Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease

Type 2 diabetes is known to lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD, disease of the heart and blood vessels) but little is known about the chance of stroke among a diverse group of people with diabetes.

There were 296 strokes documented during the follow-up period. The chance of stroke varied according to age, sex, and history of CVD. A history of stroke was a strong predictor of stroke in men and women.

Among men with a history of CVD, repeat stroke was more likely if their diabetes therapy included insulin plus pills, or if they were being treated for high total cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol. Among women with a history of CVD, complications affecting small blood vessels were linked to stroke. Among patients with no history of CVD, smoking and high levels of glycated hemoglobin (A1C, a measure of long-term glucose control) made stroke more likely.

A person’s age and a history of stroke are strong clues of the chance of stroke in the future among people with diabetes.

Rebuilding The Family

Now, more than ever, grandparents are raising their grandchildren. There are many children who's parent(s) have become victims of drugs, national disasters, and even death. Grandparents are taking on a new role. They have raised their children, and now they are stepping up to the plate to raise their grandchildren.

Grandparents are to be commended for keeping their families together. Grandparents are to be commended for raising their grandchildren, and not letting them be passed from foster home to foster home. The government must use these alternative providers in order to meet the need for rebuilding strong families.

My grandchildren are blessed to have their parents raise them. Thank God for the many grandparents who have stepped up to the plate in raising their grandchildren. If the opportunity presents itself... will you raise your grandchildren, or will your grandchildren be put through the system?

Grands...much alike

Our grandchildren are different, from the color of their eyes, to the the texture of their hair, to the color of their skin, and yet they are very much alike. Their smiles are different, yet they are very much alike. Their personalities are oh so different, and yet they are very much alike. Some have loud, boisterous voices, while some have soft quiet voices, and yet they are very much alike. Some of our grandchildren are full of energy like the ever ready bunny that keeps going, and going, and going. While others are calm and tranquil, and yet they are very much alike.

With so many differences between our grandchildren, the bottom line is, they are alike. No matter how different our grandchildren are, and believe me they are, the main thing they seek from us as grandparents, is love. And for that reason they are very much alike!

Diabetes: A Chronic Condition

Diabetes is a diagnosis no one wants to hear, I too was in denial. The disease, in which the body doesn't produce or properly use insulin, affects millions of people and can lead to devastating complications. Diabetes can cause blindness, amputation, kidney failure, heart disease or death.

The future for those with diabetes is far from bleak. Today, people have many options for keeping their blood sugar under control and living life to the fullest. You have to stay on top of it. You have to check your blood sugar 2 or 3 times a day. You have to stay on top of taking your medication. And there's always an extra precaution, like never going barefoot.

There's no taking a break, or no going on vacation from diabetes. The experience of coping with a chronic condition is what you make of it, you can make it work for you, or you can make it work against you. The choice is yours!

I've Seen...

I am truly blessed! The bible tells us,Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Prov. 22:6. I have seen my sons grow up to become handsome young men. (only a mother would say that) Two young men who have graduated from school. Two young men who have never depended on drugs. Two young men who have never committed crimes. Two young men who have never been sent to prison.

However, they are young men who have jobs. They are young men who are raising and supporting their families. For these things I am so proud to be their mother. I'm not saying my sons were always good. They were disciplined and had rules to follow. We had our ups and downs, but as I look back over the years, our ups out weigh the downs.

Peace at 50+

I praise the Lord for allowing me to see another day! When I open my eyes in the morning I have to thank Him! I must say I look at things differently now, than I did when I was 20 and 30 years old. I have aches and pains now that I never had, nor thought about when I was younger. Yet I will still praise Him! Psa. 34:1 says I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My conversations are not the same, my walk is not the same, my dress is not the same, my heart is not the same. I owe it all to Jesus. I am at peace! The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. Psa. 29:11

He Will Give You Peace!

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease of high blood sugar. When you have diabetes, your blood sugar is out of balance. Your body is not able to keep your blood sugar level at a healthy balance on its own. Knowing this means taking better care of yourself: by taking your medicine, checking your glucose ( sugar) level 2 or 3 times a day, and seeing your doctor on a regular basis. There are so many diabetic recipes out there that allows us to have delicious meals and scrumptious desserts. We have to be careful of our sugar intake. Instead of using regular sugar in our food, desserts, and drinks(coffee, tea, etc.) we have to use a sugar substitute. There was a time when my husband wouldn't drink any sugar-free drinks, now between him and my grandsons, I can't buy it fast enough. Remember just because we use a substitute, we should still watch our intake of sugar, everything in moderation.