Category: Diabetes

Time For “The Talk”

Having children is an experience all its own. Some good, some bad and some memorable, they make life interesting in ways that nothing else can. Most parents dread the day that they’ll need to have “the talk” with their kids. The “talk” referring mostly to the birds and the bees and where babies come from. With my oldest son Nathan, I’ve been fortunate enough that he’s been able to observe my wife’s pregnancy and his baby brother’s gestation through to his birth. So he’s very aware that babies grow in mommy’s tummy, although not what GOT him there. (One battle at a time, people!)

But the talk I’m referring to, is the one where Diabetes needs to be explained. For someone afflicted with Type-1 Diabetes, having children brings on its own batch of concerns and worries. For example, the prospect that your child may have Type-1, as well. I’ve been fortunate thus far that my oldest son, Nathan, is showing no signs of being diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes. He certainly eats like he hasn’t got a care in the world!

But one of the issues I’ve had to face in recent years is explaining Diabetes and the reason behind it. I started pump therapy while Nathan was still an infant, so in the years that followed I had to start being mindful of his grubby little paws clawing at my tubing and grabbing at the pump. We’ve come to humorously refer to my pump as my “ouchie”, and Nathan has grown up understanding not to touch it under any circumstances and to be mindful not to sit/step or grab on or around it when we’re horsing around.

A few days ago I was behind my house doing some yard work. Nathan was playing contently in the dirt and it was a beautiful day. As luck (and bad timing) would have it, I started experiencing a low, right when I was in the middle of doing a task. I tested using my Freestyle Libre and sure enough, I was in the mid 3’s!

As is his norm, it took him less than five minutes to realize I had left the back yard and to seek me out in my home office. He immediately noticed that I was feasting on some jelly beans to treat my low. He asked if my blood sugar was low, to which I replied that it was. He asked me if he could have some jelly beans as well. Not wanting to have a five-year old Tasmanian Devil bouncing off the walls, I declined to let him partake… which pissed him off to no end!

He got upset and said it wasn’t “fair” that I got to eat candy whenever I wanted and he couldn’t (which is ironic as it’s pretty much the opposite). This is when it dawned on me that although he understands to be careful around my medical devices, he may not be inherently aware of why I have them. I decided that it was now time to explain why I wear a pump and exactly what Diabetes is.

I started by using Google to bring up a diagram of the human body with the pancreas highlighted. I explained that when someone eats, the pancreas works to control the amount of sugar in the blood (a bit on the simplistic side, but come on! He’s five!) If you have too little or too much sugar in the blood, the pancreas adjusts it for you. But my pancreas doesn’t function properly, so the pump does the job for my pancreas.

Since the pancreas is a natural part of one’s body, it knows how to adjust and balance things. Since my pump is a machine, sometimes mistakes are made, which is why I have to occasionally eat sugared foods to bring my blood sugar up. And jelly beans are usually the easiest and fastest way for me to do it. If I allowed Nathan to consume my jelly beans, I wouldn’t have them in the event that I suffered a low, which was why I couldn’t share them.

To my surprise, he took everything I told him pretty well. He even repeated some details back, which indicated his understanding. All in all, I was pretty happy and proud that he understood. We also briefly discussed that if he ever saw Daddy going to sleep suddenly or being unable to move, to run for Mommy right away for help. His attention and understanding were rewarded with the sharing of one jelly bean from my pile, which made him happy and sent back on his way.

It can be hard to give kids credit where credit is due. We assume that because of their young age, they may not necessarily understand. But allowing oneself to provide even a rudimentary explanation can take some of the anxiety and concern away, especially if your kids ever see you in the throws of a bad low or having to call for help. It won’t eliminate the worry of seeing a parent carted off in an ambulance, but explaining can at least stem some of it. If the sex talk turns out to be this easy for Nathan, I can breathe easy… Although somehow I doubt I’ll be THAT lucky! ☯

Sip Yourself To Sleep

Recently, I wrote about different types of tea in a post entitled “Let’s TEA Off”where I described the effects of some tea and the myth that some teas such as green tea, are caffeine free.  I had some misfortune in this area, as I foolishly consumed a cup of green tea late one evening, only to have it keep me awake through half the night.  I was NOT impressed!

I’m usually not one for endorsing specific brands and types, but I’ve come upon a blend of herbal tea that I’ve found not only delicious, but completely caffeine-free. Sometimes, it’s nice to enjoy a nice, hot cup of something in the evening while reading or watching a show. And since coffee and traditional teas are out of the question because of their stimulating effect, a natural caffeine-free herbal tea is the best alternative.

This is a can of loose-leafed cinnamon rooibos chai tea that my wife and I received as a gift from our friend Lavina, some time ago. I usually don’t partake of loose-leafed tea, since it requires an infuser of some sort and honestly, who has the time? But I’ve recently taken to using the infuser we do have and I have to say, this blend of tea has really sat well with me.

The cinnamon flavour is almost akin to chewing cinnamon gum, or having a shot of Fireball without the buzzing effect. As you can see from the photo, this particular can was obtained from DAVIDsTEA, which is a Canadian specialty tea store. They sell just about every kind of tea under the sun and stars, and often offer samples of specialty blends that they offer in-store. We have a location here in Regina and two in Saskatoon.

So if you’re looking for a warm, comforting drink in the evening, a steaming-hot cup of herbal tea is the way to go. ☯

When The Way Is Right…☸️

I don’t deny that one could say I became a Buddhist almost by accident. I hadn’t even HEARD of Buddhism when I started martial arts in the late 80’s, yet here I am. Decades later, constant study and trying to follow the right path. A good portion of my story is a prime example of cause and effect. As I progressed in the martial arts, I was introduced to concepts such as Budo, Bushido’s code and my first introductions to Buddhism.

Despite the accidental introductions (or not so accidental, if one believes that all things happen for a reason) there have been a number of measurable benefits to my years of Buddhist study and martial arts. I originally got into martial arts for the purposes of improving my health, and it has turned out to provide more benefit than that scrawny kid ever could have imagined when he set out on the journey…

There’s no denying that the martial arts has provided me with a number of significant advantages.  The physical requirements and exercise has helped to improve my insulin sensitivity and fight off insulin resistance.  The intense training has provided me with better blood circulation, which as most of you likely know, is VERY important to someone with Diabetes.  Measurable improvements in body mass and appetite followed, allowing me to survive well past the window of expectation that most of my doctors had for me in the late 80’s, early 90’s.

  When I started studying Buddhism, some of the most important aspects that I began to work on were mindfulness, meditation and control of my inner thoughts and emotions.  This is not to say that I don’t display emotions (my wife can attest to that), but my practice has allowed me to control how I externalize my reactions and emotions.  Over the years, this has allowed me to deal with problems and face issues in my personal and professional life in an almost detached manner that allows for logic to step in and for the emotion to come out at a later time.

Something I need to point out is that most people automatically associate Buddhism with meditation, but the truth is that you can reap the benefits of meditation on its own.  Not only from a Diabetes standpoint but for people in general, meditation can do a world of good.  This is becoming a well-known fact, and plenty of people are getting on board.  Meditation is offered/taught in some places of work, schools and a variety of classes where different varieties of meditation are taught.

And yes, there are different types of meditation.  Some of the most popular ones are transcendental meditation, focused meditation, mantra meditation and relaxation meditation are but a few, and it all depends on what you’re trying to accomplish with the meditation that you do.  Just like there are a variety of types of yoga and types of martial arts. 

But some of the benefits of meditation can include lowering one’s blood pressure, controlling pain within the body, improving one’s sleep, helps one to focus and increase self-awareness and helps with stress and anxiety.  All of these things can be helpful with the control of blood sugars and overall Diabetic health.  You can find introductory classes on guided meditation in most major cities, and there are plenty of books on the subject as well.  Be sure to keep an open mind, and if it doesn’t feel right to you, don’t be afraid to  seek out different classes as every instructor or teacher may have a different method of imparting the knowledge.

I may have fallen into some of what I do by accident or coincidence, but I’ll never look back.  One of the beautiful aspects of meditation is that you can basically do it anywhere.  All you need is a comfortable place to sit/lie down, whatever your preference may be.  ☯

Why Not Sleep On It? 😴

I love sleep. What little I get of it! But it’s without a doubt one of my favourite things after my family and martial arts. I’m a firm advocate of naps, recognizing their rejuvenative effects and benefits. But is it possible to get TOO much sleep? The lazy bastard in me says no, but the dominant, logical side of me says yes…

First, I need to be clear on the fact that I’m not referring to a generalized number of hours’ sleep for everyone. After all, every person is different. But it should be agreed that the average adult requires between 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep, every night, in order to function properly. Depending on the age group, you may need more or you may need less. The National Sleep Foundation has an online article at sleepfoundation.org that describes the amount of sleep you need by age group.

Here’s the irony: lack of sleep can cause a number of cognitive and physical side effects on the body. Heart and metabolic issues, problems with memory and increased risk of stroke have been linked to oversleeping. There are some mentions of Diabetes and death in there, as well. Although any correlation has yet to be proven on those. And to be clear, oversleeping means getting more than 9 hours in one sitting… or laying, I guess.

People will sometimes oversleep as a necessity for something their body is adjusting to. If you’re on prescribed medication that causes heavy drowsiness, getting yourself off the rack may take a bit more effort. If you turned a mean drunk with your buddies the night before, the following morning’s hangover may require you to stay in bed with the curtains closed for a tad longer than expected.

According to Dr. Michael J. Breus, who authors a webpage called The Sleep Doctor, oversleeping is more common than we think, and can often be linked to mental health issues, such as depression. The article goes on to explain that the amount of sleep required is contingent on a number of factors including but not limited to age, activity level, health and life circumstances. In those instances, the article is referring to a consistent problem and not the rare occasion where you seem to have problems getting to sleep.

One of the major issues facing someone with Type-1 Diabetes is the lack of a proper night’s sleep. Often, fluctuating blood sugars throughout the night will have you waking up for excessive urination or to take insulin because you’re running high, or to consume some fast-acting carbs because you’re having a low. This definitely messes with a full, uninterrupted night’s sleep. Restless Leg Syndrome is also a reality that folks with Diabetes are often forced to deal with, due to neurological damage caused as a side effect of Diabetes.

At this point, I’m usually out of bed around the same general time every morning, regardless of what time I fell asleep. Keeping a routine in terms of bedtime and wake time can be helpful. If I see I’m excessively exhausted, I allow myself the benefit of a short nap throughout the day (if my children permit). But there are a few things you can do to ensure a better sleep and hopefully prevent oversleeping:

  1. Have a Bedtime Routine: If you do the same thing every night, your body starts to recognize that it means bedtime. Getting into sleepwear, brushing your teeth and setting the morning’s alarm at the same time every night will help prepare your body for sleep. This brings me to my next point…;
  2. Set An Alarm: Hey, I love the thought of simply sleeping until my body feels ready to wake on its own as much as the next person. But this isn’t always possible, depending on work and familial obligations. Setting an alarm ensures you wake up consistently at the same time every morning. As much as that sucks, it helps with maintaining a proper sleep pattern;
  3. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: This one should be common sense, but let’s be real for a moment… Most of us consume alcohol during the evening and late night hours. There’s no requirement to do it this way; it’s simply the societal norm because it’s generally frowned upon to be consuming alcohol during the workday. However, unless the social get-together is planned for the late evening, having a drink or two around supper time then stopping will help to ensure that your sleep isn’t affected by your booze. Even if you “pass out” from drinking, it isn’t proper sleep and you’ll likely wake up feeling worse than you did when you hit the pillow;
  4. Get Plenty of Exercise: I can personally attest to this one! Having a wicked workout sometime during the day will increase your chances of getting a good night’s sleep. besides the fact that you’ll be tired, exercise is conducive to a good night’s sleep.
  5. Check Your Blood Sugar Levels: For us Diabetic folk, making sure we aren’t on an upward or downward trend with our blood sugars is important. Honestly, maintaining a total control all throughout the night is pretty unlikely. But if you can at least ensure that you aren’t skyrocketing when you nod off will help make sure your rest is significantly better. That, or if you’re like me, you don’t want your insulin pump running out during the night.

It sounds like a lot, but to be honest, once you have a routine it’s pretty mundane and, well… routine! Sometimes when I’m feeling tired, my eyes will close for about twenty minutes while I’m seated at the couch. My whole family gets a giggle out of hearing me snore and I get the quick refresher I need to get me through the rest of the day. But there you have it! Get proper sleep, not too much! ☯

Almighty Diabetic Sweet Tooth

One of the best parts about being a father is having the ability to allow my child to indulge in the things that I can’t. Namely, food and sweets. Although I try to keep my son on the nutritional straight and narrow, a big part of me is often envious that he can make it through his day by consuming high-carb foods without worrying about his blood sugar levels. A good example would be a few days ago. I woke up and hadn’t gotten any coffee in me yet.

My son had eaten a light breakfast, but expressed his desire to have some eggs. I was taken aback by this, as he is usually opposed to anything that isn’t crackers, bread or wraps. I told him I’d immediately fry him up a couple of eggs, but he corrected me by showing me the small bag of Hershey’s Eggies I had sitting in my workout area from a low I had suffered the day before (BTW, chocolate is absolutely horrible and the worst choice when you’re having low blood sugar, but I’ll save that one for another post!) I ended up shrugging my shoulders and said, “Why not?” and let him consume the five or six eggies that were left in the pouch. It was nine o’clock in the morning. Meinh…

My son has that benefit and his immune system is showing no signs of attacking his beta cells, much to my relief. But what can those of us who suffer from Diabetes do? If you’re anything like me, just HEARING about a specific food will have me craving it. I’ve lost count of the number of times that my wife has spoken the words, “You know what would be good?” only to have me salivate and suffer in silence. Okay, who am I kidding? I never do ANYTHING silent…

Although I am currently on pump therapy and some “experts” may say that the use of insulin allows for the consumption of sugared goods if I so choose, piling on more insulin isn’t a great solution and it has its share of side effects. Depending on the routine of your day, constant infusions of insulin outside of your meal periods can lead to difficulties controlling your overall blood glucose levels. I also don’t need to remind anyone that people with Diabetes can have difficulties with managing body weight and increased insulin definitely doesn’t help with that.

First and foremost, sugar can be addicting. Yes, you read that right. When was the last time you heard of a white powder that WASN’T addicting? But seriously, craving sweets can be an addictive habit where your body seeks the release of dopamine through the consumption of something sugary or sweet. The idea is to try to find some way of curbing that craving without succumbing to it. I can easily admit that I’m a big fan of allowing the occasional indulgence. Doing so not only allows you the occasional treat, it makes it easier to stick to your meal plans and less likely to falter from a diet you may be on.

According to an article posted on HealthLine.com, there are a number of foods that you can consume that will help to curb those nasty sugar craving. Although I won’t list ALL the foods in this article, I’ll point out my favourites and which ones I feel have worked the best for me. Obviously, you want to be able to recognize the difference between a craving and genuine hunger. But here are some options…

  1. Fruit: This is a great alternative since most fruits have a sweet taste. They do also contain sugar, so you want to know how much you’ll have to bolus in order to compensate. The difference is that it’s a much healthier option with fibre and other good stuff thrown into the mix;
  2. Dark Chocolate: My wife and I are both fans of dark chocolate. And it usually refers to any chocolate that is higher than 70% cacao. Dark chocolate has a number of fantastic benefits, which I wrote about in my post Embrace Your Dark Side. But the higher the percentage of the chocolate, the less sugar is usually contained within. Chocolate is still pretty high in fat, however. So, that’s a consideration;
  3. Chewing Gum: Yup, that’s right! Some studies have shown that chewing a piece of sugar-free gum can help to stave off sugar cravings, as well as help to control hunger. They’re sweetened with artificial sweeteners, of course, and not everyone likes that. But it’s certainly an easy way to stave off cravings.

These are just my top 3 and the ones I usually lean on. The chewing gum is actually my most-used method of staving off sugar cravings and/or controlling hunger throughout the day. The article includes 19 foods and does go on to say that if you find yourself constantly craving sugar, you should probably examine your diet and figure out what you’re lacking that might be causing it.

Last but not least, there are plenty of “Diabetes-friendly” desserts out there. Don’t be afraid to do some research and find some recipes, should your craving be for an actual dessert. The Diabetes Canada website has an entire section on recipes and can offer a variety of Diabetes-friendly recipes for not just desserts, but healthy meal options as well. The idea is not to try and go cold turkey, but to be smart about it and recognize the cravings for what they are. ☯

Riding In The Sun…

We had a warm, balmy afternoon of 20 degrees Celsius on Monday afternoon. This was a perfect time for me to take advantage and hit the road on the bike. I sold my black mountain bike a few days ago, as it no longer suited my needs and wasn’t allowing me to reap the full benefits due to improper sizing and tire issues. I have been using my wife’s bicycle for the past month, which is described as a “comfort” bike. This basically means that it’s mostly meant for riding on hard surfaces, such as pavement, and isn’t meant for gain on gravel and difficult surfaces.

We drove an hour up the highway to meet with my mother-in-law for a “social distancing” appropriate meeting, where we all stayed in our respective vehicles and chatted from several feet away. Once we travelled back home, I loaded up the bike and took off on a southern route to reach Wascana Lake, which is a man-made lake sitting near the Parliament building in Regina.

I pedalled down Broad Street and was remarkably surprised at people’s ignorance to a cyclist in clear view. I was almost struck repeatedly by passing vehicles, not least of which was a city bus that seemed to think it was a god idea to cut across my front to make a right-hand turn, despite my clear intention to go straight. Despite the many moving obstacles (or maybe I was the obstacle to them, depending on one’s perspective) I made it from my home to the lake in just under 20 minutes.

My northern view of the lake as I pedalled by…

Once I reached the lake, I noticed that the City of Regina had altered the travel path that circumvents the lake to be in one direction only. So everyone who was walking, jogging or cycling was doing so in a clockwise direction. I usually love driving around the lake, as the view and the wildlife is usually plentiful. Getting around the lake proved much more difficult on a bike, since nobody on the trail seemed particularly interested in making way for a passing bike.

The GPS mapping of my 20-kilometre route

But the lake was a sight, the weather was beautiful and I was getting my workout in, so it more than made up for all the little inconveniences. Between the people and vehicles in the way and the stop-and-go nature of the traffic lights on Broad Street, it took me just short over an hour to go down to the lake, make one full circuit and make my way home. Not my best time, but it was still a good sweat.

During these restricted times, it’s important to take advantage of some fresh air and get a workout outside. Whether it’s a jog, a walk or a bike ride… Even a back yard kicking a ball around with your children will do. Staying active and getting some fresh air will go a long way towards helping you get through quarantine/self-isolation. ☯

Let’s TEA Off…

I’m not a fan of tea… In fact, anyone who knows me is well aware that I have a particular affinity to coffee and caffeine in general. But despite my personal preferences, tea in general does tend to have a reasonable amount of caffeine. In fact, a normal cup of pure green tea (without any additives) usually has almost 30 milligrams of caffeine, despite some sources claiming that green tea is “naturally” caffeine-free.

I learned this lesson the hard way last week, when I decided to enjoy a cup of green tea at about 7 o’clock in the evening and wound up being awake for most of the night. I spoke to my Sensei about it, who studies herbs and Chinese Medicine, only to be told not to consume tea after 5 p.m. for this very reason. I should have asked BEFORE trying it. Nothing like learning the hard way…

I wrote a post last year, outlining the benefits of green tea, called My Tea Is Green With Envy. In fact, I also wrote about the aspects of coffee called Sweet, Blessed Caffeine…, although it doesn’t necessarily cover the benefits of coffee so much as it discusses the appropriate levels of caffeine one can consume. Regardless, I won’t get into the benefits of Green Tea in this post, as you can easily read them in the linked article above.

As I said in the beginning, I’m not a fan of tea. I remember the first time I tried a cup. Although I don’t remember exactly when it was or how long ago, I had decided to try a cup in lieu of my constant stream of coffee. I remember wondering why in the hell I subjected myself to the brew as it reminded me of a cup of hot bath water (And no, I’m not speaking from experience. Before anyone asks…)

But I try and enjoy (and I use that term lightly) a cup of green tea at least once an afternoon. According to an article posted by the Pacific College Of Health And Science, “Green tea polyphenols and polysaccharides are effective in lowering blood sugars. […] The polyphenol group of green tea catechins has been shown to lower blood sugars, as well as the polysaccharides in green tea.”

Some other studies have explained that some blends of black tea can also have the same benefit, although I can’t seem to find my source so I’ll leave it to you to decide. But after my little insomnia “incident” with the green tea, I asked Sensei about some different teas that provided some, if any benefit. Here are some of the options he threw at me:

  • Ginger Tea: This is good for helping to stomach pains and nausea. It’s also been shown to help with muscle aches, making it ideal for post-workouts. A true herbal tea, this is a genuine caffeine-free alternative when compared to green or black teas;
  • Barley Tea: I honestly had never heard of barley tea until Sensei mentioned it. But it’s also good for helping with stomach issues and can help alleviate problems with your sleep patterns. Some also enjoy drinking it for it’s nutty flavour. Since barley tea is made from, well… barley, it falls under the same category as ginger tea and is said to be completely caffeine-free (I’m seeing a trend and I think Sensei is trying to tell me something!);
  • Dandelion Tea: Alright, this one sounds straight up disgusting! Sensei even suggested picking and drying my own dandelions to make this tea. But once I got to researching, dandelion tea has a significant number of benefits, according to an article posted by Healthline.com. These benefits include reducing water weight, helping with stomach issues, increasing liver health and preventing urinary tract infections. Sounds pretty good, although dandelion root can interact with some medications, so chat with your medical practitioner before drinking it in any serious way. Another caffeine-free alternative, some claim it tastes surprisingly similar to coffee;
  • Ginseng Tea: I’ve heard for decades that the consumption of Ginseng helps with increased brain function. Healthline.com also has a pretty decent article on this one. But some of the benefits include helping with erectile dysfunction, boosting the immune system and may increase energy levels. The interesting benefit to this one is that it could also help to lower blood sugar levels. Ginseng is actually on par with coffee on the caffeine front, which is likely how it “helps” with energy levels.

Last but not least, is a blend of tea that I actually kind of enjoy. This would be mint tea. Sensei recommends having a cup of mint tea in the evenings as it helps you to relax. Peppermint tea is said to be caffeine free as it is an herbal tea, and has a significant number of benefits that include the ones listed above. Not least of which would be the fact that it also helps to freshen your breath.

Although you can easily obtain any of these teas at your local grocery store, it’s also important to know what you’re putting in your body. Take a close look at the ingredients listed on the package. Some commercially-made teas will include additives, preservatives and ingredients you may not want with your tea.

I stand by my preference of coffee over tea, but there’s no denying that the benefits make it worth having a cup. Whether enjoyed while reading a book, streaming your favourite show or simply because you like it, a cup of herbal tea can be a great idea. Although I admit that I won’t be harvesting my own dandelions from the back yard anytime soon… ☯

It’s Going Semi-Well, And I May Have Woken Up…

Back in December of 2019, I wrote a post called Here Comes The New Year. I wrote about the New Year’s resolution I was making and I maybe bragged a bit about the fact that I was starting my resolution a month early in order to get a leg up on my goals. I’ll admit that for the most part, things were going decently. Then the world went to hell and everyone had to stay home in self-isolation…

I know I promised I wouldn’t constantly be posting about my New Year’s resolution. But since we’ve already gotten through a third of the year, I felt it might be a good time to provide at least a rudimentary update. Especially since I’ve already identified my weak spots. See, people tend to need something to fill their time. No matter how much we usually think that some quiet, down time would be nice, humans become bored reasonably quick and will do whatever seems reasonable and safe in the moment, in order to entertain themselves.

Friends and associates who know me personally are aware that I experienced my first beer at the age of 23. Since then, I’ve allowed myself the occasional indulgence whenever time and location permits. Although never consuming in order to become intoxicated, some of the gut-swelling effects will take place even if you drink very little.

My Resolution spreadsheet at a glance

If you take a look at the image above, it isn’t hard to see where my problem spot may be. Granted, I didn’t exactly make the spreadsheet easy to adhere to. Perhaps if I’d made the spreadsheet a day-to-day checklist as opposed to a weekly one, there would be more green in the first column. But one drink at anytime during the week currently results in a red “X” as opposed to a green check mark.

Workouts are workouts. I make no excuses for the red in that column. One can clearly see some occasions where I’ve been ill or absent in some manner. Once in early February where I was down and out with a cold and the first week of March when I travelled to New Brunswick, limiting the number of times I was able to fit in a workout. I know, I know… But you always tell us that’s you can workout anywhere and there’s no excuses… As right as that statement may be, sometime life gets in the way.

And the soda in recent weeks is a result of deciding I wanted a little something different than water. I found cases of mini-cans of Diet Coke Xtra. This is a blend that has an extra hit of caffeine in it and, well… y’all know me and my caffeine. Definitely not a permanent issue, but I don’t allow for a green check mark unless I’ve had a full week without having any.

The obvious problem is that first column… Whether one random beer, or the indulgence of several days of quarantine, I’ve only had five green check marks out of eighteen weeks. Last Monday, I travelled to Saskatoon for my usual eye injections. I was upgraded to a jacuzzi suite at my hotel, which allowed for me to soak and relax my back, which has been bothering me lately.

Because I have no sense of temperature and I enjoy making myself suffer, I made the water in the jacuzzi tub far too hot. As a result, I occasionally had to sit on the edge of the tub and allow myself to cool. I unfortunately caught a glimpse of myself in the mirrors that make up the wall behind the tub. I did NOT like what I saw. It seems that months of isolation and beer have had a noticeable effect on the “life-preserver” area of my torso. We are not impressed…

I only have myself to blame, considering the fact that I KNOW full well that people with Diabetes have difficulties with weight fluctuations. Adding beer into the mix has obviously had a negative effect. And even though I’m fully on board with the fact that a person’s value has to do with more than one’s physical appearance, there’s also something to be said about being happy with the person you see in the mirror.

Now, I’m not seriously suggesting that I’m obese. Simply that, for lack of a better term, I’ve pudged up in all the wrong places. As I’ve often written before, weight loss HAS to include a combination of fitness AND proper nutrition. So even though I work out consistently (for the most part, but I did work out 6 days in a row last week), my body will still pack on some pounds unless I cut out the bad and maintain the good.

Hence why I’ve decided to knuckle down and cut out the beer for the next while. I already knew going in that I would have some squares with a red “X” on the sheet. After all, one is more prone to failure if an indulgence isn’t permitted on occasion. But sometimes we need a swift kick in the keister; a wake-up call, if you will. It will be interesting to see what the spreadsheet looks like in September. ☯

When You’ve Bruised More Than Your Ego…

Don’t let the title fool you, today’s post is about actual, physical bruising. let’s leave the emotional bruising for another day… If you train in the martial arts, it stands to reason that you’ll get bruises. Let me repeat that: YOU WILL GET BRUISES!!! If you think, for one moment, that you’ll train extensively in karate or any other style in the hopes of becoming proficient without suffering bumps, bruises and abrasions, you’re kidding yourself.

I’ve recently written about the fact that proper martial arts training requires hitting something. I’ve mostly been referring to the use of pads or punching bags. But when training with a partner, speed and precision need to be developed. This can usually only be accomplished by executing techniques to their fullest extent against your partner. Your partner, on their end, need to develop their blocks in such a way that they can intercept and counter.

I have unfortunately known quite a number of instructors who have adopted a policy of “no touching” in their dojo. Although this can seem ideal, especially in a modern society where everyone gets easily offended and can construe physical contact as something inappropriate (despite martial arts being a contact sport), such a policy does you no favours. It prevents your ability to learn martial skills in the way they were meant to. If your instructor preaches no contact, he or she is doing you a great disservice.

But if you’ll indulge me for a moment as I climb down off my soap box, let’s discuss actual bruising for a moment. A bruise is basically a pooling of blood beneath the surface of the skin. There are different types of bruising, but we’re keeping it simple (for a change). Bruising happens when your tissues come into some traumatic level of contact with something solid. The capillaries beneath your skin burst and release blood into the tissue beneath the skin. The collection of this blood is what we see as a bruise.

Although bruises will initially hurt or ache, the feeling should pass within a day or two. And you should likely know that the bruise will change colours as it heals. That being said, there are certain medical conditions that can cause bruising without trauma to the tissues. Some bleeding disorders like hemophilia, and some forms of cancer, can cause abstract bruising that you may not be able to explain.

You should definitely seek medical help if your bruise is accompanied by swelling and extreme pain, bruising without knowing how it happened and if you suspect you may have broken a bone. If you have bruising and also have blood coming from ANY extremity (nose, mouth, urine…) then it requires immediate medical attention. On the milder side, bruises will usually heal on their own within a week or two at most, depending on the cause.

If you have Type-1 Diabetes, you’re likely already aware that it’s tougher for us to heal ANY wound. A simple bumping of your leg can cause bruising that will need to be treated by a medical professional, through draining or medication. This all depends on how well you manage your Diabetes, especially through the practice of good nutrition, exercise and frequent blood sugar testing. ☯

Remembering When… (It’s A Long Read, FYI)

April is always a bit of a catch-22 for me, because it contains so many dates and milestones in my life… Some good, some bad but all remembered. For example, it was in April of 1988 that I first set foot inside a karate dojo and forever changed the direction of life as I knew it. It was in April of 2013 when my wife and I became a couple and April of the following year that we got married.

As fond as I am of those memories, April is also the month that my brother passed away after a chaotic, 18-year battle against kidney failure, heart issues, Epilepsy and a score of other illnesses too many to list. Ironically, April is also the month in 1982 where I passed out cold into my bowl of morning cereal, which resulted in an emergency visit to the hospital where I was diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes…

For weeks, my parents had started seeing a change in me. I had been going to Kindergarten for a while and had joined a younger version of the Boy Scouts called “Beavers” (insert the NSFW jokes here). Life was playing out the way it should for a child my age, with the exception of spending the majority of my free time at the hospital with my brother and my strange affinity to reading books.

But as the next couple of months passed, I began to lose weight. I couldn’t stand foods I usually enjoyed and I was always moody, bordering on crabby. I started wetting the bed again, and I’m not sure who that chagrined the most; my parents or myself. I was constantly thirsty and often suffered from bad stomach pains and cramps. Having never experienced a normal childhood through my brother, my parents felt that I was likely just going through growing pains. How very wrong they were!

I awoke on a quiet morning in April of 1982. I remember my body feeling like a lead weight and my head was spinning. My stomach hurt like hell and I couldn’t seem to formulate any words. I managed to make it to the washroom, although I had wet myself once again. When I stumbled out to the main area of the apartment we all lived in, I found that my mother had prepared a bowl of my favourite cereal: Froot Loops. I remember sitting at the table and my mother saying something to me, then everything went black.

That’s the last thing I remember before waking up in a hospital, several days later. According to my mother, I sat down at the table and stared at my cereal. She started asking me questions, to which I apparently frowned at her and continued to stare without answering. She started asking me what my problem was and what was wrong. And then my face flopped down into my cereal and I was out cold.

I don’t recall how I would have gotten to the hospital. As I remember it, my father was gone to work and we only had one vehicle, so I have to assume that my mother either called for an ambulance or a neighbour in our building helped out. I opened my eyes and found my parents standing there with some medical staff. Oddly enough, I wasn’t scared. I was more upset about the fact that their voices seemed to have woken me than I was about my locale.

This was the first time I heard the term “Diabetes.” I had no idea what it meant, but the mention of it brought a look fear on both my parents’ face. I recognized that it must be something bad, although I wouldn’t fathom the seriousness for quite a few years to come. The next week flew by in a blur as I was taught how to test my blood and use a massive plastic brick called a “glucometer.” I was taught how to properly load and inject insulin into my thighs, butt and triceps, although my mother took care of injections for the first couple of years. And I spoke with nutritionists and dietitians at length, all of whom repeated the same mantra: DON’T EAT SUGAR!

By the time I was released and sent home, I was wearing a shiny new metal bracelet that read: JUVENILE DIABETES, a term which is now considered a misnomer but still used. I had a batch of new equipment that my family couldn’t afford and significant limitations placed upon me. I had to quit the Beavers. My kindergarten teacher was advised of my condition who in turn, advised the whole class that “I had a special illness and had to be watched carefully” and to advise the teacher if I was found acting strangely or looking ill. This set the stage for the decade that would follow and permanently give me the top position on the weirdo podium of life, guaranteeing I would never be popular and most kids even went as far as to avoid me (this pre-dated a time when everyone had tender sensitivities and angry phone calls by parents to teachers were a common thing, so I actually had to DEAL with my problems).

Although Diabetes was a well-known condition in the early 80’s, many of the specific aspects weren’t as focused as they are now. Carb counting was not a thing in my household; it was always “DON’T EAT SUGAR.” This meant that my parents erred in some respects that I now know better. Thirsty? Sure, have that glass of milk. Milk has no sugar… or If you need a snack, stay away from Froot Loops and have a handful of crackers. There’s no sugar in crackers… When in truth, crackers are just as bad (in some cases worse) than sugared cereal.

The next five years included a number of short-term comas, complications, lifestyle issues and my presumed death in the years to come due to the onset of severe insulin-resistance. By the time I had reached 9 years of age, I had grown accustomed to going to sleep wondering if I’d be in my bed or the hospital the next morning. My brother also became a combat veteran at waking up and fetching my parents if I slipped into medical distress. I truly owe him my life in more ways than I can count.

Over the next year, significant lifestyle changes and taking myself in hand turned things around. I refused to let my mother provide my insulin injections and began doing it all myself. I tested multiple times a day as opposed to the once or twice a day that we could afford, sacrificing other things I didn’t need in order to make it work. I was able to spread out some of my supplies. For example, I used to cut ketone test strips down the middle, creating two thinner test strips. You’re pissing on them, for pete’s sake! Who cares how wide they are, right?

The I started karate. The following year is when I started to see light at the end of the tunnel. Structured fitness and exercise routines, mixed with a heavy dose of discipline, helped me to gain mass, increase my cardio and overall health and reduce the effects of insulin-resistance. I had been studying karate for a number of years before I finally told my parents, who didn’t approve of the choice for fear that I would get injured or succumb to the effects of my condition.

I developed a drive for life that has seen me succeed in every aspect I’ve ever pursued. Because I always refused to simply lie down and die. And those doctors who believed I would succumb to my Diabetes in my early teens? I’ll be celebrating my 42nd birthday this year, and guess what? I’M STILL HERE!

I sometimes look back at those early years and wonder what may have become of me, had things turned out differently. At the time, my brother and I shared a bedroom. What if I had slipped into my comatose state and he hadn’t gotten my parents? Or what if I hadn’t decided to get into fitness and karate and allowed my condition to take control? Would I have been more popular? Would I have had more friends, joined more sports, gone on to do something different with my life?

SO many variables that I’ll never know… But ultimately, it’s all led to the here and now. And all of it had created the person I am today; the person who is currently typing out this blog. In retrospect, I wouldn’t change a thing… ☯