Well, that was a one day more than 2 weeks ago when I wrote that, and I am happy to say that my readings are holding.  My diet is still under control, and I am feeling very good.  Amazing what a little more exercise and living a reasonable lifestyle will do for you!

When my diabetes was out of control, I had a big problem with infections.  Almost any wound that I got, be it a paper cut, or even a scratch would most likely become infected.  For years, there was really no time that I didn’t have some sort of infection somewhere on my body.  It’s an uncomfortable way to live.  I am happy to say that for several weeks I have experienced no infections of any kind, and that is a good feeling.  Having a badly infected sore on your body is uncomfortable, to say the least.  Not having to worry about that is a big bonus for me.

I have gotten where I eat fish or some kind of seafood at least 4 or 5 times per week, and I am enjoying it.  Fish is good for your body, and you can have a nice meal without having your blood sugar go wild.  Of course, you can’t eat something like sweet and sour fish or anything loaded with sugar like that, but a nice piece of grilled fish, or even a fried piece of fish if you use the right kind of oil and keep it to a minimal amount is a nice meal, and healthy too.

I’ve also lost a few more pounds over the past few weeks as well.  I am not altering my diet to lose weight, but that is a nice side benefit.  I am modifying my diet to keep my blood glucose in reasonable control.  And, it’s working!

Considering that just a few weeks ago my blood glucose was running over 400, I consider my current readings a great success.

How have I achieved this improved reading?  Basically through two methods.  I have really taken better control of my diet, and I have been exercising more.

For exercising, I have been doing two things.  Mostly, I have been riding my stationary bicycle, and doing it 4 or 5 times per day.  Not long periods each time, but enough to get my heart rate elevated and keep it there for a bit.  The other thing that I have been doing is walking, which has always been one of my favorite exercises.  I have only been walking about 2 or 3 times per week, though.  It is summer here in the Philippines now, and that has meant that it’s been hot.  Because of the heat here in Davao, I’ve kept my walking down to only a few times per week, about 30 to 40 minutes each time.

Diet, though, is something that I’ve kind of gone all out on.  I am eating mostly fish and chicken.  I haven’t really had any red meat for a couple of weeks now.  And, I have not eaten snacks between meals either.  Over the past few weeks, I have found myself hungry many times each day.

You know what, though?  I’ve learned something.  Being hungry is OK.  It doesn’t mean that I am going to die if I am hungry.  It means that I can look forward to my next meal.  Usually, if I get really hungry, though, after 30 minutes or so it passes, and I am not feeling hungry any longer.  So, hunger is not a bad thing.  It can be uncomfortable, but I am getting used to it, and most of the time I can make my way through being hungry, even extremely hungry, without much problem.

I am feeling good about my efforts toward better control of my diabetes, and thus better control of my diet.  It’s a good step toward better health.