The Diabetic DISers thread. Support and Info Here.

[Savanah'sMom]

Brier Rose, yes, its fine to have some sweets, it's just like everything else, all in moderation. At Cracker Barrel he definatly could have had the corn muffin b/c there were no other carbs in the meal. For your brothers graduation party, if ya'll know that DH will be eating more carbs and sweets, then cut back on those things during the day. As far as the Bud Lite, sure why not, alcohol breaks down differently than other food. I think, and please if I'm wrong please someone correct me, since you liver works harder to process so it, it kinda keeps the carbs in the beer from being absorbed as much. That was my understanding, I might be wrong, but again that was my understanding.

I know the feeling about the loop hole thing and wanting to be normal. He doesn't have to give up the things he loves, he just has to have them in moderation. I have a sweet tooth, so I just pick a little and I'm ok, but trust me I don't pass up birthday cake. My DSIL, (whome i love to death) will give me the evil eye if she sees me eating sweets or higher carbs. I know she's got my best interest at heart, but i just want to feel normal and not that everybody is monitor everything that's going into my mouth, I'm an adult, I can handle it. Now if my DH did this, I would probably deal better with it.

As far as he A1C, it's still new to ya'll, and he was having high blood sugars for a while before he was diagnosed. You see, the A1C is an average of the last 3 months, it will progressively get better as you, DH, and the Dr.'s find the right combination and amounts of meds that he needs to be on. So don't let that first set of #s scare you, it'll get better.

Carbs - those #s sound about right, when ya'll take class with a nutrionist, they will give more definate #s.

I really agree with PatsMom, the best investment you can make is meeting with a diabetic educator, I really wish I would have done that sooner.

Good luck to you and your DH, if you have any other questions just as away, this is all a very long learning process. We never stop learning!!!! There will always be more, newer, and better information and technology coming out.

 

[Brier Rose]

Brier Rose, yes, its fine to have some sweets, it's just like everything else, all in moderation. At Cracker Barrel he definatly could have had the corn muffin b/c there were no other carbs in the meal. For your brothers graduation party, if ya'll know that DH will be eating more carbs and sweets, then cut back on those things during the day. As far as the Bud Lite, sure why not, alcohol breaks down differently than other food. I think, and please if I'm wrong please someone correct me, since you liver works harder to process so it, it kinda keeps the carbs in the beer from being absorbed as much. That was my understanding, I might be wrong, but again that was my understanding.

I know the feeling about the loop hole thing and wanting to be normal. He doesn't have to give up the things he loves, he just has to have them in moderation. I have a sweet tooth, so I just pick a little and I'm ok, but trust me I don't pass up birthday cake. My DSIL, (whome i love to death) will give me the evil eye if she sees me eating sweets or higher carbs. I know she's got my best interest at heart, but i just want to feel normal and not that everybody is monitor everything that's going into my mouth, I'm an adult, I can handle it. Now if my DH did this, I would probably deal better with it.

As far as he A1C, it's still new to ya'll, and he was having high blood sugars for a while before he was diagnosed. You see, the A1C is an average of the last 3 months, it will progressively get better as you, DH, and the Dr.'s find the right combination and amounts of meds that he needs to be on. So don't let that first set of #s scare you, it'll get better.

Carbs - those #s sound about right, when ya'll take class with a nutrionist, they will give more definate #s.

I really agree with PatsMom, the best investment you can make is meeting with a diabetic educator, I really wish I would have done that sooner.

Good luck to you and your DH, if you have any other questions just as away, this is all a very long learning process. We never stop learning!!!! There will always be more, newer, and better information and technology coming out.

Thank you SO much for taking the time to answer my MANY questions!

It honestly helps me feel so much better to talk about things here. It's one thing to read everything I can get my hands on..but to have people to talk to that have been/are going through the same things is a Godsend!

DH came home very depressed tonight. He was just beyond tired, and I'm praying that a good nights sleep helps tremendously. I'm having a VERY hard time convincing him that he is NOT falling apart..
I'm trying very hard to just let him be negative and down..if that's how he needs to feel right now. He's been pretty snappy towards me..but I know that's not really him..he's just dealing with a lot, and I'll just continue to try and makes things as easy an uncomplicated as I can.
I think once he really sees that this is not going to change WHO he is..he'll be ok.

On a good note..his numbers tonight were even better..160..so he's getting there!

Oh and I called and checked the price on the Actos they prescribed..$445.00 for a 90 day supply at Walmart! Not so terrible I guess..but wasn't quite expecting it to be that much.

The nurse did say that if we found that it was too much that could prescribe him a cheaper alternative. I kind of wonder why the didn't do that in the first place??

 

[PatsMom]

Thank you SO much for taking the time to answer my MANY questions!

It honestly helps me feel so much better to talk about things here. It's one thing to read everything I can get my hands on..but to have people to talk to that have been/are going through the same things is a Godsend!

DH came home very depressed tonight. He was just beyond tired, and I'm praying that a good nights sleep helps tremendously. I'm having a VERY hard time convincing him that he is NOT falling apart..
I'm trying very hard to just let him be negative and down..if that's how he needs to feel right now. He's been pretty snappy towards me..but I know that's not really him..he's just dealing with a lot, and I'll just continue to try and makes things as easy an uncomplicated as I can.
I think once he really sees that this is not going to change WHO he is..he'll be ok.

On a good note..his numbers tonight were even better..160..so he's getting there!

Oh and I called and checked the price on the Actos they prescribed..$445.00 for a 90 day supply at Walmart! Not so terrible I guess..but wasn't quite expecting it to be that much.

The nurse did say that if we found that it was too much that could prescribe him a cheaper alternative. I kind of wonder why the didn't do that in the first place??

I wonder if the cheaper alternative was Avandia? I understand that Avandia and Actos are the same type drug. I take Actos and after reading the price you found, I am very glad that I have prescription insurance. I pay $18 for a 90 day supply. I think Avandia has a reputation for having caused cardiac problems - that might be why they don't want to prescribe it. I always ask for a drug that is on my preferred formulary if possible and my doctor copmplies. I print out the list when I am visiting her to make sure. Its worth asking about the cheaper drug because diabetes is adding a significant expense to your life - between doctor visits, lab work, prescriptions, and testing supplies it will add up fast. Especially since you have such a high deductible on your insurance.

I agree with the PP about the carbs - your DH definitely could have had at least part of that corn muffin. I allow myself around 45 carbs (three choices) per meal. Men I think do get more. Ideally I try to keep it at 30 carbs but that doesn't always happen. It really helped me to know that things weren't "forbidden" they just had to be worked into my meal planning. Sugar free is not necessarily better for me - it is the total carbs that matter. At the birthday party, I would have a small piece of cake OR a small serving of ice cream. As for the Bud Lite, I do have an alcoholic beverage on occasion. They tend to actually lower the blood sugar so I have to make sure I eat food when I am drinking. But a glass of wine with a meal or a beer at a party are in my eating plan.

Your DH's A1C is pretty high but he has just started treatment. My doctor has me aiming to be under 7, which I understand some providers still consider high. I am now at 6.2 and the doctor is happy. I am sure your doctor will be talking to your about A1C and what it means - if he or she doesn't a diabetes educator will.

Keep reading, asking questions and educating yourselves. I'm not surprised to hear that your DH is a little depressed - he is having a lot of changes going on. And when things like that happen, keep in mind that the medications can have odd side effects. And one of the signs of out of control blood sugar is tiredness. So that might have something to do with it and will get better as he gets better control. When I started the Lantus, my educator told me "You are not going to believe how tired you have been until you see your blood sugar numbers drop" and she was 100% correct. I have so much more energy now. Hopefully it will be the same for your DH. Having more energy has also helped me to focus on exercise! I hate doing it but I am walking almost daily. Easy to work into a routine that involves a lot of commuting and crazy hours.

 

[Brier Rose]

Good news!!

DH was supposed to just run by to pick up his prescriptions this morning, but I told him to talk to the Dr while he was there...just to at least make sure they know how his testing has been going for the last couple of days.

Once he told the Dr how well his BS levels have been coming down, he decided not to have him take the Actos after all. He was actually at 155 last night, but then back up to 192 this morning.
He seems to always hover in the 190's in the mornings no matter what he eats for dinner! (or does that even have anything to do with it?)

Gotta work on that, but I am just so happy that he seems to be making such great progress!

The Dr did talk to him about his concern for DH's HDL levels..so he will be taking the Niacin, and we WILL start walking this afternoon. Lord knows I need to lose weight, so this will be great for me as well. DH is not overweight at all, but he is very sedentary (as am I!)..so hopefully he'll have great improvement once he adds the exercise. Good for his heart too!

Oh..and he mentioned to the Dr that he's been having a little nausea and bloating with the Metformin, and the Dr said that if he can just tough out the 1000mg twice a day for another week or so, he will probably be able to knock it back to 500mg. Considering he has only be trying to get this under control for 4 days now I am just ecstatic that things seems to be progressing so well.

Not..that I want to get tooooo ahead of myself..but all in all a great day I think!

 

[PatsMom]

Congratulations to your DH Brier Rose! I hope things continue to go well for him. And the side effects from the metformin subside. I'd make sure to ask the doctor about those high levels in the morning - they are like twice as high as what I am supposed to be aiming for!

 

[My2Cinderellas]

not saying to go against your doctor's advice, but I do better on metformin starting on a low dose and then ramping up. I take 2000 mg/day and if I've been off it a couple days for some reason, I need to start with 1 tablet a day and gradually move back up to all 4. Or else I'm in the bathroom non-stop and eating immodium like candy.

It will take several visits to tweak medications and such as your eating and exercising habits change. and anger/depression is totally normal when first diagnosed, and again anytime you have to make major lifestyle changes. It stinks to accept that you can't be "normal". Work really hard now to get it under control, and then you can figure out how to build in "treats". it's not always the same for each person.

good luck!

 

[Papa Deuce]

3 days ago I started really cutting my carbs - at least all the "dumb" ones... I can't believe how much better I feel. Even my foot pain has pretty much gone away.

I still fight every urge not to eat the cakes, chips, candy..... but feeling the difference in the way I feel is sure helping.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

3 days ago I started really cutting my carbs - at least all the "dumb" ones... I can't believe how much better I feel. Even my foot pain has pretty much gone away.

I still fight every urge not to eat the cakes, chips, candy..... but feeling the difference in the way I feel is sure helping.

WTG, Papa Deuce. I'm amazed all over again each time I tighten the screws a bit and cut down what I call "stupid carbs" (ice cream, chips, candy, etc). It's surprising how quickly you can start feeling better so fast.

 

[Papa Deuce]

WTG, Papa Deuce. I'm amazed all over again each time I tighten the screws a bit and cut down what I call "stupid carbs" (ice cream, chips, candy, etc). It's surprising how quickly you can start feeling better so fast.

It surprised me because, even though I am diabetic, I have never cut down this far... no way I can do anything like Atkins....

Thanks for the

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

It surprised me because, even though I am diabetic, I have never cut down this far... no way I can do anything like Atkins....

Thanks for the

Glad to know I'm not the only one who can't do Atkins. Man... I tried that for a couple of weeks 5-6 years ago, and it just made me sick in so many different ways. That was back before my diagnosis. I lost 20 lbs but it was darn sure not worth it.

 

[PatsMom]

Glad to know I'm not the only one who can't do Atkins. Man... I tried that for a couple of weeks 5-6 years ago, and it just made me sick in so many different ways. That was back before my diagnosis. I lost 20 lbs but it was darn sure not worth it.

You can add me to the list of those who can't do Atkins. I tried with some women I work with - lost about 10 pounds and felt like crap! I seem to do much better when I can force myself to watch my carbs. And remember to take my medication. I love carbs so it is a struggle for me.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Do you folks eat tomatoes? I know that many diabetics try to avoid them... I make this salsa that I absolutely LOVE, and I could eat enough just to be WHOLE MEAL. ( no added sugar )

 

[My2Cinderellas]

I eat tomatoes - I am picky about veggies and happen to like tomatoes. Corn is the hard one for me, having to treat it like starch/bread. It's only really worth it with fresh picked sweet corn in July. skip the bun with the hamburger if it means an extra ear of fresh corn!

 

[PatsMom]

I don't care for tomatoes except for tomato sauce so I don't eat them. I do love corn and I'm another one who will leave the bun off my hamburger to save the carbs for an ear of corn! Part of my whole proble with controlling my diet is that I don't care for most fruits and vegetables. Makes it difficult.

 

[Mrs.Milo]

Hello to all. Just had my 6 months A1C reading this week, and it's up to 6.5, up from 6.2, nurse said not to let it get any higher! I could certainly have been doing better, but not being able to exercise for the last 6 weeks has not helped. Exercise helps a lot for me personally, and 6 weeks ago I hurt my knee, and after visiting my primary Dr twice, went for an MRi and then to an ortho Dr yesterday, arthritis in my knee. My question today is, have any of you had a cortisone shot? My knee is feeling a little better, but middle of the night BS was 219, so I had a protein snack, 1 hour later it was 295 Needless to say I only got a few hours of sleep, and this morning it was "down" to 188. I think I'm going to call my Dr and ask if I should double my meds for a few days. Any one else had experience with this? Thanks in advance.

 

[disney kid at heart]

Hello to all. Just had my 6 months A1C reading this week, and it's up to 6.5, up from 6.2, nurse said not to let it get any higher! I could certainly have been doing better, but not being able to exercise for the last 6 weeks has not helped. Exercise helps a lot for me personally, and 6 weeks ago I hurt my knee, and after visiting my primary Dr twice, went for an MRi and then to an ortho Dr yesterday, arthritis in my knee. My question today is, have any of you had a cortisone shot? My knee is feeling a little better, but middle of the night BS was 219, so I had a protein snack, 1 hour later it was 295 Needless to say I only got a few hours of sleep, and this morning it was "down" to 188. I think I'm going to call my Dr and ask if I should double my meds for a few days. Any one else had experience with this? Thanks in advance.

Your Dr should have told you that your blood sugar would definitely go up. Cortisone inj raises your BS for a day or so. Just keep close tabs on it. Do not increase meds unless advised so by Dr. Are you on oral meds or insulin?

 

[disney kid at heart]

Glad to know I'm not the only one who can't do Atkins. Man... I tried that for a couple of weeks 5-6 years ago, and it just made me sick in so many different ways. That was back before my diagnosis. I lost 20 lbs but it was darn sure not worth it.

I can't do Atkins either. Isn't Atkins the diet that you have to show ketones in urine to make sure it is working? My Dr just said Atkins to dangerous for diabetics.

 

[JanetRose]

BumP

 

[Papa Deuce]

What do you think of this dinner?

I had a salad from a convenience store.... was only 220 calories with no dressing.... It was made from lettuce, diced chicken, tomatoes, black beans, onions, and about 2 TBS grated cheese..... but then I added about 1 - 1.5 cups of corn and black bean salsa.

The salsa was corn, black beans ( about 50 - 50 ).... onions, cilantro, lime juice, jalapenos, and roasted poblano pepper + 1 tsp of taco seasoning powder.

There was very little tomato and onion, so with the exception of about 1/3rd of a cup of canned corn the veggies ( carbs ) were all low on the glycemic index, but overall there was a large amout of carbs. I estimated that the whole sald was about 425 calories, with 325 of them coming from carbs.....

No dressing was used.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I guess I'm joining your little community. I got diagnosed with prediabetes in September but have had numerous post meal readings over 200. I tried making the two hour drive to my family doctor, but got blown off. She wouldn't even get me a straight answer on whether or not it is diabetes or prediabetes.

The good news is when my doctor's office at school called me to reschedule my three month follow up, they indicated that they will do the tests I want. I'm trying to get an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, the C-Peptide, and GAD antibodies. I just wish I didn't have to wait until December. Any advice would be great.