Susan Weiner - The Complete Diabetes Organizer: Your Guide to a Less Stressful and More Manageable Diabetes Life

Text copyright 2013 Spry Publishing LLC

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No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

This edition is published by Spry Publishing LLC

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2013937937

E-book ISBN: 978-1-938170-27-0

App lists included in this book are adapted from An App a Day and An App a Day for Health Professionals, 2012, Frederico Arts LLC.

App lists included in this book are not intended to be complete lists and represent only a sample of apps available on the topics. New apps will become available over time. These app lists are for informational purposes only and make no endorsements or claims about the quality of the apps. Frederico Arts LLC is not responsible for app availability, content, function, reliability, or use outcomes. App price, content, and availability are subject to change. Please consult your personal doctor and medical team for advice that pertains to your specific individual needs.

Disclaimer: Spry Publishing LLC does not assume responsibility for the contents or opinions expressed herein. Although every precaution is taken to ensure that information is accurate as of the date of publication, differences of opinion exist. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. The information contained in this book is not intended to replace professional advisement of an individuals doctor prior to beginning or changing an individuals course of treatment.

To Ed, Ben, and Steven for their support and encouragement.
Also to the loving memory of my father, Harold Greenberg, whose
wisdom and honesty continue to guide me. A special dedication
to my patients and the entire diabetes community
may you be blessed with good health and a cure.

SW

To my husband, Wayne, my true partner in every way.
And to Maddie and Eli who allow me to hone my organizing
skills every day. And a special dedication to my dear
friends Liza and Michael, who in my book are the true heroes.

LJ

A portion of the authors royalties have been donated to the
Diabetes Hands Foundation www.diabeteshandsfoundation.org

DIABETES HAS BEEN DECLARED to be the fastest growing epidemic in history. Yet, for many, diabetes is a mystery. Those who dont live with diabetes or live with someone with diabetes are often surprised to learn just how devastating diabetes can be. They dont understand why so many people must lose their lives, their vision, or their kidneys or limbs to diabetes. They wonder why such horrible consequences occur or why people with diabetes dont take better care of themselves if the consequences of poorly managed diabetes can be so dire.

The answer is simple. Diabetes is complex and diabetes is HARD. Its not just about simply avoiding sugar or taking medication or insulin. It requires doing for yourself what your body would ordinarily do for you. You must learn new things, sometimes complex new things, and adopt a whole new set of daily behaviors and dietary restrictions. And its not just about being better informed. It takes motivation, persistence, and organization to be a successful diabetes patient. Its hard and it never takes a day off. Never. But with all that said, Ive managed to keep this monster under control for more than 43 years and lead a very active personal and professional life.

No one chooses to have diabetes. It chooses you. And if it chooses you and if youre like me, not the most organized person, it makes managing the daily grind of diabetes that much harder. Getting up and getting to work or school on time, having the right food with you, leaving enough time to test your blood sugar, finding the right meal options, record keeping, traveling, and expecting the unexpected are all part of the game of diabetes management. The consequences of disorganization take on an intensely more serious dimension with diabetes than it might otherwise have in life.

Thats why I love this book. It makes better diabetes organizers. Combining the expertise and experience of a compassionate and accomplished diabetes educator with a professional organizational expert provides an uncommon and highly practical approacha potential game changer for those with busy schedules who want to get the most out of life while optimizing, not sacrificing, diabetes management. Finally, a realistic guide to accomplish all of your personal and professional goals as someone living with diabetes.

From the moment I wake up to the time I go to bed and even while asleep, my life must be organized for my diabetes health. I believe it was the legendary coach John Wooden who said, Failure to plan is a plan to fail. That is the ultimate truism in diabetes. I organize my life so that diabetes doesnt slow me down and life doesnt overwhelm my diabetes, and this book can help you do the same. Forgetting supplies or eating the wrong thing because you are not organized for the diabetes day is what throws off the delicate balance of control. What I have with me for a dog walk or in the office, how I pack for a trip, it can matter a lot. And the better you plan and organize, the more peace of mind you have for yourself or for caring for someone else with diabetesparticularly true for parents of children with diabetes.

While there are many paths to good control, Im not sure I would be here today, 43 years after I was diagnosed, in very good health, if not for organizing my life with diabetes as a priority. I would be of little value to my family, the community, colleagues, and myself if I didnt maintain that vigilance.

We all lead busy lives, made more complex and pressured by a chronic condition called diabetes, but what choice do we have but to do the best we can and take advantage of great tools like The Complete Diabetes Organizer: Your Guide to a Less Stressful and More Manageable Diabetes Life? Some days will be harder than others, but if youre reading this, you already took a big step toward getting your diabetes house in order. Everyone can use some help organizing their day, their week, and their life to better manage diabetes. This book connects all people with diabetes and addresses all aspects of diabetes to help you stay focused, organized, and in control.

Its your diabetes life. Own it!

Howard Steinberg, dLife Founder

HOW DID YOU FEEL when your diabetes was diagnosed or when you learned that your spouse or child had diabetes? Were you angry or scared? Were you bombarded with information from your doctor about diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes? How did you handle unwanted advice from family members and friends about managing your blood sugar? Did you ignore the diagnosis because you were already overwhelmed with your daily schedule and to-do lists? If so, youre not alone!

Hopefully, you already know that your diabetes doesnt define you, but your diabetes is part of you. And, you are challenged every day to organize your daily activities and diabetes care so that you can help prevent complications associated with diabetes. Heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and stroke can all be the result of poorly managed diabetes. In this book, well offer strategies to help you organize your diabetes, manage your blood sugars, and improve your health. We are here to guide you every step of the way. So, lets do this together!