How I’m controlling my diabetes
When my doctor diagnosed my type 2 diabetes 18 months ago it was such a shock. Yes, looking back I’d had the symptoms for years – feeling thirsty and needing the loo more, a dry mouth and tired all the time.
But I explained it away as the menopause and living a busy life – I was helping my daughter with my three-yearold grandson.
It was only spotted because of a routine health check at my GP’s surgery. But I should have been more aware. my nana had been a type 1 diabetic, and my mum, though never officially diagnosed, probably had type 2. I grew up knowing she had to eat regularly, and she went into a coma when I was three.
my diet has always been healthy but I made a special effort after my diagnosis to watch my sugar intake. I only had crisps, cakes and biscuits on special occasions. I don’t drink much alcohol, and I gave up chocolate after it started giving me migraines.
I eat lots of fish and veg, and I keep active – with aerobics, swimming and walking the dog. I’m a size 14 and my weight is fairly constant.
But my blood-sugar readings remained high. It wasn’t until I started taking a herbal supplement – Curalin (£59 for 180 capsules from curalife.co) – that they started coming down. I’d have two tablets before each meal, and within a week, my readings were much lower.
That was two months ago. I’ve now reduced the supplements to four a day, with an extra two if I’m going out for a meal. The other night I went out with my husband and had a meringue nest for dessert and two glasses of Prosecco!
The supplement isn’t an excuse to over-eat sugar, cakes and carbs every day. I do watch what I eat and make sure I exercise, but the supplement seems to allow me to enjoy the odd treat without worrying too much.