Nassa uses diet and exercise to manage her disease, and is not using insulin. Initially, the biggest adjustment was the degree of discipline and regimen required. Planning ahead is a critical part of managing diabetes. If I m attending a luncheon, I ll call ahead to see what s being served. Nassa says that there s a big misconception about the role that sugar plays in diabetes.
Sugar is just one type of carbohydrate.
Nassa s typical lunch is two ounces of protein, a vegetable and fruit. Before I would have a turkey sandwich and potato chips. With a food plan prescribed by her doctor, she limits her carbohydrate intake to about 180 grams per day. Nassa has lost 65 pounds since her diagnosis, and feels better than she has in her life. Although there have been positive changes, the one thing that angers her is that it will never go away.