I have so many questions that aren't exactly "normal" enough to just generally search for online.
Mainly it's about food. I love to cook, so I'm trying to figure out recipes that I'd like. Unfortunately, up until now, I've been a meat, bread, and potatoes type of guy. Now that the bread and potatoes are pretty much restricted from my diet... About the only old recipe of mine that I can think of that I can still enjoy is my chili recipe. Will whole-wheat flour thicken like processed flour to make a stew or gravy?
Also, being in my mid-twenties, I certainly have a thirst for a bit more than soft drinks. Does alcohol affect blood sugar much? I know beer would, but I'm more of a liquor drinker. Mainly whiskey,
I also enjoy cigars on occasion. Once again, will this have an affect on my blood sugar?
I don't know. This diagnosis has come on the heels of some other issues and I can't help but feel a bit discouraged and confused. Any advice, recipes, etc...?
Answer on Just diagnosed diabetic. What now?
One of the first things you should do is go to a few diabetic ed. classes. Then make an appointment with a dietitian or a nutritionist. They can be teach you many, many things, and education is your best friend when it comes to having diabetes. You can still eat anything, just beware of the amount of carbs you take in. Normally, a diabetics diet should consist of no more than 45 grams of fat per meal. Meat does not have carbs, but potatoes have a lot. It's all aboiut learning to count your carbs. Yes, alcohol can effect your blood sugar a lot. It is a two fold deal. When you first drink, your blood sugar will rise because of the carbs and sugar.....then it will fall, many times too low. A diabetic can still have a drink now and again, but only if you have your disease under good control, and limit yourself to a beer or two or one mixed drink. You need to learn to stay away from white bread, white rice, white potatoes...although if you learn to count carbs you can still have a little of these. There are tons of diabetic cook books out there and many recipes on line. Be ware of things marked "sugar free" or "diabetic". They may have less sugar, but often contain more fat and carbs. Smoking can put you at higher risk of heart and artery disease when you are diabetic. Also beware of blogs...they are just peoples stories and opinions and contain a LOT of BAD advice. Make sure any website you visit on the subject is up to date...many are very outdated, and do not even apply anymore. Good luck, and have fun cooking
