Exactly two weeks before my 30th birthday, I found out that I had Type 2 Diabetes. I was devastated. Having had borderline Gestational Diabetes when I was pregnant with my daughter. I had already followed a strict eating plan…I did NOT want to do that again. Food was enjoyable. The last thing I wanted was to be told what I could eat and when. Diabetes Awareness Month has a lot of tips for those living with Diabetes.
However, looking at the picture above, it is very apparent that following a strict diet plan and get my Type 2 Diabetes under control. I definitely needed the tips that the Diabetes Awareness month had to offer.
**This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them**
So when Johnson & Johnson and The Motherhood reached out and asked me to take part in the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® program I knew I had to say yes.
How You can Help
If you have diabetes, there are a few things you can do to help…
- There are supplements that you can take that may help support your overall health. Be sure to check with your doctor and while you’re at it, have them set you up with a nutritionist. I followed the plan that my nutritionist set up for me and I lost 50 pounds!
- Your oral health is very important. Take it from me…I won’t bore you with details, but three years later and I am STILL dealing with issue directly related to my Type 2 Diabetes. The HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® website has various products you can use to better your oral health.
- LISTERINE® ULTRACLEAN® Dental Floss
- LISTERINE® ULTRACLEAN® Mouthwash
- One of the things people with diabetes deal with is VERY dry skin, especially their feet. HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® has LUBRIDERM®, a fragrance free lotion that is fortified with vitamin B5.
Facts about Diabetes
Right now, one in three American adults have pre-diabetes. When you have pre-diabetes you are at an increased risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. Because I was borderline Gestational Diabetic when I was pregnant, that was my pre-diabetes. I didn’t listen to my doctor then when he told me I was at an increased risk of getting full blown Type 2 Diabetes later on. However, I did listen to my nutritionist and followed the plan she put together for me and within a year, I was no longer testing within the Type 2 Diabetic limits.
For more information on the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® products I mentioned above and more, PLUS over $35 in coupons, visit the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® website!
My parents and husband have Type 2 Diabetes. I also had gestational diabetes but with changes in my diet I no longer test prediabetic. I’m happy to see Johnson and Johnson working to promote healthy essentials.
Diabetes runs rampantly on both sides of my family. Both of my parents have it, so I’ll have to share these tips with them.
My dad and my MIL both have diabetes. My grandmother had it too and both grandparents from my hubby’s side had it. I certainly hope my hubby or children (or me!) don’t get it too.
I know some family who have diabetes. It seems like they really have to shape their lifestyles around it!
I recently read something about diabetes and oral health, but didn’t realize how much of a connection there was. My stepfather was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes a couple years ago, and is having dental issues now….so it makes total sense now that I think about it!
Diabetes runs in my family so I have to be extra careful and take good care. I didn’t have gestational diabetes, so I hope I’m on the right track!
I’m glad to see J&J looking out for people and helping advise!
I was a borderline gestational diabetic for 2 of my pregnancies, so I’m not sure where that puts me on the spectrum, but knowing there’s such a thing as “pre-diabetes” – that’ll keep me in check alright. Thankfully, right now I’m on a no-sugar or carb diet, so I’m good 😉
Good for you!! I am following a no sugar, no dairy or no wheat diet (though I do allow myself ONE cheat day a week).
My Mom had type 2 Diabetes. So far I luckily do not although I keep that threat in the back of my mind.
I love Johnson & Johnson products – they make so many good ones. Thanks for the coupons!
My sister-in-law is diabetic. It is wonderful to see a company like Johnson & Johnson trying to help people. With today’s society being so unhealthy, diabetes and other diseases are more and more common among people.
How awesome that you were able to follow the guidelines and no longer test within the Type 2 parameters! Way to go!
Thanks Virginia! I was so excited and it really made me feel good that I was able to accomplish that, even though I complained about what I could or couldn’t eat for a bit during that time!!
I know a lot of people that has Diabetes. It touches a lot of people lives.
Great tips. Thank you for sharing. I am happy to see that J&J is helping to promote health. 🙂
I hadn’t heard that there are dental issues related to diabetes. There’s so much to keep track of and take care of. Caring for your health can be a full-time job!
My doctor told me that for me, my body was producing WAY too much insulin so I basically had sugar water just sitting in my mouth all day long every day. It was cavity city in there when I finally went to the dentist (whole other story…basically, I have/had…its getting better…fear of the dentist and didn’t go for 3 years…so bad )
I was borderline with gestational diabetes with my first pregnancy and able to control my blood sugar through diet and exercise. With each pregnancy my fasting blood sugar was higher despite healthy eating habits and gaining no more than 28lbs each time… but with my third baby I had to take insulin for the last 6 weeks.. I am healthy as an ox now but it’s clear I have a predisposition and have to be ultra careful. All the best to you!
Wow. Your story is such an inspiration Leah. Most people don’t realize that diabetes hits even younger folk.
I’m glad to hear that you’ve decided to take control. Thank you for sharing your story.