Health Update: Diabetes & Diverticulosis

I went and saw my GP the other day to get the results from the colonoscopy I had at the end of March. It turns out that I have Diverticular throughout my large intestine. Most people only have them in their descending colon.

I found a couple of interesting articles that may help me out &/or provide me with information.
A Diverticulitis Diet Plan and one about what Diverticulitis Disease is.

My GP said they don't know why this occurs in some people and not others. From what I have read it is most likely caused by the type of diets people eat. I have had these symptoms on and off for years but I never got around to saying anything to my doctor. For now, what I need to do now is increase my fibre, add psyllium husk to my diet, exercise and drink more water.

I also got the results from my latest HbAlc blood test. It's gone down even more. It was 5.7  (or 39 mmol/mol) The good news is that it's in normal glucose range. My last HbA1c was 5.9 so I must be doing something right since my levels have been going down over the last few years.

Even though I may have other health issues to deal with (arthritis and psoriasis) at least my diabetes is well controlled.

Diabetes Update

I had my Diabetes Cycle of Care appointments on Thursday. It was time to get my height and weight checked (I hate the scales) and to see which services I might need to utilise and when I had my last checks with the optometrist, dentist, podiatrist, dietitian, diabetes educator, etc. I have found that I need to ask my GP to do the routine blood tests as well. I'm not sure that is a good thing or not. I know doctors get busy but to have to ask for tests to be done. At least he has a brilliant 'bedside' manner and explains things really well that makes up for it.

To be honest I have been feeling, for lack of a better term, burnt out when it comes to my diabetes. I am tired of checking my blood every day. I am tired of watching what I eat all the time. I want that piece of chocolate or that piece of cake when I want it and not just every so often. I don't have the energy to go for walks.
My hip and knees hurt far too often for my liking. I definitely have osteoarthritis in my right knee and I probably have it in my left also. I also have trochanteric bursitis in my left hip/leg. My GP has given me a request form for some x-rays so I shall get that done this coming week. My exercise physiologist has given me some exercises which should help, in his words, strengthen my bum muscles which in turn shall help my knees and hips.

I ended up seeing my diabetes educator yesterday. She said there really wasn't all that much that could be done about being 'burnt out'. That you just need to ride it out. Well that's great advice, NOT. She did however suggest that I see the practise nurse and talk to her about maybe seeing an osteopath and perhaps to even get a mental health plan started. It's worth a try I guess. If I don't look after myself who will look after Mark and the boys with their medical issues.

Diabetes Check Up

 

Yesterday afternoon I saw my GP. It was time to get the results from all the blood tests that I had done last week and to get my blood pressure checked. He said I only came in to show off because the results all came back "NORMAL".

He took my BP and said 'wow' .. 124/72 (also one of my best readings ever - last time it was 126/70) HbA1c is 5.9 mmol/L (39) which is my BEST ever
Fasting glucose was 5.3 mmol/L (down from 6.3 mmol/L)
Cholesterol is also down and the combined total was 3. He said he wished his level were as good.
Liver, kidney and thyroid functions were normal Vitamin D, blood count, platelets normal

I am sure he mentioned a few other things but I can't remember them. All I know is that all that hard work of calorie counting, exercise and the extra walking has certainly paid off. Not only are things visible on the outside with the inches that I have lost around my waist and the drop in clothing sizes but my insides are doing so much better as well.

I am feeling pretty darned good right now. I even treated myself to a new hairstyle too. I know I deserved this reward. Time to do a happy dance!

A rare photo of me and my new hairdo.

Dietitian - Health Update

Yesterday was a super busy day with lots of running around and lots of walking. I walked around 7.57 km (4.7 miles). Boy was I pooped last night when I went to bed.

My dietitian, Ulla, was very pleased when I saw her. She said that I have a very balanced diet (she had me record everything I ate over the past week). She was happy that I made good choices too. I went out last weekend for an early Christmas party and made smart food choices. It was also Angus's birthday on Monday and I made good choices then too. Only having half serves of dessert.

To top things off I had lost 2 kg since I saw her last. ALL GOOD!! I don't mind stepping on the scales at the moment. Especially when I see the numbers are dropping.

Ulla's tip for me over the Christmas break was to try to maintain my weight and not to put anything on. Sounds good to me but I am hoping that I will continue to lose some weight. If I don't that's okay but it would be a bonus if I did.

I am trying to base my food choices on the healthy food pyramid above but it's not always easy eating as much as it recommends. So I try to stick with the following:

• no more than 4 bread, pasta, potato or rice serves a day
• 2 - 3 serves of dairy per day
• 2 -3 serves of fruit per day (not always an easy thing to achieve)
• 4 serves of vegetables a day (sometimes I am able to achieve 5)
• 1 serve of protein a day (sometimes I have 2)

Ulla didn't say too much about that when I told her what I based my days on. So I guess I am doing the right thing.

I don't have an appointment to see her again. She said she will phone me up in February or March to see how I am going and find out whether I need to see her then. I'm crossing my fingers that I can continue to drop some weight and reach my target weight. That would be amazing. If I reach my target then I would have dropped 37 kilos (81 lb) since I was initially diagnosed with Diabetes. So far I have lost 30 kg (66 lb). You never know I may even aim for more.

Health Update

As most of you know I have a Fitbit​. You would've have seen my many posts showing my step counts etc over the past few months.

But you haven't know that for the past few weeks I have been really watching what I eat by counting calories v's my energy output by using the fitbit app to record what I eat. I have also minimised my snacking of foods like chips or biscuits but I make sure I don't over do them when I finally eat them. I am happy to say that I have lost 3.5 kilos (7.7 lb) and 2 cm (3/4 or an inch) from my waist.

So you know what that means. I'll need to go shopping for new clothes soon and what girl doesn't like to go shopping for fun?!?!

I also saw my GP on Monday and he is really pleased with my progress. He said he could actually see that I had lost weight and he was also pleased that my blood pressure was pretty good. My new GP is very understanding, encouraging and explains things very well. Even though I was sad to see Dr. F retire my new GP (Dr. MF) is amazing.

The extra bonus about all of this is that my BGL (Blood Glucose Level) has been within the range it is meant to be. Between 3.9 mmol/l and 8.9 mmol/l. No big spikes!

Not being one to talk about my weight very often (it's really a sensitive subject) but since I was initially diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, in July 2011, I have now lost a total of 25 kg (55 lb). I managed to keep 21 of those kilos off for the entire time. I just wasn't motivated enough to do more until recently.

So right now I am feeling pretty good about what I have been doing lately. I am very happy that my boys have fitbits as well and that we encourage each other to walk more. Anything to become healthier is a good thing ☺

I'm Not In A Good Head-space

Some of the beautiful flowers I spotted on our walk.

Angus and I went for a walk the other morning. I think we walked around 3 kms (1.86 miles). We were gone for about an hour or so. It was pretty darned cold that morning too but it was sunny so that helped. To be honest I don't mind walking in winter just as long as it isn't raining.

I have been trying to be more active lately, well since January any way. And I have been for the most part. There have been times when I feel completely lazy and don't want to do anything. I guess something has worked. I have lost a few kilos earlier in the piece and I have managed to keep them off. So that's a win, right? 

I am just in a bit of a funk right now though. With my stupid psoriasis and my diabetes plus my Church calling that I no longer want and this awful peri-menopause crap that I am dealing with things are getting me down a bit. I am tired of trying to do the right thing all the time. I don't want to have to put all these lotions and potions on my skin. I am sick of taking all these meds that have been prescribed. Honestly I take tablets up to seven times a day AND rub stuff on my skin at least twice a day. It is annoying trying to remember everything. I want to be naughty and do as I want for a change. Most of all I want to sleep. I want to sleep more than 6 hours a night and to not have any aches and pains.

I've told Mark that everything feels like it is becoming too difficult for me at the moment but he wants me to behave especially where my diabetes is concerned. He already lost someone he loved because she didn't do the right thing. Now I feel a guilty for even thinking this way. Stupid and selfish, that's me. I am tired of being the strong one or at least appearing to be.

I am not in a good head space right now. I need to do something that will make me feel good only thing is I am not completely sure what that is at the moment. Something to help me de-stress and not worry about everything that is going on at home. I tell you one thing though. Now that both of the boys are out doing their courses for a few days a week I am enjoying the quiet so that's something.

I saw a Diabetes Educator last week. She suggested that I stop being so hard on myself and that perhaps talking to a counsellor might help. So I did a self-referral at the Community Health Centre. Only problem is that it's a bloke that has booked me in for a chat. I don't know how helpful he will be. I'm pretty sure I would feel more comfortable talking with a woman. I'll see him and see how it goes but I will let him know that I would prefer to talk with a woman if I feel too uncomfortable talking to him. After all if I want to bitch about menopause stuff he wont be as understanding as I would want him to be, right? He just wont get it. Anyway I see him on Friday. I'll see how it goes after that.

Podiatrist Check Up - My Feet

I had my yearly check up with the podiatrist yesterday. As far as my diabetes and my feet are concerned everything is really going well. As far as psoriasis and my feet are going, not so much. I guess one out of two isn't so bad is it? 

All the tests that Stuart did on my feet as part of my diabetes check up were perfect. Pulse was good in both feet as were the responses to the vibration and touch tests. He said I don't need to come back to see him for another twelve months. Well, at least not where my diabetes is concerned.

I can come back to see him if I get ticked off with my toe nails. To be honest I absolutely hate the fact that I have psoriasis in my nails. It makes my feet (toes) look absolutely disgusting! I have tried filing them like he suggested but I am lucky to be able to use one emery board to one toe some days. The nails get so thick and gross. I can only do so much before I finally give up in frustration.

It looks like I may need to go back more often or I should just invest in some more emery boards and try to keep on top of how nice and normal my toes look right now. 

You know some days I just HATE my skin! I shouldn't complain really. It does look a lot better than it used to.

Diabetes Check Up

 

I had to see my GP yesterday for a follow up for my Diabetes and a general check-up just to see how I am going. He made me get on the scales. Something I absolutely dread doing. The scales at home had shown that I had lost some weight but only a couple of kilos. In fact over the past month I had lost and gained weight that I was becoming very stressed about it all. In fact I had been in tears about it several times. It was a constant seesaw and I hated it.

Imagine my surprise when I get on the scales in his office and find out that I have actually lost 4 kilos since I saw him last month. His scales are much kinder than the ones at home. My GP has advised me not to even bother getting on the scales at home. But of course I will.

Since I was diagnosed back in July 2011 I have now lost just over 23 kilos (50.7 lbs). I guess that means I keep doing what I am doing and see how things go from here. Cross your fingers for me that I am still successful next month when I see him again.

Mini Muesli Muffins

All wrapped up and ready to take to my Diabetic Support Group meeting for afternoon tea

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups Natural Muesli
1 cup wholemeal self raising flour
1 cup firmly packed grated carrot
1 large green apple, grated
½ cup sultanas
½ cup pecan nuts

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup olive oil
1 cup soy milk or low fat dairy milk (I used dairy)


METHOD

• Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F)
• Place all dry ingredients into a large bowl. Stir to combine.
• In a separate bowl, or a jug, combine all the wet ingredients.
• Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
• Spoon mixture into lightly greased mini muffin tins. There is enough mixture to make 36 mini muffins.
• Bake in oven for 25 minutes.

These muffins can be frozen, or baked in regular sized muffin tins, which will give you 12 muffins.

Diabetic Cycle of Care

I had my annual Diabetic Cycle of Care check-up last week. Basically that means you get some blood tests done a few days before your appointment to check things like cholesterol, HbA1c (that's the overall average for your blood glucose levels for the past 3 months), iron level, microalbumin (protein in your urine) and any other test that the doctor/nurse has requested. 

You see the nurse who checks your height, weight, blood pressure and feet. Shortly afterwards you see your GP. My numbers were pretty good. My HbA1c was 6.1 mmol, which for me is pretty much where it normally sits. The only problem, for some reason, I had put on a couple of kilos (about 5 pounds). My GP was NOT impressed. Even though I had lost over 22 kilos (48.5 pounds) since I was first diagnosed with diabetes. Of course you can guess what he said next. Lose some weight. I know it is for my own good that he says things like that BUT if you know me I don't like being told what to do, especially where my weight is concerned. It's like this wall of stubbornness goes up and I want to tell people to butt out. Of course I don't say that but I want to so badly.  

Anyway, I have decided to walk a little bit more. Not as much as my GP wants me to, he said 30 minutes every day, but at least I am moving. I've walked 2 km (1.2 miles) to the shops and back a couple of times this week. My thinking is it's better than sitting on my butt like I usually do most of the time. My GP wants to see me in another three weeks. Let's hope that he will be a little bit happier about me next time he sees me. I guess I shall find out soon enough.

* I just weighed myself and I have lost 1.2 kg (2.64 lb) since I saw my Doctor last week. I will accept a small victory

Lunch in the Park

Brodie and I met up with some of the Diabetes Support Group people in Warragul for a picnic lunch.

It was a lovely setting especially when the fountains started up. You should have seen all the birds about the place. Ibis, corellas and even some ducks.

It was lovely catching up with some of the ladies and gents in such a relaxing atmosphere.

Diabetes Check Ups

Since my GP, Dr F, retired I had to choose a new GP to replace him. There are about 7 doctors in the clinic where I go but only some of them were taking on new patients. They get very, very busy there. Anyway, I chose my replacement. He is actually one of the main partners of this clinic, Dr C. I've gone in with Brodie a few times and he has been excellent with him and how explains things so I chose him as well.

Of course like with any new GP, any good one at least, when I went in to see him Monday morning and said that I needed to get my HbA1c level checked he said that I should go get all of my other check ups done as well if I hadn't had them done already this year. Naturally he also made me get on the scales. The one thing I dread doing all the time. I much prefer his scales than the ones at home. I am at least 1 and a half kilos lighter on his scales.

Surprisingly I managed to get in to see the podiatrist Monday afternoon. Let me first mention that I hate my feet. I have psoriasis in my nails and they just look plain horrible. It's good to know that the podiatrist didn't care. I suppose he sees worse nails than what I have. He even smoothed out the nails for me. It was almost like having a pedicure (~_o). I had all the checks done: pulse, touch etc. I was then told that my feet were fine. He did give me a few tips on keeping them in good condition. No running around barefoot not even indoors (arghh there goes my barefooted summer), clean between the toes with metho to keep them dry and moisturise the feet every day (not between the toes though). He also suggested that I invest in a mirror that I can place on the floor/wall so that I can check the bottom of my feet more easily. If I remember to look for a mirror when I go shopping I'll grab one. Result from podiatrist - ALL GOOD see you in 12 months.

I went to see the Optometrist on Tuesday. Adam was a bit surprised to see me so soon. I explained that my new GP wanted to be up to date on all of diabetes checks so I needed to come in earlier than expected. No problem. Adam thought it was a good idea that Dr C wanted to know. Anyway, after many drops in the eyes, a brief read from the charts with and without the glasses on, a couple of photos of my eyes and the removal of two misbehaving eyelashes that were growing towards the eye I have another ALL GOOD report and we will see you in 18 months because you are doing the right things and controlling your BGL's.

I love hearing such good things from my Diabetes health team. It means I am on the right track. Let's hope that my GP thinks the same thing when he gets all the reports.

Diabetes - Shopping & Cooking on a Budget

I went to my Diabetes Support Group yesterday afternoon. It's only the third time I have ever gone. I am so glad I went this month. We had a session on how to shop healthily on a budget. It was a follow up on a supermarket tour I did last week that showed us how to shop healthily on a budget and work out which foods were the cheaper options to buy.

After our first session we went on to do some cooking. There were four groups and four different recipes. Sadly I only managed to snap photos of three of the dishes.

My group cooked a "Saucy Chick Pea" recipe (above). It was really, really nice. I hadn't cooked very often with chick peas in fact the only time I have had them was in a four bean mix that I would throw into a soup or a stew.

One group cooked a "Fruit Crumble" which was also very nice and it was served with a large dollop of mixed berry yoghurt.

Another group made "Pizzas" using pita bread as the base. All of the pizzas had cucumber on them. Not something I would normally associate with pizza but it still tasted great!

The last group made "Minestrone" using wholemeal pasta. That's the dish I didn't get the photo of. However, that dish was really nice but I think it lacked some flavour. I think it needed a few more herbs in it.

I have copies all of the recipes and I am definitely going to try making some of these at home. I am sure that the boys will love most if not all of them. I was fortunate enough to bring home two slices of the pizza. Both Brodie and Angus tried them and thought they were great. Not bad considering it was vegetarian. Angus prefers to have meat on his pizza. 

I found the meeting very helpful and I learned a few tips too. Anything that will help me save a few dollars when shopping and still enables me to buy foods that I know are healthy or at least a healthier option is good in my books. Next time I go to the supermarket I will definitely have to test out my new found knowledge.

World Diabetes Day - Nov 14th

Image snapped from the International Diabetes Federation website

Today is World Diabetes Day. This day was chosen because it's the birthday of Frederick Banting. He along with Charles Best discovered insulin in 1921. Today is also an official United Nations World Health Day.

Did you know that:

• over 1 million Australians know that they have diabetes
• there are over 2 million Australians living with pre-diabetes
• there are around 280 new cases diagnosed every day in Australia
• hundreds of thousands have undiagnosed type 2diabetes

It's scary to think that so many people don't even know that have diabetes. It is also scary to know that it's a global epidemic. 

I believe raising awareness about diabetes is important. If just one person goes and gets their blood glucose level tested because they were prompted due to this campaign it's worth it. Knowledge is power and knowing about your health is a good thing.

Here are some useful links to learn either about World Diabetes Day or just diabetes in general:

Diabetes Australia

Diabetes Australia - Victoria

International Diabetes Federation (IDF)

http://www.idf.org/worlddiabetesday

Thankful Thursday

It's been a long time since I've done one of these posts but I do have a lot to be thankful for.

Here's what I am thankful for this week:

• that my arm/shoulder has been okay enough for me to be able to crochet
• pain meds (yay for panadol), for those times when my arm aches too much to crochet
• getting good results for my HbA1c blood test (it was 5.9 which is really good)
• being able to keep my Diabetes on track - even though I do get annoyed sometimes and want all that sugary sweetness that I feel I am missing out on & those yummy hot chips now that the weather is cooler
• rain - we need it
• Mark & the boys - just because 

What are you thankful for this week?

World Diabetes Day November 14th

Go Blue for World Diabetes Day

Misbehaving

I've not been terribly well behaved with my eating lately. I feel like I have been a bit on the naughty side of things by eating biscuits (cookies) and chocolate. Although when I stepped on my bathroom scales it showed me that my weight has stayed the same. My blood glucose levels have shown that I haven't over done things. Only once was the reading higher than it should've been. So I guess I haven't really been as 'bad' as I thought I had. 

My latest copy of Diabetic Living arrived the other day

At least now I have some more healthy recipes to check out since the latest issue of Diabetic Living arrived. Some of the food looks sooooo good!

These look much better than plain old toast with vegemite for breakfast.

Yum!! 

I'm off to go read some more and work out whether I have any of the ingredients I need to make some of this yummy goodness.

Family Members Sabotaging Diabetes Care

I was reading an article in my Google Reader feed from Diabetes Counselling Online about how some family members can sabotage diabetes care.

It got me thinking about how my family sometimes does the same to me without even realising that they have done it.
For example the times when we have takeaway. When I don't feel like cooking. The suggestions come in thick and fast for things like fish & chips, hamburgers, pizza and Chinese foods. There rarely is a suggestion for something like Subway and all that yummy salad they have.
There have also been times when the boys will buy something junky like chocolate, lollies or chips and say come on Mum have some.

Being tempted by your favourite foods can be a nightmare and its often hard to say no without offending someone. So what do you do about it? You have a small amount. A taste. There have been times when I've had some potato chips and they have tasted so good that I have wanted the whole packet. Of course I wont eat the whole thing but boy would it be nice.

My Dietitian said that you shouldn't deprive yourself from everything you like. Just have small amounts. Will power plays a big part in this. I know that its up to me to make sure that I never over do it. I know that it is also up to me to educate my family (and friends). They need to know that there are some things that aren't always a good choice and that it would be nice if there were some healthier options available as well. Its a learning journey for all of us not just for myself.

Is Food The Enemy?

Do you ever have those days where you think that food is the enemy? I'm thinking that way today, well most days recently. I think it may have something to do with my getting on the bathroom scales and the numbers aren't going down as I would wish but are slowly creeping up or just hovering around the same numbers.

I know it may have something to do with my blood glucose levels and not always eating as healthy as I should every day. I do it for the most part but occasionally I have that 'something nice' to eat. I know that if my BGL's are lower then the bathroom scales show that I either stay the same weight or slowly go down. The thing is my BGL's have been within my normal range. They've been anywhere from 4.8 mmo/l to 7.9 mmo/l when I've checked it.

Some days are such a battle at the moment. Maybe it's to do with the weather being colder at the moment and wanting comfort food. Maybe its to do with boredom. I don't know. I'm just struggling a little right now. I have every intention of doing the right thing but something just isn't going right at the moment.

Time to be super strict I guess ... no more junk food in the house (sorry boys), lots more healthier stuff and making sure the portions aren't too big. Maybe that will make a difference.

Waste Not, Want Not

Being the nice Mum that I am (let's face it I'm awesome - I tell the boys that all the time) and not wanting to waste good fruit that is slowly going soft and squishy I made a batch of banana muffins.

Don't they look fab? They've only just come out of the oven. Why don't you pop on over and have a nice hot cuppa and a muffin with me. You'll have to be quick. Once the boys get home and realise there are muffins in the house they wont last long.

You can find my recipe HERE. I swapped the plain white flour for plain wholemeal flour and the sugar for a granulated sugar substitute so they more were diabetic friendly.