During my years in practice as a primary care physician, I discovered that a lot of patients recently been diagnosed or who have been living with diabetes for quite some time had a lot of questions about their disease and do not have the resources with sufficient clarity that they truly `get it'. With the number of people with diabetes expected to double to 44 million in the next 25 years in the United States, now more than ever, we need to become more aware of measures to prevent or treat early diabetes. In my experience, a typical 15 minute office visit is not enough time to answer all the questions; especially questions that relate to how to live with the knowledge needed to move them forward. As the saying goes, `knowledge is power'. I have written in a simple and yet illustrative phrases. I have set the book out explaining the different aspects of diabetes care using each letter of the alphabet. By empowering people with knowledge, they are able to make better informed and healthier decisions. In addition to being a physician, I am also trained as a life coach. My goal in this manual is to focus more on wellness than disease. My assertion is that being diagnosed with diabetes does not mean that you cannot live a life that focuses on being healthy and doing things to support your wellbeing. In fact on the contrary it is a call to embrace a wellness lifestyle with enthusiasm and an optimistic attitude.

Dr. Eno's Guide to Living Powerfully with Diabetes

By Eno Nsima-Obot

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2011 Eno Nsima-Obot
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4567-3540-1

Contents

Dedication........................................................................vForeword..........................................................................xiAcknowledgments...................................................................xiiiWhat Is Diabetes?.................................................................1The Relationship between Diabetes and Insulin.....................................2How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?........................................................3What Is Borderline Diabetes?......................................................4Long-Term Complications of Type II Diabetes.......................................4A—Acceptance................................................................7Journal Entry.....................................................................9B—Believe that You Can Live with Diabetes...................................10Journal Entry.....................................................................12C—Commit to Change..........................................................13The Stages of Change..............................................................13The Benefits of Being Aware of the Stages of Change...............................16D—Drugs.....................................................................17What Are the Best Sites to Inject Insulin?........................................22Some Important Tips...............................................................23Action Steps......................................................................24E—Exercise..................................................................25Starting an Exercise Program......................................................26Examples of Moderate Physical Activity............................................27Tips on Starting an Exercise Program..............................................29Action Steps......................................................................33F—Foot Care.................................................................34G—Glycosylated Hemoglobin...................................................36Action Steps......................................................................38H—Heart Health and Hypertension.............................................39Some factors that can affect the progression of heart disease.....................39Action Steps......................................................................42I—Immunizations.............................................................44Action Steps......................................................................46J—Journal...................................................................47Action Steps......................................................................49K—Kindred History...........................................................50Action Steps......................................................................52L—Lipid Levels..............................................................57Action Steps......................................................................60M—Microalbumin and Kidney Function..........................................61N—Nutrition.................................................................631. Create Your Plate..............................................................642. The Diabetes Food Pyramid......................................................653. Carbohydrate Counting..........................................................674. Glycemic Index.................................................................68Some Final Guidelines.............................................................68Restaurant Eating as a Diabetic...................................................69Action Plan.......................................................................70O—Observe...................................................................72Action Plan.......................................................................73P—Persistence...............................................................74Action Plan.......................................................................76Q—Questions.................................................................77Action Plan.......................................................................79R—Referrals.................................................................80Action Plan.......................................................................82S—Supplements...............................................................83Action Plan.......................................................................87T—Treat Promptly............................................................88U—Utilize a Support System..................................................89V—Vacation..................................................................91Practical Tips for Travel.........................................................91Action Plan.......................................................................93W—Well-Being and Wellness...................................................94Wellness..........................................................................95eXcellence........................................................................96Y—Yes, You Can!.............................................................97Z—Zero in with Zest!........................................................98Appendix..........................................................................99Instructions for Checking Blood Sugars:...........................................100Worksheet.........................................................................102Resource List.....................................................................105

Chapter One

What Is Diabetes?

You have just left your doctor's office, and you have just been informed that you have diabetes. You've heard of diabetes before, and you have a rough idea of what it means. You probably know a few people who have diabetes—some may even be relatives—but you never thought that it could happen to you!

Diabetes is a disorder in which the body is no longer able to handle blood sugar. Blood sugars are regulated by a hormone called insulin, which is released from an organ called the pancreas. When there is a defect in the way that insulin is released or any problem with the action of insulin with the cells of the body, the sugars remain in the bloodstream. This is called hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

There are two main types of diabetes—type I and type II diabetes.

Type I diabetes is also called Insulin-dependent diabetes. It usually is genetic and is typically diagnosed at a very young age.

Type II diabetes is more common than type I diabetes, and it is commonly called non-insulin-dependent diabetes. It usually occurs at an older age. However, with the current obesity epidemic, and due to changes in our dietary habits, individuals are being diagnosed at a much younger age, sometimes even in the teenage years.

This manual is mainly for people with type II diabetes. No doubt those with type I can learn a lot about how to manage their diabetes, but my broad audience is type II diabetes patients.

The Relationship between Diabetes...