Recently, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I’m 55, and I would have sworn I was eating better than this.
Then I started looking at what I actually eat in a day. There was more sugar than I’d realized. The meals I thought were good choices suddenly needed a closer look.
This morning, that became a source of incredible frustration. What am I supposed to eat for breakfast when the thing I thought was good now has me questioning it?
There had been a warning years ago
When I was pregnant, I craved dried fruit. I ate a lot of it. During that pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes.
It was easily managed at the time. Changing what I ate, including cutting back on the fruit, helped. But nonetheless, I did have it.
My mom had diabetes. My father has diabetes. I’ve made a very specific effort to eat better than they do, so this diagnosis was still hard to take.
I thought I was doing myself more favours than I was. Now I need to look at my own choices more closely.
Starting with breakfast
My usual breakfast is a little packet of instant oatmeal, some coffee, and a bit of fruit. It seemed like a reasonable way to start the day.
Now I’m looking at the packet and wondering what needs to change.
So I went over to Dr. Google to see what other people with diabetes eat for breakfast. And it was actually helpful. It gave me some ideas to try.
I placed a grocery order for oats and Red River cereal, which was my mom’s absolute favourite breakfast. I also ordered coconut chips, almond flour, cocoa, and Ceylon cinnamon as possible add-ins.
Once everything arrives, I’m going to set up a little breakfast station in my kitchen. In the morning, I can put my oats and add-ins on the stove while I get ready to start my day.
I still have to work out what suits me. But having somewhere to start feels better than standing there wondering what I’m supposed to eat.
My biggest worry was travel
When I got the diagnosis, my biggest concern was what I was going to do when I travel.
My mind went straight to medication and keeping it cold. How would I manage that on a 28-hour flight?
Right now, I’m managing my diabetes with food changes and medication. I’m not taking insulin, and the medication I’m taking doesn’t need to be refrigerated.
That was a relief. It made the practical side of travelling feel much more manageable.
I don’t know how much I’ll be able to walk this back. But I want to improve my health, and I’m willing to learn what that takes. I still want to travel and get on with everyday living.
I’m not grateful, but I’m willing to learn
I can’t say I’m particularly grateful to have diabetes.
What I’d rather have is what some other people seem to have: the ability to eat whatever they want, never gain weight, and never worry about how to pack their medication.
But throughout my life, I’ve also wanted to be taller, prettier, smarter, and any number of things that don’t really mesh with the reality of what is.
So no, I’m not terribly enthusiastic about this diagnosis.
I am okay with learning how to refine my diet so I can be as healthy as possible. Clearly, what I thought was working needs another look.
For now, I’m starting with breakfast.
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