The Diabetic DISers thread. Support and Info Here.

[Cass]

The last time I weighed was at my MD's office in 3/07; I had lost 30 lbs since 12/06.

That's awsome! good for you. Can you give me an idea of what you eat on an average day?

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

That's awsome! good for you. Can you give me an idea of what you eat on an average day?

I have found two truths about myself that guide my diet and lead to best results, YMMV:
1) Have as few variables as possible.
2) Figure out how my body reacts to various foods.

-For breakfast practically each day I eat exactly one cup of Cheerios in skim milk (I don't drink the leftover milk). This may be more carbs than some people need, but it is exactly what I need since I head off to the gym right afterwards.
-I eat as little refined flour as possible. The ONLY bread I will eat is Whole Grain or sugar free Whole Grain (Nature's Own works best for me).
-I don't eat potatoes at all anymore (well, twice in 4 months); have pasta sparingly.
-I never drink milk or juice. (Good Lord I miss a good pulpy glass of OJ! ) I eat fruit each day, but it's always fruit and never juice.
-Each night I eat five saltine crackers with a spoonful of peanut butter on each. This has helped me avoid Dawn Phenomenon.
-For the first couple of months I tested myself many times a day to find out how different food were affecting me. That way I knew whether I could have a square of dark chocolate, an apple, or whatever -and, most importantly, what each of those thing did to my body.
-My diet works best when I write down everything that I put in my mouth. It's too easy for me to cheat otherwise.

 

[RIDISNEYLOVERS]

I guess I will jump in here too.

I went to my PCP the end of April with a few problems and she thinks I may have diabetes. She had me do a 2 hour glucose test. I am going back to see her the end of May for the results.

I do have a history - I had gestational diabetes with my first pregnancy and again with my second pregnancy, although I was insulin dependent with the second one. Both babies were a very healthy weight. DD1: 7 lbs 9 oz. and DD2: 6 lbs 10 ozs.

My dad (diagnosed around age 45 - 50) has type 2 diabetes, he is taking a pill and his mother (my grandmother) was diagnosed maybe 5 years ago at 80+ years old.

Since January I have been trying to live a healthier lifestyle - exercising more, eating better and now it decides to show up.

 

[Cass]

I have found two truths about myself that guide my diet and lead to best results, YMMV:
1) Have as few variables as possible.
2) Figure out how my body reacts to various foods.

-My diet works best when I write down everything that I put in my mouth. It's too easy for me to cheat otherwise.

Good advice there

You said you don't eat Pasta, even wholewheat? I could live on pasta, seriously.

I just tried my glcose meter for the first time 4 1/2 hours post meal it read 6.6 - Which equals 118, but I have no idea what it means - is it okay? is it not okay? I am going to eat now and check again, but I am not sure how long to wait? and again, I know I am looking for the #'s but I am not 100% sure what they are telling me and what they should be.

 

[Cass]

Hi again, can anyone here help me with understanding the glucose readings?

I had dinner at 5:00pm and 3 1/2 hours later my reading is 210... (11.7)

Is this high? is it okay? I keep reading about diabetes and getting different answers for what the levels should be.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Since January I have been trying to live a healthier lifestyle - exercising more, eating better and now it decides to show up.

It's a disease; nothing fair about it. I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but I am convinced that with dedication and focus we T2s can live long, healthy lives. My inspiration is a guy in my church who is 97 and is a T2. He still gets around pretty good. I asked him what his secret was: "Don't stop moving. The rocking chair will get you." Sounds about right to me.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Hi again, can anyone here help me with understanding the glucose readings?

I had dinner at 5:00pm and 3 1/2 hours later my reading is 210... (11.7)

Is this high? is it okay? I keep reading about diabetes and getting different answers for what the levels should be.

I don't have my chart handy, but that PP (Post-Prandial aka after a meal) number is a little higher than where you want it to be. The ideal is to be back at your fasting # 2 hours PP. But no need to panic. Have you just recently started taking meds? If so, know that some take several days for your body to get attuned to (metformin for example). Remember, this is a marathon not a sprint!

As for pasta... my family had some kind of pasta about every day. It is so hard for me to pass on the macaroni, pasta salads, etc. I do eat it ocassionally like in lasagna and stuff, but ONLY if I'm having a "good" day. I haven't foud a whole wheat pasta I really like. The best I have had was at the Olive Garden (you can request whole wheat substituted for pasta on many dishes there) when DW and I were ona date a couple months ago. I meant to ask the server what brand they used, but I forgot. Oh well... now I have a good excuse to go back

 

[Cass]

Hi Zippa DD

Thanks for your post. I have my metformn, but haven't taken any yet. The doctor said he thinks I will be able to control my numbers with diet alone, so he wants me to check my glucose 4 times a day for 2 weeks with my new diet. Then start the metformin for 2 weeks - still checking 4 times a day.

After he see's the #'s (I am making a chart) he will decide if I should keep taking the meds or just stick to the diet.

I have to admit I'm a little freaked out, I am going to bed now and my numbers are still high (180) but I ate hours ago I am curious to see what I will be in the morning.

Can you find that chart for me when you have a chance?

I just wanted to say I was nervous about pricking my finger, but it doesn't hurt at all. That surprised me.

 

[pearlieq]

DH was diagnosed as T2 5 years ago. He's made some good changes, but there's a long way to go.

His mom passed away a few weeks ago, and uncontrolled diabetes had a lot to do with it. Very scary.

I have PCOS and struggle with IR. I take metformin daily but I'm not sure how much it helps. It's hard to tell.

I'm actually getting back into pasta. The Barilla Plus is quite tasty and the nutritonals are good enough to satisfy me. I could tolerate the Ronzoni whole wheat, but didn't really enjoy it. This is much better.

 

[Cass]

His mom passed away a few weeks ago, and uncontrolled diabetes had a lot to do with it. Very scary.

Sorry to hear about your mother-in-law, very sad. Has his Mom's death made him more focused on trying to eat better and look after himsef?

My morning reading upon waking was 154 and I haven't eaten for 13 hours.

 

[shortbun]

I've been reading this thread for information. I think my doctor must be an idiot and I'm not too far behind. He's got me on Actos, which caused me to retain fluids like mad, and hasn't suggested I test my blood sugar or go to an educator or dietician. He just says, "lose weight and exersize." I see him on June 20th and I'm going to ask him for more information. I have called the ADA and I'm using the internet but I can find NO definitive information regarding diet-blood sugar levels - testing materials. Do I need a prescription for testing stuff or can I just go to a pharmacist and ask for them? What are the best, easiest to use and most available testing machines/devices? Once I get them, how do I know how to use them and what is my goal? I guess I really need to get some more information because I am totally stupid and lost about all of this. I think I need a new doctor as well. Mine has failed me here and in many other areas lately. He must be near retirement.

 

[Cass]

Hi shortbun, the doctor gave me a prescription for the meter and test strips, but I've seen them on eBay etc... so I don't think it's required.

Zippa D - 2.5 hours after eating breakfast (whole grain organic cereal/skim milk) my reading is 282, I am so scared of the high ratings. I can only imagine what they must have been like when I was eating Pringles, a mars bar and a coke

 

[shortbun]

Hi shortbun, the doctor gave me a prescription for the meter and test strips, but I've seen them on eBay etc... so I don't think it's required.

Zippa D - 2.5 hours after eating breakfast (whole grain organic cereal/skim milk) my reading is 282, I am so scared of the high ratings. I can only imagine what they must have been like when I was eating Pringles, a mars bar and a coke

You like Pringles? lol! just kidding but you made me laugh. I'm betting it will take you a while to figure out how to do this. I'm wonderiing what wonderful results I will be getting. Have you seen someone who advised how to put a meal together?

I just called my pharmacy and they said to get a prescription for the testing materials so insurance would cover it. Guess that's the best way to go. Now-what testing materials do I ask my doctor to prescribe? A meter and strips? Does anyone have a real specific meter type preference and why?

 

[Amlee]

I've been reading this thread for information. I think my doctor must be an idiot and I'm not too far behind. He's got me on Actos, which caused me to retain fluids like mad, and hasn't suggested I test my blood sugar or go to an educator or dietician. He just says, "lose weight and exersize." I see him on June 20th and I'm going to ask him for more information. I have called the ADA and I'm using the internet but I can find NO definitive information regarding diet-blood sugar levels - testing materials. Do I need a prescription for testing stuff or can I just go to a pharmacist and ask for them? What are the best, easiest to use and most available testing machines/devices? Once I get them, how do I know how to use them and what is my goal? I guess I really need to get some more information because I am totally stupid and lost about all of this. I think I need a new doctor as well. Mine has failed me here and in many other areas lately. He must be near retirement.

Switch Doctors ASAP!! If you haven't already find yourself a really good Endocrinologist. They specialize in diabetic medicine.

I can't handle the stomach problems that goes with metformin. I've tried twice and both times, I felt like I had got a hold of something bad at a burger joint. He next suggested Actos, but told me it could double my weight. I had been down that road with my Depo, so it was a big NO for me. So I'm waiting for something new to come out that I can take.

Depending on your insurance get a prescription. I know the one we currently have doesn't cover needles, or test strips. But in the past we have had a company that covered everything. They even shipped straight to the house for free. It was great!

 

[arminnie]

Do I need a prescription for testing stuff or can I just go to a pharmacist and ask for them?

My dad's doctors have always given him a meter for free. I think you can get one free (probably with rebates) at the drugstore too. The companies want you to use their meter so you will buy their strips.

I was going to buy a package of strips at Sam's so we would have extras on hand (while waiting for the mail order to process). It was $85 w/o insurance so I put it back. It is totally free with his insurance.

His meter is the Ascensia Contour - fairly small. The strips are very easy to use and the readout is pretty quick. Another tip for testing - use the side of your finger tip not the center - it is less sensitive. My dad being the depression baby that he is wants to use the same needle for days if not weeks - don't do that.

If you really want the gold standard in diabetes treatment go to an endocrinologist - they specialize in diabetes treatment. A good internist or family doctor can also help successfully manage diabetes though. I'm sorry that yours is not stepping up to the task.

 

[Cass]

I found out our local hospital has courses for diabetes patients, it's something like 4 weeks, 2 hours a session. I am going to register for the next available one, there is a waitlist.

 

[MsDisney23]

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

Depending how made your DM1 is etc. First you must have a good endo for starter's,, then find a good transplant hospital in your area. Go in and talk to them, there are many test to be done, etc. I ended having to travel out of state for my transplant. If you have any ? please pm me...

 

[Cass]

My glucose numbers have been high every morning (upon waking) for the past 3 days 187, 174 and 183.

I am not eating anything after dinner (6:30pm-ish) except a sugar free jello. Is there anyway to bring the morning #'s down other than the metformin?

3 hours after a dinner (low fat/low carb/no sugar/low sodium) my level is around 160 but by morning it's higher. Not one single time that I have checked has my sugar been low, or even normal, it's always higher than it should be.

Any advise? I am supposed to chart my numbers for 2 weeks then start the metformin and chart for 2 weeks, but I feel like starting it now because the numbers are alarming me.

 

[kejoda]

Cass how many days has it been since you started the chart? Has your Doc taken you A1C? If it was me I would be starting the meds and getting a new Doc. Maybe call his nurse tomorrow and tell them that you want to start the meds right away.

 

[Cass]

It wasn't my 'real' doctor. I had a bladder infection and my family doctor wasn't available so I went to the walk in clinic.

The doctor there found sugar in my urine and sent me for blood work. The lab sent the results back to him so I had to go there for results. He gave me the script for the metaformin and the gloucose meter and the instructions to chart for 2 weeks first before starting.

I have a appointment with my real doctor on May 22 (she had been away)

I had breakfast today at 9:00am (banana/wholegrain no sugar cereal) and my reading now, 3.5 hours later is 190.97. I almost wish I didn't have the meter, I'm freaking myself out