When Diabetes Wins, It Hurts Everyone #ONaturals
November is World Diabetes Month and I was surprised to learn that there are more than 10 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes.
When Diabetes Hurts Everyone.
I first hand know what diabetes looks like. Currently my Father-in-law is living with diabetes, and struggling each day to listen to the signs his body is telling him.
When I was a little girl my Grandma passed away when diabetes took over. Diabetes took away my Grandma’s eye sight for as long as I can remember. Diabetes also forced her to use a wheelchair for most of her final years. Today, it hurts me so much to think of her, because I was always told I take after her in so many ways. I pray she is looking down on me with pride and can see the healthy and beautiful grandchildren she has here on Earth, and the caring woman I have turned out to be.
Losing my Grandma was one of the hardest losses I have occurred, it still hurts today and I still remember the pain I felt when she left. I don’t want my children to experience the pain I did at such a young age, losing someone you love so much, someone you have unfinished business with. Grandma and I have so many unfinished words to say to each other, so many stories to share and she still has wisdom to pass on. Unfortunately, Diabetes won in her case, but it doesn’t have to win.
Know Your Risk!
CanadianDiabetes.ca can help answer any question you may have about diabetes. Knowledge is power! Canadian Diabetes launched a quick 2-minute test you can take to measure your risk.
Take the test: take2minutes.ca
Did you know you? You are at risk for type 2 diabetes if you give birth to a baby that weighed more than nine pounds?
Managing Blood Sugar
Although no one in our house has diabetes, I still find it important to manage blood sugars. We all know the impact sugar can have on a child and having four children, I am not interested in repeated sugar highs taking over my house and raising my stress.
We like to do any heavy baking in our home using Xylitol. Since the body processes Xylitol sweeteners without using insulin in the process, which means there is no spike in blood sugar.
Did you know? Xylitol is 7 on the glycemic index and sugar is rated at 68.
Looking for a sweet breakfast to serve up on Christmas morning? Xyla Banana Bread French Toast has my attention. Since this recipe eliminates refined sugar and uses cinnamon it will help manage your blood sugar levels. I’d serve it with an Orange Naturals ND Shake which is packed with protein and good fat is important to keep blood sugar levels stable for all ages!
Orange Naturals Has Your Back!
Orange Naturals has many excellent formulas to help support blood sugar and metabolism. Some favourites include; chromium, cinnamon and fenugreek.
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Learning never stops, the O Natural blog is a great resource for moms like you. Here is a recent article: Sneaky Mom, Healthy Kids? from the Orange Naturals team.
Got a question for an Orange Naturals Naturopathic Doctor, a Homeopath or a Nutritionist? Ask away on Orange Naturals Facebook page or send Orange Naturals a tweet on Twitter.
How are you managing your blood sugar?
Thank you for reading In R Dream!
Disclosure: I am an Orange Naturals Mom Ambassador. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to Orange Naturals opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.
Thanks very much for the information on Xylitol. I’d never heard of it before, so definitely will look into it.
Xylitol is my go-to when I am baking! Happy to share it with you!
My mother has Type 2 diabetes. She manages her diabetes with pills and diet. I have lost both of my aunts to diabetes.
I am so sorry to hear about your loses Aimee. Wishing your Mom a healthy 2016!
So had to lose someone so close. Thanks for the tips to help us prevent this.
Wishing you a healthy 2016!
My husband has type 2. He’s trying to lose weight and he is changing his eating habits. He has also taken up running. That has really helped a lot.
Good for him! I love hearing positive stories! Thanks for sharing Lori!
Definitely something that impacts my family. We have several family members with Diabetes and really wish a couple of them would look after their blood sugars better 🙁
Judy I pray everyone in your circle has a healthy 2016!
I took the test and I’m low, But I know loads of people get it. It’s scary to think about the effects of it.
So happy to hear you were low!
My brother had diabetes when he was older, luckily he only had to take tablets. A childhood friend also has diabetes but has to inject herself. Both were/are overweight which might have something to do with it. I can remember as a child visiting friends of my dad’s who both had diabetes and searching the shops for chocolate for diabetics. Things have come a long way since then but it’s always better to be careful. Thanks for a great post, a reminder is always good 🙂
Yes, diabetic chocolates are readily available these days. Wishing your friend and brother a healthy 2016!
I understand , I lost my dad to diabetes , he was so young , thanks so much for sharing , knowledge can really be powerful when dealing with diabetes !
So sorry for your lost Amie! You’re welcome! I hope this knowledge can change an unknown path for many.
I had never heard of Xylitol before – this is something I will have to look into. I never thought much about managing sugars simply because we don’t have a history of diabetes in my family, but this has made me reconsider. Thank you!
Happy to help Meg! I use Xylitol in most of my baking. Knowledge is the key 🙂
I have type 2 and was just diagnosed a few months ago, I am much better with my meds and since joining weight watchers, but I still have a problem with eating when I am supposed to, and when I get all sweaty I know I need something, but try not to get that far and I also have to wear glasses now too..grrr
So happy you have learnt to listen to your body and are making changes for the better. Wishing you a healthy 2016!
I hear the pain in your post,i have a sister-in-law who has been dealing with this for a quite a few years,just this past year she is having many problems with her eyes. She just the other day got a good repost after dealing with breast cancer for these last 9 months.Diabetes is a terrible disease that affect way too many people,i pray you are never one of them nor your children.Take care of each other and always beaware of warning signs.Blessings ! I am sure they are watching over you !! Hugs
Thank you Kathy. Yes, still much pain. I know you are right my Gramma is watching over us all and that warms my heart.
Praying for your SIL to have a healthy 2016!