[Diabetes-Talk] Diabetes-Talk Digest, Vol 158, Issue 17pump for insulin

Wed Jan 20 20:32:03 UTC 2021

Hope,
That is the major problem with insulin pumps and they are not accessible for someone who does not have cited assistance. Several of us are taking part in a work group at the national Federation of the blind to work with the pump companies to get them to make the pumps accessible. This issue is a huge frustration. The soonest solution that I see on the horizon is a partnership between an organization called tide pool and the insulin pump company that makes Omni pod. I have been communicating with tide pool and just received another email from them this morning noting that in their recent submission for approval to FTA it will be the combination system of the tide pool app And the Omni pod pump system. At least one person at tide pool told me that the tide pool app is accessible to the blind and this app is supposed to allow you to control the pump directly from the app. But, that is all I know about it. For those of you who use the Omni pod, do they come preloaded with the insulin so that a blind person can just attach to the body or does it require some sighted assistance?
The most current med Tronic pump, the 770, and the current tandem pump both have an external tactile button that allows you to give a meal time bolus safely by pressing the buttons. All other features of the pumps are totally in accessible to the blind.
I have had opportunity to hold both of these pumps and play around with them with the sales rep and friends who use them. I have been wrestling with the issue of getting a new pump as my current one was out of warranty last September and the only way that this will be possible is to do it as a team effort with my husbands assistance. This does not make me feel safe for Independent. As my current med Tronic pump is still working and I can take a bolus by pushing the external buttons safely I am just going to keep doing what I’m doing for the time being. Encourage your doctors and other health professionals to advocate to the pump companies for accessible devices.
Patricia

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 20, 2021, at 4:42 AM, Hope Hein via Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi all, I appreciate this list. Can you please advise me of an insulin pump that a totally blind person can use. I have been giving myself the shots and have to do four shots a day at this time. I’m having difficulty because sometimes I hit a vein when I’m giving myself the shots. So I spoke to my doctor‘s nurse about a pump and she said that you have to dial in the amount of insulin you use and that since I can’t see it I would have trouble with that. Any advice would be helpful. I also appreciate all the nutrition information you guys have can give and I have given
> 
> Hope Hein
> 
>> On Jan 20, 2021, at 7:03 AM, diabetes-talk-request at nfbnet.org wrote:
>> 
>> Send Diabetes-Talk mailing list submissions to
>>   diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>> 
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>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>> than "Re: Contents of Diabetes-Talk digest..."
>> 
>> 
>> Today's Topics:
>> 
>>  1. Re: Reading labels (Patricia Maddix)
>>  2. Re: Reading labels (Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter)
>> 
>> 
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>> 
>> Message: 1
>> Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2021 11:28:51 -0800
>> From: Patricia Maddix <pmaddix at comcast.net>
>> To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Reading labels
>> Message-ID: <F2CCCD16-9FBD-48DA-B5E0-D3FF1A575A02 at comcast.net>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>> 
>> Les,
>> Great news!  That is an amazing change and justThat is an amazing change in just two weeks. Did you ever figure out why the medication you were taking wasn?t working as well when you went on the higher dose?
>> Patricia
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>>> On Jan 18, 2021, at 10:16 PM, Les Fitzpatrick via Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> ?I love these posts about diet it is really helping me I've know what I
>>> should eat but since my wife and I got married she doesn't know all this
>>> stuff so she encourages me to eat a lot of stuff that I shouldn't have but
>>> since I've been on this list I've been able to pretty much eat like I know I
>>> should, and now my blood sugar is really coming down. When I got on this
>>> list a couple of weeks ago my blood sugar was running almost 300 most of the
>>> time and now it is in the low 100's it was 129 tonight. Than all of you for
>>> your encouragement. I guess seeing other people succeed it's helping me to
>>> succeed as well. You guys are great.
>>> 
>>> Les fitzpatrickPiano Technician
>>> Ham call K5FPT
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Sandi
>>> Ryan via Diabetes-Talk
>>> Sent: Monday, January 18, 2021 8:37 PM
>>> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Cc: sjryan2 at gmail.com
>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Reading labels
>>> 
>>> Hi Terri,
>>> 
>>> I wanted to tell you that I am so impressed with what you have accomplished,
>>> and how hard you have worked to improve things! Keep up that good work! It's
>>> doing lots of good!
>>> 
>>> I have just a few thoughts, and the advice you've received so far has been
>>> excellent. Both Patricia and I are formerly registered dietitians. And all
>>> the others who have given you advice are very experienced in these
>>> issues!Stick with what you're doing and make additional changes as you can. 
>>> 
>>> Okay: You said you are craving candy. Perhaps changing up what kind of candy
>>> you keep in your house could help. When I started cutting back on "junk
>>> food" long ago, I decided to learn to like dark chocolate. I didn't really
>>> like it in the beginning, and I learned that my ability to eat it ended at
>>> about 70% cacao. But the advantage to changing was that I could eat less and
>>> find it satisfying, and I didn't keep reaching for that bag of old
>>> favorites. In other words, I don't crave dark chocolate, but I like it, and
>>> it satisfies the craving. Keeping the chocolate free of other things, such
>>> as flavors, fillings, and such, keeps me from beginning to crave the dark
>>> chocolate, too. I like buying small pieces of chocolate, or bars separated
>>> into squares, and I just plan to limit myself to one or two squares per day.
>>> On most days, this is the only sweet treat I allow myself. Of course, on
>>> special occasions, like my birthday, I eat whatever sweet treat I want.
>>> Surprisingly, though, for the past several years, starting when my husband
>>> and I stopped eating sugars and sweeteners except in very small amounts, I
>>> no longer eat French Silk pie. I still love it in theory, but truthfully, a
>>> couple of bites are about what I can eat now. It's very sweet, and I'm no
>>> longer used to that and no longer crave it.
>>> 
>>> One of the big reasons people snack is that they eat small amounts at their
>>> meals, thinking that's healthier. But if you eat enough food at meals, you
>>> don't need lots of snacks. Many days I do not eat a snack. But each of your
>>> meals needs to include protein, fat, and some carbohydrate. And really,
>>> don't skip meals. It just makes you hungrier before your next mealtime. 
>>> 
>>> As for fat, for years I limited my own to as little as possible, and it did
>>> not keep me thin or healthy. In those days we dietitians were taught that
>>> everyone's diet must be high-carb, high-fiber, and low-fat for good health.
>>> When my husband and I lowered the sugars and other carbs in our diets, we
>>> increased our fat intake to about 35-40% of our daily calories. The surprise
>>> was that I immediately started losing weight, and lost 25 pounds
>>> total--which put me at a weight that is healthy, and I have had very little
>>> trouble keeping my weight there. We cook with good fats, but also use some
>>> butter, because it tastes really good in some foods. I find that I eat less
>>> of foods that aren't full of altered ingredients. The way I put it is I'd
>>> rather have less of the real thing that a lot of something so altered I no
>>> longer enjoy it. 
>>> 
>>> And let us know when we can help with other questions!
>>> 
>>> Sandi
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Terri
>>> Stimmel via Diabetes-Talk
>>> Sent: Monday, January 18, 2021 5:48 AM
>>> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>> Cc: Terri Stimmel <icecreamlover76 at outlook.com>
>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Reading labels
>>> 
>>> Hello again everyone,
>>> 
>>> 
>>> First of all, thank you to both Patricia, and Bridget, for your great
>>> thoughts and advice. I really appreciate it. I appreciate the time, effort,
>>> and care you put in to your responses. It really helps me out, and I am
>>> quite sure it helps others as well. It helps me to realize that I am truly
>>> not the only one who struggles.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Yes, I am working with a diabetes educator. Although, I will be starting
>>> with a new one in May. I am hoping this will go well. The one I had
>>> unfortunately moved out of state. I really liked her.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> For now, it is recommended that I not have more than 45 carbs per meal, and
>>> no more than 15 carbs per snack. Also, only one, or two snacks a day. But
>>> none if this is something I can manage. I am totally fine with all this.
>>> It's something I want, and something I am most definitely trying to do. They
>>> did say that treats and such, or ordering out is fine. But like you said
>>> Bridget, just on the weekends. Something like that. Which I like this as
>>> well, because then it isn't so much of a shock to my system. But also, my
>>> boyfriend is being very supportive, and tollerant of these changes I am
>>> making. I know it hasn't been all that easy for him. I have had friends say
>>> that I should just worry about myself. Just cook for myself, and not worry
>>> about him. But that's a lot easier said than done. I mean, he is my partner.
>>> So for me it isn't just that simple. We have worked it out that if he wants
>>> to make his own choices for breakfast and lunch, that's fine. But since we
>>> enjoy having dinner together, then I want to mostly be in charge of that. So
>>> I usually am. This is not to say he doesn't have choices. But he knows that
>>> I am wanting to have less processed foods and such.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I have been looking for recipes. I feel this is going pretty well. 
>>> Although it does get a bit overwhelming at times. I have also been trying to
>>> pay attention to if I am really hungry or not. The lady I was seeing did
>>> talk to me about this. She suggested rating my feelings of hunger on a
>>> scale. Scales usually don't work for me. But the concept makes sense to me,
>>> and has actually come in handy a lot. I realized that I would snack when I
>>> really wasn't hungry at all. For instance, when watching TV. Or if my
>>> boyfriend wanted a snack, then I thought I did as well. When really I
>>> didn't. So this has definitely been helpful.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I have tried hard to not beat myself up over making mistakes, or eating
>>> something I know I really should avoid. This is very difficult for me. 
>>> So it is certainly a work in progress. My one problem is, I will sometimes
>>> buy a bag of the fun-size packages of M&Ms. But when I want one, I find
>>> myself eating 2 of them. Which then defeats the purpose of having a treat.
>>> Also, I tend to think that if I just can manage to eat one pack, that I can
>>> then do it almost every day. So this is a struggle for me, and still needs
>>> work. I have quit purchasing things like oreos, and peanut butter cups,
>>> because I couldn't just eat one at a time. I figured if I couldn't do this,
>>> then I just don't need them in the house. 
>>> LOL!
>>> 
>>> 
>>> So what is the recommended amount of sodium, for diabetics?
>>> 
>>> Also, how do you know if something is considered low in sodium?
>>> 
>>> Some of the labels I read are confusing to me. I've been looking at some,
>>> trying to consider if I want to purchase them or not. For instance, some
>>> Codiac cakes, frozen pancakes. I don't think I spelled that properly. But
>>> hopefully you all will know what I meant.
>>> 
>>> I am also looking at purchasing some tortillas. But I want to watch what I
>>> get.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Also, should I be concerned with how much fat something has in it?
>>> 
>>> I mean, with the sagerated fats? That's the ones to be concerned with, yes?
>>> 
>>> 
>>> As for another food struggle I have, I struggle with knowing what I might
>>> want to eat. I get very frustrated at times, when it comes to making these
>>> decisions. Especially with breakfast, and lunch. So I try skipping
>>> breakfast. Or for lunch, I will want to turn to junk, or the not so healthy
>>> stuff. Or I might eat very little. So I totally agree, and understand that
>>> we all have struggles when it comes to food. And I am glad that we are not
>>> alone in this.
>>> 
>>> Isn't it crazy how one of the things we need the most, can be such a huge
>>> struggle, and stresser?
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Thanks again for all the wonderful help and support. I will keep you all
>>> posted as to how things are going for me.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Terri
>>> 
>>>>> On 1/17/2021 4:03 PM, Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk wrote:
>>>> Terry,
>>>> 
>>>> I know a lot of people will say watch calories, but honestly, if you're
>>>> eating healthy, or healthier choices, calories are not as important. For
>>>> diabetics, carbs and sodium will be the most important nutrition items to
>>>> pay attention too. Plus, don't overwhelm yourself with this either.
>>>> 
>>>> BTW, shop where you prefer. You can find healthy foods at Walmart just as
>>>> much as anywhere else. Absolutely no issue shopping where you prefer.
>>>> 
>>>> Eating out and having treats can be challenging for a lot of people. It's
>>>> all about moderation. If you want, allow yourself a treat a couple of
>>> times
>>>> a week. Order a meal out on the weekend. Still stick to your carb counts
>>> and
>>>> meal sizes and all that, but diabetes is not about eliminating food, but
>>>> learning how to adopt healthier ideas about food. Which really, all
>>>> Americans need to do.
>>>> 
>>>> A rule of thumb I learned years ago is to consider where my hunger is
>>> coming
>>>> from. When you feel hungry, truly get inside your body and think about
>>> where
>>>> the feeling is coming from. Does your stomach actually feel hungry? If
>>> not,
>>>> it's likely in your head, and you don't really need to eat at that moment.
>>>> But if your stomach actually feels hungry and is grumbling and other signs
>>>> of hunger, then you might need a snack. Also, drinking water can help with
>>>> hunger.
>>>> 
>>>> We all have our food struggles. We just need to learn what coping
>>> mechanisms
>>>> work for us. I've been super busy and stressed lately and inclined to eat
>>>> very little in a day, which is not healthy either. I go and go and keep
>>>> skipping meals, basically having only coffee and water all day. I'm trying
>>>> to be better, but with so much going on, this is a problem of mine, and I
>>>> need to do better. My point is that we all have unhealthy food habits.
>>> Don't
>>>> beat yourself up, just make small adjustments and learn what works for
>>> you.
>>>> 
>>>> Bridgit
>>>> 
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Terri
>>>> Stimmel via Diabetes-Talk
>>>> Sent: Sunday, January 17, 2021 2:38 PM
>>>> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> Cc: Terri Stimmel <icecreamlover76 at outlook.com>
>>>> Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] Reading labels
>>>> 
>>>> Hello everyone,
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> I hope all of you are doing well. Things are going pretty well with me.
>>>> I am now off of my meal-time insulin. I am so very happy about this.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> I am eating better. But I am also still struggling some. I find it
>>> difficult
>>>> to not want to order out. I also find it difficult to not want candy. So
>>>> these are things I am working really hard on. But other than that, things
>>>> seem much better. So this makes me feel really good.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> I was wondering though, what sorts of things should I be watching for,
>>> when
>>>> reading labels?
>>>> 
>>>> I know I of course need to watch the carbs.
>>>> 
>>>> But what other things should I focus on?
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Any thoughts are appreciated. We shop at Walmart for most things. I would
>>>> consider shopping other places. But Walmart is affordable for us.
>>>> Plus, ours is set up so that we can have stuff delivered. This works quite
>>>> well for us.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Again, any thoughts are much appreciated.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Thank you,
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Terri
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Diabetes-Talk mailing list
>>>> Diabetes-Talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> Diabetes-Talk:
>>>> 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/bpollpeter%40hotm
>>>> ail.com
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Diabetes-Talk mailing list
>>>> Diabetes-Talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Diabetes-Talk:
>>>> 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/icecreamlover76%4
>>> 0outlook.com
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Diabetes-Talk mailing list
>>> Diabetes-Talk at nfbnet.org
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>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Diabetes-Talk:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/sjryan2%40gmail.c
>>> om
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Diabetes-Talk mailing list
>>> Diabetes-Talk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Diabetes-Talk:
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>>> om
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Diabetes-Talk mailing list
>>> Diabetes-Talk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Diabetes-Talk:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/pmaddix%40comcast.net
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> ------------------------------
>> 
>> Message: 2
>> Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2021 14:24:13 -0600
>> From: "Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter" <bkpollpeter at gmail.com>
>> To: "'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Reading labels
>> Message-ID: <0c4501d6eea1$0df2a740$29d7f5c0$@gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="us-ascii"
>> 
>> Sandy,
>> 
>> Thanks for all your advice and wisdom. I've learned a lot from you. I
>> appreciate your presence on this list.
>> 
>> Bridgit
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Sandi
>> Ryan via Diabetes-Talk
>> Sent: Monday, January 18, 2021 10:37 PM
>> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: sjryan2 at gmail.com
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Reading labels
>> 
>> Hi Terri,
>> 
>> I wanted to tell you that I am so impressed with what you have accomplished,
>> and how hard you have worked to improve things! Keep up that good work! It's
>> doing lots of good!
>> 
>> I have just a few thoughts, and the advice you've received so far has been
>> excellent. Both Patricia and I are formerly registered dietitians. And all
>> the others who have given you advice are very experienced in these
>> issues!Stick with what you're doing and make additional changes as you can. 
>> 
>> Okay: You said you are craving candy. Perhaps changing up what kind of candy
>> you keep in your house could help. When I started cutting back on "junk
>> food" long ago, I decided to learn to like dark chocolate. I didn't really
>> like it in the beginning, and I learned that my ability to eat it ended at
>> about 70% cacao. But the advantage to changing was that I could eat less and
>> find it satisfying, and I didn't keep reaching for that bag of old
>> favorites. In other words, I don't crave dark chocolate, but I like it, and
>> it satisfies the craving. Keeping the chocolate free of other things, such
>> as flavors, fillings, and such, keeps me from beginning to crave the dark
>> chocolate, too. I like buying small pieces of chocolate, or bars separated
>> into squares, and I just plan to limit myself to one or two squares per day.
>> On most days, this is the only sweet treat I allow myself. Of course, on
>> special occasions, like my birthday, I eat whatever sweet treat I want.
>> Surprisingly, though, for the past several years, starting when my husband
>> and I stopped eating sugars and sweeteners except in very small amounts, I
>> no longer eat French Silk pie. I still love it in theory, but truthfully, a
>> couple of bites are about what I can eat now. It's very sweet, and I'm no
>> longer used to that and no longer crave it.
>> 
>> One of the big reasons people snack is that they eat small amounts at their
>> meals, thinking that's healthier. But if you eat enough food at meals, you
>> don't need lots of snacks. Many days I do not eat a snack. But each of your
>> meals needs to include protein, fat, and some carbohydrate. And really,
>> don't skip meals. It just makes you hungrier before your next mealtime. 
>> 
>> As for fat, for years I limited my own to as little as possible, and it did
>> not keep me thin or healthy. In those days we dietitians were taught that
>> everyone's diet must be high-carb, high-fiber, and low-fat for good health.
>> When my husband and I lowered the sugars and other carbs in our diets, we
>> increased our fat intake to about 35-40% of our daily calories. The surprise
>> was that I immediately started losing weight, and lost 25 pounds
>> total--which put me at a weight that is healthy, and I have had very little
>> trouble keeping my weight there. We cook with good fats, but also use some
>> butter, because it tastes really good in some foods. I find that I eat less
>> of foods that aren't full of altered ingredients. The way I put it is I'd
>> rather have less of the real thing that a lot of something so altered I no
>> longer enjoy it. 
>> 
>> And let us know when we can help with other questions!
>> 
>> Sandi
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Terri
>> Stimmel via Diabetes-Talk
>> Sent: Monday, January 18, 2021 5:48 AM
>> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>> Cc: Terri Stimmel <icecreamlover76 at outlook.com>
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Reading labels
>> 
>> Hello again everyone,
>> 
>> 
>> First of all, thank you to both Patricia, and Bridget, for your great
>> thoughts and advice. I really appreciate it. I appreciate the time, effort,
>> and care you put in to your responses. It really helps me out, and I am
>> quite sure it helps others as well. It helps me to realize that I am truly
>> not the only one who struggles.
>> 
>> 
>> Yes, I am working with a diabetes educator. Although, I will be starting
>> with a new one in May. I am hoping this will go well. The one I had
>> unfortunately moved out of state. I really liked her.
>> 
>> 
>> For now, it is recommended that I not have more than 45 carbs per meal, and
>> no more than 15 carbs per snack. Also, only one, or two snacks a day. But
>> none if this is something I can manage. I am totally fine with all this.
>> It's something I want, and something I am most definitely trying to do. They
>> did say that treats and such, or ordering out is fine. But like you said
>> Bridget, just on the weekends. Something like that. Which I like this as
>> well, because then it isn't so much of a shock to my system. But also, my
>> boyfriend is being very supportive, and tollerant of these changes I am
>> making. I know it hasn't been all that easy for him. I have had friends say
>> that I should just worry about myself. Just cook for myself, and not worry
>> about him. But that's a lot easier said than done. I mean, he is my partner.
>> So for me it isn't just that simple. We have worked it out that if he wants
>> to make his own choices for breakfast and lunch, that's fine. But since we
>> enjoy having dinner together, then I want to mostly be in charge of that. So
>> I usually am. This is not to say he doesn't have choices. But he knows that
>> I am wanting to have less processed foods and such.
>> 
>> 
>> I have been looking for recipes. I feel this is going pretty well. 
>> Although it does get a bit overwhelming at times. I have also been trying to
>> pay attention to if I am really hungry or not. The lady I was seeing did
>> talk to me about this. She suggested rating my feelings of hunger on a
>> scale. Scales usually don't work for me. But the concept makes sense to me,
>> and has actually come in handy a lot. I realized that I would snack when I
>> really wasn't hungry at all. For instance, when watching TV. Or if my
>> boyfriend wanted a snack, then I thought I did as well. When really I
>> didn't. So this has definitely been helpful.
>> 
>> 
>> I have tried hard to not beat myself up over making mistakes, or eating
>> something I know I really should avoid. This is very difficult for me. 
>> So it is certainly a work in progress. My one problem is, I will sometimes
>> buy a bag of the fun-size packages of M&Ms. But when I want one, I find
>> myself eating 2 of them. Which then defeats the purpose of having a treat.
>> Also, I tend to think that if I just can manage to eat one pack, that I can
>> then do it almost every day. So this is a struggle for me, and still needs
>> work. I have quit purchasing things like oreos, and peanut butter cups,
>> because I couldn't just eat one at a time. I figured if I couldn't do this,
>> then I just don't need them in the house. 
>> LOL!
>> 
>> 
>> So what is the recommended amount of sodium, for diabetics?
>> 
>> Also, how do you know if something is considered low in sodium?
>> 
>> Some of the labels I read are confusing to me. I've been looking at some,
>> trying to consider if I want to purchase them or not. For instance, some
>> Codiac cakes, frozen pancakes. I don't think I spelled that properly. But
>> hopefully you all will know what I meant.
>> 
>> I am also looking at purchasing some tortillas. But I want to watch what I
>> get.
>> 
>> 
>> Also, should I be concerned with how much fat something has in it?
>> 
>> I mean, with the sagerated fats? That's the ones to be concerned with, yes?
>> 
>> 
>> As for another food struggle I have, I struggle with knowing what I might
>> want to eat. I get very frustrated at times, when it comes to making these
>> decisions. Especially with breakfast, and lunch. So I try skipping
>> breakfast. Or for lunch, I will want to turn to junk, or the not so healthy
>> stuff. Or I might eat very little. So I totally agree, and understand that
>> we all have struggles when it comes to food. And I am glad that we are not
>> alone in this.
>> 
>> Isn't it crazy how one of the things we need the most, can be such a huge
>> struggle, and stresser?
>> 
>> 
>> Thanks again for all the wonderful help and support. I will keep you all 
>> posted as to how things are going for me.
>> 
>> 
>> Terri
>> 
>>>> On 1/17/2021 4:03 PM, Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk wrote:
>>> Terry,
>>> 
>>> I know a lot of people will say watch calories, but honestly, if you're
>>> eating healthy, or healthier choices, calories are not as important. For
>>> diabetics, carbs and sodium will be the most important nutrition items to
>>> pay attention too. Plus, don't overwhelm yourself with this either.
>>> 
>>> BTW, shop where you prefer. You can find healthy foods at Walmart just as
>>> much as anywhere else. Absolutely no issue shopping where you prefer.
>>> 
>>> Eating out and having treats can be challenging for a lot of people. It's
>>> all about moderation. If you want, allow yourself a treat a couple of
>> times
>>> a week. Order a meal out on the weekend. Still stick to your carb counts
>> and
>>> meal sizes and all that, but diabetes is not about eliminating food, but
>>> learning how to adopt healthier ideas about food. Which really, all
>>> Americans need to do.
>>> 
>>> A rule of thumb I learned years ago is to consider where my hunger is
>> coming
>>> from. When you feel hungry, truly get inside your body and think about
>> where
>>> the feeling is coming from. Does your stomach actually feel hungry? If
>> not,
>>> it's likely in your head, and you don't really need to eat at that moment.
>>> But if your stomach actually feels hungry and is grumbling and other signs
>>> of hunger, then you might need a snack. Also, drinking water can help with
>>> hunger.
>>> 
>>> We all have our food struggles. We just need to learn what coping
>> mechanisms
>>> work for us. I've been super busy and stressed lately and inclined to eat
>>> very little in a day, which is not healthy either. I go and go and keep
>>> skipping meals, basically having only coffee and water all day. I'm trying
>>> to be better, but with so much going on, this is a problem of mine, and I
>>> need to do better. My point is that we all have unhealthy food habits.
>> Don't
>>> beat yourself up, just make small adjustments and learn what works for
>> you.
>>> 
>>> Bridgit
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Terri
>>> Stimmel via Diabetes-Talk
>>> Sent: Sunday, January 17, 2021 2:38 PM
>>> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>> Cc: Terri Stimmel <icecreamlover76 at outlook.com>
>>> Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] Reading labels
>>> 
>>> Hello everyone,
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I hope all of you are doing well. Things are going pretty well with me.
>>> I am now off of my meal-time insulin. I am so very happy about this.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I am eating better. But I am also still struggling some. I find it
>> difficult
>>> to not want to order out. I also find it difficult to not want candy. So
>>> these are things I am working really hard on. But other than that, things
>>> seem much better. So this makes me feel really good.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I was wondering though, what sorts of things should I be watching for,
>> when
>>> reading labels?
>>> 
>>> I know I of course need to watch the carbs.
>>> 
>>> But what other things should I focus on?
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Any thoughts are appreciated. We shop at Walmart for most things. I would
>>> consider shopping other places. But Walmart is affordable for us.
>>> Plus, ours is set up so that we can have stuff delivered. This works quite
>>> well for us.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Again, any thoughts are much appreciated.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Thank you,
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Terri
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> ail.com
>>> 
>>> 
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>> Diabetes-Talk:
>>> 
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>> 0outlook.com
>> 
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>> il.com
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> ------------------------------
>> 
>> Subject: Digest Footer
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
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>> 
>> ------------------------------
>> 
>> End of Diabetes-Talk Digest, Vol 158, Issue 17
>> **********************************************
> 
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