Mauie Flores

While we were on vacation in Bicol, I experienced shooting pain on the index and middle fingers of my right hand. It did not happen only once; shots of pain continued in intervals of 5 to 10 minutes for more than 48 hours. This kind of pain is no stranger to me as I have already experienced it before when I was still playing the piano. I know that, this time, it could be carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Image courtesy of Wikipedia.org.

Now, the shooting pain comes once in a while but I experience numbness from my wrist to the ends of my fingers. My right wrist is also painful sometimes, but I manage to relieve it by massaging it with oil. I know I have to schedule a visit to the doctor to have my wrist checked but what kind of doctor should I see? I don't have a single idea, really.

Common knowledge about CTS is that it is caused by work-related activities such as clicking the computer mouse and typing. However, diabetes also raises the risk of having carpal tunnel syndrome. CTS happens when the median nerve suffers from the pressure of thickened and swollen tendons in the hand. High blood sugar levels makes glucose attach to the tendon proteins which explains the swelling.

My sister, who is a licensed pharmacist by the way, advised me to take in Vitamin B supplements. I haven't bought the meds yet because I want to consult with a doctor first. Gosh! This is the last thing I need right now. I have lots of article writing and editing backlogs.


Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

Here's a helpful online tool to help us diabetics keep track of our glucose levels. GlucoseGraph.com is a free service from the same people who maintain MySugarLevel.com. All a diabetic has to do is to log-in, input the recent reading and add some comments, and view the generated chart to see the changes in glucose level just like this one:


Use of the site is totally FREE. However, if members want to track all nine diabetes indicators, it is recommended that they upgrade to a MySugarLevel.com membership and save up to 30% on costs. Being a member of the site can help a diabetic keep track of the following:

• Blood Glucose – including medication
• Carbohydrate Intake
• HbA1c Levels – Long-term blood glucose readings
• Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
• Cholesterol Levels including total cholesterol, HDL and LDL levels
• Triglycerides
• Weight
• Waist Size
• Exercise

Diabetes is a life-long condition and it takes so much dedication to keep in shape. I hope you get to try Glucose Graph and include it in your diabetes management routine.

Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

World Diabetes Day is observed every 14th of November. This year, the International Diabetes Federation has chosen the slogan "Act on Diabetes. Now." The campaign was launched last May 16 in Brussels where IDF stressed how diabetes kills one person every eight seconds and four million people per year. It is also during the kick-off that the organization introduced it's first ever animated campaign video which you can see below.



World Diabetes Day 2011 is the third of IDF's five-year focus on diabetes education and prevention. Help save more lives by educating more people about diabetes. Follow IDF and World Diabetes Day on: www.worlddiabetesday.org; Twitter www.twitter.com/wdd; Facebook http://tinyurl.com/o7o6kf and Youtube www.youtube.com/worlddiabetesday.


Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

Valentine's Day is synonymous with flowers and chocolates. Flowers I can have but chocolates, not. Well, not all the time. I can still eat dark chocolates, you know. Unlike milk chocolates and white chocolates, dark chocolates are rich in flavonoids, an anti-oxidant that's derived from plants. A research done in 2005 showed that dark chocolates helped participants lower their blood pressure levels. It has also helped increase the body's metabolism of sugar, something that diabetics like me can't do.

Like jewelry, cosmetics, and, in my case, cellulaires (French for cellular phones, haha!), chocolates are a girl's best friend. I'm not asking too much. Just a few bites every once in a while. Of course, it still has loads of calories so I still can't have too much dark chocolate.

Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

I was looking for coco sugar last Sunday at the supermarket and I wasn't able to find one. However, as I checked the cardboard displays in the organic products section, I was able to find this box of Stevia sweeteners in convenient packets.




I have already read about how perfect stevia is for diabetics like me as it has no calories at all and has very little effect on one's blood sugar level. It is 3 times sweeter than table sugar and I also found it sweeter than the coco sugar I was using. I used to consume 2 packets of coco sugar for my mug of coffee but I only use packet of stevia.

Stevia is an herb native to Paraguay. However, this Sweet & Fit brand from Glorious Herbs is locally grown so each purchase actually supports our local stevia farmers.

Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

While shopping at the Noel Bazaar 2010 last weekend, I was able to chance upon these:

Click to see larger image.

I bought a box of 40 strips for only Php 195. Actually, I bought it for my mother-in-law who isn't too happy of pricking her finger everyday for a blood glucose test. She has already used it and she told me that the results showed her blood sugar is within the normal range. I still haven't tried using it but I'm planning to do so after my menses. I'm thinking of having a blood glucose test simultaneous with using these urine glucose test strips.

Since I haven't made a cross-reference yet, I'm still not convinced of its accuracy. This is the reason why I hid the contact details of the supplier. I'll share and promote them once I see favorable results.

How about you? Have you tried checking your blood sugar with urine glucose test strips? How was it?


Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

There's a new addition to my list of health woes - my right thyroid gland. As per my last health check-up, my right thyroid gland is slightly larger than normal. I still have more tests to undergo which includes a creatinine test (again), a test that will check my thyroid's function, and another batch of blood tests. I'm just finishing this batch of meds then I'm gonna schedule my next batch of laboratory tests.

My enlarged thyroid gland isn't that noticeable and I thank the heavens for that. But since I've become conscious about it, I started let my hair cover the right side of my neck. I also suspect that this has something to do with the white patches I saw on the same spot a few months back. My doctor's not convinced, though. I've been reading a lot about hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and Grave's disease and I think that I should prepare myself for my raging hormones. I just wish that I wouldn't have body acne and resort to body acne treatment because there's still lots of maintenance meds I'm taking daily.

First, it was my kidney. Then, my liver. This time's my right thyroid gland. Who knows what's next. I pray for healing. Dear God, help me.


Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

D-blog Day was started on November 9th 2005 during Diabetes Awareness Month, to help unite diabetes bloggers and create awareness about diabetes.


This is the first year I'm joining this campaign and these are the 6 things I want people to know about diabetes:

1. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. I have the 2nd type so I get by with just oral diabetic meds. I don't need to pump insulin unlike a cousin of mine who has Type 1.
2. Diabetes is not a disability. We are normal people who can also do things that non-diabetics can do. We may need a few adjustments and improvisations here and there but we get the job done.
3. Not all diabetics are overweight. I have already encountered people telling me, "mataba ka kasi ("you're fat, that's why") when I tell them that I have diabetes. Yes, obesity is a risk factor of diabetes but even thin people can get it. In fact, weight loss can be one of the symptoms of diabetes.
4. Diabetics can still have sugar. My life may be sugar free most of the time but I keep candies in my bag for emergency hypoglycemic episodes.
5. Diabetics don't need special food. We just follow a healthy meal plan which should also be done even by non-diabetics. I'm always asked about this every time I attend a party or an event.
6. It takes commitment and dedication to stay well when you're a diabetic. Then again, I forgive myself at times when I eat what I can't or when I don't exercise. I'm just human and I'm not perfect.

On a random note, did you know that 250 is the official medical coding number for diabetes?

Five more days till World Diabetes Day. Please view this video and help provide life-saving diabetes medication and supplies to children in developing countries.. :)


Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

World Diabetes Day will be observed on 14 November 2010. Once again, the International Diabetes Federation spreads awareness about diabetes and asks everyone to take control of this life-changing condition.



Part of this year's activities is a fund-raising for the International Diabetes Federation's Life for a Child Programme and Insulin for Life, two global initiatives that provide life-saving diabetes medication and supplies to children in developing countries. You can help by watching the video. One view = donation. Diabetes Hands Foundation, a World Diabetes Day Champion, is aiming for a minimum of 100,000 views. You can also donate money via Google Checkout.

Please help us spread the word! Thank you in behalf of all the diabetics in the world!


Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

Photo: “Day 42: Overwhelmed” by Bryan Gosline, c/o Flickr. Some Rights Reserved

In March of 2009, I made the hard decision of quitting my tutoring post in our center. It was difficult for me to let go of a job that gave me fulfillment. Plus, working in my parents' place gave me the chance to see them more often. Overtime, I got tired of the daily travel to and from work. I also had one demanding parent-client who made me so stressed out. I realized that the stress was affecting my sugar levels. The night I almost fainted upon arriving home was the night I decided to stop teaching and just work from home.

Stress does have a big effect on blood glucose levels. When we feel extreme emotions like fear, anxiety or nervousness, the body releases adrenaline into the bloodstream. In grade school, we are taught that adrenaline rush makes the body stronger and that is made possible by increasing blood sugar into levels that are higher than usual.

Now that I know how stress affects my blood sugar levels, I make it a point to relax more and avoid strenuous activities. I started to attend yoga class in the gym and I also do yoga at home. Yoga helped improve my breathing technique. I am also doing a little laughter yoga and my favorite shows nowadays are comedy sitcoms. I used my extra time to enroll myself in photography class and baking class. I also got to have more quiet time to read my books. The best part of it all is that, I now have the freedom to travel with my boys.

No stress for this diabetic. And I hope other diabetics get to have more stress-free days like I do.


Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

I found this video from a tagged post made by my sister in Facebook. I found it very helpful in understanding my condition. I strive to constantly learn more about diabetes to help myself cope with it. I hope that you can also learn more about Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes by watching this video.

I've been struggling with Type II Diabetes for more than a decade now. I have relatives who are diabetics and there are even doctors in our clan who specialize in diabetes. Even so, I believe that there are members in our family who may have the disease but are undiagnosed. Of if they are already diagnosed, they have not been proactive about it. It is indeed a scary thought.

If you are a diabetic, I hope that you can learn more about the disease by watching this video. If you think you are a diabetic after watching the symptoms, please don't hesitate to see a doctor and learn more how you can help yourself live your new life sweetly, without the sugar.

Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

I am vain when it comes to my hair. I'd save up for expensive hair treatments because I feel good when my hair looks fabulous. But when you're a diabetic like me, you'd have to get used to hair loss. It's the sad truth really but diabetes is a hormonal disease which directly affects hair growth. So, along with other hair treatments, I also buy products that make my hair stronger to lessen hair loss.

The Hair & Scalp Rejuvenator from Swallow is one of the products I'm using right now. I don't know how much it costs because it's just a gift from my aunt-in-law. I spray it on my scalp at night and also spray some at the tips of my hair to prevent split ends. It works well and new hair strands keep growing on the top of my head. It feels a little itchy though and it feels like having dandruff but I think it's because of the new hair strands growing out of the scalp.

Aside from hormonal problems and diseases like diabetes, other reasons for hair loss include stress, old age, fungus infection of the scalp (e.g. dandruff or ringworm), childbirth, medication, and a poor diet.


Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

Diabetics are definitely at risk for heart attack and certain heart diseases. The risk doubles all the more when a diabetic has a family history of heart disease, have abnormal blood cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, and is smoking. I am a diabetic and, except for smoking, I have all these risk factors. That's why I have been constantly seeking for other health supplements not only for my diabetes but also for heart disease.



Just recently,I was invited to the launch of Cenovis Fish Oil. Manufactured by Sanof-Aventis, this all-natural supplement contains the rich, concentrated goodness of Omega 3 DHA and EPA essential fatty acids that benefit the body.

I made a little research and I found out that fish oils do work against diabetes. The study conducted by medical researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine found out that Omega 3 fatty acids activate macrophages receptors in the cells that makes the body less insulin resistant.

The best source of fish oil is fish and that's my major problem. Don't get me wrong, I eat fish. You can feed me fish everyday. The problem is, I don't get to buy fish as often as I used to. When we were still living in Makati, I'd walk to the market in the afternoon to buy fish. Now, I buy frozen fish in the grocery and I'd only end up buying either bangus or tilapia. Salmon is rich in fish oil but it's too expensive and the supermarket near us rarely sells it.

Cenovis Fish Oil thus becomes a good alternative for diabetics like me. Unlike other fish oil supplements in the market, Cenovis Fish Oil is packed with Marine Cardio Protectors and undergoes a throrough and unique process of extraction and distillation in Norway. Small species of fish like anchovies, mackerel, and sardines are caught wild in Peruvian waters, one of the safest and most environmentally monitored locations in the world. The company chose small fishes because they have a shorter life span which makes them less prone to environmental pollutants and other toxins.

Cenovis Fish Oil is therefore more refined and most potent than other brands. Plus, its completely odorless and has no fishy aftertaste. The best news of it all is that it's just Php 9.75 apiece! Each soft gel capsule is packed with 1000 mg of Omega 3 Marine Cardio Protectors and can be taken twice or thrice daily. However, pleaseconsult your doctor first before taking Cenovis Fish Oil like I did.

Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

Back in 2006, I received a forwarded email about the benefits of water therapy. I found it not only informative but logical as well. Our body is made up of 60-70% of water so we need to replenish what is lost each day so as to avoid possible health problems.


I tried it for a few months and it did help me regulate my blood sugar. It also helped me lose those unwanted pounds. Eventually, I got out of the habit of drinking water as I wake up because of the busyness of my mornings. Meanwhile my mother, whom I also forwarded the email to, practiced it up to this day. She was just diagnosed with diabetes in 2006 and already had a mild stroke the year before that. Miraculously, she doesn't drink any maintenance medicines until now and her blood sugar levels are doing okay. I think she's even healthier than me and I'm taking Metformin every single day!

So, I wanted to detoxify that's why I got back to drinking water in the morning. I was also worried because my period hasn't come for 8 months already. I blame myself for not going back to my OB-Gyne for that. Lo and behold, I started to have light menstrual bleeding 2 days ago! I am so relieved because it saved me from inducing my menstrual period once again.

If you're interested in starting the 4 glasses water therapy, here's what you should do:

• Drink 4 glasses of water as soon as you get up in the morning. One glass is around 250 ml of water so that means you should be drinking a liter of water.
• Water should be room temperature.
• Do not brush your teeth, yet. I just gargle with water. I read that the enzymes in the mouth is an important part of this therapy. Besides, you're just going to take in the substance that toothpaste and mouthwash will leave in your mouth when you do that. Nothing should enter your stomach aside from water.
• If you're having a hard time drinking 4 glasses straight, try drinking 2 first then drink the other two after 2 minutes. I also recommend drinking it slowly so you'll not be gulping more air than water.
• Do not eat/drink anything else 1 hour before or after doing the water therapy. 

There you have it. Hope you can try it out and share how it benefited you.

Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

Remember the post I wrote about coco sugar last April? Well, I was encouraged to finally abandon my muscovado sugar for good. I'm glad that Robinsons Supermarket's Healthy You brand carries coco sugar. It's even great to know that they now have coco sugar in convenient packets!


A box of Healthy You Organic Coconut Sweetener has 50 5 gram packs of coco sugar. I think this brand is exclusively distributed in all Robinsons Supermarkets. One box costs Php 150. What I was buying before this box was 250 grams of coco sugar packed in a plastic resealable pouch. I prefer this one since it's not only convenient for me to bring coco sugar in my bag when I'm out but it also helps me regulate my use. I am used to consuming 2 packs of artificial sweetener and I also do that with coco sugar.


What made me switch to coco sugar from using muscovado sugar is the fact that organic coconut sugar has a low glycemic index compared to muscovado sugar. The glycemix index of coconut sap sugar is only around 35 to 54 Gi per serving compared to the 65 to 100 Gi per serving of muscovado sugar and other sugars.


Aside from that, coco sugar retains more nutrients that muscovado sugar. You can click this site to see comparisons between coco sugar and other sugars.

Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

Yesterday, I drank my first shot of wheatgrass juice. This new health craze has made me curious since last year but I was too scared to try tasting it. My sister warned me that it tastes like grass but now I know that I was stupid to believe her. Wheatgrass juice actually tastes sweet and not as horrible as I imagined it to be. It was just like eating unripe guava or a strip of uncooked stringbean.

We had our first taste of wheatgrass juice during our visit to Mondo Juice in the new Alimall Skywalk. A 1 oz. glass costs 85 pesos and is quite expensive for me. Imagine if I order a glass once a day which is the recommended dosage. Even if it's just 2-3 ounces a week, it would still be on the pricey side. So I did some research and remembered that my editor wrote an article about wheatgrass juice and its benefits. That's where I discovered where to buy wheatgrass seeds for cultivation. I have already placed my order although I haven't received the payment instructions yet. I'll update you on my wheatgrass cultivation project soon as I receive my order.
What do we get from drinking wheatgrass juice? Here are some amazing facts:

• maintain's the blood's alkalinity
• prevents Alzheimer's Disease
• increases red blood cells and prevents anemia
• anti-inflammatory
• anti-oxidant
• eliminates bad breath and body odor
• fights cancer
• prevents candidiasis
• regulates blood sugar levels
• builds the immune system
• aids in weight loss

I myself experienced wheatgrass juice's detoxifying properties yesterday. At first, I didn't believe that a 1 oz glass could be as potent as it claims to be. True enough, I felt nauseous on our way home which was probably around 30 minutes after I had my shot of wheatgrass juice. I ended up taking a nap for an hour. I read that nausea is normally experienced when toxins are being flushed for elimination. My mother-in-law, who also had a shot, said that she felt warm after drinking the juice and had flushed cheeks. Other than that, she felt fine. My husband did not feel any effects at all.

Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

I recently received an email from a reader with relevant information about coco sugar. Honestly, I've been using artificial sweeteners and Muscovado sugar but it was the first time I read about coco sugar. And to think that the Philippines has an abundance of coconuts! I really got the surprise of my life that I remporarily left the article I was writing about free insurance quotes and did a quick research about coco sugar.

Here are some facts I have gathered about it:

• Coco sugar has a low Glycemic Index (GI) of 35. It's even lower than commercial honey and cane sugar.
• Coco sugar is high in Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc, and Iron. It is also a natural source of Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, and Vitamin C.
• Coco sugar is all-natural and unbleached.

Aside from its nutritional benefits to diabetics, the use of coco sugar also benefits the local community that produces it. My email sender alone sources his coco sugar products from a small local community based in Agusan del Sur. He sells a 250-gram pack of coco sugar for 100 pesos which is 50% - 70% lower than those sold in health stores. Kindly send me an email to mail maureenflores com so I can share with you his contact details.


Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

Part of my being a diabetic is having regular eye check-ups. I have my eyes checked every quarter. In October 2009, I was prescribed with glasses to help me with my astigmatism. My vision is still almost perfect although it gets occasionally blurry when my blood sugar levels are high. I use the same glasses up to now especially when I am working in front of the computer because my glasses have anti-UV and anti-glare filters.

It's time for an eye check-up once again by the end of March. Rather than being concerned in buying the best under eye cream to treat my eye bags (haha!), I am always on guard against diabetic retinopathy. Aside from managing my blood sugar level, I make it a point to have my eyes checked to see if the small blood vessels in my eyes are still ok. Apart from diabetic retinopathy, diabetes can also cause cataracts, corneal erosion, and double vision.

Eye problems are just one of the things to watch out for when you're a diabetic. As always, prevention is still better that the cure so it's best to visit an eye doctor regularly.


Did you like my post? CLICK THIS to have my posts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Read More

Back in October, I wrote about the pain in my tummy and how it was linked later on to having a fatty liver. The laboratory tests and blood work done on me revealed that, indeed, my bad cholesterol level (LDL) is way above what's normal. I got 4.74 mmol?l when the normal range should only be within 0.0 to 3.3. I was advised to take one 20 mg tablet of Simvastatin daily for two months. I was supposed to go back to my doctor but I haven't visited her yet. We'll have a repeat of the lab tests and blood work to see if my LDL has gone down.

With the exception of the times I ate during the holiday season, I honestly made it a point to stay away from a high fat diet. I toomy my prescription pill religiously and I think that it worked. The pain in my tummy is lessened. Sometimes, I don't feel it all. Now, aside from staying away from fatty foods, I also exercise regularly at home.

Upon browsing the internet, I discovered that there are actually other cholesterol treatments available other than the Simvastatin that was prescribed to me. Most of the ingredients in cholesterol supplements are natural herbs and extracts. I still need to do more research about their link to lowering bad cholesterol levels in the human body. I probably won't be popping one into my mouth as I'm decided to the battle plan I made in October.

Read More

I had dinner with my college friends last night and I had a good time. After dinner, a friend of mine asked us to go out of the mall area so that she can smoke. You know, back in college, she was the one who doesn't smoke. It was even I who tried smoking back then. Yes, I did even if I knew that I can't.

But the vice did not stay long with me. I guess I did not get too much stressed out over the years unlike my friend who went to law school and through the bar exams. Smoking and diabetics just don't mix. One reason is that as diabetics, we are already 3x more at risk in developing cardiovascular diseases than non-diabetics. With smoking, the risk is increased to 11 times! Another fact is that the nicotine content in cigarettes reduce the body's ability to use insulin by fifteen percent.

If I want to die now, all I need to do is order cigars online or buy from a store. But I don't so I'm staying away from it. If you're diabetic, you should not be smoking, too.

Read More