Diabetes class went better than expected. It reinforced my knowledge about the disease, added a few new info tips to my brain, and made me realize that I’m doing things the way I’m supposed to.
I noticed I was the youngest of the group, and that I was more receptive. There was the old lady who refuses to change her eating habits, thinking that because he doesn’t eat too much she shouldn’t worry about her carb intake. Then there is the sweet lady who’s in shock after getting the news about the disease, and whose medication is making sick (I hope she will go to her doctor and have that taken care of). Then there is the super athletic guy who is frustrated because he too needs a meds adjustment.
But the one who caught my attention was the old man sitting next to me who still cannot believe he got diagnosed with Diabetes at age 78, and is totally lost when it comes to counting carb choices. He reminded me of my dad, I couldn’t help it (they even look alike!). At the end of the class I asked him if there was anything he didn’t understand, and he told me about his frustration with the whole meal plan. He was expecting some kind of written menu, not a page full of choices so you can figure your meals out. I sat down with him, explained how carb choices work, and told him I can help him making menus next week. I was really happy to help him.
Things I learnt today that I won’t forget:
- It is necessary to ingest at least 45 grams of carbs per meal. Our body uses 130 grams a day just for brain function. No carbs diets are insane… seriously. Burning just fat makes you burn good body tissue as well… scary!
- You can substract grams of fiber from total carbs on food labels, only if there is 5 grams of fiber or more.
- Sugar free stuff with sugar alcohols isn’t as good as I thought. It isn’t bad, but sugar substitutes are preferred. I need to keep those carbs down.
- It isn’t bad for diabetics to eat sugar, as long as they keep it within normal ranges and count them as carbs. Sugar isn’t the only thing you have to watch when you’re a Diabetic.