Comments on: To support my wife I am thinking about following her diabetic diet with her – Is there any reason not to?

By: Vivian X

Vivian X — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:01:18 +0000

My partner follows my diet and we have never be healthier, and both lost weight over time (no quick crash stuff)….it would be a really good move to do this, as It would show your feelings and have a further positive bonding effect

Shame about the not exercising …as you would know this is an important part of the regime

Has She tried psychological help such as cognitive behavioral therapy .(CBT)… this maybe of help to find out why She will not exercise (I would not necessarily believe the reasons She says She will not exercise She may think this but deeper down different reason)
and maybe remedy this situation …could help

By: sugars_that_heal

sugars_that_heal — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 23:40:23 +0000

Hey BD, you have a lot of good suggestions here. Let me put in my two cents also. I have worked with diabetics. I am a wellness consultant. changing you diet to complement your wife’s is great. May I suggest looking at low glycemic foods and a natural supplement that will help your wife stay healthy and keep her immune system strong? ypo can send me an email later.

God Bless.

By: Pegasus90

Pegasus90 — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:45:05 +0000

I know what you are saying. I am a type II diabetic. My husband has high insulin, high blood pressure, is glucose intolerant and lactose intolerant. He and I are on the same diets except that he continues to drink diet sodas, eat candy and eat a few other things that I try to stay away from. It makes it hard for me, if those items are in the house.

You will do great on her diet. Just make sure your portions are larger as you need more nutrients. Truly, your sons don’t need a separate diet, either, just larger portions as they are still growing.

As one of the other answerers suggested, there are other exercises beside walking. Maybe cuddling up to your wife, asking for some of her time, hinting toward the bedroom, then subtly giving her the choice of that or some time out in the fresh air may get her going. Once she starts exercising, however reluctantly, she will feel better, and more like continuing. I know I would feel better if I did 10 minutes of stretches in the morning and evening, but I rarely do. Just remember, housework counts as exercise too.

By: fyre_and_reign

fyre_and_reign — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:37:35 +0000

For years, I’ve known that I should exercise but I was always too busy. I own a dog and it wasn’t fair to her but I rationallized that she had a big yard to play in.

Then I started working part-time in April and made the commitment to use some of that “free time” to exercise so now I do walk an hour a day. The dog is in 7th heaven!

Do you know why your wife won’t exercise?

If it’s lack of time, you’ll have to figure out how to make time. If it’s boredom, try to find something she doesn’t find boring. I find treadmills horribly boring and stationery bicycles are Satan’s tools but I enjoy walking around my new neighborhood (moved in January) because it’s pretty, with trees and squirrels, quail, rabbits… even a desert fox. I have now bought myself a bicycle even though I haven’t been on a bike in 30 years.

The walking started getting boring recently (after all, I’ve been walking this area for almost 6 months) so I got a CD Walkman and listen to peppy tunes as I walk my dog. (I won’t wear it on the bike, obviously.)

I think it’s terrific that you’re going to follow her eating plan. I find it very, very frustrating to go to my family’s homes and they have all the kinds of things I shouldn’t have lying around: cookies, pie, cake, whatever.

I’ve read that Benfotiamine (a form of thiamine) is good for diabetics and helps reduce problems associated with poorly regulated sugars (that’s me) so I’ve started taking that, too. You might research what supplements might be helpful. I also take Vitamin C and alpha-lipoic acid.

By: Buzz s

Buzz s — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 01:22:54 +0000

It is a good idea to do this because it will not harm you.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink. You may understand what is going on, but you can’t force your wife to do what she needs to. That has to come from her. Are you aware of anyone who didn’t take care of their diabetes and now is at a disability? Their voice will go twice as far as yours when they start talking about regrets!
-Finding the telephone man who can’t work any more because he didn’t take care of himself and lost his sight.
-Finding the lady that said that is just a small ulcer and in so doing lost her foot.

Talk to the Diabetes Association and you will find a number of people there who will give you advice and hook you up with people like I mentioned.

By: weezyljm

weezyljm — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:02:28 +0000

We (the whole world) should be on a diabetic diet -it is one of the healthiest out there. Can you motivate her to AT LEAST walk with you (maybe taking the dog for a walk?, if you have one, that is). TALK to her – tell her that you are afraid she is going to DIE and suffer while she is doing it.. and that you don’t want her to do this to herself – You or the KIDS.. Guilt her into walking, if necessary. .. promise her anything – if she will take 1/2 hour walks with you EVERY DAY. Gradually increase the walks to an hour.. talk her into it – as quiet – personal time for you and her. The Kids can go with and ride bikes – or skateboard -or whatevever – ahead of you. Make it a family HABIT! It will be good all of you. iF YOU CAN do it 21 days in a row – It will become a HABIT and one of the BEST you can do for you all.

By: Sunshine

Sunshine — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 23:35:25 +0000

Her diabetic diet is a very health one so by all means do follow it. It would also help if you would take a nice long walk with her each and every day. Getting a few good cookbooks will also help. I have enclosed a few good sites for you to check out. Your wife can live a long life as a diabetic if she follows the diet. How can she go wrong with a loving husband like you at her side….*soft smile*

By: fanny

fanny — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:27:28 +0000

My younger sister is very diabetic and I know what you are saying. For a long while she would just do as she pleased and eat as she wanted until she had to be admitted to the hosp. with a condition that start w/a K, (can’t recall what it was) in any event she doesn’t always take care of herself but better now that she is in her 40’s. I would suggest a walk after supper maybe just to the corner and back.
The sons eating like horses, I remember when I could eat any and all things and not gain a pound.
Good luck.

By: SpellBound

SpellBound — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:36:58 +0000

I can certainly understand where you’re coming from.

I have had type 1 diabetes for 13 years now, and from my experience and knowledge I have picked up around the condition, I have discovered one particular thing that is relevant to your question.

They are too many misconceptions about diabetes – especially when it comes to diet.

It is a shame your wife will not exercise, as its a great way to keep the heart ticking nicely. (may I suggest ***? – tee hee)
However, I would like to point out that there is actually no such thing as a ‘diabetes diet’. It is simply healthy eating, balancing all the fibre and nutrients that everyone needs in their diet. There is no reason why a person with diabetes can’t have chocolate or something sweet following a high fibre meal.

I’m not sure where your from (so I’m hoping you’re in the UK so this next peice of advice will be more relavent) Your wife should be under the care of a diabetes team no doubt? In which case, go and talk to her dietician, or someone within the team who will be able to talk you through the healthy dietry options.

Please stay clear of so called ‘Diabetic foods’ especially chocolate.

And last but not least – there is absolutely no reason whatsoever that you shouldn’t or cannot have the same diet as your wife. I’m sure you will actually benefit from it aswell

Good Luck – and I hope this helps

By: trace.bailbonds

trace.bailbonds — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:50:08 +0000

If she and you stopped all dairy, Milk, cheese, yougourt, eggs, and try the Vegan diet, you can find out more by going to Vegsource.com and check it out, I lost 40 pounds, over 127 points off my cholesterol and more than 22 points off my sugar by following this reccomended diet and i was 37 when i started, its slow going but Its amazing how it works good luck. But I also do not eat meat or fish either.