I know I’ve been pre-diabetic for years, but …

 

My doctor, normally a nice person, informs me without so much as a polite hesitation, “Now you are a Type 2 diabetic.” What? How can that be possible? I feel fine (good enough anyway). Without further discussion, she enrolls me in the hospital’s diabetic education program. I’m sure this is all a mistake. Lab tests aren’t always right. Are they? I deserve to eat the way I have always eaten. I’m not overweight … well, a few pounds lighter might not hurt anything, but seriously? Me, a diabetic?

 

If my family and friends find this out they’ll be saying, “You are not a very good example to your children and (great)grandchildren, are you? Do you sneak candy bars? No, absolutely not. Ice cream then? Well … Cookies? Okay, guilty as charged. But these are some of the few remaining pleasures I have in life. I deserve …

 

But Kathy, the education nurse, herself a Type 1 diabetic for 30 years, and someone who has heard it all before, smiles knowingly and says in effect, “You deserve nothing, Ward, so stop living in denial. Welcome to the growing number of diabetics in America, and listen up! If you do, I can help you.” And so, feeling very much like an alcoholic at his first AA meeting, I do just that. The result is, I learn a lot over the next few hours and weeks. And I’m still learning.

 

Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to a buildup of plaque in your blood vessels, increasing your chance of future heart problems, like a heart attack or stroke. I do have one stent, but it’s been like an old friend since 2004.

 

But there is more

The same week my primary doctor enrolls me in diabetes education, my cardiologist confirms a recurrence of AFlutter and an additional AFib (atrial fibrillation, a common type of irregular heartbeats). Without further boring you with details, I describe AFlutter as, it’s like junior high Fib, and AFib is the high school version. Cardioversion (converting cardiac arrhythmia to normal rhythm using electricity) worked for me four years ago. This time, though, not so much.

 

I’m sharing this for your encouragement. Take a long, loving look at your spouse tonight, your kids and grandkids, maybe someday even your great grandkids. Then ask your primary doctor if he/she is checking you regularly for signs of diabetes. Discover what moderation in and stewardship of your body can do for your soul and spirit as well.

 

It has been said for those over 60, having type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, diabetes unchecked may shorten one’s life expectancy by an average of twelve years. Wait. Twelve years? I have a lot still to do in my next twelve years. Moderation and stewardship! Where do I begin?

 

Be proactive

They say I’ll always be a recovering diabetic, but with moderation and good body stewardship, I can live with that. Literally. And I have a catheter heart ablation scheduled later this month to correct my heart issues. I’m taking charge of my body.

 

I am unsure whether or not you’ll feel more knowledgeable from reading this, but if I’ve motivated you to take special care of your body as you age, you are wiser.

 

Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better than political power. ~Proverbs 16:32 MSG

 

Blessings.