Holiday Highlight! A Community Member Spotlight on Amy

It is time to get to know some community members! We recently spoke with Amy, an active community member on our Facebook page. Amy often shares her meaningful perspectives and experiences and supports other fellow members also managing life with type 2 diabetes. This article details her experiences living with type 2 diabetes and managing it over the holiday.

The first diagnosis of gestational diabetes

I was first diagnosed with gestational diabetes when pregnant with my daughter in July 2012. I developed type 2 diabetes in April 2017. Gestational diabetes was disappointing and more frustrating than type 2 because of the fluctuating hormones during pregnancy, and I was hungry all the time. The type 2 diagnosis was much easier in comparison. With my type 2 diagnosis, I just barely had it. My A1c was just under 7.

Common misconceptions

The biggest misconception about type 2 diabetes is this disease is not about outward appearance, weight/scale number. It is genetic, hereditary, and more chemical. Our bodies produce insulin, but we just don't process it or move it out of our blood in a normal way. We need assistance to do so. Type 2 diabetes is not devastating with proper monitoring of exercise, diet, medical care, and supervised medicines. Keeping the A1c at 7 or under can prevent other side effects of this disease from happening.

A diet does not have to be extremely restrictive

The most important thing I have learned is the "diet" is not as restrictive as I originally thought. It is what everyone who wants to live a healthy lifestyle should be doing: portion control, carb monitoring, calories in said portion, fat, fiber, nutrients/vitamins, etc. I have found healthy, tasty substitutions for regular pasta and other foods I love. I have found I can eat most foods in moderation by watching portions, etc.

Tips to manage type 2 diabetes during the holidays

The holidays are tricky. For the family potluck dinners, I always bring a low-carb dish or two and traditional cornbread-pecan stuffing for the family. I fix dessert recipes with Swerve sugar or other alternatives and always use whole wheat flour. If I have a breakfast pastry, I have one or a small piece with my scrambled eggs and additional protein. I still make pancakes, but just make them small and stick to a serving. I make french toast with Sara Lee Delightful Wheat bread.

I stick to my exercise plan and am strict with carbs. I eat small amounts only of what I really like, as opposed to having some of everything. I eat a protein snack before I go to any holiday event. I allow moderate splurges on Christmas Day for the main meal and watch my carbs the rest of the day.

Finding support from loved ones and myself

I find support through my medical team, close friends, and family members. But really, I find the most support within myself when my blood sugar readings correspond to the way I am eating/exercising, etc. I recently lost 30 pounds, and my current A1C is 6.6.

Having the proof that I can still eat what I want moderately and have my numbers in my target range reassures me that I can still enjoy myself while managing type 2 diabetes. Yes, I share some basic information with those around me, especially restaurant staff, since I always order burgers with no bun, all sauces on the side, and often have carbs served separately from the rest of my meal. They need to know I am not trying to be difficult. I let close friends and family know.

Staying positive requires work

Staying positive takes work while managing type 2 diabetes. I have moments when I sigh and wish I could eat a large portion of "whatever." It's a lot to think about, especially at first. Once you begin managing, it becomes easier. I just remind myself of my blessings in this life and do what I can to live as long as possible. I encourage anyone to ask me any questions. I am more than happy to share what works for me and what makes things easier to manage.