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Dexter McGregor
Dexter

I'm Dexter McGregor, 67, and twenty years ago I found out that I had Type 2 diabetes. All I knew about diabetes was what my mother told me. I knew how bad it can be. I was determined to do what I know is right so I keep my A1C levels around 6.4 - 7 - which the doctor says is healthy.

How I Manage My Diabetes and Blood Pressure

The first thing I did when I was diagnosed was make changes to my diet. I make blender drinks with fruits and vegetables like spinach, broccoli and string beans. I blend them with 1% or soy milk and fruit juice and they are very filling. I drink a lot of liquids like water and soy milk and keep a water bottle with crushed ice with me. I control the size of the portions of solid food I'm eating and schedule meals several times a day.

I don't eat a lot of food that has salt in it and I never put salt on my food. I don't drink alcohol or smoke. All the things I'm not supposed to do -- I don't do them. I try to keep my nerves calm and don't put excessive pressure on myself. It also helps to exercise. I jog in my apartment two times a day, climb the four flights of stairs every day and walk several blocks to the store when I need something.

What I Would Tell Other Diabetics

If you want to live a healthy life, you have to resist the things that aren't good for you, like smoking. If you have the will to live you'll follow the good advice from people like the staff at all of HHC's Diabetes Clinics and education groups. I get lots of useful tips on managing my diabetes from them and I also go on the Internet to get information…. you should too. It's a good way to get your questions answered from the comfort of your home.

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