Book of Days Tales

The 4^th Tuesday in March is designated as Diabetes Alert Day by the American Diabetic Association. The purpose of the day is to make people aware of the problems associated with type-2 diabetes, the kind of diabetes that can be acquired because of various factors. Diabetes is the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin, or the resistance of the cells in the body to the action of insulin, such that blood glucose levels increase to dangerous levels. Type-1 diabetics have a genetic disorder, usually from birth, that affects insulin production, typically requiring regular insulin treatments. Type-2 diabetics acquire the inability to control blood glucose levels through any number of factors including diet, exercise habits, excess alcohol consumption, etc.

As you get older it is important to have annual health checkups which should include a blood test for fasting sugar levels.  I do this every year because there is a certain disposition for diabetes within my family. So far, so good. I eat lots of fruits and vegetables, fish and chicken, and occasional treats of dark chocolate. I do not smoke, drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks, and avoid any sugary sodas. I never eat processed foods because they tend to have added sugar. I walk 3km or bicycle 20km every day. Hold the applause – doing the right thing does not guarantee a long life. One day at a time.

Whenever I post about diabetes, I do not give any recipes because there is no such thing as a diabetic diet. There are principles that you can follow, though. Limit your intake of carbohydrates in general but especially complex carbs, and processed foods. Canned soups, vegetables, etc. usually have added sugar for no reason other than promoting addiction. Limit or avoid the white stuff – white bread, pasta, white rice, white sugar, etc. Try not to snack between meals, but, if you must, think in terms of carrot and celery sticks rather than potato chips. One of my favorites is whole raw mushrooms – zero carbs and low calories, but full of flavor.  Here in Cambodia I am spoiled for choice when it comes to mushrooms – shiitake, enokitake, etc.