In the early 80’s a patient presented to me with severe DIABETES. His blood sugar was 500mg. I tried desperately to rectify this, but to no avail. The Insulin prescribed went up from 30 units stepping up to 70 units, yet his blood sugar stayed up at 500 mg. His weight of 130 pounds, had dropped to 90 lbs. By the time he saw me, this was over 3 years of struggle. So, by God’s grace, my learning continued.
DO NOT TELL THE PATIENT WHAT TO EAT! ASK HIM OR HER!
This University program trained us to feel what the patient is going through. This patient lived in Porus, about 10 miles from Mandeville, where I worked. When I returned from the city to the country, and at the next visit, I put this EMPOWERMENT into action. I asked the patient what he had for his meals. He said, “DID YOU NOT SAY THAT BANANAS & FIBRE FOODS SUCH AS YAM, SWEET POTATOES, BREADFRUIT, CASSAVA, ARE GOOD FOR US?”
I agreed. He then hit me with this bolt. “WELL DOC, I GROW THE BANANA, I SELL THE BANANA, & I EAT THE BANANA. IS 10 OF THE BOILED BANANAS TOO MUCH, DOC?”
I almost fainted. Lightening of wisdom shine! My immediate reaction was to say “NO, MAN! ONLY ONE OR TWO PER MEAL WILL BE ENOUGH, SO I WILL SUGGEST THIS CHANGE, & REDUCE YOUR INSULIN FROM 70 to 30 units of the INSULIN.” He followed the instruction, & within one month he gained 20 pounds. So, eating less has given him the opportunity to get to target of 100 pounds at fasting (before eating breakfast), and 120 mg, 2 hours after his comfortable adjusted meal. In addition, he would take his vegetables & fish – ackee & saltfish plus his tea without any added sugar.
WHAT ABOUT THE OVERWEIGHT PATIENT – CAN THAT PATIENT GAIN WEIGHT BY EATING LESS?
That depends. If the patient is on Insulin, yes. Insulin tends to push up weight and cause more insulin resistance. Overweight patients lose weight by use of medications such as METFORMIN, in addition to exercise, fasting, avoiding high doses of sweet juices, sugar, honey. Snacks must be small.
HOW CAN WE REACH TARGET?
Our target of perfect weight for height, and freedom of all adverse symptoms and complications can be reached by dedication and effort on the patient. It is the Doctor’s role to guide. BLOOD TESTS: Before breakfast, i.e. after a good night’s sleep – result must be 5.5 mmol/ L or 100 mg.%. Two hours after breakfast must be near 6.5 mmol/L or 120 mg%. The CURE will be achieved if these rules are followed:
- ENJOY 3 SMALL (BALANCED) MEALS – reduced animal proteins, very small carbs, preferred fibrous types,
- AVOID EXCESSIVE SUGARS & JUICES
- REGULAR DAILY EXERCISES
- REMOVE ALL STRESSES.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE ARE CONTROLLED BY HEALTHY CHANGES, OR CONSIDERED CURED:
Jump for joy! Remember you must guarantee your good news by your blood tests. ONCE PER YEAR, YOUR CHOLESTEROL FRACTIONS, KIDNEY and LIVER FUNCTION TESTS, HB.A1.C & OTHER RELATED TESTS, EG. PROSTATE TESTS FOR MEN, IN ADDITION TO HAEMOGLOBIN, & THYROID FUNCTION TESTS will all be helpful to guarantee the patient that there is no organ damage, & other doctors the reassurance that you are not joking.
PATIENT: DOCTOR, DOCTOR, I AM AT DEATH’S DOOR, CAN YOU HELP ME?
DOC: DON’T YOU WORRY, I WILL SOON PULL YOU THROUGH.
Inspiration by Hame 