Seeking Support for Two Thing's 1. Special Need's Daughter, 2 Diabetic Nutrition

K.,

I happy to see that you have more responses this time around. I know how hard you're trying.

Good Luck to you...

Warmly,
:o) N.

posted twice for some reason.

1) I'm not sure what your daughter's special needs are, but any challenges with our children need support. So, I hope you are able to connect with someone.

2) My husband is diabetic (Type II) and just recently began to take it more seriously. Since January, he has dropped his weight significantly just through eating properly for a diabetic. Eating every 2 hours is one of his techniques, and exercising regularly. He has been able to get his numbers under control to a significant degree. We've had some hiccups that we've been able to address, but he has been reading a book that he simply loves - maybe it can help you too:

Beat Diabetes Naturally by Michael Murray and Michael Lyon

3) Be anxious for nothing, buy by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

I will speak for the alternative health advice. I discovered Probiotic-12 Plus by Dr Ohhira and have used it for 1-1/2 months. It cleans the colon and repopulates it with super bacteria cultures that have been grown for 5 years at room temperature. All the weak ones die off and only the super healthy ones live. This revitalizes your gut which is where the nutritional absorbption takes place and all manner of immune defense is launched. They have found it to help balance diabetics so keep checking with your doctor as your prescription will be lowered. Once your body starts taking back the tasks of defending you from bad bacteria, sugar craving yeast, and whatever else a healthy colon is supposed to do; you will notice it. Even if all you notice is that you no longer crave sugar, it will be worth it.
Look up Probiotic 12 Plus, Dr Ohhira on Google. I found the cheapest source of this product is AllHealthTrends.com on the web. It retails for $53 (60 cap size) and they sell it for almost cost which is $30.95 (60 cap size). Read the info on the web for yourself. Then decide.
GOOD LUCK,
Gale

Check out this website, drmcdougall.com. Read about the Advanced Study Weekend Sept 5-7 in Santa Rosa. One of the guest speakers is Francine R. Kaufman M.D. who is the former National President of the American Diabetic Association. It is Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. All meals are provided. You will learn what food to eat, see how it is prepared and taste it all. It is wonderful. I lost 70 pounds last year eating Dr. McDougall's healthy way. You will meet many like minded people. I will be there. I hope this is as helpful to you as it has been for me. This has been a very positive life change for me. I do understand.

Hi K.,

It was after my divorce and during the teenage years with my five children that I became boarderline diabetic...I just knew I could not walk down that path...I was able to turn it around with diet and walking...I cleaned everything out of my house that I could not have...luckily the kids were supportive, as they had lost enough in their life...having me sick was not an option...I was never on pills...I caught myself in time...I still watch my sugar levels closely...and know how to read my body...

It's tough being a single Mom...the stress alone could cause illness...I understand the no friends thing...it was just me and my "Tribe" for a very long time...I worked with some great gals along the way...and that socialization got me through...As adults my kids and I are very close...I have remarried...and life has evened out...it took a long time..I was single for seven years...

I am open to e-mail exchange...

T.

Hi K.,

Stay strong it is hard what you are going through but you are not alone.

I was introduced to a Child's wellness expo last weekend and it was incredible. There were 13 doctors, parents and teachers at this event and they talked about sleep challeges, Diabetes, ADD/ADHD, Autism and other challenges our children are faced with and educating natural solutions to help with these topics.

They are having another Child's wellness event in Santa Cruz on the 23rd of this month if this is something that interests you let me know and I will send you a flier and have you as a guests.

Hang in there.

N. Marie

Hi!
You've done the right things--- you're reaching out-- and I've found that this site usually has pretty grounded advice. About living with diabetes-- you didn't say whether it was I or II... I consider myself pre-diabetic since I have a strong family history, but my tests always actually fall into the normal ranges. What I've found--and my best friend as well-- is control the amount of carbs you're eating. When you have a choice, choose the one that is lower on the glycemic index list-- bananas, potatoes, etc. are high, they're broken down and absorbed by the body quickly-- oatmeal is low, it takes the body significantly longer to breakdown and absorb it. Since I don't have a diagnosed problem, I do treat myself to a cookie now and then, and if your sugar levels are fairly stable, one or two paired with something like a piece of cheese to slow down the breakdown and absorption might go a LONG way to your mental health-- there's simply nothing like a cookie when you're blue! :) But good proteins-- I've since switched to light soy milk because the soy protein is also supposed to be one of the better proteins--with the added bonus of helping to regulate blood sugar. Silk has a great website... google silk soy milk and they have a diabetic section. :) Also, eat protein-- cheese and meats- you don't have to cut out red meats-- just balance over a week with other proteins- chicken and fish or whatever you like! My hubby does most of the cooking and he has added more veggies, starting with corn and chopping up whatever's in the fridge and cooking it all up with some sliced beef and rosemary spices... sooo good! And you don't feel deprived! You might also try making several meals or one big dish and freezing three portions and portioning out two more for that week over the weekend... if you only heat up one portion, less chance of overeating! Try some gazpacho while everything is fresh, too! Think less processed as well... going to the store and looking at labels is depressing, but think in terms of "how will this fit into my weekly diet?" Everything will even out over the course of a week!!! Good luck!!!

I can't really speak to the diabetes issue, but I can speak to the friend issue. I'm 43 and it's taken me most of that time to realize I need much more out of friendships that most others do, so I've solved this problem by cultivating many, many friends.

Fortunately, I still live close enough to some of my gradeschool friends that I can call them up anytime; I have also made friends with some of the women I've worked with and also with some of the women I went to college with, and I have continued the relationships.

Now, I don't wear any of them out with my "neediness". I sort of rotate through inviting different ones out for girls' dates or calls or emails. Also, knowing there is always someone I can contact makes me feel less alone and I no longer feel resentful or hurt if someone can't or doesn't call back.

Now I also have Mamasource.

The most encouraging thing I did when I was going through the hardset time in my life was, reaching out to other moms who had gone through what I was going through, and also to read the Bible. There is great encouragement in the Psalms. Everytime I felt like I couldn't make it through the hour, I'd pick up that Bible and read it and cry out to God. The Bible is full of encouragement and TRUTH, and the truth shall set you free. God does hear, and he is a great help. Ask God to send you a godly person to help you get through this. He does answer faithful prayer. Satan will try to discourage you with all kinds of negative thoughts. Don't listen! When you hear those negative thoughts, go directly to your Bible, to a spot you have chosen that is encouraging to you. Underline those encouraging passages and keep re- reading them!Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones will help your health tremendously,it will help you heal, and if you stay in the word and keep reading it will make you a new person. If you don't have a Bible you can pick one up from the dollar tree or a thrift store or even a local church should give you one if you ask.

Most of the BIG churches have divorce care groups.(cornerstone in Pleasanton has divorce care and there is a big church out in Modesto who has it also)which would be helpful.Another idea is to put an ad in the Potpouri or local paper looking for single moms to do playdates at the park. Or put in an ad saying you are starting a support/friendship group for divorced moms. I guaranteee you will get responses! There are many people needing support. Divorce is, unfortunately, common. Don't be afraid to ask your freinds for phone numbers of their freinds who have gone through it, and just call them! That's one way to do it! My greatest support was a woman who I didn't know. My freind gave me her number,I called her and asked her if I could meet her. She turned out to be my greatest support. She was a godly divorced woman who prayed for me and with me often. My husband and I ended up resolving our differences and reuniting , and I know it was because of her always encouraging me in the truth of God and also me choosing to walk in a Godly way, with God showing me through his word, which way to turn. Try to find a truly Godly freind for they will give you wise counsel.

I'm at ____@____.com and I'd love to share God's encouragement with you.

"My intercessor is my freind. As my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God, as a man pleads for his freind." Job 16:20-21iop

Hi Kris,

I wish I lived closer I would love to socialize with you! Hugs!

First of all don't give up on making friends. Try to find a local Mom's Club. I know of an International MOMS club and you could go to their site and see if there is a chapter in your area (www.momsclub.com).

Also, try putting up a myspace page. Then click on browse and do a search for women who are married, and in a certain age range, and in your zip code. Married usually turns up more Mamas than if you select single. Go through each profile and find Mamas then request to be there friend.

Also, are you a member of Cafe Mom? www.cafemom.com

Now for special needs. You did not specify what special needs, but I would simply google the special needs condition and add support group to it. See what comes up. You can even be more detailed and specify your area in the google search.

Diabetic Nutrition: Seek out cookbooks that cater to this. Browse before you buy, and if the recipes look yummy buy it. You could try the local library first. Also, google diabetes support group in your area and see what comes up.

I am a couple of hours away from you but if you ever want to talk, send me a message! Hugs!

T.
Founder
www.theparentpack.org

Hi, I am a registered dietitian. I worked in a hospital for almost 8 years. I stay at home now with my 2 kids but I worked a lot with diabetic patients and educating them.
Here is some info, please let me know if you have any further, more specific questions. It doesn't have to be that hard. Don't feel like there are foods you can't eat, it's all about portion sizes and timing.

What you need to do is start counting carbohydrates. Carbs are what raise your blood sugar. After you eat a meal the carbs/sugar from the food breaks down into sugar in your blood and that is what makes your blood sugar high. This happens with everyone, but someone with DM (diabetes) will have a higher blood sugar and a harder time bringing the blood sugar back down. SO eating too much carb at one meal will make your blood sugar too high. But you also don't want to not eat carbs because you need carbs for glucose (sugar) for the function of your body and brain.

The best way to handle this is to eat a controlled portion of carbs at each meal and/or snack. I recommend 3 carb servings per meal along with some protein. Carbohydrates are starches, cereal, pasta, rice, bread, oats, starchy vegetables like corn, potatoes, squash, fruits and juice, milk and yogurt. An example of a carb serving is one slice of bread, or 1/2 bagel, or 1 apple, or 1/2 cup apple juice, or 1 cup milk, or 1/3 cup cooked rice, or 1/2 cup cooked pasta. Each carb serving has 15 grams of carbohydrate. So if you can have 3 servings of carb per meal, that would be the same thing as 45 grams of carb per meal. You can not count carbs per day because you have to evenly space them throughout the day in order to maintain a good blood sugar throughout the day.

The first thing you need to do is learn to read Nutrition Facts labels on all foods that have them. And if there are foods that don't have labels such as fruits and vegetables, then use a carb counting book to learn the amounts of carb in those foods. When looking at a nutrition facts label, you want to look at the "Total Carbohydrate" number listed. that number represents the amount of carbohydrate in a single serving of that food. So you also have to look at the serving size. It might say the serving size is 6 crackers, and then the "Total Carbohydrate" number would tell you how many grams of carb are in those 6 crackers, say 20 grams carb. So if you ate only 3 crackers, then you would only comsume 10 grams carb, but if you ate 9 crackers then you would of consumed 30 grams crackers.

Proteins and fats do not contain much carb and don't affect your blood sugars so you don't have to worry about those foods, just eat healthy, low fat proteins and fats high in monounsaturated fat for healthier options.

Hope that helps.
B.

Hi K.,

A dear friend of mine has type 1 diabetes. She usually has good advice for diabetics in regards to the diet. We both live in Coarsegold, California.

If you will provide your email address I will forward it to her and ask her to make some recommendations for you. According to her there is a great deal of help from the Diabetes
Foundation.

You may have heard this before, but you have to build yourself a support group. In your local community is there a spiritual or religious organization or church you might consider joining? Are you the one attending school, or was that in reference to your kids?
What is your daughter's special needs?

Take care,
Merylyn
____@____.com

I would love to talk with you. I'm leaving tonight on vacation but I should be back on the13th please feel free to email me at ____@____.com and I'll give you more information. I'm a single mom of two and love my life and I believe everyone needs encouragement and in doing so you encourage each other along the way. Sorry to hear your not feeling like your usual friendly self:) I have a friend who is diabetic and it is hard with the meds and the right food.You really need them both or you can feel very tierd all the time so please keep those two thing up! you'll find you feel better when you do and you'll have more energy. Take Care and I look forward to hearing from you...

Well it sounds like your a typical mom. With all the normal feelings we have. I feel ya. Take a deep breath your not alone. I have recently found a juice that has been getting a bunch of attention in the media.
Have you heard of Monavie? here is a link

www.thegreatproduct.com/new.chapter

you can also google it or go to utube.

hope that helps.

Hi Kris

sounds like you are going thru a tough time and having diabetes definitely can't be helping matters I am sure.

I just recently watched a video called rawfor30days.com
(you can go to the website and see a clip of it)
it documents about 10 people who go to a place in patagonia, az where doctor Gabriel Cousens runs a detox center.
the premise of the movie is that people who eat raw veggies and foods can be cured of diabetes, ESPECIALLY those with type two. I am not diabetic myself but from a nutritional standpoint in general, I found the movie fascinating and picked up some good tips. it's worth looking at, again you can see a video clip on their website. I wish for you the best and hope that things begin to resolve themselves. let me know if you do check out the video.best to you :)

Hi there -

My hubby was just diagnosed with diabetes. My mother has been diabetic for years and still eats candy from time to time, but controls it. My husband takes the pills and does his blood in the AM, but so far he has done alright and he is not always eating properly, but does much better then he did before.

There are so many good sugar-free things out there and foods with light sugar in it that you are going to be fine. I think just getting the news is the hardest part and learning to accept it.

I am more on the hypoglycemic side, but I try to eat all the same things my hubby eats and I do like the sugar free stuff.

I don't think you will have to give up life as you know totally. Once you have your diabetes under control you will still be able to enjoy things you once did. Maybe not as often, but you will.

I don't know how high your blood sugar is, but I know the medicine does help. At least you are not on insulin at this point. One of my co-workers who is a very young woman is on insulin, but she is doing fine and just deals with it. The important thing is to eat small meals.

I don't know if I have helped you some or not, but hang in there it WILL be ok, I promise!!

R.

Hi, you definitely have alot on your plate, I am a registered dietitian and can recommend to try to make an appointment with one in your area, your Dr may have a refferal or check your yellow pages. A dietitian can set you up with a diet plan and give you ideas, menus, recipes, and grocery lists. Dealing with diabetes is a lot to deal with and you can make small changes that can make a big difference in your life. You definitely want to decrease your sugar and processed carbohydrate intake, but you can still have some sugars, it is a matter of checking your sugars and are you familiar with the diabetic exchange program- most foods now have the exchange amount/ serving on the box or can. Shopping at whole foods or a health food store may have more options. As for finding and making friends can you join a moms group in your area?, a play group with your kids?
Well I wish you luck and feel free to email with questions you may have, and I commend you on sending this message, reaching out and asking for help

Hi K.,

I'm not diabetic but I do have LOTS of digestion problems. I have to stay away from dairy, red meat, spices, caffeine, nuts & seeds, white bread, raw carrots, lettuce, and my list goes on. It's a REAL drag going out to eat ANYWHERE. I have to be sure I know where the bathrooms are at all times. Anyway, my friend told me about this stuff called MaxGXL and gave me a week's sample. WOW! What a difference that made. I still have to be careful with what food I eat but I sure feel MUCH better and I don't have the bad stomach cramps. I'm not running to the bathrooms nearly as much any more. My mood is better. My skin looks healthier. It's like I have my life back. Anyway, I buy my Max from this website www.maxgxl.com/maxmagic. Check it out and see if it will help you. It might help your daughter too.

Good luck!
N.

Hi,
The only experience I have with this is gestational diabetes. I got it with both of my pregnancies. It is very frustrating! But I would eat a lot of salads with grilled chicken or even fried chicken strips or steak sliced up on top. I like salad a lot so that wasn't too bad. There's a lot you can do to a salad.
I snacked on nuts and raw veggies with dip and turkey jerky and I always had sugar-free jello on hand in case I needed something sweet. You have to watch your fruit, too, so I stayed away from melons and bananas, which are high in sugar, and ate apple slices with peanut butter or berries. Berries are lower in sugar so you can eat more of them. And for breakfast I usually had an omelette with cheese and all kinds of veggies. I was pregnant so I had to be sure I got all kinds of protein and nutrition. On a regular basis you might want to make it an egg-white omlette. (Man, I don't know how to spell ommelete) And I walked a lot. I still do. Gestational diabetes increases your chances of getting diabetes later so I walk to try and keep that from happening-at least for as long as I can. My grandparents are both diabetic so I may not be able to prevent it but maybe I can push it back some.
Hope this helped.
Take care! And you can write me anytime.:)