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DH has had diabetes for many (20-25 years), but never had it really under control. He has always been a big eater (farm family), and always felt he 'had it under control'. Along with the diabetes, he also had high blood pressure, but, again, 'felt that was sort of' under control too. With both, he told the doctors he did exercises, but he didn't...his was working in the garden and walking slowly with the dog.
A few years ago he was referred to a Nephrologist because his kidney function was going down hill. We were referred to a diabetic class at the hospital. They were excellent and went over every ones meds and told the people exactly how they worked and when the best time to take them was. Diets and exercise was stressed as being VERY important to maintaining both diseases.
So he has to juggle a Diabetic diet and a cardiac diet, but is doing it very well. He can eat almost anything he wants, but in moderation, and is very restricted on how much liquid he can drink a day (kidney diet). The kidney diet is much more restrictive, because of all the things that the kidneys do for us.
If you are not sure of all the problems that diabetes can cause...blindness, loss of limbs, kidney failure...READ UP ON IT. YES I am trying to scare you...I would not wish kidney failure on anyone and it is a growing problem because of the way "we" eat any more. And more and more patients are showing up in dialysis units.
Diabetes & high blood pressure are two of the leading causes of kidney failure, which can lead to dialysis. DH goes 3 times a week for about 2-3 hours each time. Arrangements have to be made ahead of time for treatments when you travel. And that can be done IF the units have the room. He has had to go as far as 45 miles one way when he goes hunting in South Dakota, with our son driving. So, please do what the doctors tell you.
Sorry this is long and scary, but hopefully someone will read this and it will help.
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