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You are here: Home / Blog / Step Out- the Diabetes Walk

Step Out- the Diabetes Walk

October 3, 2011 By Toby Smithson

Sunday I participated in the local Walk To Stop Diabetes, and we were very fortunate to have a beautiful day here in Northern Illinois for outdoor activities. You may know (if you have ever participated) that people with diabetes are given special recognition….you’ll see I received a special red hat. I am a Red Strider.

There were some emotional moments for me. As we started the walk we passed a group of young girls who were lined along the route cheering us forward, and something about that “got me”. Maybe it was that they seemed about the age when I began my diabetes journey….maybe just being a “guest of honor”. Every PWD received a red carnation at the finish line…..being presented with the flower “got me” too.

Or, maybe it was one of those moments when the “gravity” of diabetes sinks in….a small recognition of my personal success managing diabetes tempered by walking teams wearing various shirts sharing the phrase “in memory of….”  Just a day earlier I had an impromptu discussion with a middle-aged man in a cell phone store who was struggling with blood sugars in the mid-400 mg/l range, and early retinopathy and neuropathy….he asked me about diabetes after seeing my diabeteseveryday.com email address. His family and his co-workers are really worried, and they should be worried.

Too often that is the story of diabetes. The critical message about protecting health with effective self-management behaviors isn’t delivered or isn’t received, and the consequences ripple out into a wide circle of friends and family….”in memory of….” In some ways that is the sad undercurrent that motivates the organizers and participants all over the country to “Step Out” for this great event.

A beautiful day, fun with friends, kids cheering, and many dollars raised…..a good time for sure, but I’ll bet I wasn’t alone in tearing up for a moment or two.

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Toby Smithson dynamically combines her knowledge as a certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian nutritionist with her life experiences successfully managing type 1 diabetes for more than five decades.

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Jun 7

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Please excuse my absence here on social media. I was busy with the most important thing in life… spending time with family. Two weeks ago, We received a shocking diagnosis for my mom- acute myeloid leukemia. A very aggressive cancer. All energies have been spent with my mom and siblings. My mom passed away with all three of her children at her side.
I can post thousands of photos, but I chose this one. Happy memories of her being here in Hilton head at a beautiful independent living facility.  I’ll be MIA for a while longer to be with family. 💔

Please excuse my absence here on social media. I was busy with the most important thing in life… spending time with family. Two weeks ago, We received a shocking diagnosis for my mom- acute myeloid leukemia. A very aggressive cancer. All energies have been spent with my mom and siblings. My mom passed away with all three of her children at her side.
I can post thousands of photos, but I chose this one. Happy memories of her being here in Hilton head at a beautiful independent living facility. I’ll be MIA for a while longer to be with family. 💔
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May 25

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I have so many feel goods from attending and presenting at this conference. 
❤️sharing diabetes knowledge at my presentation on Monday morning.
❤️hearing on how the presentation impacted them from so many of the dietitians who attended. 
❤️learning from the amazing speakers at other sessions.
❤️learning and schmoozing with vendors at the expo.
❤️networking with fellow dietitians throughout the conference.
❤️And reuniting with my dietitian bestie. We were academy of nutrition and dietetics spokespeople together for 9 years. ❤️ 
Thank you Todays Dietitian Symposium for another fabulous conference! 
@todaysdietitian #TDinFL @sarahrdtv #dietitianlife #dietitianapproved

I have so many feel goods from attending and presenting at this conference.
❤️sharing diabetes knowledge at my presentation on Monday morning.
❤️hearing on how the presentation impacted them from so many of the dietitians who attended.
❤️learning from the amazing speakers at other sessions.
❤️learning and schmoozing with vendors at the expo.
❤️networking with fellow dietitians throughout the conference.
❤️And reuniting with my dietitian bestie. We were academy of nutrition and dietetics spokespeople together for 9 years. ❤️
Thank you Todays Dietitian Symposium for another fabulous conference!
@todaysdietitian #TDinFL @sarahrdtv #dietitianlife #dietitianapproved
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May 25

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Love this message from DJ. Dietitians do promote food first but … there are times that it’s not food only. @djblatner @todaysdietitian #TDinFL @nowfoodsofficial

Love this message from DJ. Dietitians do promote food first but … there are times that it’s not food only. @djblatner @todaysdietitian #TDinFL @nowfoodsofficial ...

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Look for “live and active cultures” especially on yogurt for it to be a probiotic. @katescarlata #TDinFL @todaysdietitian #guthealth #diabetes #diabetesmanagement @activia

Look for “live and active cultures” especially on yogurt for it to be a probiotic. @katescarlata #TDinFL @todaysdietitian #guthealth #diabetes #diabetesmanagement @activia ...

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May 24

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Curious? Are you currently including fermented foods to your diet for gut health? 
Fermented foods: may be healthy for microbiome. 
Increase gut microbial diversity to improve gut health.  I’ve been adding 1/4 cup serving of kimchi to my lunch which is one serving. Listening to @katescarlata #TDinFL #guthealth #kimchi #diabetes #diabetesmanagement @todaysdietitian

Curious? Are you currently including fermented foods to your diet for gut health?

Fermented foods: may be healthy for microbiome.
Increase gut microbial diversity to improve gut health. I’ve been adding 1/4 cup serving of kimchi to my lunch which is one serving. Listening to @katescarlata #TDinFL #guthealth #kimchi #diabetes #diabetesmanagement @todaysdietitian
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May 24

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Enjoyed presenting @todaysdietitian symposium this morning. I’ve received many kudos through the day regarding how much the information impacted the audience. ❤️ Thank you for sharing your personal stories about diabetes. Presented alongside Dr Bev. #TDinFL #diabetes #cognitivedistortions #diabeteslife #livingwithdiabetes #diabetes

Enjoyed presenting @todaysdietitian symposium this morning. I’ve received many kudos through the day regarding how much the information impacted the audience. ❤️ Thank you for sharing your personal stories about diabetes. Presented alongside Dr Bev. #TDinFL #diabetes #cognitivedistortions #diabeteslife #livingwithdiabetes #diabetes ...

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May 23

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Learning about dietary supplements labeling. Important to note that a supplement cannot make a claim that it will cure, treat, or prevent conditions like diabetes. #TDinFL @todaysdietitian @blackswanneats

Learning about dietary supplements labeling. Important to note that a supplement cannot make a claim that it will cure, treat, or prevent conditions like diabetes. #TDinFL @todaysdietitian @blackswanneats ...

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May 23

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Presenting Beyond The Textbook- putting the AWE in awesome Diabetes Care: accepting, well being, and empowerment very soon @todaysdietitian symposium with my co presenter Dr Bev. #TDinFL

Presenting Beyond The Textbook- putting the AWE in awesome Diabetes Care: accepting, well being, and empowerment very soon @todaysdietitian symposium with my co presenter Dr Bev. #TDinFL ...

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May 22

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I’m off to speak at a conference. Hoping that when I get back, my tomatoes will be ripe and ready to eat. I’m already meal planning. Thinking of combining my home grown tomatoes, cucumber and onions with rice vinegar dill weed and a packet of low calorie sweetener to make a low carb side dish. 😋 
#tomato #tomatowellness #cucumber #lowcarbsides #diabetes #diabetesfriendly #garden #freshveggies

I’m off to speak at a conference. Hoping that when I get back, my tomatoes will be ripe and ready to eat. I’m already meal planning. Thinking of combining my home grown tomatoes, cucumber and onions with rice vinegar dill weed and a packet of low calorie sweetener to make a low carb side dish. 😋
#tomato #tomatowellness #cucumber #lowcarbsides #diabetes #diabetesfriendly #garden #freshveggies
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May 22

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Excited to pick and eat a cucumber from our garden. Love this low carb veggie that provides fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin c and lots of vitamin k. Simple pleasures… sliced the cucumber in my black bean taco salad tonight. #diabetesfriendly #diabetes #cucumber #gardenveggies #joysofgardening

Excited to pick and eat a cucumber from our garden. Love this low carb veggie that provides fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin c and lots of vitamin k. Simple pleasures… sliced the cucumber in my black bean taco salad tonight. #diabetesfriendly #diabetes #cucumber #gardenveggies #joysofgardening ...

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May 20

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Best reason in the whole wide world on why I took a break from social media! Spent time with our 4 boys+ 4 daughter in laws + our 2 very very special granddaughters. #family #laughter #relaxation #familyvacation #wearefamily❤️

Best reason in the whole wide world on why I took a break from social media! Spent time with our 4 boys+ 4 daughter in laws + our 2 very very special granddaughters. #family #laughter #relaxation #familyvacation #wearefamily❤️ ...

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Apr 27

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Are you bored with what you are eating? Need some inspo plus a huge health benefit? I’m in! This information is good for EVERYONE. Link to latest video in my bio. 
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Are you bored with what you are eating? Need some inspo plus a huge health benefit? I’m in! This information is good for EVERYONE. Link to latest video in my bio.
Do you have any favorite go to recipes or meals? Please comment below.

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Apr 22

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More of my earth day experiences. 🌎🌲🍃🌱
#earthday #earthdayeveryday #lovetheland #mothernature #portroyalsound #lovethesea

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Celebrating earth day all week ( honestly everyday here) with: 
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🌻Walking on the bluff in our neighborhood this morning.
🌻Enjoying views of wildlife as I walk my dog. 
🌻and tending to my vegetable garden.
Happy Earth Day! Stay beautiful. #earthday #earthday2022 #earthdayeveryday #physicalactivity #joy

Celebrating earth day all week ( honestly everyday here) with:
🌻 attending a flower arrangement class to prepare for selling our homegrown flowers at our farmers market.
🌻Walking on the bluff in our neighborhood this morning.
🌻Enjoying views of wildlife as I walk my dog.
🌻and tending to my vegetable garden.
Happy Earth Day! Stay beautiful. #earthday #earthday2022 #earthdayeveryday #physicalactivity #joy
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Apr 21

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Check out this program for lowering cholesterol conducted by two registered dietitians. More info @nutritionunique @sarahrdtv 
#cholesterol #cholesterollowering #dietitianapproved

Check out this program for lowering cholesterol conducted by two registered dietitians. More info @nutritionunique @sarahrdtv
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Apr 21

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⬆️ definitely a topic to pay attention to… don’t let some of your eating habits get in the way of keeping your bones healthy and strong. TY @graciouslynourished and @eatthisnotthat for using my insight. #bonehealth #eatinghabits #reducesodiumintake #osteoporosis #osteoporosisprevention @kin.di_rd @freshnutritionny

⬆️ definitely a topic to pay attention to… don’t let some of your eating habits get in the way of keeping your bones healthy and strong. TY @graciouslynourished and @eatthisnotthat for using my insight. #bonehealth #eatinghabits #reducesodiumintake #osteoporosis #osteoporosisprevention @kin.di_rd @freshnutritionny ...

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Apr 19

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Should I? I get this question asked… should I be taking supplements? Find out the answer in my latest YouTube video. Link located in my bio under linktr.ee/tobysmithson 
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Should I? I get this question asked… should I be taking supplements? Find out the answer in my latest YouTube video. Link located in my bio under linktr.ee/tobysmithson

Are you taking any supplements ? #supplements #diabetes #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #typeonediabetes #diabeteseducation #diabetesmanagement
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When is the last time you threw away spices?
#spices #springcleaning #springcleaningtips #whenindoubtthrowitout

Spring clean up time for my spice rack! Every year when Passover approaches, it’s a double reminder for me to clean out my refrigerator, cabinets and spices! Rule of thumb is to replace ground spices annually. 📝🗓
When is the last time you threw away spices?
#spices #springcleaning #springcleaningtips #whenindoubtthrowitout
...

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Apr 16

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To those who celebrate Passover, Chag Pesach Sameach! 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷

To those who celebrate Passover, Chag Pesach Sameach! 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 ...

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Apr 14

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I know it’s not the photo you’d expect for National Gardening Day. I’ll make sure to post the beautiful veggie plants growing in a post later.
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I know it’s not the photo you’d expect for National Gardening Day. I’ll make sure to post the beautiful veggie plants growing in a post later.
THIS is my new adventure for my garden this year! Attempting to grow edamame. 👩‍🌾

#nationalgardeningday #gardening #soybean #edamame #eatyourveggies #physicalactivity #diabetesmanagement
...

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