Category: Health and Wellness
I recently got diagnosed as having type II diabetes. I drink way too much drinks with sugar in it, eat too many foods with carbs and fats, and generally have a bad diet. For the past two weeks, I have been on metformin to try to lower down my blood sugar. It's depressing because some days I feel like rah rah I can do this and other days I feel like I just want to give up and eat what ever. I do want to get better. I just need to work on this. I assume it's like losing weight. You just have to keep trying. I registered with diabetes.org and just got my glucometer today. It was so scary when I first took my blood sugar levels. But I finally got the courage to shoot the needle into me and it was not bad at all. Icky, but I can handle it. So I'm posting this board because I was hoping that someone who has diabetes would be willing to give me some of their tips and tricks and a little support in fighting this disease. However, those of you who don't have diabetes can also post and just give some advice/encouragement or something. :) Thanks very much.
I have a grandmother who is diabetic and has been for the past 11 years. This isn't meant to be embarrassing or anything like that, but if you are overweight, losing weight is the first thing you want to conquer. Exercise, don't eat pastas or breads, and don't starve yourself. Eat a lot of beans (perhaps pinto beans or any kind of beans except for the refried stuff) and you'll do just fine. The beans are what you will use t fuel your body because they have protein. And then of course put some greens in your diet, from fresh spinach, which I think is a lot better than canned spinach, to those good old green beans. Good luck.
And yes, you can have soe meats. You can splurge if you want to and eat some sweets once in a while, but don't overdo it. My grandma has those sweets sometimes. lol I know how hard it is to resist sweets, though. Just do your best at it.
Michelle
I know exactly what you're going through because I was diagnosed at the beginning of 2002. I lost weight and took my medicines like a good little girl for several months and got things under control. Unfortunately, I still struggle with depression and even denial and have stopped taking my meds several times. I am back on track at the present time, but denial and noncompliance seems to be just part of my pattern. So don't feel like you're the only one struggling.
There is an email list if you are interested. There are lots of very knowledgeable and helpful people on the list. To subscribe send a blank email to blind-diabetics-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Many of the people on the list are quite a bit older and several are type 1, but there are some other type 2 people besides me, and everyone on the list is patient with those of us who struggle.
Good luck. If you have a good doctor who is knowledgeable about diabetes, he or she may also be a good resource. Unfortunately, most general practitioners don't really know a lot about diabetes. I read a lot of articles about health, and I think Metformin is the best medication for type 2. It has been around a long time and seems to be the safest med out there. I would never let a doctor put me on one of the newer meds because even though they get approved by the FDA, there have ben too many health risks for people taking them.
Hey Michelle,
I've had type two diabetes for a little over a year now, and it definitely sucks. It doesn't help that I drink five or six sodas a day either. lol
I used to be on Metformen as well, but my doctor took me off of it. I was on insolan shots for a few months, but fortunately I got healthy enough to get off it. Now I'm on a medication called Acto Met. It's got Metforman in it, but I think it's a little stronger. The pills look the same though.
I really can't offer you much advice because I really don't pay any attention to my diet, and like I said, I drink tuns of soda. I did switch to diet, though.
If you ever want to talk, hit me up. The main thing that sucks about diabetes is being over-weight. I hate it, and it's like no matter what you do, you can't lose it. I've even tried weight loss medication. It didn't work, but I think that was because I was on insolan. Insolan makes you gain weight like crazy.
I'm sorry to hear you have diabetes! Like I said, find me if you want to talk. I got diabetes thanks to another medication. I could sue the bastards, but I don't have that kind of money.
Guys, I'm telling you, don't eat breads, pastas, and potatoes and see where the weight goes. Both my parents and my grandmother lost weight because of it.
I have to make a comment here to those of you who have admitted to drinking lots of pop. Even if you switched to diet, this stuff is very bad for your kidneys, and since diabetes often ruins kidney function, we don't need the added risk to our kidneys by drinking pop.
Wow. Thank you all so much for your responses. I really appreciate it. Becky. I know how hard it is to be in denial of something and then come out here and post and admit to it. I hope to have my sugars down to at least 180. It's not good but right now, it's at 290. My doctor is so supportive. I am so glad I have such a caring physician. Thank you so much for the info on the group. I will definitely subscribe.
Illumination, thank you for your kind words. Yes. I don't mind at all when you tell me I need to lose weight. I know I do. I have been trying for a couple years now. I went from a size 28 down to a size 20. Long story. lol Once I hit the good old 16, I am going to be celebrating like crazy with sugar-free sweets and a hell of a lot of shopping!!! And once I hit the single digits, ... I won't even dream that far ahead. My problem is that I eat when I am bored. I like to have things in my mouth... :) So I can eat a bunch of gummybears or twizzlers or string cheese and um forget myself. So so bad I know. But thanks for your tips. I understand my problem is moderation. :)
Ryan. You are so funny. Sadly, I drank like six cans a day too. I love the feeling of a can in my hands. haha It's freaking weird but I do. I even like beer and seltzer water but of course not as much as I love soda. Thanh and I have banned soda from the house. :( He's trying so hard to help me with this but it's so hard. His blood sugar is like at 88 or something so he doesn't need to be deprived of sugar. Cooking for two is so hard. Now I just cook yucky greens for myself and ask him to just make what he wants to eat because it is way too hard for me to not want to taste then eat.
Best of luck and positive thoughts to all my fellow diabetics and remember to stay strong and resist the temptation!
Michelle
Yes, Becky is right, even if they are diet sodas, they are still bad for you. In fact, they say that some diet foods and drinks are actually worse than drinking some that have the actual sugar in them because artificial sugars are linked to cancer. So be careful when you say you eat and drink stuff for your diet because some of that stuff can be harmful.
And one more suggestion, don't go for the diet pills. Please. Those people want to sell you those lumps of medication just to make the money, but they will not help you lose weight. Just eat your greens, exercise, and don't drink those diet sodas.
hi Michelle, you've known for a long time I'm diabetic with many other complications. you've been givben some very good advice here, but some not so great.
Do not remove all carbohydrates from your diet, just try to lower them quite a bit. If our body doesn't get any carbs, it then uses fat to energise, which gives us ketosis and we just urinate fat. It's not good for us and is why most people accept the atkins diet is no longer a great diet, as that's what that diet got you to do.
Soda in moderation will be ok, but not to the levels i drink it, but I personally think if you cut things out you like totally it's made harder, if you allow yurself the occasional treat of a soda or similar you find it much easier than saying no never do it.
i've been told by dietitions not to avoid cake if at a party for example. everyone has cake, just don't eat much of it, or do it very often.
While you're not on insulin, someone said earlier that insulin can make you gain a lot of weight. this also isn't always the case. Some insulins make you get an increased apetite, but it's not the case with all types of insulin, and if you're advised to use it, give it a try, because your doctor wil be trying to do his/her best for you.
Finally just be aware that all medication has side effects for some people. Try whatever you're given, but if after a short time you get detrimental effects, be sure to talk to your doctor. some diabetic treatments play hell with the digestion for example.
best of luck, and be sure to come chat if you need.
is this true that vitamin D helps secrete insulin?
I am really worried because my glucose levels have been low today. I don't know what I am doing wrong. I ate and drank and tested and it still says "Glucose level, low." I am so glad I am seeing my doctor tomorrow because I am really scared. I have to check my sugars 4 times a day and this morning, it was 144, then the last two times, it said low. I am full. I can't eat or drink. I don't feel hungry. But it was low. What do you guys do when faced with a similar situation?
Thanks for your support. -- A very scared Michelle
My meter often either says low or gives me a number that is too low to be real, and I know it's not right because I know how I feel if it is really too low. In those instances I have to test another finger until I get a number I can believe is accurate. That used to happen a lot more often when I was still new to testing. It hardly ever happens anymore.
Before I test I wash my hands under warm to hot water and keep holding them under the water even after the soap is rinsed off. Then after I dry my hands, I rub them together to continue to get the circulation to my fingertips. Finally I hold my hands down at my sides and shake. Then I put a new lancet in the pen and choose a finger and squeeze the end of that finger a few times. Then I put a test strip in the meter. Finally I stick the finger, often more than once just to make sure, and then I hold the finger to the designated spot on the test strip. It should beep pretty quickly and give a reading. I have found that if it does not beep pretty quickly, I am pretty sure the reading will be inaccurate. So I'm always glad when it beeps quickly and gives me a reading right away. I use the Prodigy Voice, and even though the instructions say you have several minutes to get a reading, for me that just isn't true. If it takes more than 10 seconds, the reading probably isn't going to be accurate.
Becky has given some very good advice there, the only thing I'd add is that after squeezing and then pricking the finger, you can wait about a count of ten, and then again squeeze the finger tip to help the blood spot better.
I have 2 blood glucometrs, one will tell me if it's not got enough blood to give an accurate reeding, the other gives a reading regardless, and so often I know it's not accurate. i stick to the first of the 2 meters which isn't made any more, and I hear the manufacturers of the second are working to bring that feature into the newer model when possible.
you will learn after a while from testing your blood how it feels to really be low or high Michelle, so don't panic too much. there are a very few people I've heard of who can't tell when they go too low, but that's not common.
becky, is the Email list you mentioned still very high traffic? I was once a member but couldn't cope with the level of Email. i might like to rejoin if it weren't so busy these days.
Kev
I forgot to tell Michelle that I often do squeeze the finger again after the first prick, so I'm glad you brought that up. That's something I just recently started doing.
The email list is what I would call medium traffic. There were a few people who used to post a lot who don't post much anymore. Just recently a couple new people have joined and are asking a lot of questions, so the traffic is a bit higher. But there are often several days in a row without any traffic at all.
Thanks Becky.
i think the hardest things are one knowing you've created blood, because the spot is so small that to try and feel it smudges it, so you don't get an adequate blob on the sensor strip. an secondly getting the blood on exactly the right part of the strip, so in fact locating the blood spot exactly with the strip. Those are things we only get with a lot of practice, and I have to confess, i've never tested myself often enough to become great at it. sometimes can use up to 4 or 5 fingers in trying to get a good result.
I just got these tips and would like to share. dono how far I can put this in one message.
90 Quick Tips for Diabetics
1. Take one day at a time.
2. Frequent blood glucose testing is the best way to keep tight control.
3. To warm feet, rub with lotion and cover with warm socks.
4. Protect insulin and test strips from extreme heat and cold.
5. Check your feet before going to bed.
6. Blood glucose test guidelines:
•Type 1: 3-4 times a day
•Type 2: 1-2 times a day
7. Take a walk in the mall.
8. Check blood glucose before each meal for a day.
9. Are you testing as often as your should?
10. Have you had your eyes examined recently?
11. Treat yourself to something special today.
12. Eat a variety of foods at every meal.
13. Know the effect of sweets on your blood glucose.
14. Still checking your feet before bedtime?
15. Inspect shoes for foreign objects and feet for pressure points.
16. Know you target HbA1c.
17. Stop smoking. It's okay to ask for help.
18. Check your glucose patterns for a day.
19. Keep an extra battery for your blood glucose monitor on hand.
20. Find a new diabetic recipe or two to try.
21. When you buy shoes, buy them in the afternoon.
22. Know how to manage your blood glucose levels on sick days.
23. From time to time, check your feet during the day, especially between toes.
24. Is diabetes overwhelming you? Talk to a diabetes team.
25. Never skip a meal.
26. Record your blood glucose levels every time you test.
27. Try chicken soup or broth when you're sick.
28. Cover open sores with antiseptic and gauze.
29. If blood glucose is too high or low, call your diabetes team or doctor.
30. How many times did you test your blood glucose today?
31. Have you had an HbA1c test recently?
32. Before you start an exercise program consult your doctor!
33. Keep your insulin and medication with you when you travel.
34. Time to get more test strips and lancets?
35. See your diabetes doctor or educator if you have any questions at all.
36. Keep your meter from extreme heat and cold.
37. Learn something new about diabetes today.
38. File toe nails, do not cut them.
39. Use a fresh lancet every time you test.
40. Record times when you have problems with blood glucose levels.
41. Tell your dentist you have diabetes and ask for dental care advice.
42. Call your doctor right away if your foot shows signs of infection.
43. See a diabetes eye doctor.
44. Take a thirty- minute walk at your own pace.
45. Avoid shoes that irritate your feet.
46. Visit a local farmer's market. It's good exercise.
47. How many times did you test your blood glucose today?
48. Check your blood glucose pattern over the next four days.
49. See a foot doctor for corns and calluses.
50. Have your blood glucose records ready to show your doctor at all times.
51. Every so often, pick a day to test your blood glucose level four times.
52. Do not go barefoot.
53. Drink eight glasses of water, especially on hot days.
54. Ask your doctor to teach you how to adjust your insulin.
55. Check your blood glucose before drinking alcohol and make sure you've eaten.
56. When sick, try popsicles or ginger ale.
57. Have you had your kidney function tested recently?
58. Clean wounds or sores twice a day with warm water and mild soap.
59. Check your test strips supplies regularly.
60. Call a doctor if a cut or sore is draining. Change bandage often.
61. Take a bike ride or a half-hour walk.
62. Keep extra regular insulin on hand when sick.
63. You should see your diabetes doctor four times a year.
64. Attend a diabetes management course.
65. Hug yourself!
66. Frequent blood testing is the best way to keep tight control.
67. Keep an eye on your diabetes medicine - do you need to get more?
68. Less activity may mean more insulin or pills.
69. Have you had your cholesterol checked lately?
70. Keep your blood monitor in your purse or backpack.
71. Wear comfortable shoes and take a hike.
72. Treat yourself to a massage or a warm bath.
73. Keep test strips dry.
74. Check your blood pressure.
75. Get flu shot if you can, every winter.
76. Avoid heating pads or hot compresses on feet.
77. Always take your diabetes medicine when sick.
78. Stick to scheduled meal times as closely as possible.
79. Keep a list of questions you want to ask your doctor.
80. Test often when you eat a heavy meal.
81. See a foot doctor for nail and foot care.
82. Wash your feet and use lotion to keep the skin soft.
83. Try a new low fat recipe once a week.
84. Find a new diabetic dessert recipe and try it.
85. Take a day off to relax from time to time.
86. Try a diet soda with lime.
87. If you are eating more than usual, test more often.
88. If you feel "different", test your blood glucose right away.
89. Make sure a family member knows how to help you in an emergency.
90. Make a diet plan and do your best to stick to it.
You know, it's good you guys are putting this out here. Many of us may not be diabetic but may run into someone who is. In fact if you all can add info for nondiabetic people to know what kind of help you all need that would help us be more helpful should something come up, rather than just floundering around and inefficient.
I will say this, when I was a blind vendor I had a regular customer who was a diabetic. He had a few questions on some of the food I had, but it was pretty easy for me to just Google and find out. But this guy, even with being diabetic, worked out like the rest of us, went hunting even, cut his own wood for the winter and all. Not trying to heap up a story that looks like just some super-something, but all I'd seen before was people who had it who because of it had to move slow / couldn't really do too much.
I'm just sayin' it for those who just got it; you might find you can keep doing life at a pace. He just said he had to watch certain things, like what you all are talking about.
Hey,
Just to throw my story out there a little more...
I used to be on a medication for some mental issues. It's called Saraquil or something like that. It had some extremely bad side effects, and it didn't agree with me at all. My mental status was so bad that I stayed on it following doctor's orders. Little did I know, the longer I stayed on it, the more diabetic I was becoming.
Finally, I brought this probelm to my primary care doctor, who I have a very good relationship with. He's such an awesome guy. Anyways, by the time I brought him into it, my sugars were in the 600 to 650 range. I was extremely dehydrated; I needed a drink like every two minutes, seriously. I also uranated like every 20 minutes. I went on like this for at least a month. My doctor, the good one, put me on Insolan and monitored my readings very closely. I used to check my sugars about 3 or 4 times a day, and he gave me his cell number so I could tell him what the reading was. If it was above 150, I needed a shot.
Finally, after a few months of insolan, I got better. My sugars weren't so high, and I was taken off insolan. Right now I'm on two pills to keep my sugars at a reasonable number. They're Actomet which has Metforman in it, and Gliberide. Sorry if I said this already, I can't remember.
Anyways, now I check my sugars whenever I can. My doctor says it should never be higher than 150, and never lower than 100.
So, that's my story, in a nutshell...
Hey Raaj. Thanks for those awesome tips. haha I actually ran into one of them the other day. I forgot that I was running low on my pills and forgot to call the doc for a refill and skipped a day of meds till they could be filled. Woopsys.
anytime michelle. anytime.
vanakkam.
Raaj.
Nondiabetic here, but should you again require insulin ask your doctor about intensive therapy, where 3-4 injections or use of a pump is reccommended, also frequent glucose testing takes place, as opposed to standard therapy of 2 injections daily and less frequent glucose testing. Also, if you don't have a Medic Alert emblem, get one. For just $28 per year your condition and the 1-800 number where your name, primary doctor, meds, emergency contact, any information you give is stored electronically should you be in an emergency & unable to speak for yourself. I have one for asthma. I believe it's rhodium coated emblems they reccommend for diabetic members.
To the person who said your BS should never be below 100, I've always been told the desired range is between 80 and 120. Some people even recommend a range of 70 to 110. This means your fasting level when you test first thing in the morning on an empty stomach should be 70 to 80 and that even after eating it shouldn't go above 120. I realize those levels are very hard to stick to, especially when you are new to all of this and still figuring out how different foods affect your BS. But these numbers are ideal for best health.
Yeah I also was told 80-120 for the desired bs as well. I'm trying to work towards this. I've been eating more foods with fiber and have signed up for a YMCA membership. It doesn't help when the person in the fitness room doesn't speak English well and can not show me how to use some of the machines. I don't find the fitness room very friendly sadly. I just hope it gets better.
I think it's the pricking that is still getting to me. I hate doing it. I haven't tested my sugar in 4 days and conveniently forgot to take a couple pills. Needlessly to say, my bs was around 350. *sigh I am in the denial stage or something. denial or rebellious.
Michelle, I understand completely. I go through periods of rebellion too. But it's up to us to control our blood sugar and our health. Unfortunately diabetes can do a lot of damage before we start having serious health problems, so it's important to control things now. One of the facts I've learned that really scared me is that not only are diabetics at a higher risk for heart attacks, but we are mor likely to die from even a mild heart attack. A study compared diabetics who had mild heart attacks to non-diabetics who had massive heart attacks, and the non-diabetics who had had more serious heart attacks were more likely to still be alive five years later than the diabetics who had had less severe attacks. And heart disease is something that can sneak up on you without warning just like kidney problems, circulation problems, and all the other symptoms of diabetes. So we need to get serious. Notice I say we because I'm including myself in this. Someone on the diabetics list pointed out that most people have a grace period of 20 years before their health goes all to hell after the initial diagnosis. But don't wait 20 years to start taking it seriously because it will probably be too late by then.
Okay, I'm not diabetic, but the previous post about finger sticking made me wanna puke! How do you guys do that? I refuse any finger sticks. Just the thought of that makes me wanna puke and pass out! Do those alternate testing site meters work, where you can test on your arm? I think the health advice that's been given is great whether your diabetic or not. Diet soda is extremely bad for you. I love soda as much as the next person, but 6 cans a day? That's a lot of pop! A person could seriously lose weight just from cutting down to one can a day and drinking water. It's amazing how much better you'll feel just by drinking it. If you don't like tap water, invest in one of those water filtration pitchers. They're well worth it. The price of the filters about $6 is a small one to pay for great-tasting water. For the poster who has trouble navigating the fitness room, maybe you could buy a small piece of equipment like an elliptical trainer or stationery bike to use at home. You can get these relatively inexpensively at WalMart or Target. Then you can work out whenever you want. My older sisters swear by the Atkins diet, but I refuse to go on it, cause it sounds very unhealthy. I just try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, whole-grain carbs, drink lots of water, and work out. I think slip ups are just natural for everyone, so guys, don't be too hard on yourselves.
Nobody should really try the atkins diet, you're forcing your body into a state of ketosis, which is a state that can happen for diabetics naturally, where your body uses fat instead of sugar simply because of the lack of insulin, and you basically eurinate the fat out of your system.
Michelle, we all have times like that, do your best, remembering, we can have treets, but try and remember to take your meds even if you don't always check your sugar. you will get to know some of your sugar levels just by the way you're feeling in time.
Thanks guys. I am very excited because I am getting a better handle on this thing. You're right, Kev. When my bs is about 120, I am so weak and dizzy. It's weird cause I probably would just feel so shitty if it were at 70/80. I still don't eat 3 meals a day. I just don't have time to cook. :( So I usually eat one meal a day. I'm trying to find something healthy I can eat that won't take too long to make. If you all have suggestions on what I can eat, I would love to hear them.
I have gotten used to pricking myself on my finger. I do the undersides because I only have to stick myself very lightly and I bleed more. It's great. No more scary click when I need to test my BS.
Because I drank so much soda before, my kidneys are starting to fail. I am so sad about this. Do kidneys ever get better? I only drink soda once a week now and am trying so hard to cut it out of my diet. I absolutely love water with lemon/lime in it. It makes it really easy for it to go down and still not be boring.
Before I sign off, I just want to point out that people are posting here to let us know where they are personally at with diabetes. They may not be doing what they are supposed to but it is a very hard road when trying to maintain a good level of help and everyone is bound to slip up -- myself included. For example, I haven't been exercising even though I'm paying for my membership because I am very self conscious when going by myself. It's that anxiety kicking in again. So when you post, I just ask for understanding and for no condescending remarks about people's personal habits. Thanks for reading.
Michelle
Michelle, like you, I get times because my sugars have been so badly controlled at times when even the upper limits of normal blood sugars make me feel unwell that I'm going into a hypoglycemic reaction. We have to try and get through that without eating, as long as we know the level is safe so our body gets used to those levels again. it's horrible, and quite difficult.
As for eating, have you considered trying to cook larger quantities when you are able to, and then freezing some so at other times you just have to bring out a measured portion and microwave it for example?
it's very difficult as I well know, and hope others have some better dietry advice than I do.
Hi, wraps and sandwiches are great. also pre packaged vegetables that you can steam in the microwave are really convenient. Keep some healthy snacks like nuts, whole fruits, granola bars, whole grain crackers ETC. I understand that you might not be able to eat some of these foods, but you get the idea. I think freezing is a great idea. Get yourself some plastic containers that are small enough for a portion or two, then just nuke them. I have both a foreman grill and a convection oven which I use quite a bit. Freeze your meats, if you eat any, in small freezer bags, then cook them as needed. Salads are great for on the go, just buy them in bags and divide them up into servings. Eating one meal a day isn't good for anyone, let alone diabetics. Believe me though, I know how hard it is to cook for just one person, or after a long day.
As far as kidney failure, I don't know if it's reversible, but I'm sure you can take steps to prevent any further problems. You mentioned you had a self-confidence problem with the gym. Could you go with someone sighted? Could you get some orientation and mobility training? If you're gonna pay for a membership, I certainly hope that you can use it often enough to get your money's worth. Kudos for drinking lots of water. It makes me feel great, and I can even tell a difference in my skin if I haven't had enough. If you feel really overwhelmed, try taking small steps. Like eat healthy foods for a couple of weeks, then add in an exercise routine that you enjoy. If you can't quit soda cold turkey, then pick a day or two a week where you have one. Hth.