FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 6, 2004

I'll Wait 'til it Hurts "If it ain't broke, most people don't fix it."

Do you know if you have diabetes?

Did you know type 2 diabetes symptoms only become “obvious” once disease has substantially progressed?

By time many type 2 diabetics (and often their doctors) realize action is necessary, disease, with its destructive high blood sugars, has been silently damaging their body for years.

Complications to blood vessels and tissues of your eyes, feet, heart, kidneys, and other organs, are likely well underway.

You visit doctor because you feel bad, and you wish to feel better. You react to symptoms of perceived illness. This is understandable, but does not allow much room for prevention or early detection of diabetes.

Of course this idea, “Don't see doctor 'til it hurts,” comes from our “busier-then-ever” lifestyles. But to blame, to point fingers after damage has started is as pointless as is leaping bungee-jumper's complaint that his equipment has just failed. It's a little late to talk about why. Some problems are better prevented.

1 – Have a game plan. All successful teams and professionals have a plan. Why should controlling your weight at this time of year be any different? So, as parties and family events are also in planning stage, determine how you are going to approach obstacle course of high fat and high calorie goodies calling out to you? ·Determine how you are going to handle parties and food provided. ·Plan your events ahead of time. Although there will be surprise invitations, most people know what they will be doing over holidays. Avoid excessive parties. ·Make a plan for what you will prepare at home when not entertaining or visiting. Just because it’s holiday season does not mean you have to eat holiday fare all season. ·Determine how you will keep your fitness routine intact.

2 – Prepare for party game. Ok, we’ve all heard these recommendations, but how many of you actually try them? If you use them all, great! Check out to see if there are any new ideas here or use them to remind yourself of some you may have forgotten. ·Eat before event. If you are already full from healthy food, you are less likely to ‘pig out’ on high calorie, empty carbohydrate, high fat snack foods that just add up in our mid-section. ·Wear something tight in midsection. Tight clothes will help you tend to want to eat less, if for no other reason than it’s uncomfortable! ·Bring your own drinks and munchies. The more you are in control of what your choices are, less likely you are to grab foods you really don’t want to eat. ·Avoid alcohol. Many people feel out of place if they don’t have a drink in their hand. Try keeping your glass filled with ice and water! No one will know what you’re drinking unless you tell them or they ask. In meantime, you will be drinking calorie free. ·Concentrate on conversing more than eating. ·Stand clear of food tables. The further you are from food and goodies, less likely you are to pick up and mindlessly eat them. ·Choose smaller portions. Even if a food or snack looks very good, to avoid feeling deprived, just have a smaller serving.