somewhat diverse. A few from the inner city, a foreign exchange student, and a few of us from rural areas.

Amazing what we all shared in common. Yet, intriguing how different we were.

In the middle of the week I was called into the camp counselor’s office. A fight had broken out between a black male and one of the other camp members. And I was a witness. It was the first time I’ve witnessed true hate in person. Aggressive, Ugly, Unapologetic.

Many of those camp members are not around to read this today. I’m sure that soccer girl would love the current FIFA madness. I’ve loved “Umbro’s” ever since we met.

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Eating Healthy

Typically, budget friendly frozen berry blends are available at your local store. Yes, I’ve been shopping at Walmart lately, so their frozen strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, blueberry combo makes a lot of sense. If you are a fan of Greek yogurt (and budgeting), the store brand makes a lot more sense also. If you are watching carbs, always buy “plain”, unflavored. Why? Because we are going to be adding a TON of natural carbs later.

A buddy of mine suggested tart cherry juice a while ago. Problem is, the sugar/carb content. It is loaded with anti-oxidants and is great for joint health. Use sparingly in mixtures. Stay well under “serving size” on label. It’s very important to buy 100% juice.

So it was a different breakfast this morning. Normally, I don’t mince fresh garlic, throw it in a pot with broccoli, brussel sprouts, green beans..sprinkle with salt and pepper, let cook. But, this morning, I felt like it. Felt like being weird this morning (not exactly an ususual day). Still needed some carbs.

1/2 banana, berry blend mentioned above, 1/4 naval orange, about 1 1/2 tablespoons cherry juice, 2 tablespoons greek yogurt, 1/3 cup 2% milk, 2 tablespoons Bob’s Red Mill Apple Blueberry Granola.

Tossed in the smoothie maker, and had a wonderful breakfast. Definitely not traditional. But with coffee, before and after, felt fantastic. Ready to start the day.

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Just Cooking.

Living alone has it’s perks. Sure, you are free to watch what you want on tv, choose your own music, do what you want on your free time, etc. But it also forces you to learn a few things. One of them is meal preparation. Are you a leader, follower, or creatively go by your taste buds?

A few things I’ve considered over the years are nutrition, tastes, carbs, calories. Over the past few year I’ve actually cooked with oranges (not orange peels) to sweeten meals. At certain points, I’ve gone “carb free” UNLESS it was a natural carb (derived from fruit or plant). And snacked on only greens and nuts.

There is always a temptation, though, isn’t there? Sometimes you have to indulge.

The slow cooker is one of my favorite devices in my cooking arsenal. You can buy a seasoned pork loin, the kind in the sealed bag, throw it in a crock pot for about 8 hrs, and end up with delicious “pulled” pork. Or, grab a can of beer, some sauer kraut, and a few sausage links, and end up with a delicious German meal.

At this moment, I’m cookin dry beans and rice, to store and add to other meals I’ve created or a salad. Versatile items also, in meal preparation.

The last thing I’ll mention is hard boiled eggs, always good to have on hand. They can be used for any homemade salad…chef, chicken, potato, etc, turned into the DEVIL, or simple salty bliss.

Maybe I’ll start posting recipes at some point. As a T1, I’ve heard diet is important ;).

Is Ti T1?