my mom has diabetes?

Question

she was just diagnosed and I'm not sure how to change her diet. How can I get her to eat healthier foods (p.s. she's not motivated right now)

Answer 1

WELL YOUR MOM IS PROBABLY IN SHOCK...IT'S HARD TO START LIVING IN A WHOLE NEW WAY OF EATING AND BEING AND TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF...YOUR SUPPORT IS GREAT...WHAT WOULD HELP WOULD BE FOR YOU TO JOIN HER HEALTHY WAY OF EATING SO SHE DOESN'T FEEL ALONE WITH THIS NEW WAY OF EATING...
I TOO AM LEARNING THIS NEW WAY OF LIVING...GOOD LUCK...KNOW THAT YOUR MOM NEEDS LOTS OF SUPPORT...

Answer 2

I agree with STAR. Your mom is probably in shock at the moment. Her brain will be fuzzy with all the information she's just been given.

STAR's excellent idea of you joining your mother's dietary regime is an excellent one. She won't feel so left out, if she knows that she's not the only one eating the things she's now supposed to eat.

I'm sure you'll be aware that there are certain things that your mom should steer clear of. This doesn't mean that they are banned. Simply that they shouldn't be eaten frequently. (That's things like biscuits, cakes, sweets [candies for my American cousins], lots of bread and potatoes. Others have informed you of sites to visit to get a clearer picture, or what books offer good information.)

Meat, fish, eggs, most vegetables, etc. are lower sources of carbohydrate (that's foods that break down rapidly into simple sugars) so a diet containing these would help. Be aware, however, to watch out for the fat content of foods too. Fat is not a good thing for diabetics to stoke up on.

I have no wish to frighten you, or your mother, but I can tell you that the reason I've got so many complications is due to the fact that I haven't taken care of myself over the years. I'm now in a wheelchair, whereas years ago I used to be a soldier ... an extremely fit one at that. I've had laser treatment on both of my eyes, due to retinopathy (the growing of new blood vessels on the retina, at the back of the eye). See the following site for a better explanation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinopathy or http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy.asp

If you wish to chat more about diabetes, and what support you can offer your mother, contact me via email. That goes for any other diabetics, too.

Answer 3

Get this book as soon as possible. It will explain what's going on and what you can do about it. It's only $10.00 and has been a Godsend to me.

For type I and type II diabetics (and those who could potentially become diabetic)...

I've found a wonderful book that will help you control your diabetes and minimize or even eliminate the complications. Some folks who became diabetic due to poor diet and obesity are effectively cured by following the advice in this book. I'm a type II (inherited), but it helps all types, especially those who became diabetic due to poor eating habits. It's by an author who has really done his homework, Patrick Quillin, Phd. It's called, "The Diabetes Improvement Program". I have tried his suggestions and found them to be very helpful. I have no complications whatsoever and my blood sugar levels are quite stable. Yes, I still have to take Metformin (Glucophage) daily, but it's the minimum dosage (500mg) and I only have to take it twice a day. I have been off Metformin for as much as a week, but this was with vigorous exercise. Many, what I call, non-hereditary type IIs (those that don't have a close relative who had it) have gotten off medication completely, just with diet, exercise, and supplements. So, in some instances, it most certainly can be 'effectively' cured. Read more about it here:
http://www.diabetesimprovement.com/


The book explains what's going on in our system and what to do about it. It's really easy and inexpensive. It's basically diet, supplements and exercise. For example, did you know that cinnamon helps blood sugar absorption? It also controls cholesterol and triglycerides. This is according to the USDA:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/fnrb/fnrb0104.htm#pinch

For men: Are you suffering from erectile dysfunction? I was. Yes, WAS. Now that everything's under control, I'm able to have nearly normal sex again. I've also put together a little webpage highlighting some of the things I've learned here:
http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/Type_II_Diabetes.html

Here's another great health site with all kinds of general health information:
http://www.chetday.com

Answer 4

It will not be easy. First, do the simple things, like switching to diet soda and use of Splenda or some other sugar substitute. Then, try something else, like a low carb substitute and/or smaller meals. Try to have more salads for lunch or dinner. It will be a search for lower carb substitutes or lower carb meals. Note that I am not saying lower calorie meals but lower carbohydrate meals or substitutes. Carbs will have a more significant impact then a low calorie because it's the carbs that count more. Don't try doing it all at once. That will only serve to reenforce non-complience. Gradual transistion worked for me doing one thing at a time and then going to a couple of things when they stuck, so to speak. Good luck.

Answer 5

See American Diabetic Association Web site for info.

Answer 6

Your mom needs to do something right away. Two sure things is leave anything with white flour alone and stay away from sweets. Also rice, potatoes, and other starches are not good. Believe me, she doesn't want to go through losing limbs, kidney failure, heart failure, etc., she need to get on this now for herself.

Answer 7

First tell your mom it can be controlled.and just watch her carbs.
also get her to do this and she will be amazed how it works for herOne-eighth of a teaspoon of cinnamon triples insulin efficiency,