CORVETTE HOBBY 

               TAKE DAD'S ADVICE , Diabetes is a manageable disease..

  Over 23 million American have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and another six million are suspected to have the condition but are not yet diagnosed. Diet and proper nutrition play an important role in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
I understand first hand the management of this disease. You see , my dad was a smart man, a retired teacher; an army veteran; an avid church-goer and a man who excelled in every part of his life. Unfortunately he also was one of the more than 20 million Americans in the United States suffering from diabetes.

Diabetes is a diseases characterized by the body's inability to produce the right amount of insulin to regulate blood sugar.  Dad being a diabetic ,checked his blood sugar level regularly; injected himself with insulin if necessary and was very conscience of eating the right foods. Dad also knew that being active was very important in managing this disease , so he   worked in his garden , attended high school and college games on a regular basis and live a very active life. 

My dad knew that diabetes is a self-manageable disease that proves to be difficult for many black-Americans, particularly in regulating a healthy diet and exercise program. As far back as I can remember, Dad's childhood with colorful stories of his life growing up in Fayetteville, NC. growing their own vegetables and raising their own chickens. He grew up like many black americans of that time with saturated diets of meat and meat by-products, sugar and fat.
 
Black-Americans along with other communities of color, are more likely to not only develop diabetes but to suffer from its effects more than caucasions. Diets soaked in fatty foods, high salt and excess sugar are often staples in the lifestyles of communities of color and difficult to change. Dad handled the exercise part well - He was a very active man ,but eventually like many diabetic patience he eventually had circulation problems in his legs.

The proper Care of the lower extremities is Essential for Diabetics. Diabetes has many complications that people haven't always connected with the disease. Back in the day ,older Black-Americans described a person as "having a little sugar" like the disease was just a minor inconvenience. One of its complications is nerve damage in the feet. When that happens, along with poor circulation, the person can develop sores or ulcers. Dad developed a sore that eventually caused him to lose of his leg.

With most diabetics Consistent high blood pressure , deteriorating eyesight, heart disease and circulatory disease can be a result. yet many people still aren't as diligent as they need to be in managing this desease. Fortunately dad never developed kidney failure , but Kidneys disease as another serious consequence of this disease. Diabetes complicated with kidney failure is serious factor that many black -american face.

If dad could send you a message about managing or preventing diabetics ; he would say,

1. Get more physical activity
Research shows that both aerobic exercise and resistance training can help control diabetes, but the greatest benefit comes from a fitness program that includes both.

2.Get plenty of fiber
Foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds.Although it's not clear why, whole grains may also reduce your risk of diabetes and help maintain blood sugar levels. Try to make at least half your grains whole grains. Many foods made from whole grains come ready to eat, including various breads,pasta products and many cereals. 

3.Lose extra weight
If you're overweight, diabetes prevention may hinge on weight loss. Every pound you lose can improve your health. And you may be surprised by how much. In one study, overweight adults reduced their diabetes risk by 16 percent for every kilogram (2.2 pounds) of weight lost. Also, those who lost a modest amount of weight — at least 5 to 10 percent of initial body weight — and exercised regularly reduced the risk of developing diabetes by almost 60 percent over three years

4.Skip fad diets and make healthier choices
Low-carb diets, the glycemic index diet or other fad diets may help you lose weight at first, but their effectiveness at preventing diabetes isn't known nor are their long-term effects. And by excluding or strictly limiting a particular food group, you may be giving up essential nutrients. Instead, think variety and portion control as part of an overall healthy-eating plan.

My dad lived to be 81 years old  - with a lot of love from friends and family. You see , dad had a good understanding of diabetes and managed his condition well. Hopefully , we will all learn from that.

       Roy McNeill , Sr