This book has been quite a learning journey. From the discovery of Insulin to how the body is designed to maintain homeostasis and what has happened over the past 25 years, I can see how becoming a Type 2 Diabetic was almost inevitable.

Homeostasis depends on active regulation, with dynamic adjustments that keep the environment of your cells and tissues relatively constant. The brain is part of many homeostatic systems, providing signals that coordinate your body’s internal clocks and regulating hormone secretion by the endocrine system. These functions often involve a region of the forebrain called the hypothalamus, a command centre that regulates the activities of internal organs, among many other functions.

Today, we often eat five or six times a day. The quality is just not there. The food is highly processed, refined carbohydrates, and sugar. Both forms convert quickly into glucose in the blood. The combination of stress released glucose and glucose from multiple meals of poor-quality results in the cells being constantly abused by Insulin trying to unlock them to absorb the energy source. They become insulin Resistant, which is a hall mark of PreDiabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.

I can now see how over the past 25 years stress and nutrition have contributed to my becoming a Type 2 Diabetic. It is clear how even small things, which seemed a good idea at the time, have contributed to where I am now.

Obesity is a complex disease involving having too much body fat. Obesity isn't just a cosmetic concern. It's a medical problem that increases the risk of many other diseases and health problems. These can include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea and certain cancers. 

Here are some key facts from the World Health Organization’s website on worldwide Obesity and Overweight 

•          In 2022, 1 in 8 people in the world were living with obesity. 

•          Worldwide adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled.

Is it possible to reverse obesity? Yes, provided it is not genetic in origin. To achieve this, it is crucial to eliminate carbohydrates that break down into glucose (blood sugar) and calorie-dense snack foods primarily composed of refined sugar. 

Obesity is a significant risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes, and the two conditions are closely interconnected. Approximately 80–90% of individuals diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes are overweight or obese. Excess body fat can lead to insulin resistance in muscle and tissue cells. This phenomenon is attributed to various factors, including alterations in adipose tissue biology, cellular function, and multi-organ insulin resistance.

We all get old. It’s a human thing, our bodies start to degrade and depending on our lifestyle and what has happened to us in life, this may be faster or not. And, yes, it also depends on our genes and our lifestyle.

Human longevity is expanding with each passing decade and yet there are conditions that afflict us that prevent us from gaining full appreciation of the extended life span.

Diabetes is one of the conditions that reduces our life spans.

Take for example a 55-year-old Canadian male… I know, females live longer but these are numbers I have to work with.

That 55-year-old Canadian male is projected to have a further 23.3 years to live.

If that 55-year-old Canadian male, with Type 2 Diabetes does not manage their condition well: that is, they do not make any lifestyle changes required and do not monitor their Diabetes properly, they will have a projected life span of an additional 13.2 years.

If that 55-year-old Canadian male, with Type 2 Diabetes, manages their condition well: that is they make the lifestyle changes required, and do not monitor their Diabetes properly, they will have an additional 21.1 years to live. Just 2.2 years less than the 55-year-old male without Type 2 Diabetes. 

There is no getting away from the projections, Type 2 Diabetes will shorten your life, poor management of it will shorten it considerably. Diabetes also affects the aging process. How our bodies change as we age is accelerated by Diabetes.

Book - Aging and Diabetes

Available on Amazon 

Paperback ISBN: 978-1990876677

eBook ISBN: 978-1990876653

Hard Cover ISBN: 978-1990876660

Photography: Mark A. Ashford

Music - Epidemic Sound - ES_Inspiration - Megan Wolford

Hello and welcome to the October News Update video.

Great News!

I will be releasing my books in an additional format.

Hard Cover

All my books are available now in Paperback and eBook

but there have been requests for a hardback version

suitable for a coffee table.

My next book on CGMs and Omnipod will be out soon.

Omnipod is a tubeless insulin pump.

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics who must take insulin use syringes or Insulin

pumps with tubes connecting the pump, worn outside of clothing to a

needle in the Diabetic.

Omnipod is the first tubeless Insulin pump that connects to

the skin using medical adhesive like a CGM.

Omnipod contains insulin, a needle, and Bluetooth

connectivity. It is controlled using a Personal Diabetes

Manager (PDM).

The most exciting development is integration

of Omnipod with Dexcom G6 & G7 CGMs. This allows for

Blood Glucose readings by the CGM to automatically

trigger administration of Insulin.

All my books are available in Paperback and eBook. Books with

an Amazon number are available today in Hard Cover!

Prevent and Reverse Naturally Type 2 Diabetes

Hard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-51-6

Amazon # - https://www.amazon.com/dp/199087651X

Alkaline Water and Diabetes

Hard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-52-3

Amazon # - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990876528

Celiac Disease and Diabetes

Hard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-53-0

Amazon # - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990876536

Crohn’s, Celiac, Colitis, Diabetes, Stoicism and Journaling

Hard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-58-5

Amazon # - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990876587

Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout

Hard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-59-2

Amazon # - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990876595

The Low Glycemic Index Diet and Diabetes

Hard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-61-5

Amazon # -

Reiki and Diabetes

Hard Cover ISBN # 978-1-990876-63-9

Amazon # - coming soon

Cortisol and Diabetes

Hard Cover: ISBN 978-1-990876-56-1

Amazon # https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990876560

Photography: Mark A. Ashford

Music - Epidemic Sound - Inspiration - Megan Wolford

Referral Link:

https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/x4pe9m/

If you enjoyed the video and want to support the channel,

you can buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/markashford

Thank you.

Note:This video is not sponsored.

Celiac Disease is a long-term autoimmune disorder, primarily affecting the small intestine, where individuals develop intolerance to gluten. Gluten is present in foods such as wheat, rye and barley.[1] The impact of this damage is impaired absorption of nutrients from food and drink and can lead to a wide range of collateral symptoms and long-term health complications.

Classic symptoms include gastrointestinal problems such as chronic diarrhea, abdominal distention, malabsorption, loss of appetite, and among children failure to grow normally. Non-classic symptoms are more common, especially in people older than two years. There may be mild or absent gastrointestinal symptoms, a wide number of symptoms involving any part of the body or no obvious symptoms. Celiac disease was first described in childhood; however, it may develop at any age. It is associated with other autoimmune diseases, such as Type 1 diabetes mellitus and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, among others. [2]

As with Diabetes, the lifelong presence of Celiac is an emotional, mental, and physical stress. If you have Celiac disorder, you may suffer Celiac Distress and Burnout with similar symptoms and manifestation as Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout.

Much of the stress comes from the need to continuously monitor what is consumed to avoid Gluten. Bread made with wheat flour clearly contains Gluten. Condiments such as Soy Sauce and Teriyaki Sauce historically are made with wheat and also contain Gluten and will create an allergic reaction. They are referred to as Hidden Gluten. The challenges and stresses are similar to Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout and may have similar effects on caregivers.

Journaling is a conversation with myself through what I write in my journal. I write at the start and end of every day. It is a very therapeutic exercise that started at the beginning of July and has become an integral part of my daily routine. Most recently this dialogue has helped me through the emotional ups and downs of the longest episode of Diabetes Burnout I have encountered so far.

For books, courses, remote Reiki sessions, Alkaline Water

and our Newsletter.... Join my website: Markaashford.com

If you enjoy the videos and want to support the channel,

you can buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/markashford

Photography: Mark A. Ashford

Music - Epidemic Sound - ES_Inspiration - Megan Wolford

[1,2: Wikipedia]

Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout represent ongoing emotional and mental challenges in the face of a condition that requires continuous monitoring of blood sugars, food

and drink, exercise, and other life stye challenges.

Caregivers interact with the Diabetic daily and are impacted by the Diabetic’s needs, mood, and emotions.

In most cases, the caregiver is a family member or partner who almost invariably has no medical or professional caregiver background. Diabetic Distress is unfortunately a

part of the care giver’s experience when they are closely involved with a Diabetic.

A professional caregiver can detach from a patient after

the appointment.

Diabetes Distress is the negative emotional experience of living with and managing diabetes. 1

Diabetes Distress isn’t the same as depression. Diabetes Distress is when a person feels frustrated, defeated or overwhelmed by diabetes. These feelings can come and go.

It doesn’t mean that you have these feelings about other parts of your life.

Diabetes Distress can turn into depression if you have these feelings for a while and they aren’t going away. If you think you might be depressed, we have more

information and support about depression to help you. You’re not alone in this. 2

Diabetes Burnout is the feeling of physical and emotional exhaustion due to the demands of living with, and managing diabetes. Diabetes is a condition requiring a

person to engage in strict self-management, and an extensive medicinal regime.

Please remember, Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout manifest differently for everyone. Once you are diagnosed as a diabetic your life changes and you need to understand

your condition and how you are reacting to it.

Photography: Mark A. Ashford

Music from Epidemic Sound:

ES_Inspiration - Megan Wolford

Referral Link:

https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/x4pe9m/

To learn more about my work, click here:

https://bit.ly/3h3E6I0

For books, courses, and information on my Diabetes

publications and Reiki, join us at: Markaashford.com

If you enjoy the videos and want to support the channel,

why not buy me a coffee:

buymeacoffee.com/markashford

----------

References:

1 Louise Morales-Brown, "What to Know About Diabetes

Burnout," (2022).

2 Diabetes UK, "What Is Diabetes Distress and Burnout?,"

(2024).

Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout books

available on Amazon at the links below

Paperback - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1990876366

eBook - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DGQMMV23

Good Morning and Welcome,

I hope you are well. Diabetes Burn Out is a familiar occurrence to many diabetics. 

It is a state of frustration and disillusionment as a result of being diabetic. Many Diabetes sufferers go through this. My feelings and burn out are not unique to me. Virtually all Diabetics go through Burn out from time to time.

Because Diabetes will be with me for the rest of my life, I have to recognize that:

 ·       time, 

·       energy, 

·       thought and

·       care 

Are allocated on a daily basis and that regardless of why I am burned out I owe myself a duty of care equivalent to when I am not burned out. 

The emotional, mental and financial drain can be onerous. Increased risk for depression, anxiety, and eating disorders may appear for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics.  

Depression is one of the most serious mental health complications that can occur alongside Diabetes. It has recently been recognized as a distinct illness called Diabetes distress.

The risk of developing depression is two to three times higher in people with Diabetes. Some diabetic patients may feel burdened by the self-care demands of the disease, including the fear of complications, diet maintenance, and regular physical exercise. Having doubts about their level of care and accountability in managing their Diabetes can be distressing, which may lead to depression.[1]

I have started Journaling. Journaling is a written account of events and emotions that you experience. A journal can be as rough or complete as you choose. It may also be colourful, rather like a scrap book. I used to keep something like a journal on my computer. But I have stopped doing that in favour of a Caran d’Ache fountain pen and a Rhodia Web notebook.

In my latest book - Crohn’s, Celiac, Colitis, Diabetes, Stoicism and Journaling I go into Journaling as a tool to help with Diabetes Burn out and personal balance. As the book title implies, I write about Crohn’s, Celiac, and Colitis along with Diabetes. These conditions may occur with Diabetes, all are linked with Diabetes and sufferers may have to deal with more than once condition simultaneously. 

Links to the latest book were I discuss Journaling and much more

eBook

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DF2G49GH

Paperback

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/199087634X

Have a great day.

[1] Avantika Pandey, "Diabetes Type 2 and Mental Health,"  (2023).

Mark

If you sleep for 8 hours a night, the recommended amount of rest every night, and you stop drinking water 2, or 3 hours before going to bed, you are reducing your water intake 

to only the hours you are awake.

When you stand, gravity keeps water in the lower part of your body, causing swelling in your legs.

When you lie down and the lower part of your body is at the level of the kidneys, the kidneys remove fluids because the body is more comfortable in a horizontal position.

The body needs a certain minimum amount of water to eliminate toxins from the body.

Drinking water is also very important.

Drinking water at certain times maximizes its impact on the body's function:

- 2 glasses of water after waking up - helps activate internal organs

- 1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal - aids digestion

- 1 glass of water before bathing - helps lower blood pressure (did anyone know this?)

- 1 glass of water before bed - prevents stroke or heart attack (good to know!)

Additionally, water before bed helps prevent nighttime leg cramps.

Leg muscles need fluid because they contract, and due to a lack of it, they wake up with muscle spasms.

Please share this message with your family and friends

Pass this message on to others, at least 10 people,

knowing that this information could save lives.

I drink only Alkaline pH water produced by an Enagic JrIV

water Ionizer. This is not sponsored, I purchased the 

machine with my own money.

For books, courses, remote Reiki sessions, Alkaline Water

Join my website: Markaashford.com and our Newsletter....

Photography: Mark A. Ashford

Music - Epidemic Sound - Between Dreams - Jon Björk

I use the Free Style Libre 2 CGM from Abbott

It provides information on my Current Blood Glucose level,

the trend, and my time in range.

Blood sugar—Canada—measured in mmol/L or millimoles per litre

CGM Blood Sugar Range — “Green Zone” - 3.9 to 10.0 mmol/L

CGM Blood Sugar Range — “Yellow Zone” - 10.13 to 13.3 mmol/L

CGM Blood Sugar Range — “Red Zone” greater than 13.3 mmol/L

Some medical tests report results in millimoles 

per litre (mmol/L).

A mole is an amount of a substance that contains a large 

number 6 followed by 23 zeros of molecules or atoms. 

A millimole is one-thousandth of a mole.

A litre measures fluid volume.

Myhealth.Alberta.ca

Author - Healthwise Staff

In the Green Zone, Yeah!

A nice almost straight line.

6.2 mmol/L is the current Blood Glucose Reading.

The Arrow indicates the trend which is flat.

Looks like I am having a good day.

In the Yellow Zone! But not by much.

The top of the Green Zone range is 10 mmol/L so 10.4 mmol/L

is not much out of zone and the arrow indicates a

Flat trend.

It is a sharp peak though so what was it I consumed that 

caused this? 

In the Yellow Zone! But not by much.

The top of the Green Zone range is 10 mmol/L so 10.4 mmol/L

is not much out of zone and the arrow indicates a

Flat trend.

It is a sharp peak though so what was it I consumed that 

caused this? 

In the Yellow Zone! But not by much.

The top of the Green Zone range is 10 mmol/L so 10.4 mmol/L

is not much out of zone and the arrow indicates a

Flat trend.

It is a sharp peak though so what was it I consumed that 

caused this? 

I find it best to monitor my Blood Glucose and consume food and

drinks sensibly and so long as I am in the Green Zone, not

to be too worried by the "shape" of the graph.

Trying to achieve a perfectly flat line. I feel is "too" much.

Photography: Mark A. Ashford

Music - Epidemic Sound - Between Dreams - Jon Björk

Referral Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/x4pe9m/

Thank you.

In December 2022 I was diagnosed as a Type 2 Diabetic. It took a few weeks of being in a dark place before I

took ownership of my response to the diagnosis. 

My response was to make the Life Style changes that allowed me to be free of medication by November of 2023.

Maintaining the Life Style changes since November has been the next challenge I am dealing with, and will be 

writing and creating books and videos about. For now, let’s concentrate on July 2nd. 

I met with my doctor for her to educate me about why I was taking the Blood Thinner and Blood Pressure medications I am.

You can browse the internet and find out what a medication is, but why I would be taking it and not another needs a doctor to explain.

After that was dealt with we started talking about Diabetes.  

She made the point that Diabetes is a condition that will always be present. 

It is not like the flu or a broken arm. Once the flu has passed and the broken arm has healed you can say: “I had the flu” or, “I had a broken arm.” You cannot say “I had Diabetes.” 

Being off medication just means I am a Type 2 Diabetic that manages their condition through diet.

This was interesting because I was confident in owning my response to my diagnosis, but I had never owned my diagnosis itself. 

Because I would always be a diabetic, I had to own it.

After some focused medication sessions where owning my diagnosis was the focus, I came to terms with this fact.

Some people may say that owning the diagnosis has to come before owning the response.

I argue no. 

The response, the Life Style changes, has to come before owning the diagnosis. 

The Life Style changes confirmed the approach and my understanding of my condition.

My message is that if you have Type 2 Diabetes, own your diagnosis and your response to it.

Use Focused medication to guide you through this second period of ownership.

Be gentle with yourself as you practice and focus on something unique and

special.

Photography: Mark A. Ashford

Music - Epidemic Sound - Between Dreams - Jon Björk

Referral Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/x4pe9m/

Link to all my works - Click here—https://linktr.ee/markaashford

Thank you.