The Diabetic DISers thread. Support and Info Here.

[motherhen17404]

I am also diabetic, rather, I have insulin resistance, but they still call it diabetes. I have PCOS and I knew that could be a side effect, so several years ago I went on a diabetic diet to try to fight it. But I still ended up having problems. I did beat myself up over it. But there was nothing I could do, most women who have PCOS develop diabetes by the time they are 40. I got 4 extra years without diabetes. My Dr. put me on metformin to try to control my high numbers in the morning. So far I am doing ok, but the key is to eat right, and eat at the right times. I was skipping a lot of meals and that is not going to keep blood sugar even. Even though I am overweight, my Dr. said I was not eating enough! I did find that if I eat 3 full meals and have snacks in the morning and afternoon, I was losing weight. Go figure, eat more, lose weight.

Good luck everyone!

 

[Cass]

Hi motherhen why would your numbers be high in the morning? you mean after breakfast or before?

 

[tiggr33]

Hi everyone, I am going to jump into the thread too. I am not diabetic, my diagnosis was hypoglycemic with pre-diabetes.

 

[motherhen17404]

Hi motherhen why would your numbers be high in the morning? you mean after breakfast or before?

I have/had high numbers in the morning before eating. It is called Dawn Phenomenon. This is where the body pumps out too much insulin and the body does not see it, and pumps out more, so in the morning, high numbers. Not sure I am explaining that right. But like I said, I am not a "true diabetic", I have insulin resistance, they treat it like diabetes, but it does not always act like diabetes.

 

[pumba]

If you have the morning bs highs ......remember to have a snack before you go to bed......from supper to morning breakfast it is a long time.
Remember we have a wish forum that helps people with diets and excercising....it has helped quite a few people.....
And a diabetic diet is one of the most healthy diets for everyone.....with or without diabetes. Like WW ......it keeps your levels in the right places.

 

[motherhen17404]

If you have the morning bs highs ......remember to have a snack before you go to bed......from supper to morning breakfast it is a long time.
Remember we have a wish forum that helps people with diets and excercising....it has helped quite a few people.....
And a diabetic diet is one of the most healthy diets for everyone.....with or without diabetes. Like WW ......it keeps your levels in the right places.

Before I went on meds I did the snack thing every night to see if it would help, but it did not work for me. But, my problem is a little different. Now that I am on meds, my numbers are where they should be. Now I just have to get my number to stay even when excercising. I walk a mile and my bs numbers bottom out and I get that shaky feeling. So I have to have a high proten snack (glass of milk) before I start, then eat a small hard candy in the middle of my walk, then another glass of milk when I am done. Strange routine, but it works for me. I try to walk 3-5 miles a day.

 

[Cass]

I just came back from the doctor's and I am feeling much better about things. My A1C test was only 2.1 - which means I am obviously not that bad off and diet can keep everything under control.

I have a blood tester (Conture?) and a prescription for metformin - 2 a day if I want to take it. I am going to try a couple of weeks of diet only and checking my blood sugar and then a couple of weeks on metaformin checking my levels and see what the difference is.

 

[pumba]

what is the conversion on that 2.1.......cause the U.S. the bottom I believe was to be six and under.....I was 6.4 the first A1C test and no meds but diet and excercise...brought it down to 6.1 and everyone was happy........then this last three months were big stress for our family and it went up to 6.2.....just wondering what the level was in Canada

 

[Cass]

There is no conversion, it's the same... on the scale of zero to 15, I was only a 2 - where under 7 is the target. So basically, I have the mildest diabetes possible.

 

[disney kid at heart]

I need to jump in here, as most of you know I was a type 1 (DM1) on insulin for over 40 years. I am now cured and insulin free due to a rare successful Pancreas Transplant Alone done in 2004. I am now writing a book with my wonderful endo on this disease and have been blessed to travel the country and sit with some of the top Diabetic Research Scientist in the World.

Every 10 seconds in this country a person dies from Diabetes and its complications.

24,000 will loose their eye site this year alone to Diabetic Retinopathy

50,000 will start on dialysis due to ESRF from DM

Many will suffer heart, stroke and have limbs lost as well.

Insulin is not a cure! Education is best power all of you can have, My hat off to the OP for starting this thread and to all who visit. The work is hard and is a life time challenge.

One third of Americans have and live with DM and are not aware of it.

That is so awesome that you are cured from the transplant. I want your book when it comes out. I wish my twin sons(36) could have that done. Do you have to be on a list or what for the transplant? God Bless You

 

[Honu]

Insulin is not a cure! Education is best power all of you can have

Absolutely.

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 26 years ago at age 18. Even though I've been on an insulin pump for 8 years and managed my sugars very well (A1C in the 5 range) I just recently suffered kidney failure, started dialysis and was placed on the list for a pancreas/kidney transplant. Diabetes is hard on the body.

Keeping as healthy and fit as possible needs to be the number 1 priority.

 

[LittleDino]

Today marks the 8th year since I've been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes - I was 18 at the time. I've been on the Pump for 6.5 years. No family history of Diabetes.

I caught my symptoms early on - increased thirst, frequent urination, eating double the amount of food I normally did, but losing weight quickly! I researched my symptoms online and figured I had Type 1 diabetes. My mom took me to the Dr and sure enough, I was admitted to the hospital.

In addition to taking insulin, and eating right, I have found that exercise works wonders!! Even just walking for 30 minutes a day. The benefits of exercise help your body utilize your insulin more efficiently for up to 24 hours after the exercise has been performed ~ allowing you to take LESS insulin. If you need motivation to exercise... go to Disney World. I was there last week and was averaging 25 units of insulin in-take a day (basal and bolus) when I normally average 35 units per day. All of that walking is great!

 

[Amlee]

I have/had high numbers in the morning before eating. It is called Dawn Phenomenon. This is where the body pumps out too much insulin and the body does not see it, and pumps out more, so in the morning, high numbers. Not sure I am explaining that right. But like I said, I am not a "true diabetic", I have insulin resistance, they treat it like diabetes, but it does not always act like diabetes.

I also have PCOS and insulin resistant. My R E sent me to a diabetic doctor. He took my blood and asked me why I was there? That I wasn't a diabetic. I tried to explain to him why I was there, but he just didn't get it. I thanked him for his time and left. I can't find a diabetic doctor who understands PCOS and how it works. I've been to 3. The first one mentioned above, the 2nd was way to busy and scatter brained for me and the 3rd took one look at me and wanted to order Gastric Bypass.

The 3rd ran all types of test and MRI's trying to figure out why I was insulin resistant. DUH! It's like PCOS is still a myth out there for me. Other than my RE, I can't find anyone else to work with me.

ok vent over!

 

[Honu]

Here is a list of what your average daily blood sugar results in for your AC1 level.

Comparing Blood Glucose With A1C
Average
Blood Sugar..............AC1 Level
Mg/dL
65...............................4
100..............................5
135..............................6
170..............................7
205..............................8
240..............................9
275..............................10
310..............................11
345..............................12


Normal Fasting Blood Glucose is -

From 70 to 99 mg/dL Normal glucose tolerance
From 100 to 125 mg/dL Impaired fasting glucose (pre-diabetes)
126 mg/dL Diabetes

 

[Amlee]

My younger brother is a type 3 diabetic. He wasn't diagnosed until his early 20s, looking back I would say he had it his whole life. He was first told type 2, but then he also showed signs of type 1. At that time there wasn't a name for it and it really confused his doctors. Only in the past few years have the studies for type 3 came out and he was able to put a name to it.

At it's worse he was a 9 shot a day diabetic. He has found a really great doctor. He is now on a new med that has him down to 2 shots a day.

 

[disney kid at heart]

Today marks the 8th year since I've been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes - I was 18 at the time. I've been on the Pump for 6.5 years. No family history of Diabetes.

I caught my symptoms early on - increased thirst, frequent urination, eating double the amount of food I normally did, but losing weight quickly! I researched my symptoms online and figured I had Type 1 diabetes. My mom took me to the Dr and sure enough, I was admitted to the hospital.

In addition to taking insulin, and eating right, I have found that exercise works wonders!! Even just walking for 30 minutes a day. The benefits of exercise help your body utilize your insulin more efficiently for up to 24 hours after the exercise has been performed ~ allowing you to take LESS insulin. If you need motivation to exercise... go to Disney World. I was there last week and was averaging 25 units of insulin in-take a day (basal and bolus) when I normally average 35 units per day. All of that walking is great!

My twins were supposed to leave for the Marines one month later and the Dr I worked for told me he had mono. After 1 week and 10lbs lighter i knew he was spilling sugar and the dr said no your wasteing your money just take him home and in bed. I demanded he check his BS and he came running to the car and had him admitted on an insulin drip for BS 800. Scott was able to stay off insulin for 8months. They both work out and eat right but I still worry because they have had a few scary hypo attacks. I still worry about the complications. That is wonderful you have done so well controlling your DM

 

[kfeuer]

I also have PCOS and insulin resistant. My R E sent me to a diabetic doctor. He took my blood and asked me why I was there? That I wasn't a diabetic. I tried to explain to him why I was there, but he just didn't get it. I thanked him for his time and left. I can't find a diabetic doctor who understands PCOS and how it works. I've been to 3. The first one mentioned above, the 2nd was way to busy and scatter brained for me and the 3rd took one look at me and wanted to order Gastric Bypass.

The 3rd ran all types of test and MRI's trying to figure out why I was insulin resistant. DUH! It's like PCOS is still a myth out there for me. Other than my RE, I can't find anyone else to work with me.

I know what you mean. I also have PCOS and went to an endocrinologist's office for the first time yesterday and the staff was like "huh" when I mentioned PCOS. They took bloodwork and I'll be seeing the dr. in a few weeks (I'm hoping he's alot more knowledgable).

I must say being in that office yesterday was kind of scary--there were lots of people there walking with canes and who just generally looked unhealthy. My FIL lost a leg and eventually died of diabetes complications so I'm not unaware of what the disease can do, but it's easy over time to get lax and not do all the things I should be doing. Yesterday was a wake-up call.

 

[PaulaSB12]

I just found out that I am diabetic. I'm scared but the doctor said I am not too bad off.

I am sure I will have many questions in the future. And I am sure many of you will, and do as well.

I have known for a short time, but was in total denial til this past week. However, now, accepting it, I have begun to take control of my life. My eating habits are changing - no STUPID carbs. Lots of smart ones. I have begun exercising. And I have lots to live for.

Still, there is a certain feeling of shame and fear. I have nobody to blame but myself.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Having had a father diagnosed with stage 2 diabetesthat you should buy the book

Dr Berstein's diabetes solution

http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bernsteins...4887057?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1178904356&sr=8-2
Since its first publication in 1997, DR. BERNSTEIN'S DIABETES SOLUTION has become the treatment of choice in the medical field. His groundbreaking approach to diabetes care enables patients to take control of their disease and to live long and healthy lives by normalizing their blood sugar without the usual swings. Dr. Bernstein himself is living proof of the success of this method. In this revised and updated edition of his work, he provides an accessible, detailed guide to his revolutionary approach to regulating blood sugars and outlines his plan for preventing or reversing long-term complications of diabetes. He offers the most up-to-date information on new products, medications, and supplements, and explains the connection between obesity and adult-onset diabetes. Dr. Bernstein discusses breakthrough science and potential cures, and has added new methods for treating the disease, including new uses of medication and exercise approaches, as well as 40 new gourmet, low carbohydrate recipes in addition to the original 50. The only book to detail step-by-step methods for normalizing blood sugars in both Type I and Type II diabetes, Dr. Bernstein's DIABETES SOLUTION will enable patients to take charge of their health and live longer, healthier lives. - Dr. Bernstein pioneered the tight control of blood sugar that is now accepted as the standard treatment for diabetes. An engineer by training, he entered medical school at the age of 45 to secure the credentials for publishing his discoveries.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Hi all , I'm so glad I found this thread. I have been a T2 diabetic for probably 3-4 years, but was in denial up until 12/06. By A1C has been high for the last few years. 12/06 it was 10.8; 3/07 it was 6.1. I was shocked at what a difference diet, exercise and meds can make. I am on oral meds (Metformin and Actoplus); work out 3-4 times a week; generally watch what I eat.

My problem is that over the last month or so I found myself cheating more and moving less. Now isn't that just dumb? As if I wasn't going to have this disease for the rest of my life. My "deal" with myself is that I will eat right, exercise enough, and not get on the scales. The last time I weighed was at my MD's office in 3/07; I had lost 30 lbs since 12/06. I suspect that I am continuing to lose just by the way my clothes fit, but I am disciplining myself not to give myself over to what is for me "the tyranny of the scales".

Currently I am a bit frustrated. My morning #s are hovering around 110 after being in the 80's and 90's consistently. I have gone back to writing down everything I put in my mouth (a good discipline which I had abandoned) and diligently watching my portions.

Best wishes to those who have posted and are early in their diagnosis. I know its scary as can be learning that you have a chronic diease. KNow that there is hope. Know that you can live with this beast -and live well and long.

 

[motherhen17404]

I know what you mean. I also have PCOS and went to an endocrinologist's office for the first time yesterday and the staff was like "huh" when I mentioned PCOS. They took bloodwork and I'll be seeing the dr. in a few weeks (I'm hoping he's alot more knowledgable).

I must say being in that office yesterday was kind of scary--there were lots of people there walking with canes and who just generally looked unhealthy. My FIL lost a leg and eventually died of diabetes complications so I'm not unaware of what the disease can do, but it's easy over time to get lax and not do all the things I should be doing. Yesterday was a wake-up call.

I know how hard it is to get a Dr. to understand PCOS. I had a Dr. who had PCOS so she understood what I was going through, but then she move out of state and I had to go to a new Dr. He gave me the old song and dance about being overweight, did not want to listen to anything I was saying and just kept telling me I needed a full physical. I made a deal with him. I would do the physical (I did not want to) if he would listen to me for 20 min about my PCOS. He listened to me and now we have a understanding. And yep, I had the physical. That is how we found the IR. I have always had low blood sugar, so it was a shock to both of us when my numbers came back high. He is not a specialist, but I feel comfortable with him and his treatment.

A great website for IR and PCOS is www.soulcysters.com (I think that is it). Go there and print out some info for your next Dr. appt. and when the Dr. does not understand PCOS, then just had him the printouts and go find another Dr.