You know, when you spend every day minding what you eat and watching your health it can get a little tedious. Sometimes we forget that it’s okay to take a step back, take a breath and let ourselves enjoy simple pleasures that we’ve always been told were a no-no.
Enter sugar pie! As some of you may remember from earlier posts, I’ve been living in the Canadian Prairies for the past ten years. During the past decade, one fo the things I’ve missed the most from the east coast is exactly that: sugar pie. This delicious desert has many different backgrounds in North America, but the one I’m referring to traces its roots to the Province of Quebec.
French Canadians have a bit of a dark history and faced many difficulties during the country’s development. Many of the recipes created during this period were rich in calories with lots of fat and sugar. This helped early French settlers to survive the harsh living conditions they faced due to the elements. Of course, the modern recipe is made with brown sugar, a rare commodity that wasn’t available back then. The original recipe called for maple syrup as opposed to brown sugar, so the flavor may have been different but many recipes still use either, or both.
The results of my attempt at a sugar pie
Today I decided to try my hand at making a sugar pie. It’s one of the few vices that I long for whenever I visit my family in the Maritimes, and I’ve never been able to find one anywhere in Saskatchewan. Although some people have mentioned having heard of sugar pie, no one has ever been able to provide me with a place to get one.
I happened to find a recipe for it online today, and decided to try my hand at it. The ingredient composition may have been a bit more complicated than the original recipe, but I figured I’d give it a shot. Depending on the taste, it may be an indulgence I can now allow myself.
Watery and unsuccessful…
Ultimately, it tastes like a bowl of jellied s&*t!!! I should leave the baking to those who know how. The French settlers would have likely opted for starvation over eating this thing. I’m not sure where I went wrong, but it’s watery and tastes nothing like any sugar I’ve ever had out east. But hey, at least I tried… ☯
Being alive hurts! From the moment of our birth, we suffer traumas. Think about it: everything a newborn infant feels is for the first time. A little bit cold? Hungry? Gassy? These are all the WORST things that an infant experiences because they’ve never experienced anything else. The things that could be remedied with a bottle and a warm blanket become traumatic to them.
The same can be said for us as adults. We simply tend to grow into these pains much easier than a newborn infant. I remember a time, not so long ago, that I could hop out of bed after only a couple of hour’s sleep and hit the ground running. Train and work all day, study and write before going out with friends and spend half the night up. Bear in mind that this was all before I introduced coffee into my routine.
These days, a bit of cold weather makes my knees sound as though I’m walking through a room full of loaded mousetraps and I’m setting them all off. The pain is about the same, as well! My mornings start with a wave of fatigue that result in a daily battle of wills against my body’s instinct to simply lie back in bed and keep sleeping. Caffeine has become a required step in my daily routine as opposed to an enjoyable commodity (don’t kid yourself, I still enjoy it as a commodity as well)
The point is that I don’t recall how all these little pains got this point. They were so gradual that for the most part, I still remember being full of oomph instead of waking up full of oops! There is no defeating the ravages of time. That probably sounds a bit morbid, but it’s intended as a reminder of the importance of taking care of oneself.
From the Diabetes standpoint, exercise, proper nutrition and frequent testing are important as we get older in order to maintain ourselves. From everybody’s standpoint, being idle is extremely detrimental and can lead to all the aches and pains we begin to experience as a few extra birthdays come and go. So be sure to take good care of yourself and stay physically fit, Diabetic or not. ☯
The human body is a phenomenal machine. It can be trained, developed and taught to perform wondrous feats. For the most part, hard work and effort can allow just about anyone to become better, stronger and faster than they were before. Training and muscle memory are wondrous tools.
For example, I remember reading about monks in China called the Leaping Kung who trained tirelessly for hours everyday at jumping. That’s it, just jumping. They would train and develop their jumping and leaping abilities to the point where they could jump to exaggerated heights from a standing start.
Another good example would include athletes who train to swim for long periods of time in water that would be at temperatures considered unhealthy and dangerous for the human body. Although one would never stay in water of these temperatures for periods of more than fifteen minutes (usually accompanied by a beer and sitting still, mind you), these athletes train and condition themselves not only to withstand the increased temperature, but the rigors of physical activity within said increased temperatures.
Although these feats sounds amazing and many people watching would easily wish for the ability to do the same, conditioning ourselves to endure more is not always a good thing. Sometimes we can push in the wrong way and the results can be detrimental.
When I was a child, I would suffer multiple symptoms from having low blood sugar. My vision would blur, my muscles would weaken and my tongue would go numb, of all things. Over the years, some symptoms have changed to include loss of coordination and fine motor skills, mood swings and anger to passing out. It was annoying and frustrating, especially if I were out with friends or trying to train at karate.
Over the years, I pushed myself to keep going, even when my blood glucose levels would drop. The end result is that some symptoms were reduced and some disappeared altogether. I have been a Type 1 Diabetic for 37 years, and I can honestly say that when my blood sugar drops I get a mild feeling of discomfort and test my blood to find it quite low.
Anything below 3.9 mmol/L is considered low and dangerous. Anything below 3.0 mmol/L can cause loss of consciousness. I’ve often remained fully functional well into the low 2.0 mmol/L. Although one would think that this is a good thing, it really isn’t. Extreme lows can cause damage to the body that we rarely consider. Even now, I’ve felt a low and tested only to have my glucometer read “LO”. This means that my blood glucose levels are too low to register on the machine.
Conditioning ourselves to handle more can be an exceptional advantage in the martial arts, fitness and even with Diabetes. But if you train yourself TOO well, you can reach a dangerous level. Be mindful of what goals you set but more than that, be mindful of what the results may be once you reach those goals. Your health may depend on it. ☯
In all my travels, I’ve yet to meet someone who isn’t at least VAGUELY familiar with Superman. Even folks who aren’t into comic books and such will have at least some idea of who this iconic superhero is. And why wouldn’t they? Incredibly powerful, but still noble and true… The best of all things with none of the bad. Truth, Justice and the American Way… (you’d never guess that Superman is actually Canadian!)
But my point is, as strong and powerful as Superman may be, he still has a weakness: Kryptonite. Able to weaken and even kill him, kryptonite was the one thing that Superman could never overcome. And even though it’s a comic book, there’s an important lesson, there.
The importance behind how hard you train should be directly related to the fact that no matter how strong or skilled you get, there will always be someone stronger. That’s just a fact of life. But by giving your training the maximum effort you can muster, you ensure that you can continue to grow and progress, and should the day ever come that you face an opponent, your odds of getting out in one piece are much better.
One good example of this is Diabetes. Diabetes is my kryptonite. It weakens me, leaves me vulnerable and gets in the way of even some of the simplest joys in life. But I’ve trained and conditioned myself for decades to overcome and outsmart my kryptonite. And through training, education and help from the appropriate healthcare professionals, I’m much better prepared to deal with it (even though at times, it still weakens me!)
Sometimes overcoming our weaknesses means taking steps and pursuing treatments that we personally don’t approve of. I can certainly attest to having been prescribed medications or been put on diets or treatment regiments that I haven’t liked or wanted to do. But sometimes getting over one’s kryptonite requires swallowing our pride, and recognizing that it’s for the greater good. It’s not a weakness to accept these treatments or the help that comes with them. In fact, recognizing that you need the help and accepting it takes more strength than we usually care to acknowledge. Especially if you find yourself in a life situation where there are many loved ones who depend and count on you.
There are always ways to be fit, get stronger and stay healthy. The trick is finding what works for you, then sticking with it no matter whether you like or not. Because no matter what personal kryptonite you face today, there may be bigger fish to fry tomorrow. ☯
Look, I totally understand that in the fast-paced environment we all live in these days, there’s a propensity to do everything quickly. We live by the clock, and sometimes we’re moving so quickly that we fail to realize the consequences of being so rushed. This is certainly the case when it comes to our meals.
There are a number of disadvantages to rushing your meal. According to an article posted by Medical News Today, “eating too quickly may add an extra size to your waistline, as well as raising your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke”. Further, the article goes on to explain that studies have shown that eating too fast can contribute to insulin resistance. Here’s the article, if you want to give it a read: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320056.php
The big problem is that it takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to signal that your stomach is full. So if you rush your meal and stuff your face as though it’s going out of style, you’ll shovel in way more food than is necessary for you to actually be full. The problem is that you’ll overeat before you start realizing that you’ve eaten enough. The additional calories will inevitably lead to weight gain and can contribute to the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.
That’s why eating at a buffet is such a problem; you rush through your first and possibly second plate of food in the interest of getting your money’s worth but you outrun your nourishment requirements before you can realize you’re full.
Let’s look at it from the perspective of the lion… A lion will take the time to hunt its prey and kill it. Then, the lion will settle in and take its time eating its prey. And once the lion has had its fill, it will go lay in the shade, clean and groom itself and take a nap. Doesn’t that sound WAY better than shoveling food into your face like a preschooler? Granted, very few of us have the benefit of being able to nap after a meal, but the message is clear: you should take your time while eating your meal.
There are a number of things you can do to help the process of eating at a slower pace:
Take smaller bites. This will allow your brain the time to register and send the appropriate signal once you’re full.
Eat regular meals at regular intervals. It’s easier to slow your pace if you’re never hungry to the point that you’re starving. Make certain that you never leave more than four hours between meals.
Drink plenty of water. It’s been documented in several different forums that dehydration can cause feelings of hunger. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and include a large glass of water during your meal to prevent overeating.
Skip second helpings. Once you have your planned plate of food, avoid filling up on a second plate. Depending on your caloric requirements, the average person will never need more than one average plateful of food per meal, especially if you eat at regular intervals.
In a world where everything tends to whip by at break-neck speed, do yourself a favor and slow down your meals. Take the time, whether it’s a 30-minute lunch hour at work or all the time you need at home, to enjoy the eating experience and allow yourself to eat and digest properly. You’ll avoid heartburn, indigestion and long-term complications. Your body will thank you. So will your stress levels! ☯
I got today’s title from a Twitter post I found that said, What idiot named them Diabetic Foot Ulcers and not Diafeeties? I found that pretty amusing. The actual condition, however, is not.
Diabetic foot ulcers are a condition caused by a number of different factors including but not limited to poor circulation, bad blood sugar control and untreated wounds to the feet. They can go unnoticed for a long time before pain and infection set in. But there are lots of things that can be done to help prevent them.
First of all, any type of injury to your feet can be problematic if you have Diabetes. Badly fitted shoes, poor foot hygiene and even unrelated Diabetic complications can lead to foot ulcers. Poor circulation to your feet will not only contribute to ulcers but will make any injury take much longer to heal, which will potentially also lead to ulcers. High blood sugars will also slow the healing process, but any loss of blood sugar control will be bad in the long run.
There are a number of little things you can do to help prevent Diabetic foot ulcers besides proper blood sugar control. As usual, I’m a big fan of exercise as managing tool. Ensuring your feet remain clean, warm and wearing shoes that fit your feet properly will go a long way.
If you start to notice any kind of fluid discharge from your feet or if cut, scrapes or wounds on your feet start to turn dark and/or black, it’s time to go see your medical practitioner. Although Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious issue, they can be treated and reversed. But if you have developed sores or ulcers, try staying off your feet to relieve pressure that could make an infection worse, and see a health professional as soon as possible.
I was going to include a stock photo of a Diabetic foot ulcer but to be honest, it was disgusting enough to deter even me! With winter creeping in, it’s important to keep your feet dry and warm. Wear proper footwear and maintain those blood sugar levels. A regular exercise routine will help with that. Worsened complications or untreated foot infections can lead to amputations or worse. Be sure to take care of your dogs BEFORE they start barking! ☯
Well, here we are! There’s snow on the ground. Winter is upon us. I’d like to say that I’m fascinated by the wonder and beauty of the crystalline layer, blanketing everything in a cold layer of clean white… I’d like to say that, but it would be total bulls&*t!
The arrival of snow meant that this morning required dressing in layers, cleaning snow off my vehicle and sitting in the cold with my son at his designated bus stop. Winter brings a number of complications with it; some medical, some mere inconvenience. So here are a couple of things to bear in mind:
Cold weather will affect your blood sugar levels. A1C’s and blood sugar levels will rise without notice once extreme cold starts creeping in. This can be kept at bay by increasing the frequency of testing and adjusting your basal rate over the winter months;
Most Diabetes equipment won’t function in extreme cold. Your glucometer and insulin pump won’t respond well and in some cases, may shut down if exposed to colder temperatures for long periods of time;
Insulin CAN and WILL freeze. If you have an insulin pump hanging off your hip and openly exposed to cold for a long periods of time, it can and will freeze, rendering it useless. Guidelines suggest never allowing your insulin to get colder than about 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (the average temperature of your refrigerator. Frozen insulin should never be used, even once thawed. The damage done to the insulin will render it ineffective and/or useless;
Prepare for delays. Winter loves to kick us when we’re down, and you never know what you’ll face when you’re out and about. Delays due to construction, running out of gasoline or getting into a collision due to slippery conditions may put you in a compromised position, requiring you to wait for a long period of time. Dress warmly, pack your vehicle with emergency supplies and carry a Diabetic bug out bag with fast-acting glucose, extra insulin and testing supplies.
The view out of my living room this morning. It Begins!
Despite the enjoyment that comes from snowball fights, hot chocolates and the holiday season, keep yourself warm, safe and healthy in the coming months to prevent unnecessary complications. ☯
There’s no denying that insulin therapy is hands-down the best advancement for the treatment of Diabetes since the beginning of last century. Even the most recent technological advancements make use of insulin in order to function properly and make our lives as Diabetics that much easier. Thank you, Sir Frederick Banting and Charles Best.
But like any other medication, there are a number of side effects and complications that could be associated with insulin therapy. These risks associated with insulin therapy include but are not limited to, heart attack, stroke, eye complications and kidney problems.
Some associate insulin therapy with weight gain and this can, in fact, be true. But normally this is only temporary until your body gets used to the absorption of glucose that happens through the use of said insulin.
Most of these side effects can be avoided or at least lessened by proper carb counting and following directions of your dietician or medical practitioner. For example, did you know the average bottle of beer has about 20 grams of carbs in it? That’s a hell of a hard lesson to learn if you’re learning on the fly!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and do some personal research. It can definitely go a long way towards helping you regulate your insulin therapy over the long-term. I would have loved it, if my parents had known about carb counting back in the early 80’s. Maybe I wouldn’t have suffered through as many Diabetic comas as I have… ☯
I still remember watching the original Jurassic Park in 1993, where Jeff Goldblum uses one of his most quoted lines: “Life finds a way.” I was in my mid-teens and I was staring ahead at what I hoped would be a long and satisfying life.
As I got older, I started looking ahead at the adult aspects of life and some of the issues that I may face being a Type 1 Diabetic. One of the most prominent ones that got thrown at me repeatedly through my twenties, was that I was unlikely to have children. My childhood doctor (may he rest in peace) used to always say that 1 out of 3 male Type 1 Diabetics could not conceive children due to sterility. Although that statistic wasn’t entirely correct, even then, it was a cause for concern that I may have to live my life without ever conceiving a child of my own. Although I was well aware that there are other venues that can be pursued, such as adoption (my father is adopted, in fact) it still weighed heavily on me and I made attempts to clarify the issue and seek out medical help.
Remarkably, most doctors were unwilling to do something as simple as perform a sperm count. In my twenties, most doctors had asked me if I was in a permanent relationship and looking to have a child. When I would respond that I wasn’t, they would often refuse to perform the tests. I simply wanted to know IF I could conceive children as this can often be a relationship-defining characteristic when getting involved with someone. But unless I was part of a couple who had been actively trying to get pregnant, they declined to test me. Granted, this was decades ago and perhaps things have changed.
Just to clarify on what potentially CAN happen, I did some digging and spoke to some medical practitioners and discovered some interesting information. According to an article posted to WebMD written in 2007, “Men with type 1 Diabetes may have more DNA damage in their sperm,” and “men with Diabetes had lower semen volume than the men without Diabetes.” Both these aspects can contribute to infertility in these men. The article is pretty short and indicates that none of these aspects proved that Diabetes caused infertility, but the article can be read here: https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20070502/diabetes-may-affect-mens-fertility
In consulting with a medical doctor, it was explained that certain effects of Diabetes such as decreased blood circulation, would make it difficult to conceive, and erectile dysfunction would be a very real possibility as well. Bad control of blood sugars, insufficient diet and any combination of other Diabetic side-effects could cause the secondary effect of infertility. Last but not least, increased use of alcohol or drugs (illicit and prescribed) can also cause some issues in the ‘ol bedroom.
I spoke to a psychiatrist in New Brunswick last week, who explained that certain conditions could also affect the possibility of conception. Don’t get any ideas, folks. I was just asking for the sake of knowledge!
But I should probably get to my point, since I’ve been typing quite a bit already and I haven’t gotten to the focus of this post. I spent the majority of my twenties and well into my thirties believing I would never conceive a child of my own. In the past few days, I mentioned that my trip required a significant amount of sacrifice. Well…
My son, Alexander, born on Saturday, September 28th
I was unfortunately running around New Brunswick when my wife went into labour for this little guy. Her due date wasn’t until a week later and I didn’t really have an option of rescheduling my New Brunswick appointments, so we rolled the dice. Evidently, the dice had other ideas in mind…
Eyes open for one of Alex’s first looks at the world
I’ve mentioned my son Nathan in previous posts. He’ll be five years old, next month. After many trials and heartbreaks, we got pregnant with Alex. And now he’s here, with his Daddy’s attitude and all! But I missed out on being there for his birth. Given the recent work-related issues I’ve been facing, it’s just one more thing that’s been taken away from me. But I’ll take a healthy child over being there for his birth. Sometimes, life doesn’t let us choose.
So, here I was, thinking for so many years that I would never have children of my own. And now I have two sons. My life and my world changed overnight, and in the words of Jeff Goldblum, Life Finds A Way…☯
Winter is coming! What’s sad about that, is I just made a pop culture reference to a show I haven’t even seen yet! But realistically, the winter season is upon us (characterized by the sudden snow fall the Prairies received last week) and this causes some issues with the immune system and in turn, Diabetes.
As I’ve written before, just about everything affects blood sugar and Diabetes. The changing of seasons is no exception. First and foremost, cold weather is often associated with increased illness. One of the reasons is because some studies have shown certain virulent strains thrive better in colder temperatures. And if your Diabetes affects you the way it affects me, you catch EVERY little bug that comes your way.
That means that certain steps need to be taken to ensure proper care while dealing with these winter bugs. Drinking plenty of water, eating at regular intervals and testing your blood sugar more frequently than you often would.
There are certain vitamin supplements on the market that advertise being able to prevent sicknesses such as colds and flus, but unless they’ve been recommended or prescribed by your medical practitioner, they haven’t been proven to do anything that eating a healthy, balanced diet won’t provide.
Keep warm and well-dressed during the winter months, test your blood regularly and if you catch anything that persists for more than 3 to 5 days, be sure to speak to your doctor. Preventative steps will help to get you through the harsh season ahead. ☯
