To the editor:
I have recently received some very useful, uncommon information about diabetes from a surprisingly bright young CNA (certified nurses’ aid) here that was not incorporated in the hospital-based diabetic training program, nor explained to me by my doctor upon periodic questioning about my diabetes.
About six years ago I was found to have diabetes and was rushed by ambulance to the ER to bring my blood sugar down from 499. Normal range is 80 to 120. In the follow-up coping course we were told that any body movement at all, especially exercise, lowers the blood sugar. We were not told how it works. Thinking that only the sugar in the muscles used was lowered, I wasn’t very motivated to do any exercises, since I strolled a couple times a day anyway.
But a few weeks ago, our dear Miss Autumn explained to me (as I here summarize it) that body movement and even mental stress quickens the pulsations of the heart, thereby pushing more oxygen from the responsive lungs to the minutest parts of the body, including all internal organs, of course. This extra oxygen, it is widely known, helps to burn up blood sugar, which can destroy eyes, kidneys and legs in the early stages of excess sugar. In later stages, it can put the patient into a coma and death.
The new knowledge that exercise burns up excess sugar even in the brain, motivates me to do in-my-room exercises for two minutes several times a day. Now aged 76, this increased rush of oxygen throughout my body refreshes my body, mind and spirit. And it has brought my blood sugar nearly to the norm of 80 to 120 with the help of a 500mg pill of metformin per meal.
I have suggested to TAMC’s management that the above details of inspiring, motivating information be incorporated into their diabetes training course. Their head dietician, Mary Coffin, called me yesterday to report their agreement to do so. Thank you.
Val Vadis, resident
Southern Acres
Residential Care Facility
Westfield
