My Life in Numbers

Today’s guest post is from one of my favorite “chefs” out there ~ Biz from the Biggest Diabetic Loser.  She is one of the most creative in the kitchen people I know and I often want to try at least one thing she makes every day she posts.  I LOVE that she is sharing her story with you all and how it has help guide her to a healthy lifestyle.

Thanks again Biz for guest posting for me!  Be sure to stop by her site, but, be prepared to drool over some delicious eats!

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Hi all!  This is Biz from Biggest Diabetic Loser.

My life is controlled by numbers.  Because I am an insulin dependent diabetic, I need to figure out how many carbs I am eating to ensure I am giving myself enough insulin.  I have to take a shot each and every time I eat something, and then another shot at the end of the night.

Because I am a strict diabetic, that means I test my blood sugar up to 8 times a day.  I have to check it when I get up, before I exercise, after I exercise – and some days I wake up and want to shout “I just want to eat whatever the hell I want!” and not have to worry.

But I don’t want to repeat what my Dad did.  He became diabetic in his early 20’s and was immediately put on insulin.  However, he used the insulin as a crutch to eat whatever he wanted – Dunkin Donuts apple fritters were a staple in our house!

When I was on oral medication, I watched everything I ate like a hawk, and in the process went from my all time high of 210 down to a respectable 138 within a year!  Fast forward to three years ago, the oral medication wasn’t working, so I was put on insulin exclusively.  All of a sudden I could eat whatever I wanted!  You mean I can have bacon and cheddar cheese on my fries for just .99 cents extra – yes please!

So in the last three years I’ve gained 30 pounds back.  Completely my own fault, but have now decided that I need to walk the walk and not talk about losing weight anymore.

I know a lot of Danica’s readers are younger, but would you do me a favor?  Next time you have your annual physical, ask to have your blood sugar taken.  Roughly 16 million people are walking around with diabetes and don’t even know it!  And once diabetes starts doing damage, its usually too late to fix it.

Thanks Danica for letting me talk about diabetes!