I just found out that I was pre-diabetic. This has never shown up in my blood draws before and I was stunned. “Really?” I say laughing, not sure how exactly to take this.
“Well, you should watch what you eat, watch your protein/carbohydrate ratio, decrease stress levels, exercise regularly, and decrease how much sugar you consume.”
Without telling the nurse who was reading out the suggested diet and exercise plan over the phone, I was thinking how in the world is this possible? I exercise almost daily—averaging three to five miles a day that I walk, plus I have started training for a marathon, so it can’t be the lack of exercise. Can it?
I am in the exact middle of my BMI—so it can’t be weight related. Right?
Also, I am very careful about what I eat. I try to buy local, organic foods, and I absolutely stay away from processed foods, even the organic versions. I only drink water, unless there is a tea option. Candy, cakes, muffins, and other sweets I just try to avoid. I don’t like the taste of alcohol, unless it is red wine, which, I drink only at social events, and not even a full glass. It can’t be my diet. Maybe it’s something else?
But, it can be my stress; and, it can be my protein/carb ratio. I have been going on overdrive for years now. I knew that I needed to slow down. Yep, life has a way of forcing you to do that. I also know that I spend way too much time worrying about people, events, and situations I cannot control. This is a good time for me to change that behavior. Lord, grant me the serenity…
I also know that I eat too many carbs and not enough protein. Not eating enough protein has always been a struggle for me. I love bread. Carbs are cheaper than protein, and I don’t pay enough attention to the ratio. I never thought I needed to.
Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not too high to be classified as diabetes. There is a higher risk of developing Type II diabetes and heart disease, if changes are not made. I better get on this new lifestyle! But what is the new lifestyle? For now, I am going to focus on continuing what I’m already doing with exercise and diet choices, but eat a ton more protein and certainly watch that ratio. I also will be active in decreasing my stress—time for therapy.
For those of you out there who think you are healthy, let me encourage you to continue to exercise, lower stress levels, and eat a healthy, balanced diet. You don’t want to get an unwelcome surprise at some point. And for those of you who are trying to make changes, keep at it. You can do it!
For anyone interested, you can follow my journey to healthier behavior. I am excited to share with you the challenges and joys of marathon training, and now, my lifestyle rejuvenation!
