Just Look At What I Went And Did!

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."

-Thornton Wilder

I like Thanksgiving, it's usually very pleasant and quiet time in our home, although, sometimes I can be a little sad. There are people and places I miss during the holidays, and this year I have a couple more people to add to the list. Distance can never diminish the genuine love we feel for people, so I will remember them fondly, and enjoy the day, giving thanks for what is going right in my life. And this Thanksgiving, I have something extra special to be thankful for.

Yesterday, I received a very special email from my doctor. Hold onto your hats, because when I heard the news I nearly fell off my chair! On July 23rd, when I was diagnosed with Diabetes, my A1c test was 6.7, but as of Tuesday of this week it is now 5.9! I did it, I brought my A1c back down into the Prediabetes range! And I did it in less than 4 months! WoooHooo!

Now, does that mean that I am no longer a diabetic? Nope, I must keep my A1c at, or below, 5.9 or better for at least a year. My goal is to get those numbers down by the same amount before my next A1c in March. So, no slacking off is allowed. I will still be checking my blood sugar 6 times a day, and my doctor recommends that I keep doing all the things I have been doing to lower my blood sugar numbers, which includes avoiding things that stress me out, like George Bush, who I am convinced gave me diabetes in the first place! LOL. Grrrr.

I still have a lot of hard work to do, and there is still every chance in the world that I might slip back into the Type 2 Diabetes range once again. Diabetes can have a mind and will all it's own, but I won't go there without a fight. I am smarter now about age, and nutrition, and balance. It isn't enough to just modify one's diet, I know now that it is just as important to learn how to let go of the past. To say "NO" when I have to, and not fret about it. To have "ME" time, and to give myself a break once in a while. Oh and yes, I suppose Alan is right, watching the news during dinner is not such a good idea. Sorry Charlie Gibson, and Katie Couric. :)

In truth, Diabetes is the best thing that ever happened to me. It has taught me what food and stress does to the body. And believe me, it has been a profound lesson. I have always heard that Diabetes is a manageable disease, and I have found out that it really is! One day last summer, diabetes visited me, and I kicked it's ass! LOL.

Do you know if you are at risk for Type 2 Diabetes? Here are the main risk factors that can lead to the onset of Type 2 Diabetes...

**Weight (being overweight)
**Inactivity
**Family History
**Race
**Age
**Prediabetes Condition
**Gestational Diabetes

November is National Diabetes Month. Please ask your doctor about the A1c test. Diabetes doesn't have to happen. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 20.8 million children and adults living with diabetes in the United States, or about 7% of the population, and another 6.2 million who are unaware that they already have the disease. This doesn't have to be the case. Diabetes can be managed. Please talk to your doctor, this month, about what your risk factors are, and if you should have the A1c test. I was lucky, I was diagnosed early, and now I have real hope of ridding myself of this disease. Please give yourselves that same chance. :)

Type 2 Diabetes Overview (MayoClinic)

American Diabetes Association

-OndineMonet
"Happy Flowers"
Pastorino's Pumpkin Farm
Half Moon Bay, California
October 21st, 2007
Late Afternoon