How much do you know about diabetes?

I like some of these online health websites. They help educate me in better health practices at my age; they motivate me; and they support my efforts to take care of my health in a diabetes setting.

Everyday Health has an assessment on how much I know about diabetes management. http://assessment.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes-management/?pos=1&xid=nl_MyCalorieCounterNewsletter_20141209#fullresults

Here's how I rated:

Your Type 2 Diabetes IQ Is High

Based on your answers, you have a high level of awareness of how type 2 diabetes is managed. But as you may already be aware, it takes more than knowledge to manage type 2; it also takes dedication, understanding, and support every day. Whether you're new to type 2 or have lived with it for a long time, this condition requires daily vigilance to:

• control your blood sugar
• plan healthy meals
• be aware of and do everything you can to avoid complications like heart disease or diabetic eye disease

As your condition changes over time, your strategy may have to evolve, so it's critical to work closely with your doctor and a diabetes educator to come up with a treatment plan that meets your goals and needs every step of the way.

Controlling blood sugar.  Staying away from candycookiecake temptations and processed carbs that spike my blood glucose...followed by the low low low fatigue that demands to be spiked again by processed carbs loop loop loop. Eating balanced meals. 

Planning healthy meals.  Breakfast of oatmeal and fruit.  Lunch 2/3 vegetables, 1/3 protein. Snack of apple and cheese.  Dinner 2/3 vegetables, 1/3 protein. 

Snack of nuts. 

2/3 veggies, 1/3 protein for me can be steamed kale, steamed brussels sprouts dressed in wine vinegar,  sautéed and caramelized onions (Vidalia when they're available) and crimini mushrooms spiced with worcestershire sauce, and black beans on a bed of oven roasted (400^oF for an hour-hour and a half) spaghetti squash. And a little glass of pinot noir.

Being aware of and doing everything I can to avoid complications. Trying to keep my blood pressure down.  Trying to bring my eye pressure numbers (a marker for glaucoma) down.  How? Eating right and exercising.

So I saw my foot doctor on Monday. He wasn't thrilled with my A1c test being up to 6.1 from 5.8. A diabetic neuropathy diagnosis. I'm eating pretty well, walking, and taking a tai chi class. What else can you do? he asked. Exercise more, I said. Do you belong to a gym? he asked. Fitness First, I said. Can you make a commitment to go to the gym 3 times a week, do a little biking, leg lifts, leg presses, leg curls. I said I could.

I'd rather sit and read. I love reading.

I gotta do this.