Just a little bit of sugar

November is designated as National Diabetes Month.  Before we indulge in too much sweet potato pie and red velvet cake, mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese, I wanted to send out the reminder to watch your health.  If you are diabetic, take your necessary dietary precautions.

Diabetes used to be called, and still is by some, "a little bit of sugar".  People just figured they would eat more or less sugar, depending on how dizzy and light-headed they felt, ignoring their swelling feet, and keep on moving.  But we now know that diabetes is more than a little nuisance that can make you dizzy, resolved by popping a hard candy in your mouth 'til you feel better.  We know that diabetes in itself is a serious condition that can lead to other medical issues, including circulation problems, foot amputations, and kidney disease.

Diabetes affect persons of all ages, races, males and females.  For some, it is genetic.  With the increasing problems with obesity and inactivity, we are seeing a rise in diabetes in children.  Some pregnant women even develop gestational diabetes, a generally temporary, but still serious condition, as it may also affect their unborn child.  People can of course, live with diabetes, but it has to be managed with proper diet, exercise, and n many cases, medication.

If you or a family member have diabates, talk with your physician and/or visit the  American Diabetes Association for information on how to manage your health or to help a loved one.
Need an incentive to check the site?  It says on there that "If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes."