Did you know?

That a hormone is a regulatory substance produced in an organism and transported in tissue fluids such as blood or sap to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action. One hormone that is the talk of the town for most Americans; is insulin. Insulin helps regulate many metabolic processes that provide cells with energy levels. Insulin production happens in the pancreas. If your pancreas is not working correctly and your body can’t use the insulin, it will make your sugar levels get too high, and you will develop diabetes. It is essential to know that the most common form of diabetes is Type 2. In 2020 the CDC reported that one in every ten Americans is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

How can you prevent Type 2 diabetes?

• *Eat on a regular schedule. This will help you maintain a balance in your blood sugar levels.
• *Eat a balanced diet, including protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in each serving.
• *Select healthy fats in your diets like extra virgin olive oil, avocado or coconut oil.
• *Avoid sweetened drinks like soda or energy drinks.
• *Eats foods high in fiber like beans, berries, whole grain or avocados.
• *Keep your body moving. Go for a brisk walk or do some aerobic exercise.

Online Resources to teach you about Hormones, Diabetes & Health Choices:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SPRPkLoKp8

“How do Hormone Work?” YouTube Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVegFvk_DTw

“Preventing Type 2 Diabetes” YouTube Video:

https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-to-z/hormones/insulin

Article: What is Insulin?

https://www.benefiber.com/fiber-in-your-life/daily-fiber-intake/top-10-high-fiber-foods

Article: 10 Top High Fiber Foods:

https://blog.thediabetessite.greatergood.com/diabetes-games

Five games to teach about diabetes to children or adults.

Fellowship Time

Have every woman bring a fruit or vegetable to create a delicious and healthy fruit or vegetable salad. Enjoy a cup of hot tea with a sugar-free dessert. Invite the women to exchange sugar-free recipes as part of the program.

Let Health Be the Goal!

You are pre-diabetic. Those are words you never want to hear from your primary care doctor after your annual wellness checkup. According to the CDC, one in three adults is now prediabetic in America. If you, like me, are one of those people, don’t panic! Hope and healing are available if you believe God cares for you and is interested in your wellbeing. God knows everything about you, chooses to love you and provides for all your needs.

God truly cares for all of us as individuals. The words of the Psalmist remind us that we were made a little lower than the angels, and God crowns us with glory and honor. Praise God! Human beings were part of God’s plan of creation all along. “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which You have set in place, what is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that You care for them?  You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:3-5). Every single thing God created was good. (Genesis 1:31) God cares for all He created so much that after finishing all His creation, He put us in charge of it. (Genesis 1:29-30)

God has provided all the nourishment our bodies need for our well–being since the beginning of creation. (Genesis 1:12) There are many diets out there. Indeed, you have heard of the benefits of some of them to maintain a healthy weight. It is recommended for diabetics and prediabetics to shed some extra pounds. I am not a nutritionist, so I can’t recommend one diet over another to accomplish your health goals. But what I can do is encourage you to do your own research and see what works best for the health of your body. Remember, this body is His Holy Temple, and we are responsible for taking good care of it. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

God knows your constant battles with weight and the yo-yo effects that fad diets have left you with. God knows about your struggle with the fear, the shame, and the anxiety your health issues have caused you. The pressure to overcome our bad habits regarding food is so real. So let me encourage you today by saying, let health be the goal. Shift your focus to the one that promises to supply your everyday needs (Phi. 4:19). Focus on the praiseworthy things. (Phi. 4:8) As you formulate a plan to help you accomplish your health goals, remember that God is with you (Zeph. 3:17). Focus on the blessing that it is to be alive. Think about the goodness of God and the strength He provides so you can continue to move forward towards better health (Ex. 15:2). I pray in the name of Jesus that you will enjoy good health and that all will go well with you (3 John 1:2).