Diabetes #9

[luzcious]

I hope nobody minds that I started a new thread. I was recently diagnosed with Type II diabetes about two weeks ago. It didn't really hit me until tonight when I took my first blood sugar test. I got my monitor today and was told to take my sugar in the morning but I took it tonight. I had a bad day and fell back into poor eating habits, the way I used to eat all the time. From two weeks ago until today I have done pretty good with my new eating plan. So, I thought it would be a good idea to test tonight so I know what is poor eating does to me. Don't get me wrong, I know that eating brownies and frozen custard will do to me, I just wanted to see the "number". But, as I sat with all the medical devices around me, I started to cry a little. Diabetes has been a fear of mine all my life, there is alot of family history and I almost knew I was going to get it, but I really didn't think that I would be this young (I'm 32). I beat myself up because I think if this is something that I knew I was going to get, why didn't I do something about it sooner. I know that's not the right way to think, but I do think about it. But, now that I know that I have it, I can get it under control and live a great life.

Thanks for listening. I hope to be around more often as I think I'm going to need alot of support. And when the time comes, I'll feel confident enought to give a little also! :)

Have a great night everyone.

[jlea]

Hi,

I'm glad you started a new thread. The other one was long. Welcome.:) I know it's scary to think about. I was diagnosed with type II when I was 30. My doctor told me several times my blood sugar was a little high and I needed to do something about my weight. I fooled around for 2 years or so until another doctor told me I had diabetes.

You're right though, you can do something about it now, before complicatons set in. No foods are worth that, no matter how much we like them. I've finally figured that out, even if it was a little late.:)

How many times a day are you testing? I test at least 3 times a day when I'm in good control and 4-6 on days when my blood sugar won't cooperate with me or I'm sick. I use a Freestyle Monitor, one that you can test on your arm instead of your fingertips. Really nice....I've had diabetes for 19 years and have been testing at home for most of that time. My poor fingertips!! They are finally getting soft again!

[luzcious]

Hi Janet,

I've always been concerned about diabetes because there is alot of it in my family. I did a glucose tolerance test 8 years ago and it was fine, and then every yearly doctor visit, I'd have a quick finger prick. But, in December I went for a recheck on my bp and it was 156/110. I was treated by the immediate care doctor and then saw my PCP a few weeks later. I wasn't happy with his treatment of my blood pressure, so I switched doctors. Well, long story short, I wanted to have some blood work done at my request, not my doctors. My fasting sugar was high so she did a
Hemo A1C and said my sugars looked ok, but I insisted on a glucose tolerance test, which showed I had diabetes. Now, my newest concern is that the nurse practioner that I saw didn't really do anything for me except tell me to test my sugar once a day in the morning and handed me a diet plan from Lilly, a pharmaceutical company, I guess. I did fine for a while but now I've started to get bored. I mean, come on, I can't eat that basic. I love to cook and I love to eat. So, my newest mission is to find out if there are any classes locally and/or support groups that I can get more information. I know that I can get support here and I plan on visiting frequently. Can you recommend any books (cookbooks or otherwise) that I can look at?

Thank you, Janet, for the warm welcome. Have a great weekend!

[baboo]

Hi Janet and Hi Luz - It sounds like you haven't had much info or support concerning your diabetes! Do they have diabetes education classes at the clinic or hospital in your town? You need help girl! I met Janet through this message board and she has helped me a great deal through the year. Plus, I had diabetes training classes and continue to see a diabetes "counselor" and that helps a lot! Have you seen a nutritionist? They can help you a lot, too! I know it's all scarey and it's gets to you sometimes - especially if you have to take insulin shots. But you can do it, it will take a while. The best things to do are EXERCISE and eating right. You don't have to give up all the foods you love - just eat smaller portions and incorporate it into your daily food plan. Just go one day at a time - :-)

In the past year I have lost over 70 pounds and have been able to get my BS level down into normal range. I have high blood pressure and take 3 meds a day for that, 1 med for diabetes, 1 med for high triglycerides and one insulin shot a day. I hate taking all this stuff, but I'm hoping one day soon I will be able to quit all these meds! I've done a complete turnaround in my lifestyle and feel better than I have since I was a teenager. You'll have diabetes the rest of your life so don't let it control you - take control over diabetes.

I have lots of handouts and stuff on diabetes - if you are ever interested I would gladly mail them to you.

I hope you stay in touch with us - it's easier to take when you can talk to someone in the same boat :-D

Barbi

[luzcious]

Hi Barbie,

I know I need help. I guess I just don't know where to go. I did ask at the local hospital for education classes and all they could come up with is a local support group. That's ok, but I would much rather get my support online, at my leisure.

Do any of you know where to get supplies cheap? I never realized how expensive lancettes and strips were.

TTFN

[jlea]

luzcious,

My town didn't offer diabetes education classes when I needed them, so I had to travel 2 hours to the closest city that offered them. I've gone through the classes twice, 4 years apart. It is well worth it to take the classes if you can. You should inquire at a support meeting to see where others went for classes. The first time I took them, everyone was admitted as a patient and we were all on the same floor in the diabetes center at a hospital. The second time, it was as an outpatient and we were given courtesy rooms at the hospital, if you were from out of town. I imagine most places are like that. Both times were covered by insurance (if you have insurance).

The support meetings are good too, because they have guest speakers that talk about the different problems with diabetes, and it keeps you up to date on all the news. They usually have a lot of handouts at the meetings too. I'm sure the diabetes educator could help you with finding reasonable priced supplies.

[nipperbird]

I just found out that I am a borderline diabetic and need to start a healthy food eating plan. Any suggestions? Is there a specific Diabetic Diet on line?
Thanks for your help
Tweet

[baboo]

Hi Luzcious - I buy my supplies at WalMart - that's the cheapest place I've found anywhere. Do you have insurance? Most medical supply places will file insurance for your diabetic supplies (after you pay your deductible!) I know they get very expensive! I've been known to stretch my supplies by testing only once a day if the first reading was pretty good. It's too bad that they don't have any classes there! I knew nothing about diabetes and at the classes they teach you everything.

Mainly try to watch your carbs! They don't count sugar grams anymore - it's the carbs they worry about! There's a website for the American Diabetes Association and they have lots of info in there, too. And try not to get stressed about all of it - once you get a handle on your diabetes it just becomes part of your life and routine, although I wouldn't mind giving all this up for a more normal life! :-)

A good thing to do is also tell all your friends and family about your condition and what they should do if you have a low or high blood sugar. They need to be aware of how dangerous this can be! Oops, gotta go - the tornado siren just went off! Barbi

[RaceWalker]

Hi, everyone...new kid on the block here. :)

I also fooled around and paid no attention to the fact that diabetes is on both sides of my family until I was diagnosed with type II. I also went through the "why did I allow this?" type of thinking. But that carried an undertone of "its too late now" so I decided that if I can't prevent diabetes, at least I can postpone that insulin needle as long as possible. When I have to have the needle, I'll find something else to postpone, yano? Keeps me going.

Other than cutting out sugar and cutting down on carbs, I haven't done much. I need to exercise and drink more water. So far my sugar has done pretty well just from diet, but like I said, I want to stop diabetic progress as much as possible...and getting rid of some of this weight wouldn't hurt my feelings any, either! ;)

When I was on 3FC two years ago, and had just been diagnosed, I posted new threads a couple of times, trying to get answers and encouragement. The threads died on the vine...:( I'm so very very glad that this thread seems to be alive and thriving!

Nice to meet all of you. :)

[luzcious]

I'm so glad that I found this support group! I bought a couple of books this past week and am learning alot. Alot of things that I didn't know or wasn't told in my meeting with a nurse. Things like I didn't know it was important to be consistant with meal times. Also, as a sexually active woman with a wonderful boyfriend, I am now a little concerned about oral contraceptives and sugar/insulin levels. I am currently taking the pill, but have been considering an alternate method.

Racewalker, are you? :) That sounds like a fun activity and a great way to get active.

Baboo, I just went to KMart and got my script filled. Insurance did cover my strips, thank goodness. My PCP was generous enough to give me a monitor because my insurance company would not cover that unless I was insulin dependant. So, I think I'll be able to manage. Is everything ok with the weather down there?

nipperbird, I was just diagnosed a couple weeks ago so I am a newbie, too. I don't have much advice right now other than to learn all you can. The more you know, the better off you are!

Janet, I did find out that the other local hospital in my area office diabetice classes, 4 two-hour sessions. I'm going to call this week.

Have a great weekend everyone! It's cold and rainy and windy here in Michigan, hard to get out and walk. Can't wait for warmer weather.

[jlea]

Hi RaceWalker,

I didn't know this board existed 2 years ago! :D I found it in early 2000. Every once in a while it gets pretty quiet around here, then we get to going again. Welcome to the group.

Luzcious, I think you will enjoy the classes. They were so helpful to me. I wouldn't mind taking them again, things change with diabetes care and medications so quick. I keep up with things through the diabetes magazines I get.

My blood sugar is running a little high, for what reason or reasons I don't even try to guess any more. I've upped my injections until my control is good again. I see my doctor again next month and want to keep my A1c where it was last time. (6.0%) I've increased my exercise again. We were away a lot in May when my grandbaby was born and my exercise routine suffered because of it. Maybe my blood sugar is reflecting it now. I'm back into a routine again, so I hope it helps.:)

[RaceWalker]

Thanks for the welcome! No, this list wasn't here two years ago. I tried twice, but nobody would answer. Well, that's not true. One time one person said that there was a diebetic on so-n-so thread, and maybe I could privately contact her.

My doctor never said anything to me about diabetes. I got a call from the nurse after my bloodtests, telling me that I'm borderline, but not to worry about it, just stop eating sugar and lose weight. How's that for some top-notch medical advice???

I got my monitor for free from...can't remember the name of the company. I was told they had a certain number of units to give away to people that have no insurance or are otherwise financially pressed. When I contacted them they didn't know what I was talking about, and said they didn't have a program like that, but they sent me one anyway, praise God. I use it regularly, and my sugar is pretty steady as long as I just keep away from the sugar.

[baboo]

Hi All - Weather is okay now - just really hot! We had 2 tornadoes touch down about 3 miles from where I live, but they lasted less than a minute. I live in "Tornado Alley", so this will go on all summer! :-)

My BS has been above 100 the past week - I've been bad! Been drinking Coke and eating candy! I usually get this way when I'm PMS'ing. I'm also bloated and feel like a whale! I need to get back on track. Sometimes you just say - the heck with it! I know we all get tired of it all....

Went to the Y tonight and worked out for an hour - then watched my Dad (who's 66 and looks about 20 years younger) playing racquetball. I hope I am as active as he is when I'm his age!

I go to my regular doctor on the 14th for the BP check - I'm praying that it's normal this time, although it usually runs higher when I'm hot and it's hot here - got up to 104 today and it's only gonna get worse! Thank goodness it's usually dry heat and not humid! I wish I could quit some of the 4 meds I'm taking for the high BP - I bet my insides are eaten up! Haha!

Well, time for bill paying and then bed - talk to y'all later! Barbi

[debkc]

Hi, I'm Debbie. I'm also a borderline diabetic. I was diagnosed a couple of years ago. Doc's got me on Glucovance now (I was taking Precose.) What I really need to do is EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE! Don't we all. This is a great thread. I'm sure I'll pick up some good ideas from all of you. Thanks for posting!:)

[baboo]

Hi All - Boy, you said it deb, exercise is it! If I skip a couple of days my BS starts going up! I've been exercising and walking everyday and watching what I eat and now my BS is back down in the 70's and 80's. I quit eating the candy and drinking the soda! Sure does make a big difference! It's hard to get started on the exercise - believe, I know! And even though I don't do a whole lot my body sure has firmed up and I look a lot better. You just have to go out there and do it!

Summer is here and I am craving fruit. Watermelon is calling my name! It's easier to diet in the summer - who wants to eat when it's so hot out!

Y'all keep posting and let us know how you're doing! Barbi

[Jim943]

For the last 3 years, I've been visiting a site that I found in my pharmacie's diabetic newsletter.
They offer news about new products, test results from research institutes and recipes. They also have meal planning and event-type recipes (holidays). I use the heck out of it and your welcome to use it too. It's:

http://www.diabetic-lifestyle.com/

Try the links at the top of the home page. They'll take you to all kinds of recipes.

Take care,
- Jim

[jlea]

Thanks Jim for the information.:)I will be checking that out.

My blood sugar has dropped back to more normal readings again. I'm exercising faithfully every day.

Fruit, and especially watermelon, sounds good, but I can't eat fruit without my blood sugar soaring. So I mostly avoid it. Once in a while I have a little bit, but it's not worth the extra shot unless it's really, really good!:D

Watch out when your doctor says you are a borderline diabetic.....that's like being just a little bit pregnant!:D

(Sorry, couldn't resist. That was what my diabetes educator said in one of my classes.:D)

I'm glad to see so much posting in our group again.:)

[baboo]

Hi All - Hey Jim, thanks for the info - I'm always looking for good recipes, even though I don't cook that much anymore!

Well, I satisfied my watermelon craving - sure was good! Why does all the good stuff have to be bad for you? Although now they say that chocolate can be actually good for you - I knew it! Don't you think that cheesecake should be beneficial, too? Haha!

I am hurting today. I went to "boot-camp" with a co-worker and she tried to kill me with exercise! We use a weight bar (about 10 pounds) and use it to do lunges and curls, etc. and then do leg lifts and crunches, etc. I could FEEL my butt muscles burning! I was never so happy to get out of the YMCA in my life! I do intend to keep going though, I'm a glutton for punishment!

I play in a dart league on Tuesdays and Thursdays nights and I finally won some money last night! My partner and I came in second place and I was so happy. I've been playing since January and have only won once before. It's a lot of fun.

I hope that everyone has a great weekend. I am having a garage sale tomorrow - wish me luck! Barbi

[luzcious]

:wave: Hi everyone.

Jim, thanks for the link. I've been reading books about diabetes like crazy but haven't really had time to check out the internet for good sites.

Can someone help me? I've been monitoring my sugar levels for about two weeks now and am not quite sure if I understand what to do about my sugar levels. I mean, my levels have been anywhere from 173 to 92, :dizzy: not on the same day, but I'm not quite sure I understand what to do about those types of readings. I know it's important to keep my numbers pretty much the same all the time and know that my eating habits are not helping any. Any advice, altho I'm not quite sure what kind of advice I'm looking for here, would be helpful.

[jlea]

For me, my doctor wants my morning reading under 120 and the rest of my readings under 140 through the day.:)

I have more of a problem with my morning readings because my blood sugar starts rising about 5 AM and sometimes by 7:30 or 8 is already over the 120 reading. If I get up really early to test, it is okay. But I like to sleep until 8 most days.:D

[baboo]

Hi luz - are you testing right before you eat? And when are the readings high and when are they low? How many times a day do you test? My doctor wants mine below 110 and above 70 all the the time. When I get in the low 70's I get a low BS reaction - shakes and dizzy - can't seem to move my arms and legs! So, I try to stay at about 80 - 100 range. I try to eat at the same time every day, to keep my BS pretty level through the day. I usually eat the most amount of carbs in the morning after I test so I can "work" them off during the day before my evening test and also because I'm usually low in the mornings. How do you feel? Are you having any low or high BS symptoms? Hope we can help you! Barbi

[Reety Sue]

I am a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic. I am on an exchange diet at the moment that was recommended by my doctor and the dietian. I also take Glucophage twice a day. I am doing fairly well on this diet and have lost about 10 lbs. so far with MANY more to go. But I am getting very bored with it. I have a major problem with Lunch. What do I eat??? I would appreciate any suggestions. Please help.

You should have seen me the first time I used my glucometer. I was so scared. I was shaking and crying and just knew it was going to kill me! I finally had my son who is an emt/firefighter do it for me. Boy was I embarrassed!:o I never felt it and I am doing my own just fine now.

Please help me with some lunch ideas or suggestions. I know that I have to do this or I will lose my sight, feet, heart , or kidneys. :(

Thanks so much for your time.:)

[jlea]

Reety Sue,

Hi and welcome.:)

Don't feel bad....the first time I tested I held the lancing device against my finger for over 30 minutes, trying to get up the nerve to do it. I was shaking too.:D

I babysit for my 3 yr. old granddaughter so my lunches are quick and easy. Most of the time I have a sandwich or a Weight Watcher frozen dinner. I try to keep a salad or some kind of vegetables in the refrigerator to eat with my lunch. My granddaughter likes to eat whatever I'm having. Sometimes we have Morningstar corndogs (soy) and oven fries. She loves them. I do not fry foods any more, and haven't for a year and a half now. And I feel that eating lots of vegetables really helped me to lose weight faster.

Sometimes if I have leftovers from my evening meal, I will fix a plate for my lunch the next day. Do you work? If so, maybe that would be an option for you. By taking your lunch you wouldn't have to worry about having to make choices on what to eat.

[baboo]

Hi Reety Sue! I'm with Janet, I usually have a sandwich or salad for lunch, or leftovers from the night before. I was doing the frozen food thing for a while - but I got tired of them. I like to eat cheese at lunch, too, with crackers. Some low sodium soups are good, too. If I eat fast food I try to get grilled chicken sandwiches or Mexican I'll get tacos and not eat all the tortilla.

I had a scare last night. I was at the Y working out and started feeling light-headed and by the time I got home I was shaking and felt faint. I took my BS and it was 51 !! I ate some food and drank some milk and skipped my insulin shot and finally felt okay after about an hour. I wear a Medic Alert bracelet all the time, but I'm glad that I made it home before passing out! I did eat a snack yesterday afternoon, but apparently it wasn't enough. It really freaked me out! What if I had passed out while driving home? Next time I will drink some juice or soda at the Y or maybe get someone to come and get me!

Barbi

[jlea]

Barbi,

That's a good idea! You know those lows you have scare me!:dizzy:

I figure you were just trying to impress some of the hunks at the gym and overdid it, am I right?:D

Talk to you later....

[Jim943]

was done by my MIL who was also diabetic. I turned my head cuz I didn't want to see it and she jabbed me in the middle of the pad on my index finger. I almost said bad words and it hurt like a son of a gun for a week at least. I've always thought she did that on purpose, but will never know now. I'm just thankful for the improvements in our gear over the last 15 years.

Barbi, sounds like you need to carry some Lifesavers with you. They could be.

Take care,
- Jim

[jlea]

I'm thankful too. They just keep improving things. I think it is so nice to test on my arm instead of my fingertips now. They are finally smooth and soft again, but I can still see lancet holes in the fingertips and some of them are permanently bruised, I think. And I've been using a Freestyle monitor ever since they came out, months ago. I guess all the years of testing left their mark.:D

Jim, I met you on Dotti's board, didn't I? I am janetlf on the ezboards.:) I follow the WW program...OP Day 513 for me! I've been a lifetime member since November of last year.

[Jim943]

Janet,

Good memory. Yeah, that's me from Dotti's.

Did you do a trade-in on your Freestyle? I like my Accu-chek, but the finger pricks are getting old. Are the strips about the same price?

Still following WW, over a year now. Stuck at -50 pounds for 5 months now. Still trying to break the plateau, but it will happen.

Have a great day.
Take care,
- Jim

[jlea]

Hi Jim,

I just threw my accu-chek away and bought a freestyle when I saw them first advertised. I offered it to the diabetes center here, but they aren't allowed to give used ones to patients. They did take all my unopened strips though. They can give them to people as long as they are unopened.

I think the strips might be just a little higher for the freestyle, but I'm not 100% sure. I only have to pay a $10 co-payment for 200 strips a month....thank goodness for insurance! My insurance also pays for my syringes, insulin, and lancets.

My WW leader says to eat at least 5 fish meals a week to break a plateau. I've tried it....it worked for me. And the closer I got to goal I started eating more fish too. Whether it was the fish or not, I don't know, but I was losing every week towards the end when a lot of people have trouble losing the last 5 or 10 pounds before goal. I was eating baked catfish fillets--I would spray pam on a sheet of foil, lay the fillets on the foil and salt and pepper it a little, tighten the foil over the top and bake it at 425 for about 15 minutes. You could add any seasoning you wanted. I try to avoid high sodium seasonings.

Give it a try....it might work for you too.:)

[baboo]

Hi Janet & Jim - Well, I carry glucose tablets in my purse - but I didn't even think to eat any of them! I just felt like I had to get home! I live only about a mile or so from the Y - so I felt I could make it! Yes, Janet, I was trying to impress the hunks - but darn the luck - they weren't looking at me!

Jim, I have been stuck on a plateau for months now! I'm going to try the fish thing. I love catfish! I've been walking and exercising more and more, but it's just making my fat all toned up - haha! I see that you are from Texas. Where in Texas are you if you don't mind me asking!

It is very hot and humid here today - once again we are under storm watches. The weather is so freaky here...storms just seem to brew up out of nowhere! I live really close to the OK border and we always seem to get their bad weather.

I'm tired of the finger sticks, too! I've been using Avon Moisture Therapy cream on my fingers and that seems to help. My middle fingers are pretty hard to get any blood out of any more! Can you do your toes? Haha!

Must get back to work - all 5 phone lines keep ringing!


Barbi

[Jim943]

Barbi,

I live in Mesquite, a suburb on the East side of Dallas.

Boy, are you right about Texas weather; just wait 10 minutes and it will change. And you live in Wichita Falls, the weather pipeline of Texas. If it's coming, it goes through Wichita Falls.

Yep, gonna have to try Janet's fish recipe and prescription. Sounds better than any prescrition I'm taking now. It's worth a shot.

Take care,
- Jim

[Tato]

I heard about the Freestyle monitor from Janet, here at the diabetes threads. My old monitor was several years old so my insurance company paid for all except $13. Then I received a rebate from the manufacturer so it cost me nothing. Now here is the bad news: I took my car in for an oil change and someone working there STOLE it!:cry: I usually don't carry it around with me, but my doctor said to try to test 3X a day, 3 X a week. I wasn't getting my lunchtime readings done, so decided to carry it with me. Went to get my oil change after work and when I got out of my car, I took it out of my handbag and put it in the trunk so I wouldn't have to worry about losing it in Walmart. They did the oil change etc and afterwards I put my only purchase in the trunk, a bag of dog food. I drove home, ate dinner and a couple of hours later went out to the car to get my monitor and it was GONE! I told my daughter and she said the culprit probably thought is was a wallet because the case is so small and slimline. I think she was right. I called Walmart and asked if someone "found it and turned it in" (in case that guy decided to turn it into lost & found when he discovered it contained no money), but nothing was there. My insurance company pays towards one monitor every 2 years. I used my old one for 5 years and this one only around 4 months. I explained what happened and lucky for me, the insurance company replaced it and I paid $13 again. So the moral (sp?) of this story is, don't leave it in the car during oil changes or any other place that someone might mistake it for a wallet! :)

[baboo]

Hi Jim - I was just through Dallas a couple of weekends ago. I went to Waxahachie for Scarborough Fair - have you ever been? It was fun, but pretty darn hot! I usually have to go to Dallas for something or another at least every couple of months.

I went to my regular doctor today and yayyyyy! My BP was okay for once - 130/85. So she gave me a prescription for Avalide and I go back in 2 months. I see my endocrinologist next month. My lab work for this doctor all came back good - my BS was 94 and my sodium and creatine were good. I just hope it all stays this way.

Well, I'm off to Walgreens to pick up prescriptions. Later -

Barbi

[Doin It Right]

I am so glad to see this going so strong. I've glanced here and there but never saw this list so active.

I am in serious denial about diabetes. Another words, I am not eating anywhere near right and not exercizing at all.

I need a big kick in the rear.

Also, what are your thoughts on low carbs diets. This is where I drift on and off. Is it better to do food exchanges? I would like to hear your plan for success.

Thanks, Gotta do something

[jlea]

Doin It Right,

I do a lower carb diet, it is better for your blood sugar. Just don't cut them out all together.

I will post again later....we have a BIG storm hitting and I need to shut down my computer. I was just starting to do that when you posted.

Later.:)

[Jim943]

Doing It Right,

Same here; lower carbs, slightly higher protein, some fat in your diet and watch for hidden sugars.

You will find that a 10% weight loss will make a world of difference in your life. Set mini goals for yourself and don't load yourself up with multiple goals. Get your blood sugar under control, goal 1. That means medication and diet inline. Add exercise when you feel comfortable with your eating plan. Before you know it, you're feeling better physically, mentally and your losing weight.

"THUMP!!" That was a big boot in your rear. :-)

The plan for success for me was going to WW. I am rapidly closing on my 2nd 10%. The WW plan works with just a modification in carbs used. And your accountable to someone. That makes a real difference.

Take care,
- Jim

[jlea]

Hi,

Couldn't get back on the computer until this morning. It stormed all night long, with lots of lightening.

Jim is right...lower carbs, slightly higher protein and your blood sugar is in much better control. I try to limit my portions to 1/2 cup of pasta, rice, and potatoes at my meals. These starches turn to sugar in your system and raise your blood sugar so you need to be careful how much you eat. Fruit, juices, and milk products will also raise your blood sugar.

You cannot imagine how quickly your body will respond to exercise...it is very important to exercise regularly with diabetes. You will feel so much better when you do.

Please start taking care of yourself and your diabetes control. I fooled around waayyyy too long with mine and now I've got complications that will never go away! I have to live with them every day! And some days are rough!:)

Welcome to the group and post often.:)

Jim, have you started eating all that fish yet?:D

[baboo]

Hi All - I agree about the exercise! I feel and look sooooo much better since I've been exercising regularly. I have so much more energy and I enjoy my life now. Of course, I've changed in other ways, too. Finding out I have a life-threatening disease made me take a good, long look at my lifestyle. I go out more now and I am doing all the things I put on hold because I was too fat or too tired! I'm still "plump", but I've discovered that when you feel good about yourself and are happy, people don't even see the fat!

I try to eat low-carb, too. Rice has always been my downfall. We grew up eating rice every meal (my Dad is Filipino and Hawaiian). So it's been hard limiting my rice to just 1/2 cup and only a few times a week. I eat a lot more veggies now and I hardly eat bread or rolls anymore - I just lost the taste for them. Candy, especially chocolate was something I ate every day, too. After I quit eating it all the time it got to where I don't like it most of the time because it tastes too sweet. I do "cheat" every now and then, but I don't obsess about it. I just start again at the next meal. I have lists of almost every kind of food there is and my lists show the carb, protein, sugar, etc. content of each thing. I'm allowed to have 225 grams of carbs and 30 grams of fat each day and 1800 calories. So, I plan my meals around that and I usually end up eating less than that anyway. A dietitian helped me set up a meal plan.

I had baked fish last night - it was pretty good! I eat a lot of chicken right now, but fish would be a good change. I just get tired of cooking for one sometimes - it's easier just to pick up something low-fat at the store.

Well, I hope everyone has a good weekend. I plan on swimming and walking.

Barbi

[Jim943]

Barbi and Janet,

I've being eating fish since that earlier post about busting a plateau. I started that day for lunch. That was 2 days ago and I've dropped 2 pounds. If it continues, I'll be saying HOOZAHs to Janet forever. My wife is doing WW with me and that is a world of help. And we had baked fish last night also. Hope this last awhile.

Going out of town over the weekend. See ya'll Monday.

Take care,
- Jim

[Doin It Right]

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I like the idea of working on getting my eating plan in line and then as I feel better to start exercising.

Janet, I was wondering when you say a limited starches. Are you saying say 1 starch per meal and then staying within your points?
What about snacks? Also, could you tell me what you eat for breakfast.

Thanks, D

[jlea]

D,

I try to only eat 1 starch per meal, like if I have rice, pasta or potatoes, not to have a roll or bread with the same meal and to limit the size of my portion to 1 or 2 points. On the WW plan, 8 oz. of baked potato is 3 points, so I only eat 4 oz. of potatoes at a time, or 1/2 cup of instant brown rice for 1 point, 1/2 cup of pasta is 1 1/2 points, etc. Now I'm not perfect and once in a while I will eat a 2 point roll with a meal that has a 1 point starch. I can almost always count on having an extra shot with that meal.:)

Mainly just be aware of how many complex carbs you are having at a time. They turn to sugar and raise your blood sugar.

I usually have 1 cup of cheerios for breakfast, which is 2 points for the cereal and 1 point for 1/2 cup of skim milk. Once in a while I have an egg and extra egg whites with 2 slices of low fat bread (1 point for the bread). For snacks I have a point or two of crackers with a protein of some kind, or 1/2 carton of yogurt with graham crackers, or once in a while a WW or Slimfast bar. I stay in my point range, and just kind of set my own guidelines for how I mix carbs and proteins for my own blood sugar control. You have to do what works best for you.

I'm going to take my own advice and start eating more fish meals for the next 2 weeks. I've been 1/4 of a pound away from getting another star for the last 4 months. I know I should be happy to be maintaining so good, but I want that next star! :D:D

[Reety Sue]

Hello,

Is anybody out there on the exchange diet? I asked my doctor about the low carb diets and she doesn't want me to do that. Says it allows too much fat. I was doing so well with the weight loss. Now I am getting bored with it. I know that the way things are going right now I will not be able to stick with it as a lifestyle. Maybe I am just getting depressed about it all. I find myself crying a lot. I am trying but this is so sudden having diabetes and it is getting to me. What do you do to be more positive about having diabetes and staying on your diets? :(

please help-from a newbie
Rita

[jlea]

Rita,

I have tried to follow the exchange diets (and a lot of others) over the years. I didn't do so good.:o But I think maybe I just wasn't really ready or committed, and you have to be if you want to succeed. And we all hit points where we just get tired of it all, but you can't give up.

Just look at it as a way to be good to yourself, that you are worth what ever it takes to get and stay healthy. And reward yourself along the way for weight loss and good diabetes control.:)

[baboo]

Hi Rita - I know how you feel! I cried too when I found out - and I got really freaked when I started taking insulin shots! But now I look at the good side - I'm finally getting in shape and I've lost weight and I've lost my taste for junk food! It has taken me over a year to get to this point. Just go one day at a time, don't let it overwhelm you. Do you have a friend or relative that you can talk to? Are you going to diabetes counseling? That really helped me a lot. The only thing I don't really like now is that I just can't go out to dinner on whim any more - I have to test, dose and shoot-up first! Haha! I have taken my shots with me, but sometimes it freaks people out in the restroom!

I was lucky, too, in that Janet has taken me "under her wing" and really given me a lot of support. I don't know what I would do without her! Rita, we are all here for you. If you need private chats I will gladly give you my email address.

I hope that we can all help you not to cry anymore! We don't want you to be sad!

Barbi

[patbro]

Hi: I am here Janet. I have decided to try WWs next Wednesday.
I can't seem to lose any on the exchange plan with taking insulin so am going to try the points system.I take 30 insulin inthe morning and 15 before supper. Its harder to lose at my age now though but I will try.I find I am better if I don't eat anything sweet but fruit as if I do eat something sweet I crave more food not just sweets.I feel depressed if my sugars are too high but when I stick to the diet my sugars are normal and of course I feel better. Nice to be here . Pat 214/214/135

[jlea]

Glad you made it here.:) I think you will like the WW plan. I do.

I used to take 140-170 units of insulin a day....now I usually only take 5 in the morning and sometimes 2 in the evening. Some days I don't need the evening shot.

For the past few days my blood sugar has been up. I'm taking 3 shots a day until it gets back to normal, 3 units lente/3 units humalog in the AM and 2 units of humalog with lunch and supper. I'm not sure what's making it higher at the moment, but I may be getting an infection or something. I've increased my exercise a little too, to help it go down. I go through this every once in a while...no matter how good you think your control is, it is so easy to get out of control with illness, stress, or just a lack of exercise. I've had a headache for the last 3 days and haven't felt like myself, but that could be from the higher blood sugars too. Who knows? :D It will go back down again when it's ready.:)

[baboo]

Hi All - Janet, my BS has been up, too. Of course this would happen when I have to go to the doctor next month! I want my HbA1C to be low!!!

I haven't felt too hot and I haven't been sleeping well, so that is probably why. I've got some kind of crud in my sinuses - I think we have "sick building syndrome" at work. Our A/C was out for a few days, and now that it's fixed, we are all coughing and sneezing :-(

I've had really strong cravings for cookies the past few days - hot, chewy oatmeal cookies! Lord, help me - make me think about celery or something - haha!

I'll be glad when this week is over. We are really busy at work and everyone is stressed out! I'm going to "boot camp" tonight at the Y and I hope to relieve some stress!

Talk to you all later -

Barbi

[Dimples]

Hello,

I don't have diabetes but I have been put on the diabetic exchange program. I was wondering if there is a book someone could suggest that lists the exchanges. I have a limited sheet with some of the exchanges but would like a better book. I am in Canada and some products have the exchange info but not a lot. If someone can help me.....I would appreciate it.
Thanks,

Marie

[Jim943]

Marie,

This is a site that I found some time ago that has helped me with exchange. It's one, big, long page with lots of reading, but it's all there.

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1667.50250

Check it out. Hope this is a help to you.

Take care,
- Jim

[jlea]

Marie,

You can order a book about exchange lists from the American Diabetes Association's web site. They have an online store with books on exchanges and meal planning. I checked and they have one called The Official Pocket Guide of Diabetic Exchanges for less than $5.

Their web site is http://www.diabetes.org

I also got a book called Exchange Lists For Meal Planning at a local pharmacy a couple of years ago. I think it is just an older version of this same one. It was published by the ADA too.

[jlea]

Jim,

We were posting at the same time.:)

I will check out your page too. Thanks.:)

***Wow, I am printing this out as I type (22 pages:D), and I also bookmarked it too. This is very helpful. Thanks again!

[Jim943]

Guess I should have said its The American Diabetes Association Exchange List. It should be real similar to your booklet. If not, they've changed something. But it is a freebie, so to speak. :-)

- Jim

[jlea]

Free is good!!:D

Are you still eating fish? How's it going?

[Jim943]

Here's another site that you can feel comfortable with. It's the Canadian National Diabetic Site. Alot of really good information here. Several large buttons on the main page, click one and it will keep you busy with diabetic info for hours.
Check it out.

http://www.sugarbytes.com/

Take care,
- Jim

[Jim943]

So far, it's working. Saturday is WI, so we'll see if I've really moved from the mark.
Had Tuna for lunch today. The wife gets burnt out on fish, but I could have it for breakfast with no complaints.
Tomorrow, I see my doc for my quarterly check-up. I get the official bloodwork done. I should have that back Wednesday of next week. He emails me my results.

- Jim

[Dimples]

Hello,

Thanks so much for the information. I didn't expect such a quick reply but it is much appreciated. I will check out everything that was suggested to me.
Thanks again.

Marie

[jlea]

Well good luck on the weigh-in and the doctor's appointment too! I hope both go great!

Let us know if you've broken the plateau. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you!!

[patbro]

Hi : I am on NPH and Humalog right now. I was diagnosed in 1987 and was on glyburide until last year. I find it so hard to lose on insulin but of others can lose I will be able to I hope.I gained around 20 pounds since going on it. Of course I was eating too much along with it so that didn't help.
Pat

[jlea]

Pat,

I know what you mean. I really gained a lot the last couple of years before joining WW. I was taking 4-5 shots a day, but was very insulin resistant. The more insulin I took, the more I gained, and the more insulin I needed! It was such a relief to break out of that cycle.:dizzy:

I take humalog too, along with Lente. I have tried the different pills through the years too, alone and with insulin. I finally refused to take them any more. I'd rather take shots than the pills. I feel like I have more control with the shots....I know when to expect my insulin to peak and when it will be wearing off. I use a sliding scale with my shots, up to 4 a day if I need that many. But most of the time I only have to take 1 or 2.

[Jim943]

This story came out in late January, but I don't know if everyone (meaning Diabetics) had seen it. I think this is really neat. Check it out.

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/living/DailyNews/insulininhaler010201.html

I was at Rick Mendoza's site yesterday and he has a list of maybe 7 or 8 non-intrusive glucometer manufacturers that would be unveiling their glucometers this year. No more sticks! Yeah!

All went well at the docs. He said I was down 10 pounds from my last visit. I don't know how he came up with that number, but I'll take it. Staying on the same meds for the time being. He may cut down on my Glucophage if I have a significant weight loss (30 pounds). That's doable. I just need to move my butt. :-)

Take care,
- Jim

[baboo]

Hi All - Jim, glad your doctor's visit went well. Congrats on the weight loss!! I have slowly started to lose again - so far 5 pounds in the past month. It's been kind of humid here and that always makes me feel fat! :0

I feel rotten today. I went home sick yesterday from work. I've got a runny nose, sore throat and coughing. I took a Claritin D capsule last night and fell asleep at about 7:00 and didn't wake up until 6:30 this morning. Now I feel like I have a fever. It's times like this I wish I had a husband to baby me!

I'm going to check out those web sites you suggested. I wonder how much those stickless glucometers will cost? I do get tired of sticking myself and giving myself shots. For the rest of my life I will associate the smell of alcohol with diabetes!:lol:

Have you heard about the pancreas transplants? Would you consider having that done? My sister, who had diabetes, recently had her stomach stapled. Now she no longer has diabetes. She's lost about 50 pounds, but quit exercising so now she's all flabby. She can't eat any dairy and hardly any meat. I'll just keep on losing the hard way!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Barbi

[jlea]

Jim, I'm glad your doctor's visit went well! Yay, 10 pounds less than your last visit!

No sticks! That would be great. Since using the freestyle meter, my fingers are so much better. It doesn't hurt in the arm, but I do have all these little dots where I test!:D

Barbie, I guess at this point I would just keep taking shots instead of having a transplant. I don't mind the shots, it's just a pain sometimes to test and adjust a shot before you eat or do something. I test before I do anything any more, especially things like driving and exercising.

I wouldn't know how to act if I could just do what I wanted, when I wanted!:?: :dizzy: :D

Hope you're feeling better!

[patbro]

Janet: Hi When you went to WW did you tell them you were diabetic or did you just adjust your points to the exchange program? I guess your points go down as your weight does right?
Another lovely day here today can't wait till wednesday so I can get started. Pat

[jlea]

Hi Pat,

I think I told my WW leader the first meeting when she was going over the program with the new members. She said there were several diabetics in the group.

There are still a couple of the women coming to the meetings that started around the same time I did. They are doing good with their diabetes control, and one of them had lost 76 pounds as of last month, a pound more than me. So it can be done, if you put your mind to it.:)I think that is the most important thing. I've stayed on program every day since I joined WW. If I'm hungrier some days than others I use banked points or earn extra activity points. I eat out a lot, like I always did. I just make healthier choices and don't go over my points for the day. And I have a calendar by my computer that I mark my OP days on. Today is OP day 525.....now I couldn't go and break my record, could I, just for an few extra bites of food?:D:D This helps keep me on track, honestly!;)

I'm happy you are starting Wednesday too!:)

[Jim943]

I have heard people talking about being insulin resistant and thought they were shy or didn't like to say the "D" word.
I was wrong. There is insulin resistance and it's called Syndrome X.
If you have been dianosed as insulin resistant or having Syndrome X, here's some information that will help educate you about your syndrome.

This is from the American Heart Assoc.

http://www.americanheart.org/Heart_and_Stroke_A_Z_Guide/syndx.html

This is from Ideal Vitality and has extensive explanations of the disease and treatment.

http://www.idealvitality.com/Health_Insulin/dealing_with_syndrome_x.htm

Prevention Magazine 4 part article about Syndrome X

http://www.prevention.com/healing/living/synx.html

And the book Syndrome X.

www.syndrome-x.com/

Hope this helps.

Take care,
- Jim

[patbro]

Janet: Boy you really stuck to your guns . I hope I can do that too after all if I am paying money I want to do what I am supposed to.
I eat out quite a bit too I was thinking I wouldn't be able to much anymore but I guess I can if I watch it after I get used to the point system.
What is OP ?
No You couldn't break your record its a good one hope I do as well. Pat

[Jim943]

Pat,

OP stands for On Point or staying within your point range. Janet is amazing; I'm OP for today, so far. :-)

Take care,
- Jim

[patbro]

Jim: Thanks . Janet sure is amazing I just hope I lose while on insulin as I am getting very frustrated.Well I can try anyway all Ive got to lose is weight. Pat

[Walkingchick]

Hi there. I am new to this site. It's so cool to find a tread like this. I usually hang out on the WW boards, but variety is the spice of life, so here I am.
I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes about 2 1/2 years ago. Unfortunately, the preganacy ended badly for us and all I was left with was diabetes. I spent the last 2 years in denial of my condition. However, this year I have turned a corner, and am now dealing with the issues surrounding my disease...my weight for one. I have been on the WW program now for 8 weeks and have lost 11 lbs. My blood sugar is under good control, and I feel as if I have some control back in my life. I have a long weigh:) to go, with another 47lbs to lose. I am hoping to lose most of this weight by the New Year, as my husband and I are hoping to try for a family once more.
I have a question that maybe one of you could answer. Last night I had around 4 glasses of wine throughout dinner...it was BBQ. I ended up pretty drunk. I don't think that this was an excessive amount of alcohol because in my pre ww days, I would drink more than that. Now, I have recently changed meds to Glucotrol xl. My question is, would the glucotrol have affected my ability to tolerate the alcohol, or could it be related to my healthier lifestyle?

Thanks for listening.

[Jim943]

Walkingchick,

Couple of points: Wine is a more powerful drink than beer (alcohol per volume); wine is the essence of the sugar in the grape.

Did you start drinking on an empty stomach? Do you know what that wine did to your blood sugars?

For me, any kind of alcohol is a balancing act that is very tricky. I have high bloodpressure and alcohol drives it up. The sugar in alcohol drives my blood sugar up. A little drink goes along way with me.

I also try and use my WW points on something a little more filling than a drink. Look in your WW Getting Started book on page 75 and check your wine usage.

My bet is your healther lifestyle and the wine clashed somewhere in the middle.

Take care,
- Jim

[Walkingchick]

Thanks for your advice Jim. I think you are right re the clash. I did start on an empty stomach, it's hard always remembering to drink sensibly. I am ashamed to say that I don't know what effect it had on my blood, as I didn't even think about testing. Too busy having a good time.
Alcohol is my last vice. I have kicked the chocolate, rich indian food and caffiene (SP). I am getting much better. In fact, last night was my first drinking session in at least a month. I agree that my WW points are too precious to waste. I obviously over did it and hpoefully, I have learned my lesson here.

:o :o :o

Monica

[Jim943]

Don't knock yourself.
This whole thing is a learning experience for each of us. We are similar in diagnosis, but each of us reacts to certain stimuli differently than others.
So, it's just another lesson learned. You're new at this, you're making the right steps, learning and unafraid to ask questions.
You're doing O.K.

[luzcious]

Hi everyone. I've been away from my computer for a couple of weeks due to vacation and new carpet being installed and sure have missed talking to everyone. I've printed out the entire thread and am looking forward to reading and responding soon.

TTFN :wave:

[jlea]

Hi Walkingchick,

Welcome to the group.:)

Thanks guys, but I don't think I'm amazing.:o Just determined to keep this weight off. It would be so easy for me to gain it back if I let myself start going over my points range. And that's not even counting what it would do to my diabetes control.:dizzy: Maintenance has been tough enough, not the part about staying in my points, but adjusting my insulin to my increased points. I held off even starting maintenance until February (made goal in September)because I was in such a good place with my diabetes control and my BS was great. As soon as I started adding points back, it's been a challenge. I'll figure it out though, I was doing pretty good until lately. I'm trying to eat a little less daily or exercise a little more. I'll find my balance again soon.