Savor the Goodness

Have you or someone you know recently been diagnosed with diabetes? Are you seeking simple, diabetes-friendly meals that the entire family can enjoy?

 

My name is Elly, and I am a registered nurse (emergency trained), wife, and mother of four children, aged 9, 5, 2, and 5 weeks.

 

In February 2020, shortly before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, my generally healthy 34-year-old husband, then a father of two young children, was diagnosed with LADA—Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults, also known as Type 1.5 Diabetes. Although this diagnosis was initially surprising, it explained his unintentional weight loss of 23 kg over the preceding years.

 

With over 13 years of experience in nursing patients with diabetes, I was well-versed in the condition. However, I recognized that managing diabetes in a clinical setting and being married to someone with diabetes were entirely different experiences. I was unfamiliar with LADA and mistakenly believed that adult-onset diabetes was always Type 2. There was a wealth of knowledge I still needed to acquire.

 

According to the World Health Organisation in 2019 LADA was classified as a ' slowly evolving immune mediated diabetes' . Often developing after the age of 30 patients are usually misdiagnosed as having Type 2 Diabetes. In LADA certain antibodies are present in the blood suggesting qualities of Type 1 Diabetes. Given this condition has elements of both Type 1 and Type 2 - it has been referred to as Type 1.5!

 

In the case of LADA, unlike Type 1 Diabetes, the pancreas may continue to produce insulin for a period; however, this production will eventually cease. The timing of when an individual will require insulin therapy varies among individuals.

 

Since I began my nursing career in 2006, the incidence of diabetes has increased significantly. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as of 2022, 5.3% (or 1 in 20) of Australians have diabetes, compared to 3.6% in 2004/2005 and 2.4% in 1995. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/diabetes/latest-release

 

A 2005 study related to dietary habits and sedentary behavior among secondary students revealed that consumption of unhealthy foods was high, with 46% having fast food twice a week and 29% engaging in recommended levels of sedentary behavior. (https://academic.oup.com/heapro/article-abstract/22/3/236/598754?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false#google_vignette.) According to the ABS in 2022, nearly half (46.9%) of all employed adults aged 18-64 described their day as mostly sitting ( https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/physical-activity/latest-release.)

 

Considering these statistics and the rising use of technology, it's clear how widespread diabetes and its related complications have become over the years.

 

After an eye-opening week in the hospital, we made an exciting decision to completely transform our diet! Almost overnight, we eliminated sugar, junk food, and alcohol. While these bold changes aren't forever, they were a necessary starting point after the shocking diagnosis. Witnessing countless patients neglect their health and live sedentary lives, which only worsened their conditions, it became crystal clear that revamping our diet and lifestyle was the ultimate strategy to tackle any potential comorbidities linked to diabetes. Plus, we were determined to prevent any complications. Embracing a health-focused lifestyle became essential not just for us, but as a powerful example for the future of our children!

 

While pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care (Diabetes Education) in 2022, we were instructed to recognize that statements made at the time of diagnosis can have a lasting impact on patients and their families. This concept proved true in our case. During a discussion about diabetes with the physician, he made a remark that has remained with me: "Everyone should be on a diabetic diet." This statement resonated with me, and as I was processing all the information, it was comforting to think that if everyone should adopt this diet, it might not be that challenging.

 

I delved into researching recipes and confidently crafted my own diabetes-appropriate scrapbook, with valuable assistance from my then 4-year-old son. This became my indispensable resource, to which I regularly contributed new ideas.

 

 

Our real life recepie collection book - established 2020!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2021, my husband successfully obtained Continuous Glucose Monitoring, revolutionizing our ability to continuously track his glucose levels and observe how our diet and physical activity impacted his sugar levels in real time. We quickly identified which foods were optimal for maintaining 'time in range'—the leading indicator for overall health, as advised by our endocrinologist and current research (https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/blog/time-in-range-tool/).

 

It became evident that it wasn't solely the carbohydrates or sugars impacting his glucose levels; the timing of their consumption, their accompanying nutrients, and the manner of their introduction also played significant roles. Timing and food pairings significantly influenced the outcomes.

 

In recent years, we've mastered the art of healthy eating, expertly identifying the best choices for my husband and our entire family. Our diligent efforts have led our team of health experts—comprising the Cardiologist, Endocrinologist, GP, Diabetes Educator and Nutritionist—to frequently describe his test results as 'uneventful.' And in our health journey, 'uneventful' is the sweetest tune we could hope for!

 

Ever since the 2020 diagnosis, our family has expanded like a balloon at a birthday party, now boasting six members. With mealtime being our sacred family ritual, it's crucial to whip up meals that are not only nutritious but also keep everyone grinning like a Cheshire cat. After all, the goal is to grow healthy humans, not grumpy gremlins!

 

If you've got a family, complete with pint-sized picky eaters, you know the daily circus act of trying to keep everyone happy! Having a stash of healthy recipes and ideas that might just win over the whole crew (even those with diabetes) is like finding a golden ticket in your cereal box!

 

Every week, I'll be dishing out a recipe or two (complete with sneaky tips and tricks) that I've personally tested and that passes the picky family taste test. Feel free to chime in with what tickles your taste buds or what makes you want to run for the hills! And hey, if you want to share tales of your diagnosis journey, go ahead—because let's face it, those early days can feel like being lost in a haunted corn maze!

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Do you have a diagnosis story you would like to share?

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