Feeling Really Down

[mwisgf]

Hello everyone. This is my first post to this board. I have been Gluten Free for about 2 years now. My diet is going very well, although it is a bit difficult to handle at times for me because I am also an insulin dependent diabetic for the last 25 years. All the rice/potato/corn is very high in glycemic content and can cause large spikes in blood sugar levels. I have become healthy enough in the last year to control my blood sugar levels pretty well through going to the gym, walking, golfing, etc, but life has become so routine! I'm only 29 years old and I live like a hermit. My co-workers don't understand my situation, and my social outlets have become non-existant. I am trying to date and it is so hard to explain to potential dates all of my health problems. Eating out is just not really a possibility it seems. I am allergic to so many things besides gluten (fish/seafood, nuts, seeds of all kinds, onions, spices, coconut, raspberries, etc.)

I would be interested in hearing if others out there have multiple allergies (I bet there are a bunch) and how you go about eating out, travelling, whatever else. I'm too young to be living like a hermit! Later, -Mike

[angel-jd1]

OUCH reading this hurts my eyes...can you change the font size it's very very small!!

[tarnalberry]

you may want to investigate other grains. buckwheat is low GI, and is supposed to be particularly good for diabetics. millet, quinoa, teff, and other kinds of rice (brown and wild) both have much lower GI's than white rice. of course, having enough protein and fat with the starches will lower the glycemic load of the dish as well. other complex carbs, like beans, could work if you focus on the particular beans that have more protein and fiber - like black beans and kidney beans. lentils also are fairly low glycemic. and beans with avocado make a good filling dish.

it's GREAT that you've gotten off the meds, and can control it through lifestyle choices. I'm sure that - with some practice and a lot of effort - you'll find that you CAN go out and do things. you may need to let go of your coworkers and friends _understanding_ your dietary restrictions, but as long as they can take "no, I can't eat that" for an answer, they don't particularly have to _understand_. perhaps your coworkers would go golfing with you? golf can be a great social activity.

I'm sure there are other social outlets that you can find that could help, though it may be a bit like starting from scratch, which I know is tough, and takes a lot of courage. what about art classes or music classes? community college classes in a favorite subject? an outdoor group that goes for walks/hikes? a new hobby? just some thoughts...