Type II Diabetic Rations?

[crowley_greene]

I'm getting ready to be off on "campaign" for a couple of days for the first time since having been diagnosed as Type II diabetic back in March. Over the past months I've worked hard to change my life relationship with food, and get my blood glucose numbers down to great levels, and want to keep them there now. I don't take insulin -- I'm just over the borderline, and the doctor is having me manage this just with diet right now.

Who can suggest good rations to take along for this weekend? Obviously I need to keep the carbs very low, no more than about 60 grams/meal.

Murray Therrell

[jda3rd]

Just to be on the safe side, if I were you, I'd get some suggestions from folks here (obviously that's what you're doing) then go to your endocrinologist and sit down with him/her, or with a nutritionist and go over the menu. That's where their expertise will benefit you. If they know the situations you might be in and the physical demands your body will have to meet, and what food items you'll have available, they can make recommendations. There are surely members here in the same situation, and perhaps they have already done this, but I'd still suggest making your own doctor aware of what you have in mind, and working with him to find a solution that suits you, not someone else.

Frank Brower

[Spinster]

Murray,

Look to what works for you in modern foods and whether they are available in period.

Here's what works for me:

Oatmeal=Oatmeal in both centuries--easy to make, and the proper carb count also holds me without hunger

Canned oranges--available in period, works for me in modern. The cans I seem to find are a much larger portion than I need to be eating, but there is always someboday willing to snarf up the rest.

Greens of any sort, turnip, kale, poke and such all cook up nice and slimy and all work with your diet. The EWWWwwwwww factor at a living history when folks look in the pot is fun too.

Pickled eggs carry well. In fact, most any pickles

Cheese=Cheese works well, and it will keep.

Watch the dried fruits though--they will up and bite you.

Once you get a good feel for where your personal limits are, the discipline of a well planned weekend in the field is good for you as well. Since you cannot mess around and eat the goodies other folks are offering, and you will be walking, I'm finding that by packing food carefully in measured amonts, that 4 days in the field is worth a 2 pound weight loss.

[ACo.]

Murray, good advice above, keep in mind how much exercise you will be getting compared to what you get every day when, say, sitting at a desk at work, mowing the yard, etc. At all times, carry candy or some sort of way to combat low blood sugar. I am serious about this, if your blood sugar drops, and it can and will one day, usually when you are least aware of it, you are in BIG trouble if you have no way to counteract it. Also, let everyone around you know that you are diabetic so that they can help if needed. You don't need to whine or talk about it constantly but someone else needs to help you by keeping an eye out for you, most people are glad to be made aware of serious problems we may have and will be very helpful. And keep your meter handy. Some other participants may not like it but it can help to manage your condition and it and the test strips can be kept out of sight where no one will be able to see it. Also, watch out for high blood sugar levels, they can be dangerous as well, no fun going into a comma when at an event and far away from medical help. I've been diabetic for 24 years and a reenactor for 21 years and watching it just becomes a habit. Good luck and don't let it get you down, just take care of yourself.

[Mint Julep]

Make sure your NCOs, company officers and the legitimate medical officer knows of your condition and what to do in the event you have an emergency.

[Blair]

Murray,

I see where you are also asking (in another thread) about packing a double bag backpack,
is this because you are planning on doing some Campaigner type events?
Don't take my question in the wrong light, I am only asking because you may find some of the food suggestions a little on awkward side of things for doing Campaigner type gigs.
The greens for example are a great food idea, but not unless you plan on having some place to carry them before you cook them.
I think knowing what your full intentions are about getting back into the hobby may help people give you a better idea on what you might have and/or take with you. You maybe able to do some food preparation on your own, at home, before you go to and event.
It's just an a suggestion?

["Doc" Nelson]

Make sure your NCOs, company officers and the legitimate medical officer knows of your condition and what to do in the event you have an emergency.
Not trying to step on anyone's toes here but, what do you call "legitimate" medical officer? Unless your NCO's and company officers are "legitimate" medical person(s), that pretty much puts them in the same boat as "illegitimate" medical officers. Regardless, there are many reenactors that portray a surgeon/assistant surgeon that have some kind of medical training. They DO NOT have to be a doctor. If that's the case, then everyone that portrays an Infantryman, needs to be a "real" Infantryman . . every Provost Marshal, needs to be a "real" Law Enforcement Officer . . etc. We have been down this road before.

And I too, have Type II Diabetes. I agree with Mrs. Lawson. This too, was a concern with me continuing within the hobby. But, I have found "period" correct ways of eating, while maintaing my proper diet for my Diabetes.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Not trying to step on anyone's toes here but, what do you call "legitimate" medical officer? Unless your NCO's and company officers are "legitimate" medical person(s), that pretty much puts them in the same boat as "illegitimate" medical officers. Regardless, there are many reenactors that portray a surgeon/assistant surgeon that have some kind of medical training. They DO NOT have to be a doctor. If that's the case, then everyone that portrays an Infantryman, needs to be a "real" Infantryman . . every Provost Marshal, needs to be a "real" Law Enforcement Officer . . etc. We have been down this road before.

And I too, have Type II Diabetes. I agree with Mrs. Lawson. This too, was a concern with me continuing within the hobby. But, I have found "period" correct ways of eating, while maintaing my proper diet for my Diabetes.

I believe the recommendation for which your'e chastising above was to let your Chain of Command be aware of your condition...along the same lines, you might inform your Pards so that if they notice you getting loopy, fatiqued...etc. then they can facilitate getting you taken care of, or medical attention if needed.

Paul B.

[Spinster]

Doc,

Its a vocabulary thing. No offense.

Over on the 'immersion' side of the hobby, who is the real medical control for an event and who is playing one on TV are often two different people.

Since we are often on public lands, with specific required medical evacuation plans for the land permit, the legitimate medical control and the level of their credentials is a vital piece of information.

For example--for an upcoming event, the highest grade of medical professional we've got with a license in the state and capable of making a 6 day journey on foot, happens to be female. If called upon, she can suture, set bones, and (godforbid) catch babies. She will NOT be portraying the Brigade Surgeon, but will likely be just another snuff-mouthed poor white.

Still, she'll expect the participants to furnish basic medical information and their officers to be familiar enough with their men to know when a specific medical condition is in play.

Still and all---your basic marching ration is not going to be that problematic, especially for those, like Murray, who are managing with diet alone. There is enough protein in there, two hard crackers tops out the carb limit, throw in some raw carrots, and stay out of the switchel bottle.

Once drugs are added for management, care must be taken in dealing with water supply--if purification tablets such as iodine are used, there is a possible adverse reaction with some Type II management drugs.

["Doc" Nelson]

I believe the recommendation for which your'e chastising above was to let your Chain of Command be aware of your condition...along the same lines, you might inform your Pards so that if they notice you getting loopy, fatiqued...etc. then they can facilitate getting you taken care of, or medical attention if needed.

Paul B.
While I understand what you're saying. With a comment like "legitimate medical officer", the first thought is "oh, he's not a real doctor so, he has no right to portray one". Hmmm, last I checked, I portray a 19th Century army doctor, not a 21st Century doctor.

I understand "certain" events (if not all) have someone designated to oversee the medical aspect (i.e. emergency first aid). But, that is not why I portray a 19th Century army surgeon. I understand that there has to be medical evac plans in place during an event. I am overseeing this for a couple of events. If someone were to get serious injured, ill, or, God forbid, killed, because folks chose not to "do anything" during an event . . it would destroy this hobby. So yes, I do carry modern medical supplies with me while during an event. I have been a Firefighter for 20 years. And EMT for 16 of them. So yes, I do have emergency medical training . . and "certifications".

My concern comes from imflammatory remarks like "legitimate medical officers". It should have been worded "notify your command and, some pards that you will be with".

Now, back to the topic at hand. There are "things" one can do and still remain historically correct when it comes to one's diet while being a Diabetic. Don't ever do anything that will put your health in jeopardy, regardless!!

[Mint Julep]

Not trying to step on anyone's toes here but, what do you call "legitimate" medical officer? Unless your NCO's and company officers are "legitimate" medical person(s), that pretty much puts them in the same boat as "illegitimate" medical officers. Regardless, there are many reenactors that portray a surgeon/assistant surgeon that have some kind of medical training. They DO NOT have to be a doctor. If that's the case, then everyone that portrays an Infantryman, needs to be a "real" Infantryman . . every Provost Marshal, needs to be a "real" Law Enforcement Officer . . etc. We have been down this road before.

And I too, have Type II Diabetes. I agree with Mrs. Lawson. This too, was a concern with me continuing within the hobby. But, I have found "period" correct ways of eating, while maintaing my proper diet for my Diabetes.

Apparently the only toes being stepped upon are your's. Why don't you step back and be objective and not take the comment personally?

If a person is portraying a medical officer and has been professionally trained for a role in providing medical service (i.e., doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, EMT), then I would call them "legitimate". They have the training to recognize symptoms and know what actions need to be taken. If that person portraying a medical officer only has training in a more clerical role in the medical field, no, I don't think they are "legitimate".

["Doc" Nelson]

Nope, no toes being stepped on with me. I just know your "attitude" towards those that reenact different from yours.

If that person portraying a medical officer only has training in a more clerical role in the medical field, no, I don't think they are "legitimate".
Then, those portraying Infantry, and are not . . need to stop doing so. Those portraying Quartermasters, and are not . . need to stop. Those portraying Provost Marshals, and are not . . need to stop. And so on.

Just because one chooses to portray a "19th Century military doctor", its does not automatically put them in a position to be responsible for first aid (or whatever you call it). Folks have a right to portray a "19th Century Surgeon", whether someone thinks they're "legit" or not.

Look, I'm not trying to get into a p*ssing contest with you. I am certainly not doing this for you nor anyone else in this hobby. Even if I was not medically trained/qualified, I would still portray a "19th Century Surgeon", caring less what you think.

[8th TexCav]

Doc, I think you need to back off a little bit. This has nothing to do with your impression. It has all to do with making sure that this man’s unit and the modern medical personnel are aware of his needs and condition. This is not an us versus them situation.

[crowley_greene]

Oh gosh, this discussion may have gotten more involved than I planned for it to. I believe in my original post I put the word "campaign" in quotes, almost tongue-in-cheek. Actually a group of us are going to be camping in the proximity of the Missouri State Fair this weekend, then going in and doing some demonstrations at the fair on Saturday.

I called our captain (Michael "Huntdaw" Comer) today and we got all the dietary things worked out to a plan and menu that sounds very workable to me.

I apologize for any confusion I caused in the language of my original post. Truthfully, I don't see myself returning to the campaign days of my past. What little military I do (I'm primarily period citizen now), I will probably tend more toward mainstream mode. At Perryville 2006 and Mill Springs 2007 I even did the "Ramada Ranger" thing.

Murray Therrell

[hanktrent]

Just because one chooses to portray a "19th Century military doctor", its does not automatically put them in a position to be responsible for first aid (or whatever you call it). Folks have a right to portray a "19th Century Surgeon", whether someone thinks they're "legit" or not.

Well, I agree with the position you've stated above, and when I read the original post, I didn't see it as hostile to that position at all; in fact I saw it as supportive of it.

I took it as a short-hand way to say, inform the person who's in charge of doing the real 21st century first-aid for the event, who may or may not be the person portraying the military (or civilian) doctor at the event. Which means that there's an understanding that 19th century doctors are there to treat 19th century problems and someone else is there to treat 21st century problems, and isn't that what we want?

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com

[Mint Julep]

Nope, no toes being stepped on with me. I just know your "attitude" towards those that reenact different from yours.


Then, those portraying Infantry, and are not . . need to stop doing so. Those portraying Quartermasters, and are not . . need to stop. Those portraying Provost Marshals, and are not . . need to stop. And so on.

Just because one chooses to portray a "19th Century military doctor", its does not automatically put them in a position to be responsible for first aid (or whatever you call it). Folks have a right to portray a "19th Century Surgeon", whether someone thinks they're "legit" or not.

Look, I'm not trying to get into a p*ssing contest with you. I am certainly not doing this for you nor anyone else in this hobby. Even if I was not medically trained/qualified, I would still portray a "19th Century Surgeon", caring less what you think.

Nobody said you can't play doctor. But if you have no training to deal with medical situations, then you are useless when this man goes down in diabetic shock. He doesn't need anyone but a qualified medically trained person responding to his emergency. Good intentions might kill him.

You are so far off the point of my advice as to be ludicrous. I think everyone else gets it but you.

Again, your toes are black and blue. Heal thyself. Or can you?

["Doc" Nelson]

Again, your toes are black and blue. Heal thyself. Or can you?
LMAO!!! its not even worth it.

[Capt. Lewis]

Poor guy simply asks for advice on his diet and we have how many posts about toes and illegitimates???? Get over yourselves for once. This sort of crap is why I don't bother with discussion forums much.

The best advice was talk with your endocrinologist...He/she knows your history and case better than anyone in this forum....following our advice could get you in trouble!

[Scooby_308]

I would suggest to everyone that you make a list of all “illnesses” and medications that you take daily on a card and laminate it. Keep that card somewhere out of sight (of course), but let your commanders and pards know where it is. In the event of an emergency the card is readily accessible to first responders and is very helpful.

Being “pre” diabetic I let folks I fall in with know my condition. I have been able to manage my condition with diet quite well. At events I tend to do a lot more physical work and eat less than I normally would. So I actually have to force myself to eat. My sugar is fine eating period rations over the course of a weekend (yup, I check my levels). But as stated, talk to your Doc for what is best for you. Since you will be close to a fair, watch out for those funnel cakes! ;)

[crowley_greene]

The best advice was talk with your endocrinologist...He/she knows your history and case better than anyone in this forum....following our advice could get you in trouble!
I do work with an RN dietitian (who shares files with my MD) who has a file on me at the local medical center. I only asked the original question because a dietitian or endocrinologist or MD is going to be pretty clueless about correct period foods for events. :) So it was a matter of balancing any suggestions (thank you for your excellent ones, Miss Terre) against the counsel of medical professionals.

At any rate, the weekend is over now and as I ran my tests throughout the weekend my blood glucose numbers were excellent.

Murray Therrell

[Blair]

Mr. Murray Therrell,

What were the foods you had and eat?
It could help a lot of other people out there.

[crowley_greene]

Mr. Murray Therrell,

What were the foods you had and eat?
It could help a lot of other people out there.
Mostly we had low-carbohydrate items -- jerky, ham, summer sausage, cheese. I did indulge in a bit of French bread, even a medium-sized slice of cherry pie one night. When I tested, my numbers were every bit as good as they are when I watch my eating at home, actually in the stringent acceptable range according to AACE (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists).

Okay, okay, perhaps the items like summer sausage and cherry pie or French bread would not have been the private soldier's ordinary fare. But I put that at second priority.

Murray Therrell