Podcast: Play in new window | Download
This podcast is for all those with diabetes, pre-diabetes, at risk for diabetes or have a friend or loved one with diabetes.
It starts with hope. Hope that you can do something to deal with diabetes. It can be a sliver of hope. Hope can grow.
If you dealing with diabetes you are not alone. According to the CDC, In the United States alone there are more than 115 million people with diabetes or pre-diabetes. That is about 1 and 3 adults over the age of 20!
Over 90 percent of diabetics have Type 2. Type 2 is closely linked to choices we make on a daily basis. This is good news. That means that we can do something about it.
This show is primarily focused on type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, the healthy choices discussed can also benefit type 1 diabetics.
Why a podcast on Defeating Diabetes
I am a diabetic.
In 2008 I was medevac’d from Iraq for damage sustained to my lungs. While I received treatment they discover that I was a diabetic. I was within the US Army height/weight standards. Yet, I admit, I had too much belly fat. Not so much that most would think me “fat”—at least not by modern norms.
Once diagnosed treatment was moderately aggressive. I also made some lifestyle changes. The doctors told me my diabetes was under “good enough” control.
However, treatment did little to prevent the progression of the disease and complication. My feet started to hurt and go numb at the same time (neuropathy). My eyes were being affected by “atypical” cataracts. Then…
In December of 2013 I suffered a heart attack.
The cardiac care unit at Madigan Army Hospital did a fine job. However, the closest they got to long term help was an additional handful of daily pills. Eight (8) different medications—just for diabetes and its friends (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, blood thinners, etc.) When you throw in the medication for my lung problems the number can rise up to as many as 14!
My passion for science: I have a Bachelor of Science in Biology for Texas A&M – Commerce. I have always had a love for science and teaching.
My passion for teaching: After graduating college (a long time ago) I taught Pathology (the study of disease), Anatomy and Physiology, and AP Biology at the School of Health Profession in Dallas.
My passion for helping people: After teaching for several years I returned to school and graduated seminary to become a priest/pastor and Army chaplain.
After being injured in Iraq I did not want to quit pursuing my passions. Physical limitations greatly impacted my ability to do, well, just about everything. I am not one to quit. So I went on a quest for knowledge.
I started asking three questions:
- How can I accomplish my passions within my limitations?
- How can I maximize my strengths to accomplish my passions?
- Is there a way to improve other aspects of my health that can help me overcome my limitations?
In October 2013 I started a blog and podcast, “Healing the Wounds of War: Hope and Restoration for PTSD”. That blog and podcast were able to help people around the world. This showed me that combining two of my passions (science and teaching) with modern technology could go a long way toward fulfilling the third, helping people.
What will we do in this series?
- Encourage each other: without courage and hope we will not experience the restored life we desire.
- Explore practical applications: the what, when, where and how to defeat diabetes. There is not one simple answer that fits every situation—sorry.
- Examine different claims, results and research. What does the science say in a way we can understand and apply it to our lives?
[Disclaimer: This show is not a medical advice show. The information presented here is for educational purposes. I am not a medical doctor or licensed healthcare provider. Always work with a qualified healthcare provided when implementing lifestyle changes.]