Diabetes - do you stick to your diet?

[kimbac3]

I was diagnosed with Type 2 right around Christmas time (what a great gift huh?) Anyway, I go to a GP and he never really gave me a "diet" plan. He basically said no sugar, cut the carbs and read books about the Glycemic Index. OK, I did that (along with taking my pills (advandamet and metformin) and moderate exercise) but my sugar levels just seem stuck. My A1C did go down at first then back up then down a little...it's frustrating. Plus everytime I go for bloodwork they do a urine test and there is always traces of blood.
So anyway, I'm going to try to do the 12 carb exchanges a day. Maybe I'm taking in too many unknowingly.
Has anyone had problems with feeling nausiated(sp?) when their sugar is low? If I go to bed with a blood sugar of less then 120 I end up vomiting or feeling very sick by 2:30/3:00am. Is this normal or am I weird? LOL! I told my dr and he said "Huh, try to have some crackers by your bed." Uh..I'd like to prevent it!!

Kimba

 

[pumba]

thing is a thing of the past......my mother in law has diabetes and she is allowed sugar as I am too.......we both are on the diabetic diet of carb choices ....she is in an assisted living facility and I was noticing over the year that she was only given a half of a banana........thought the place was being cheap......she is on a diet of lower carbs and a half of a banana is one choice or 15 grams of carbohydrates.......I would ask your doctor for a referral to a dietician or the diabetic clinic in your area.....this would help you with your food intake and maybe get you balanced out so you would not feel sick........call him up and ask for that referral....your insurance will most likely pay for it....

 

[kath1210]

There is a great book on this subject that I would highly recommend. It's by Gretchen Becker and it's called "The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes: A Patient-Expert Walks You Through Everything You Need to Learn and Do." I bought it on amazon.com.

I was diagnosed last summer, after two fasting BG levels of 126. The doctor told me to cut out white bread, rice, potatoes and most sugar. I did that and it worked great! My BG was normal or close to normal without any drugs.

Then I started slipping, getting cocky, and my fasting BG levels have been averaging 135-150 (I have been testing at home once or twice every day since last summer).

What the book told me, and I did not know, was that your beta cells shut down if BG levels are not kept under strict control. I kinda figured I was OK since I knew people who had fasting BG levels of 200-300 and they seemed fine.

The book told me that fasting BG levels of 130-140 indicate significant damage to the beta cells in the pancreas, and are not safe. Keeping BG levels at or very near normal levels is the only way to prevent all of the side effects of diabetes.

That scared me! I do not want to lose my sight or my feet. I want to live to see my children marry and have their own kids, not die early of kidney failure or a heart attack! So I am now on Glucophage (500 mg) and dieting and trying to exercise. I am determined to keep my BG levels down.

That is not to say that another carb will never pass my lips, but I have to say that I am mad that my doctor did not tell me sooner. I had above-normal BG levels (115-118) for a couple of years. This indicated that I was on my way to diabetes, and I was not told!

It's my own fault for not looking into this earlier, I know, but I am now determined to control this disease! I won't let it stop me from going to Disney, and even being on the Dining Plan , but I will test and watch my carb intake. It's not that hard, especially since I now know how important it is.

 

[Chicago526]

There is a great book on this subject that I would highly recommend. It's by Gretchen Becker and it's called "The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes: A Patient-Expert Walks You Through Everything You Need to Learn and Do." I bought it on amazon.com.

Thanks for the tip, I just ordered it! DFi is type 2 and takes insulin, I want him to take better care of himself, and he is trying, but his doctor barely speaks English and is no help (great doc, just can't communicate and DFi won't change docs) in making suggestions on how to keep his blood sugar down.

Also, DFi works nights, not days, and has a VERY physical job, he needs more than 1800 calories a day (he tried that when he was first diagnosed and he fainted after a few days, he was starving himself at that level) so I'm hoping this book will address, at least in part, his unique lifestyle.

 

[kath1210]

Also, DFi works nights, not days, and has a VERY physical job, he needs more than 1800 calories a day (he tried that when he was first diagnosed and he fainted after a few days, he was starving himself at that level) so I'm hoping this book will address, at least in part, his unique lifestyle.

Actually, this book does not get into the nitty-gritty of what to eat and when, etc. as much as I would have liked.

The author says that everyone is different and not even all Type 2 diabetes has the same exact causes, so different diets will work for different people. Her mottoes are "YMMV - Your mileage may vary" and "Your body, your science experiment."

I have another book that I have not yet read that I hope will get mote into the diet area - it's called something "The Other Diabetes: Living and Eating Well with Type 2 Diabetes."

I love the Becker book, though, for explaining to me exactly what my risks are and why controlling BG is SO important.

Best wishes to you and your fiance!

 

[momsgoofy]

There are too many posts that I want to reply to so I'll just give it a go...

Losing weight?
For me, yes, I've lost 20 lbs. in 7 months. It's not fast, but my endricronologist says he prefers that because it tends to stay off...lose it quick and it's quick to come back.

taximom4....
You are so correct that auto-immune disorders and diabetes go hand in hand. I have a family history that includes diabetes, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, myasteniagravis (can't spell that), and another auto-immune disease where the eyes are terribly dry which I can't remember the name at this moment, and the metobolic syndrome. My doc has tested me for all the auto-immune diseases in the family and fortunately I only have the metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

jl3614...
I agree with you that it is probably both diet and exercise that helps get teh weight off better. My doc wants me to be more active and I try...I started walking 3Xweek back in January until my dad's health crashed and I just couldn't make the time. I struggle with this part of my health issues...I know that I should do more and because of it I have only one person to blame...me.

DVCliz...
My doc set my target range of below 120 fasting (before meals) and below 140 for 2 hours after meal. That is still above the normal ranges for a person without diabetes. When I had my first 12 hour fasting, it was my OBGYN that diagnosed me...I hit a 129 on that so he sent me for a 2 hour glucose tolerance test, which I failed miserably. I fasted for 12 hours, they tested my levels, drank the nasty flat cola stuff, checked at 1 hour and again at 2 hours. My 2 hour came back at 254, almost 100 points over the normal range. To this the OBGYN referred me out to the endricronologist. My A1C, which is the 3 months average test, comes back at 6.2, which is under 7 and considered good by most doctors.

For you I would say to speak with your doctor on the matter, if he/she feels the need to do anything they will discuss it with you. Personally, for me, the endricronologist didn't mess around, given that I'm the 4th generation in my family with diabetes and who know how many before that. He is more agressive than some doctors, which is why I like him so much.
DH was diagnosed diabetic July 2001, his previous doc treated him with avandia (very low dose) and testing once every other day. Well, DH ended up switching doctors in January 2002 and the new doc did nothing IMO...she continued him on the same game plan despite his daily readings kept edging up into the 190's on a regular basis just as his A1C test kept creeping up. This doc never changed the meds, never adjusted testing frequency...nada...zip! This same doctor wanted to check only my A1C after the OBGYN test results and then see what we should do for me. So after I began seeing the endricronologist, I insisted that DH switch. He's been going since May and his daily levels have consistently been down in the 120's.

pumba...
Great advice to speak to the personal doctor on the matter. Also, if diagnosed and having trouble see a dietician. My doc asked me if I wanted to 6 months ago, but I opted not to unless I couldn't follow the diet he gave me. I am considering a visit with a dietician though just to discuss some issues I have questions about myself. Interesting point you make about the "no sugar" rule. My doc never told me to avoid sugar only to watch the carbs, which include the sugar in them.

kimbac3...
On the rare ocassion that my sugar dropped down to the upper 60s I felt weird...as if I might pass out. I did actually throw up once...think I had ingested too much artificial sweetener though. DH complains that he feels weak, tired sometimes and always said it was his sugar too low...nope! The doc said just the opposite. When your sugar gets too high it makes you feel tired and hungry....makes you crave more sweets. I thought that was pretty interesting. Since I was diagnosed and on the chance I feel really sluggish or tired, dizzy or whatever I test my sugar to see what it is doing and deal with it accordingly. If it's on the low side, I eat a bit.

kath1210...
That sounds like an awesome book! I plan to look into it. Thanks for the suggestion. I can relate to the "cockiness"...the last week I've been stressed more than usual and I thought I could manage...can't! I've slipped too often and notice my sugar bouncing from 100 to 140 and I feel it...man, I need and want a big chef salad something awful! I know it's my body telling me to behave or else!
Like you I want to be around for a long time, so I'm trying to get a grip on the disease now! My dad, 15 years of insulin, was told back in 1972 he was "borderline" diabetic and could control it with diet and exercise. He obviously didn't and now the oral meds can't do anything for him...he takes humalog 3Xday and Lantus at night and it's still not controling it for him. IMO, there is no such thing as "borderline" diabetic...either are or aren't. One of the biggies that scares me is losing my eyesight. I never realized how much not controlling my blood sugar can affect my eyesight until I took my dad to his appointment with the specialist (diabetic opthamologist). Wow, he said your eyeball is like a hotdog and when your sugar is up the liquid that protects your eyeball is sucked up, like a hotdog sucking up all the water in a pan. GROSS!! So, I am trying to come to terms with the disease, which even if I get under control with diet and exercise, will always be with me.

In closing, I guess, my advice to anyone, would be to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor. If you aren't pleased with that conversation, get a second opinion...afterall, it is your life we're talking about.

Well, sorry for hijacking this thread for the second time...didn't even realize there was a name for that act. Please accept my apologies for the action...

 

[Debbie Jean]

I was diagnosed last summer, after two fasting BG levels of 126. The doctor told me to cut out white bread, rice, potatoes and most sugar. I did that and it worked great! My BG was normal or close to normal without any drugs.

Then I started slipping, getting cocky, and my fasting BG levels have been averaging 135-150 (I have been testing at home once or twice every day since last summer).

Boy, do I relate to this! I was diagnosed a couple of years ago. In the beginning I went to a dietician and was very consistant and faithful with monitoring, eating and exercise... not an easy thing for someone who is pooh-size. But it is sooooooo hard to keep it up... day after day, month after month, year after year. I know it's a lifestyle change but bad habits die hard and for me it's all too easy to skip the testing, have ths ice cream, etc.

How do people keep themselves motivated for the long haul????

 

[Heather Smith]

Ok don't flame me, but this is how I motivated my husband (Type 1). He was overweight when we got married and his A1c was elevated.

So everytime he put something "bad" in his mouth, I asked him if he thought that treat was worth dialysis. So now just as Pavlov's dog salivated when he heard a bell, my husband thinks dialysis when tempted.

He is now at a healthy weight and his A1c averages 5.5 to 6.3.

Now I need to work on motivating my fat self. Don't have diabetes, but high risk for it.

 

[momsgoofy]

Boy, do I relate to this! I was diagnosed a couple of years ago. In the beginning I went to a dietician and was very consistant and faithful with monitoring, eating and exercise... not an easy thing for someone who is pooh-size. But it is sooooooo hard to keep it up... day after day, month after month, year after year. I know it's a lifestyle change but bad habits die hard and for me it's all too easy to skip the testing, have ths ice cream, etc.

How do people keep themselves motivated for the long haul????

I don't know if there is a brand called Blue Bunny in your area, but it had an awesome ice cream made with splenda...the turtle stuff is heaven. My cousin has it at all of our family get togethers...her dad was the diabetic of 40 years, 2 of her brothers, my dad and me are all diabetic so she is a good hostess who caters to our needs as best she can. I'd never tried the brand till we got together at her house in March. I thought she had dished up the real stuff instead...I even had to look at the container to be sure. I've also tried the Kroger brand with splenda...butter almond and it was really good and I don't even like almonds that well, but couldn't find the butter pecan.

 

[janethill]

Breyers also has low carb ice cream. The mint chocolate chip is great.

 

[kath1210]

I agree - the Blue Bunny stuff is great. "Skinny Cow" also has some low-carb ice cream bars that are very good.

The good new is that with the low-carb craze, it's probably easier to be a diabetic today than ever.

 

[Debbie Jean]

I agree - the Blue Bunny stuff is great. "Skinny Cow" also has some low-carb ice cream bars that are very good.

The good new is that with the low-carb craze, it's probably easier to be a diabetic today than ever.

Funny you should mention Blue Blunny. I'd seen it on a couple of TV programs but could never find it in our area... northern NJ. Then a couple of weeks ago, I noticed a large supermarket chain, Shop Rite, had begun carrying it. It looks heavenly and the flavors are so tempting. I usually wait for things to be on sale... my definition of frugal ... but I think I'm going to have to try them soon even if I have to pay full price!

Thanks for the great suggestions!

 

[pumba]

I bought some dixie cups plain vanilla from schwans and they are 13 carbs per....so I can have one for my snack before night time.......same carbs as my yogurt so I am getting my dairy ........I hate milk so this is good for me