Hey there! Joseph Onesta, your friendly Type 2 Mentor, is back with some valuable information about blood sugar control. In the last entry, we discussed the importance of plating our meals. Today, we explore one of the key reasons why we do that: carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates, often seen as the villains in the health narrative, have sparked countless debates. You may have stumbled upon those enticing commercials featuring ripped individuals gleefully munching on carbs, assuring you that you don’t need to say goodbye to your beloved pasta or bread. But let's do some critical thinking about these advertisements. First and foremost, they are advertisements. They have something to sell you. Second, I’m sorry to say, they are telling you what you want to hear. I’m not slamming them. Really, I don’t know what they do but I do know that people are enticed by what seems like easy solutions to a complicated problem.
Now, back to those carbs. Carbs, upon consumption, swiftly become glucose, or blood sugar, in our bodies. It's a rapid conversion process with profound implications for those managing their blood sugar levels, particularly individuals with type 2 diabetes. As your blood sugar spikes, your pancreas creates and releases insulin to regulate the surge. For those injecting insulin, this dance becomes a delicate balance, where the quantity of carbs dictates the dosage of insulin required.
But here's the catch: many of us with type 2 diabetes are already coping with excess insulin, fostering a vicious cycle of insulin resistance. It's akin to a never-ending tug-of-war, with escalating insulin levels fueling further resistance. So, what's the solution? Identify the carbs you are eating and cut them down.
In the video included in this post, we dissected a typical plate, revealing both the obvious and the hidden carbs. From biscuits to mashed potatoes, each item contributes to the carbohydrate overload, often comprising 90% of the plate. But knowledge is power.
By scrutinizing our plates and trimming down carb-heavy choices, we pave the way for a healthier relationship with food and our bodies. It's about making informed decisions without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. Sure, that crispy fried chicken may beckon, but by making strategic swaps and reductions, we can savor the flavors guilt-free.
One might wonder, what's left on the plate after slashing those carbs in half? This is where the magic happens. We amplify the presence of protein and incorporate nutrient-rich, above-ground vegetables, infusing our meals with vitality and balance. It's a culinary symphony where every ingredient plays a crucial role in nurturing our well-being.
Now, for those injecting insulin, this shift in carb consumption translates to immediate tangible benefits. With reduced carbs comes decreased insulin dependency, paving the way for a new equilibrium where our bodies learn to thrive on less. It's a journey towards normalization, where blood sugar fluctuations are tamed, and insulin levels find harmony.
However, a word of caution is warranted. While cutting carbs is effective, it's essential to remain vigilant, especially for those on specific medications that influence blood sugar levels. If your medications can cause low blood sugar, you need to be aware of the symptoms because low blood sugar can be a very serious problem, even life-threatening. Awareness is our greatest ally on this voyage towards wellness.
In closing, dear friends, remember that every bite is a choice, and every choice is an opportunity to nourish our bodies and souls. So, as we navigate the labyrinth of nutrition, let's arm ourselves with knowledge, embrace moderation, and savor the journey toward optimal health.
Until next time, stay empowered, stay inspired, and remember, together, we conquer the seas of wellness.
With gratitude and determination, Joseph Onesta, your Type 2 Mentor