Footwork

Ol' Abner suffers from diabetes...and "suffer" is an understatement. After nearly a year in denial, he finally allowed the medical professionals to convince him of his diabetic status. Taking oral medication and cutting "sugar" from his diet was the first sacrifice he made. Never in the habit of indulging in the sweet goodies regularly, he didn't think it would take much effort. The fact: his forays into the world of dessert usually involved consumption of a fourth of a cake or half a pan of bread pudding. I learned to adapt recipes to use non sugar sweeteners and he switched to fresh fruit to satisfy his newly vocal "sweet tooth" on most days. This method of treating his condition with minor adjustments in the medications has been the pattern for nearly a decade.

In recent months, he was urged to check his blood sugar more frequently and keep a record. It was and still is pretty much out of control. We have found many delicious recipes through the years that shouldn't have this affect on him, unfortunately he didn't read the part about portion control. A recipe producing four servings would be consumed at one sitting. Enrollment in a weight loss program unveiled some unwelcome truths regarding portion size and frequency of food intake. He increased the length and frequency of his walks, much to the delight of the four-legged member of the household. Fried foods have been completely removed from his diet and brown rice has become a staple. He has dropped a few pounds, but is very disappointed that weight loss is so slow.

His podiatrist prescribed special shoes for him a few months ago so that his feet would be protected while he increased the amount of walking. When we arrived at the provider for the shoes, one pair was offered, not the two pair she had prescribed. In addition, the fellow handling the service didn't fit them properly. Returning this week to the podiatrist, we recounted the episode of the shoe fitting. She was livid at the poor fit and lack of adherance to the order for two pair of shoes. We were sent posthaste back to the shoe lab for adjustment and an additional pair of shoes. A different fitter worked with Ol' Abner this time, actually measuring his foot and offering several different styles. The previous issue were dumped in the trash and new shoes for athletic walking were carefully fitted and adjusted with inserts for proper fit and support. Another pair, in a dressier style was ordered since his size was not in stock. We left with instructions to return when notified that the second pair had arrived so that any adjustments could be made. As we left, I was walking behind him like the dutiful wife that I am, and was amazed at the difference in his gait. Yesterday, he walked his usual mile and a half and returned without feeling exhausted. This morning he made the trek in five minutes less.

Maybe we now have control of the foot and the mouth. Perhaps he will see a drop on the scale soon.