Is Anyone Here a Diabetic?

[Chattyaholic]

I was just diagnosed with diabetes and would appreciate any input from anyone else who has the disease. I'm just learning how to "count carbs" and have to test my blood 4 times daily (still get nervous doing that!). I'm on glucophage 500mg and with diet and exercise I am praying I can avoid insulin injections (although they did give me a few while I was in the hospital this past week with pulmonary embolisms in both lungs!). We have no other diabetics in our family, so anyone who can "share their stories" and information with me would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[linny172]

I found out not long ago that I had diabetes. I am also on glucophage 500mg. I have had no problem with the medication I take it twice a day. I test 2 to 3 times a day. My doctor had me attend diabetes classes at the hospital. I first met with a diatecian(sp) and they went over a diet and planned out the carb intake for the day. The meal plan they set up for me was a lot like weight watchers. I am allowed 60 carbs per day. The classes were real helpful they went over everything you would need to know to adjust your lifestyle. My insurance covered the classes, maybe check woth your doctor if there is anything like that in your area. My blood sugars are good. My doctor told me that a few years ago I would of been called borderline, but as far as she is concerned either you have it or you don't and she also told me that with proper diet and a weight loss it would be possible to even get off the medication.

I just noticed that you also live in Mich. I live in Clarkston and the hospital I took the class at was St. Joseph in Pontiac.

 

[nativetxn]

My husband is type II diabetic. He tried the diabetic/low fat diet and his blood sugar stayed high and his cholesterol went higher.

He eliminated all refined carbohydrates from his diet in January and his blood sugar became normal <i>plus</i> his lipids are all normal now.

 

[piratesmate]

I've been diabetic for 30 years. Things have changed a great deal during that time. I've done the pills, insulin once/day, insulin 4x/day, and for the past ~18yrs I've been on an insulin pump. I test 4x/day and in the middle of the night once/week. (My sugar gets VERY low around 2 or 3am.) I still follow the old ADA diets instead of counting carbs. It's more complicated, but because I'd already done it so long before they came out with the counting thing, it was just easier to continue. There were no other juvenile diabetics in my family - although my grandfather developed adult onset around age 60.

Has anyone told you that there are fewer nerve endings on the SIDE of your fingertip instead of in the middle? It hurts a lot less to prick the side. Also . . . I don't have one yet, but there is a new test machine you may want to think about. It lets you take blood from your arm instead of your fingers. After months & months of pricking, your fingers can get mighty sore!

Good luck and take care!

 

[Bacrd]

DH is a diabetic. My biggest advise to you is "LOW CARB"!!!!!
This is the only thing that keeps him on oral meds and off of insulin. He is a truck driver and lost his license when he told DOT they put him on insulin last year. (We had no idea there was a blanket-ban on insulin use and professional driving). By watching carbs he is able to maintain a steady level with diet and "Avandamet" (which is a combination of Glucophage and Actos). As soon as he eats too many carbs...he know it!!
Best of luck to you!!!

 

[piratesmate]

Low Carb is good, but not like the Atkins Diet. Fats can also raise your blood sugar - never mind that diabetics tend to have trouble wtih their cholesterol.

 

[MICKEY88]

when possible..weight loss and exercise help to lower sugar levels...

 

[nativetxn]

Well....Piratesmate, that is the plan my dh follows and his cholesterol and triglycerides are finally normal for the first time in 15 years.

 

[piratesmate]

nativetxn - I'm glad that the diet works for your DH. I should have been more careful in my wording....I should have put more emphasis on the "can" raise sugar & qualified with the standard "check with your doctor." Another difference may be that I'm type I, not type II.

For years, I had no trouble with fats raising my sugar and my cholesterol was always like 105-130. The endocrinologist was always warning me to watch the fats anyway because of the possible sugar problem.

After like 20 years a whole bunch of things changed. My sugar went up when I had anything with too much fat & my cholesterol also went up & I take Zocor now.

 

[newmousecateer]

I was diagnosed in January. I too, like you, have watch my carbs. By doing this and exercising, I have lost 23 lbs since January, my blood levels are doing very well, and I do not take any meds whatsoever. Of course, I have also learned to watch other things that I eat.....oh, for a Krispy Kreme!

Good luck!