Control: How I Regulate Diabetes

In everyday life, we use the term "control freak" negatively or in a self-deprecating way-- as in one who always seeks and NEEDS control at all times.

I struggle with this, because I wonder if wanting and needing control is really a bad thing? 

A sense control, over anything in your life, can lead to a feeling of increased predictability, stability and peace. Who doesn't need a little more of that in their lives? 

I'm not crazy about controlling my Type 1 Diabetes. (gasp!!) I don't focus on getting the perfect numbers all the time, BUT I choose to control my diet, which makes diabetes somewhat self regulating (at least more so than it was when I was eating high-carb). 

Largely through control of the type and intake of my food, diabetes becomes more controlled by default. It's an interesting concept.

If you follow the law of small numbers, (small amounts of carbohydrates, small amounts of insulin needed, small corrections) the variations in blood glucose levels are much more controlled and manageable.

I feel like this takes the power away from diabetes and puts it back into my hands. 

For years, I struggled to keep my blood sugar numbers down without crashing, BUT I struggled because I didn't want to be told what to do and how to do it.

Diabetes and I were joined at the hip.

but it was more like an evil twin than a symbiotic relationship. 

Since starting low carb, my relationship with diabetes and my body as a whole, has changed.

Diabetes - and following low carb - has made me healthier than I would have otherwise been.

I don't take my health for granted anymore, because I know the pain and struggle of the alternative. I focus on nutrition and in return, my blood sugar levels are better than they've ever been.

Diabetes and I can now work together to benefit each other.  

My once-evil-twin (type 1 diabetes) is now giving me the increased predictability, stability, and the peace I was looking for.

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My insulin needs have been reduced by 50% as a result of ‘controlling’ my diet,

and my overall health has improved dramatically, with A1c levels in the high 4% and low 5% range, along with completely reversal of proteinuria, IBS, and severe clinical depression.

You can read more about my story and my slow, reluctant journey to better health here.