GOOD HEALTH & WELLNESS

LIVING WITH DIABETES

Type 1 Diabetes is when your body suddenly makes little to no insulin. Insulin is what helps break down
the sugar from your food in your body.

Without insulin to break down the sugar in

the body, it just sits there. So, to

compensate for the lack of insulin, I inject

myself with insulin called, Novalog,four

times a day; once before each meal. I also have to inject, DexComG6 once every night, which is a CGM (controlled glucose monitor) that allows me to read my glucose without having to prick my finger through a device that stays attached to me for 10 days. Yes, this is challenging for me to deal with, but I believe in total restoration and healing over my body.

Diabetes, when I first heard that word, all that came to mind was fear. Fear that I might go past the limit that was placed on me. I am an active kid who loves playing sports and do not like sitting still. I ate my greens and protein. I was always involved in something whether it was basketball, track or choir. So for me, years after being diagnosed with diabetes was devastating and did not seem real. Recently, I was asked the question, what is it like living with Diabetes? To be honest, it sucks. The reason it sucks is because now I can't be as greedy as I used to be. I love food and now its like your best friend is your enemy. That might sound funny, but it's true. My diet changed when I was diagnosed. They didn’t tell me that I couldn’t eat anything specific, they just told me that I had to eat everything in moderation.

Some tips that I have for people living with Type 1 Diabetes is to eat healthy. I cut down on the amount of sweets I used to eat and I eat healthier. As Americans, we tend to consume way too much unhealthy food. The way I am eating now is the way we should all eat, because it is healthier. Type I Diabetes is not a death sentence, but you do have to monitor what you eat. This condition has made me learn how to eat better. However, I can honestly say, that at times, I felt lost and didn't know why God would put something like this on me. What I did was pray and never lost hope that this will not be forever, but temporary. If someone came up to me, they wouldn't know that I am dealing with this, because I stay active and positive. I know that I can conquer any obstacle that stands in my way and you can too.

According to the American Diabetes Association, "Learning how different foods affect your blood glucose and how to manage that within your daily routine will be key. Working with a registered dietitian who has expertise in type 1 diabetes to establish a personalized eating plan is a great place to start. This will include a strategy for balancing food, insulin doses, and physical activity."

Cited Source: American Diabetes Association

By Aziyah Faith Nelson-Young

Photo: Getty Images

In our August issue, we spoke with two young ladies who share their truth about their experience dealing with illnesses. These ladies are much stronger than they think or give themselves credit for. They continue to work towards living healthier lifestyles and are encouraging to those of you who may have health challenges. Continue to fight to live your best life.

Photo: Research Gate

LIVING WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Ulcerative Colitis (U.C.) is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum (large intestines). No one knows for certain what causes it, but it can occur at any age. Some people can live without symptoms for years.

Living with U.C. is one of the worst things that could happen to me. Imagine you are healthy all 28 years of your life, and then out of nowhere you have to constantly monitor what you eat, not know what to eat, because you don't know how your body is going to react to what you eat. U.C. affects your bowels, so there could be constant trips to the bathroom. People with U.C. have to take about 11 pills day, which used to bother me a lot at first, because I wasn't used to taking any pills daily. To sum it up, I hate having U.C., there is nothing good about it. However, I make the most out of my days, because I never know when I might have a flare-up. When I have a flare-up, U.C. controls my life. I can't eat, I lose weight, I am in pain, I need to be near a bathroom constantly, and I am tired all the time. I try to not let this condition get the best of me and I am hopeful that one day, a cure will be found through research. Until then, I'll just keep living my best life and pray for a cure and no more flare-ups. For everyone living with U.C., it is said that sometimes what you eat and drink can cause the flare-ups, so it's best to eat healthy and stay away from spicy foods. Consult with your physician on what is the best eating regimen for you, because everyone's body is different.

To find out more about what is like to live with U.C. and diet tips view: https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/sites/default/files/legacy/assets/pdfs/living-with-ulcerative.pdf

Cited Source: Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

By Yockia Nelson