Newbie info for Jackie

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>> Hi Jackie, I will give you a few pointers to start with. First, I

>> recommend you go to the book store or library, get a copy of Diabetes for

Dummies

>> by dr rubin. Very good primer to give you a head start. Next, has your

>> doctor mentioned the diabetes society? Or a dietician? The d soc, gives

>> excellent classes that insurances pay for. Have you got a monitor? A blood

>> glucose monitor and test strips are going to be an important part of your

life

>> now. Did your dr start you with weight loss and exercise? Walking after

>> each meal really dramaticallt cuts your BG's (blood sugar or glucose

readings).

>> Test before meals, journal what you eat, test again 2 hours after. This

>> way, you can see what affects you. Steer clear of white. White bread, white

>> rice, potatoes, these things are no longer your friends, I am sorry, it is

>> a harsh reality. Occasionally you may wish a little, by all means, it will

>> not kill you, but it will make your BG;s rise. Be sure you have washed your

>> hands pryor to testing, I had a fellow who had some left over something and

>> got a reading through the roof! LOL Lotions are a must for your feet. I

>> know, but diabetics have many problems with their feet and you want to keep

>> yours, right?

>> As for recipes, the first thing you need to determine is how many carbs you

>> can eat at one meal, your dietician will help you here. This depends on

>> whether you have weight to lose or not, also. My first recipe book just

>> happened to be Jo Lund's H.E.L.P. Healthy Exchanges for Diabetics. She

>> gives simple, easy to follow recipes, a complete pantry list in ech book (she

>> updates with new products as they come out, in each new book) A major thing

>> she teaches is portion control. You will be in for quite a shock here, but

it

>> does matter. This is an easy way to learn. Labels are now the first thing

>> you look at. Carbs? sugars? Lots to learn, you have time. We are here,

>> ready willing and able to guide you with our experiences. Also willing to

>> pray for you, your life is taking a big change now. You will be okay, I

>> promise ;-) it just takes a lot of reading and getting used to. Keep your

>> printer ink full and stocked with paper. We send lots of info that has to be

>> chewed on for a while, get a 3 hole punch and a few binders..... You will be

>> fine, until you are ready for mor info, I send you peace in your heart.

>> Hugs, Marilyn (ps if you want a good site to read, try

>> www.Mendosa@... Rick will give you a good overview of diabetes,

and the glycemic index

>> is explained well there, too. This tells you how fast something will turn

>> to sugar in your blood stream, giving you high readings. As I said, relax,

>> this will soon begin to make sense to you :-)

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