An Interesting Fact About Diabetes

Besides trying to lose weight and plan a wedding, I am also a full-time student in college. Right now, I am wrapping up the Summer Semester. I took an interesting course called Abnormal Psychology, which is basically an overview of Psychiatry. We spent a lot of time talking about degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia.

One of the most interesting facts that I learned in Abnormal Psychology is that people who are diagnosed with Diabetes have a 60% chance of developing Alzheimer's Disease! That's almost like saying, "Flip a coin: head's, you won't remember anything after you're 70 years old. Tails, you will." When I learned this, I was extremely proud of myself for starting the IP diet, and I am proud of myself for losing as much weight as I have (18.5 pounds). I'm taking a step closer to being able to remember my life when I'm old with every once that I lose. I never want to forget my fiancé, dogs, family, home, or other important things that have happened to me in my lifetime. I couldn't imagine the feeling of looking at my right leg from the wreck and not remembering how my leg became so scarred and swollen, or not remembering why my back hurts so much every day of my life. I couldn't imagine the embarrassment of not remembering how to bathe, dress myself, use the restroom, or eat. Some people will argue that people with Alzheimer's Disease don't' know that they don't remember how to do things, but they do. I have seen them and worked with them, and they know that something is not right with themselves. Some wake up frantically looking for their dead spouses and swear that they have been taken hostage because they're not in their homes, and I do not want that for myself. If I'm dying, so be it. I want to be aware of my surroundings and be able to pray to God to take me to heaven in my final hours, not struggle to remember my concept of the love of God. 

If this isn't motivation to lose weight, then I don't know what is. Lots of people my age think that they're invincible because they're still in their 20's, but I know better. With health comes a better chance that you will be able tell your grandchildren all of the stories from the glory days when you were 20. Give yourself that opportunity!