- By Mary Wong, owner and practitioner at Alive Holistic Health Clinic
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and November 14th is World Diabetes Day. It’s a time to educate and empower those suffering from diabetes to prevent and manage this life-altering condition. As a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) practitioner and the founder of Alive Holistic Health Clinic, here’s how I approach diabetes-free living despite a family history of Type 2 diabetes.
Life Beyond Genetics
The truth is, we can’t do much about Type 1 diabetes. However, Type 2 diabetes, in many cases, is preventable and treatable naturally. With consistent efforts and an expert team, you can move forward confidently. There’s no use in struggling alone when help is available. You can achieve your healthiest self even if the condition runs down in families.
Both of my parents have Type 2 diabetes, so I’m aware of the risk factor. Mood changes, numbness in hands and feet, increased thirst, fatigue, and blurry vision are common. I’m living proof that you don’t have to get diabetes. I’ve escaped its wrath at 56 and plan to keep it that way. It’s a conscious effort rooted in my lifestyle choices, mindset, and holistic view of health.
The 80/20 rule helps me keep my health stable. So, 80% of the time, I prioritize healthy eating, and 20% of the time, I indulge in my favourites guilt-free. I surrendered to a dark molten chocolate cake at dinner with our ALIVE team the other week, but that’s not routine.
I promised my daughter I’d be around as a vibrant, healthy, 104-year-old, exploring the world together. That’s my ultimate “why,” my motivation to maintain good habits despite the occasional slip.
What Does My Routine Look Like?
Like I said, I’m reminded daily that my daughter is young and I want to be around for another 48 years. I don’t want to be a burden or have her take care of me. I make every effort so I can be there till the end, exploring new places and adventures with her. This allows me to start from now and create a routine that will help me support my health goals.
Managing your health doesn’t need perfection. It demands consistency and here’s how I keep myself right on track.
Believe me, I get reminders that I could slide down quickly if I don’t keep my healthy habits up. So, the first thing is I resort to mindful eating. I avoid high-carb foods, and if I slip up, or feel a crash coming, I take a walk to help regulate my blood sugar. The next important thing, I make sure to move daily. Whether it is weights, yoga, Pilates, or a quick 15-minute fitness session, I keep moving. I also get acupuncture regularly to tune myself up and maintain balance and vitality.
I understand that ignoring my health will do no good. Something like diabetes will also risk heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, and nerve damage if left untreated.
If you’re in a similar situation, these risks don’t have to define YOU. You can manage your condition effectively, like I did, with the right habits and mindset. I constantly remind myself of the future, a future filled with vitality, travel, and quality time, and that keeps me going.
Get Started Now.
As a TCM practitioner, I don’t just look at insulin levels or blood sugar readings to devise your treatment plan when you visit us. I look at the whole person as every body part is interconnected. My team and I offer the resources you’d need to thrive. Type 2 diabetes can often be reversed. From acupuncture to nutritional guidance and exercise, countless resources and strategies are available to help you take charge of your health.
You aren’t alone in this. There’s an entire community eager to help you experience a diabetes-free living. At Alive Holistic Health Clinic, we want to help because it matters to us. Let’s work together to optimize your well-being because your future is worth it. Schedule a consultation today to learn more.