Diabetes Support - "GETTING TO KNOW YOU" - Poster Profiles

It’s getting so busy in our regular monthly DIETING WITH DIABETES thread that Monet and I thought it might be handy to have a special spot where we could all introduce ourselves and provide a little background about ourselves and our experience with this ‘challenge’ we share.

Here’s an outline. You can do a copy/paste routine to put it into a reply post and then fill in the blanks. In the next post after this one, I’ve used myself as the first entry.

Here we go . . . you can, of course, fill in as much or as little as makes you comfortable . . . there are no rules.


PERSONAL INFORMATION: Tell us about yourself, your family, your pets, your hobbies, your occupation, your most (and least) favourite books/movies/TV programs/music; – just about anything that helps us know the real ‘you’.

DIABETES INFORMATION: What Type; when diagnosed; what medications; any complications you’ve experienced.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: Height/Weight Statistics. How much you hope to lose and in what timeframe. Formal or informal diet and exercise regimens. Things that work for you. Things you tried, that didn’t.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: Anything you’d like to share with the group.

And here’s MEOWEE ---

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Tell us about yourself, your family, your pets, your hobbies, your occupation, your most (and least) favourite books/movies/TV programs/music; – just about anything that helps us know the real ‘you’.

I’m Linda and I’m pretty sure I’m the oldest one here . . . currently 63, my birthday is February 25, 1943. I’ve been married twice (widowed once, divorced once) and I have two grown sons and three grandchildren. Unfortunately none of my family live nearby. Currently have two cats (three until recently). Probably will be adding more before long. You’ve probably now figured out how I arrived at my forum-name.

Update at Dec 1/2007 -- I've been collecting cats and now have six.

I’m originally from Toronto, Ontario but currently live in rural Nova Scotia (was transferred here by my employer about 13 or so years ago now). I retired about 5 years ago, but I’m still here. I like the calmer life-style down here. By training (and experience when I was still working), I’m what they call a ‘risk management specialist’. What does that mean – I went to school for what seemed like forever and studied Actuarial Science to learn how to sound convincing while making educated guesses.

As well as cats, I love crafts (knitting, crocheting, other forms of needlework are my favourites). I’m an avid reader and particularly love mysteries and science-fiction stuff. Love all the current forensic-science based TV programs and strongly dislike most of the current reality-type programs. My favourite music is anything Classical and I'm really not a big fan of Country-Western.

DIABETES INFORMATION: What Type; when diagnosed; what medications; any complications you’ve experienced.

I have Type II Diabetes; first diagnosed about 15/16 years ago now. I spent the first few years trying to ignore it in the hopes it would go away. It didn’t. I take Glyburide, Metformin, Actos, and (for the past 5 years or so) I inject insulin twice a day. I have developed neuopathy in my feet and, to a certain extent, in a couple of fingers. Also will be having cataract surgery quite soon and I’m actually looking forward to it. Fuzzy vision is not fun.

Update at December 1, 2007 -- Still taking the oral meds (but less of them) but have been off Insulin since beginning of October and I am thrilled.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: Height/Weight Statistics. How much you hope to lose and in what timeframe. Formal or informal diet and exercise regimens. Things that work for you. Things you tried, that didn’t.

I'm 5'2" tall and currently weigh 240 lbs (started 2006 at 285). My short-term/mid-term goal is to get to ONEDERLAND (under 200 lbs) and I hope to reach that point by the end of 2007. Then we will think about what comes next.

Update at Dec. 1/07 -- Afraid my ONDERLAND target will be staying on the agenda for 2008 -- definitely losing at a 'snail's pace' this year.

Basically, I follow the CDA (Canadian Diabetes Association) exchange guidelines and then enter my daily exchanges into a self-developed Excel program that keeps track of my weekly calories, and grams/percentages of carbohydrate, fat, and protein. I try to average around 1600 calories daily over the course of a week with a 50% Carb / 30% Fat /20% Protein ratio. I also aim for at least 35 grams of fibre daily. I try to be very much aware of the Glycemic Index of the things I eat and a lot of my carbs come from low GI vegetables.

I used to (pre-diabetes) be able to lose weight quite easily on a low fat, high carb diet (always put it back on, of course). Diabetes made that kind of regimen a major no-no for the long-term.

Unfortunately, I’m not good with exercise. I also have arthritis in my knees, ankles, and shoulders and that restricts things a little. However, I’m really just plain lazy and I hate to sweat. I really don’t have any formal regimen, but I do try to move more and love my recently acquired stability ball. So things are getting a little better on the exercise front.

Update at Dec. 1/07 -- Been playing around with my new friend Gadzella (Tony Little Gazelle) since September and I don't totally hate it. :lol:


SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: Anything you’d like to share with the group.

All I really want is to improve my health as much as I possibly can. Any improvement in appearance and energy are the icing (something I don’t eat any more) on the cake. The 45 lbs I lost in 2006 have allowed me to cut most of my Diabetes medications by about 1/3. It would be marvellous to be able to get off some of them (particularly the Insulin) entirely; but I’m not hoping for miracles.

Hey -- see above -- I accomplished that Insulin miracle. :carrot:

Hey everyone i like this idea too..my real name is gale.. lets see im 57, married for 38 yrs to the same guy, we live in alaska in a log house that we built... i have 2 daughters and they are married to great guys and 4 grkids.. also have golden retreaver, a shi*-zu and a parakeet..family is the most important thing to me and next to that is my close friends that are like family.. i do lots of crafts,quilting, beading, card making, srapbooking,crocheting, cross stitch etc etc etc..i love to read, i like my soap opera young and the restless,er,greys anatomy and lost.. also like reality tv big brother,survivor and american idol.. also cooking shows,flip this house and little people big world..i like all movies esp old doris day ones..my dh and i are retired now but i had ahome daycare business for 20 yrs and he worked at an oil refinery..i have been diabetic type 2 for 10 yrs now.. i am 4ft 10 inches tall and lets put it this way very round:D .. i take glypazide and gluchphage..i follow ww when im being really careful but generally count carbs and avoid things with sugar..i know i should exercise but hate it when i do exercise its walking or dancing..we do lots of family things and on holidays everyones at our house..we play alot of games, cards and i love playing bingo with my girls and girlfriends..the thing thats the most impt to me is my family and my grkids..when they grow up i want them to remember the fun they had with us..my goals is to stay as healthy as possible and to dance at my grkids weddings..Rosey :wave:

Here is mine:

Personal Information: I am 53, soon to be 54! I grew up in the Chicago area, but went to the University of Georgia for college, where I met my husband who was raised on a farm in south Georgia. We live near Atlanta, where he is a computer programmer, and I have just returned to my first love, Pottery, which I majored in at UGA. We have three grown kids, and one five month old grandson, who along with his parents, lives with us. FUN! We have a bunch of cats, and a few fish. I enjoy knitting (as long as it is square or rectangular! Anything more complicated makes my brain hurt!) I paint, use pastels, cook, do cake decorating, etc. I am the wedding coordinator, special events director, and arts ministry team leader for my church. I have a studio degree in pottery and an art education degree. I have taught art off and on through the years. Right now, I am working on developing a pottery studio with a friend. I moderate the Sugarbusters forum, as well as overseeing Dieting With Obstacles forum. This website has been a great encouragement to me through the years.

DIABETES INFORMATION: I was diagnosed about nine months ago with Type 2 diabetes. My sugar levels were well over 400, and my A1C was 14.85. The doctor fully expected to put me on insulin, but I started walking an hour a day, swimming, and being very careful what I ate. I was able to bring my bg down dramatically. I now take metformin, a tiny bit of Amaryl, and Byetta to keep my bg levels in the target range.

DIET/EXERCISE: My exercise has become a bit sporadic, but I fully expect once the weather is warmer, I will be back to my three miles a day. And once we open the pool, I will be back in the water at least 30 to 45 minutes a day, water jogging. I follow Sugarbusters for my diet. It was recommended to me by my old doctor as the healthiest diet out there. It has you avoid simple starches, and concentrate on whole grains, and avoiding sugar.

HOPES/ASPIRATIONS: I would like very much to figure out something that will work for me to lose weight. It seems nothing works. Its very frustrating. I keep reading all the information I can find, and trying anything that sounds sensible. Right now, I am reading a new book called The Fat Resistance Diet. It talks about Leptin, and tries to explain Metabolic Syndrome, and how to heal it through diet. I will probably give it a shot and see if it will help.

Personal Information[B] I'm Gina. I'll be 61 on February 25. Single. No children. I live in a studio apartment in San Francisco. In the 1980s, when everyone was "dressed for success," I dropped out and went to college. Have degrees in journalism and humanities but work as a legal secretary. I don't have any hobbies, other than I love to read and see films. I read everything from literature to mysteries and books are my biggest extravagance. I see the current movies, usually one a week, and watch the classics on TCM and other cable movie channels. Someone gave me a Netflix subscription and I've been revisiting the foreign films I loved in my youth. I'm an anglophile and a francophile. Also am interested in Japanese culture. I love all kinds of music. Am a diehard Beatles fan. Love jazz, Tony Bennett and Charles Aznavour. Have about 500 record albums from the 60s and 70s and about 300 45s, going back to the 50s and 60s.

[B]Diabetes I've been Type II since 1994 and have been off and on medication. Currently I take Glucophage and Actos. Have gastroparesis, a side effect of diabetes (when the stomach slows down food processing) and take metoclopromide for it.

Diet, exercise From 8/05 to 3/06 I lost 80 lbs. on a medically supervised fast. Unfortunately I put back on 30 lbs due to an extremely stressful year. I'm going back on the fast beginning this Thursday. As for exercise, I've been a real slug. I joined a gym for 6 months but due in part to some physical limitations and the fact that I find the treadmill a bore, I felt the expense wasn't justified. I plan to start a walking program which has always worked for me if I stick to it.

Hopes I hope that I can stick to the fast for a long time until I get to where I want and then find a way to keep it down without giving in to stress eating.

Hi I am Joyce, I am 67 years old and a widow for 9 years. I have eight children, 24 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Most of them live near me. My 9 year old great grandchild lived with me for the last 6 years. He would go home and spend the summer with his mom. But after he visited her at christmas time he wanted to stay with her. So last Friday he went back to Waukesha to live with her. He misses his 6 year old sister, he will be going to school with her now. So I am kind of lonely without him around. That is why I decided to get back on my diet and get my life back in order. I have had two knee replcacements on my right knee in the last two years. And am still having problems with it. If I lose 50 pounds it should really help. All my life I weighed about 110 pound , but I had my last son at 43 and had my tubes tied and never lost weight after that. I was diagnosed with type 2 diebetes about 3years ago, and now I am on acto and metformin. I have been keeping my blood sugar pretty good. But now I am having problems with my left eye. I have lost part of my vision in it. I didn't stick with things as well as I should have the first year, but now I try to do everything I am suppose to do. That is why I really have to get this weight off fast. I don't exercise as much as I should, because of the problem with my right knee. But I have to start doing something. I would like to get down to at least 130, that means I would have to lose 40 pounds. Maybe I can do it this time, just eating by myself and not having to cook for a nine year old anymore. I hope to hear from some of you, it will be nice to know someone else is having these same problems.

Introducing myself:
personal info: I'm Jerie, 61 years old, divorced about a million years ago :). I have 2 sons (40,38); 5 granddaughters (17,16,14,11,7). Have lived in arizona since mid-50's. I'm retired after working for the state for 30 years (retired as software analyst). My mom lived with me for nearly 20 yrs because she couldn't drive and it was just easier to be in the same house. Took care of my mom until she died last year, so I'm living alone for the first time in my whole life. Wow, what an adjustment that has been. Have been overweight most of my adult life. I am physically limited (have to use walker or even a wheel chair on bad days) from post-polio syndrome, so exercise is a challenge. I love grandkids, music, I'm a rabid Beatles/Paul McCartney fan, love NASCAR, love gardening and can't do much now but still have roses, used to love traveling but haven't done it since I've been mostly disabled. I've become a tv junkie, especially old movies, law & order, British mysteries. I like to read, mostly mysteries. I'm studying buddhism and meditation with a women's group.

diabetes info: diagnosed in 1969 (back in the day when they didn't treat type 2 too much) as gestational, but it never went away. It very much runs in my family, and there were 3 who were blind from diabetes. I'm on glucophage, lantus and humalog now. I do have eye complications and neuropathy.

diet/exercise info: I'm 5'4" and my highest weight ever was 263. I started this time at 238. I've been on every diet you ever heard of, and a few you probably haven't. Right now I'm on Jenny Craig. Since I've been living alone I was practically living on drive-thru, delivery, and PB&J. Eating too much and usually all night long. I figured this was the way to go, because I hate cooking for just one, and have a lot of trouble with portion sizes. As for exercise, I do what I can (see personal info).

Hopes, etc.: Right now, I just want to be as healthy as I can. My only female cousin died a couple of months before her 65th b'day from diabetic complications. Before she died she'd had toes amputated, was on dialysis, had 2 strokes, was blind, and had bypass surgery. She finally died of a heart attack. I'm getting close to that age and I DON'T WANT TO BE LIKE THAT.

Hi Everyone, My name is Lynn & I have a DD - Kathy, a SIL - Cookie, and a cat - Princess Di. My DD & SIL own a B&B about 15 minutes from my house. I am a scrapbooker, a horsebackrider, a Big Sister volunteer, and a perpetual dieter. I teach online graduate courses in Education for the University of Phoenix. I became a widow one year ago, had a hip replacement last August, 2 cancer surgeries in March, and found out I have type 2 diabetes in April. I love British mysteries, Masterpiece theater, and House.

I am taking Januvia right now. It reduced my Blood Sugar considerably, but I can eat only around 15-20 carbs/meal if I want my Blood Sugar to be 115-120 two hours after meals.

I'm 62 yrs. old, 5'1", and 174 lbs. I'm aiming for 150 lbs by January of 2008. I go to the gym 3 times/week & try to walk 2-3 times/week.

I've been on the 50+ Board for quite a while - Golden Girls Thread. I am hoping that I can learn some information to help me with my diabetes on this thread.

Lynn

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Tell us about yourself, your family, your pets, your hobbies, your occupation, your most (and least) favourite books/movies/TV programs/music; – just about anything that helps us know the real ‘you’.

Hi everyone! I am Nella. I am SAHM to one beautiful 1 yo son. I love to read books and watch movies. I also love to digital scrapbook.

DIABETES INFORMATION: What Type; when diagnosed; what medications; any complications you’ve experienced.
I was recently diagnosed as T2 in March. I had Gestaional Diabetes while pregnant. I am currently not on any medication for it.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: Height/Weight Statistics. How much you hope to lose and in what timeframe. Formal or informal diet and exercise regimens. Things that work for you. Things you tried, that didn’t.

I am very short--only 4'10. My current weight is 189. I started out in January at 203--so that's something.

I have tried WW and South Beach. I had alot of success on WW when I was younger but, since then, I just can't stick with it. I tried S. Beach for about 2 wks--I couldn't even get past PHASE I. I got really sick from no carbs. Shortly after that, I was diagnosed as T2. I have met with a nutrionist and she gave me a plan for about 100-150 carbs per day. Lately, I have not followed this and want to get back to it! I also have hypothyroidism, which makes it REALLY as well to lose. I need alot of support!

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: Anything you’d like to share with the group.

I want to have a good
A1C in September when I go back to dr. I want to lose 25lbs by then also.
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Personal Information: My name is Casandra, and I've recently turned 19. (31/5) I was born in a tiny town in Illinois. My parents moved my family around quite a bit as my dad is of a high rank in the Army National Guard. I never spent more than a year and a half in any given school since I was 8. I have three younger sisters. Katrina, Kayla, and my puppy Kenzie. Just last year I moved to the United Kingdom to live with my soon to be hubby! I am a Data Analyst for a ginormous company that spans from the UK into Germany and other countries. I like to read, my favourite authors are Anne Rice and her sister Alice Borchardt. I also write poetry and have been published a few times in the USA. My passion in life are animals, especially dogs and horses, I would eventually like to breed and show Beagles.

I am very computer oriented, I live with a pc engineer and webhost/designer. I am currently learning PHP, perl, and MySQL. I am very into graphic design, and I love art!

Diabetes Information: In April of 2004 I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. My Doctor and I did not get along at all, in fact, he was the cause of most of my stress in my early period of diagnosis. In January 2005 I had enough of him and I went off all of my insulin and regimes, because he would not listen to anything I wanted. I ended up in the hospital with a BSL of 765. I know this wasnt very smart, but I felt like my feelings and my preferences were being completely ignored. I also have a phobia of male doctors. I burst out crying when I'm made to see a male doctor, and I cannot control it. I have not been very trusting of men in general since my encounter with the man who diagnosed my diabetes. I am currently on Novolog and Levemir Flexpens, although I want to go back onto Lantus with the syringes, not the pen. Levemir is a 16 hour insulin, while lantus controls for a whole day.

Diet/Exercise Regimen: I am just under 5'8, and I have been stuck around the 185 mark since I was diagnosed. I usually go for walks or a run every morning, sometimes up to 8 miles in a single day. I eat pretty well, I dont get as much veg as I should, but I'm not collapsing into junk food, yet I still cannot lose a single ounce! I have been pondering getting a membership at the local swim club because I have knee issues (discoid meniscus) and this can cause such pain in my joints. I just cant afford it yet!

Special Hopes/Aspirations/Achievments: My fiance has made me a proposition. I am a size 16/18 UK, and if I can get myself down to a size 10/12 (this is my goal, btw) He will let me start looking into having a puppy. Leaving my dog in the USA was the hardest thing I've ever done and I miss her to bits and pieces. He says that when I get to a size 10, and can stay there for a month, then he will go out and get me a puppy. This is the biggest reward for me anyone could possibly offer.

***I will update this every now and then, as some of these facts are subject to change***
The updates are in bold.

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Hi there! My name is Aidyn. I'm 22 and I live in the fantastically exciting (NOT!) college town of Gainesville, FL. I'm originally from the DC area and it took me awhile to get used to the culture (or lack thereof) of this town, but I have now. I'm very into the creative arts, from theatre to graphic design to songwriting, fashion design, rock shows, arts festivals, and everything in between. I am now a certified personal trainer and nutritional consultant, though I am an office slave by day because it's quite important to have steady money in these times! ;)

DIABETES INFORMATION:

Type 1 since 16. I felt like diabetes arrived at a perfect time - I was already starving myself, and suddenly, more weight was coming off without me even having to try! Of course, it all went downhill when I felt too crappy to continue. After being diagnosed, I was an avid fan of practicing a dreaded tactic called diabulemia, which is skipping insulin to stay thin. I didn't completely take care of myself (I either skipped insulin, starved, or was too occupied/conveniently forgot to eat much) until I moved down here nearly two years ago... and THAT'S when *BAM* I gained 50 pounds! Now, I'm just trying to maintain the healthy habits I've formed. I'm on shots right now... Lantus and Humalog... I know shots are kind of old school, and a lot of people have moved towards getting a pump, but I am not sure how I feel about the idea of something being attached to me 24/7.

Luckily and thankfully, I don't have any complications.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN:

I'm 5'6" and I met my goal of 135 pounds on 11/07/07! Before I started losing weight at all, I was around 180, though once I started watching my weight, I dropped down to 175. Anyway - I try to eat small meals every few hours in hopes to kickstart my metabolism. I ride my bike to and from work (8 miles each way), run 3-5 miles every other day, and weight train each morning with rotating muscle groups. I do a combination of high weight low rep and low weight high rep for maximum muscle development. I like running up and down stairs, too.

Diet wise: I started out eating 1,800 caloies or less a day, followed by 1,600, 1,500, 1,400, 1,300, 1,200, then back up until I lost all my weight (had to bust those plateaus!) I tried to get 100g protein in every day, and kept my fat intake at 30% or less. I wasn't an extreme stickler for any of that, and I messed up more times than I could count, but if I guilt tripped myself every time I broke a dietary guideline, I'd have quit by now! ;)

My maintenance diet has a range of 1,800-2,100 calories a day. I'm still eating very healthy things, just more of them. Because of my vigorous exercise routine, I can eat plenty of food, have a few treats every now and then, and still look good and be happy.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS:

I placed first in my weight class and second overall in a bodybuilding contest on 7-18-09! My body is something constantly up for improvement, BUT I am pretty happy with it overall. Non-weight-wise: I have quite a few performing arts achievements: I was in a traveling production of Guys & Dolls several years ago and got to play Sarah Brown. I was an extra in an episode of Law & Order. I hosted a huge arts festival in the DC area. I've performed stand-up comedy at the Improv at DC and in LA. Weight and health wise, my biggest achievements have been losing 7 inches off my waist, losing 40 pounds, being able to wear fitted tees again without looking like a stuffed sausage, going from a size 14 to a size 4 (well, I was a 12-14, and now I'm a 4-6/5-7 in juniors, to be precise), getting a flat stomach, developing healthy habits and a more healthy attitude towards food, and shedding that eating disorder mindset that once plagued me for almost 5 years!

:welcome: TERI . . . wow you are a cross between the incredible Shrinking Woman and the gorgeous Bionic Woman . . . Keep up the good work on the shrinking part, Chickie -- but hopefully you won't need any more bionic parts. :lol:

PERSONAL INFORMATION: My name is Sarah, I'm 23 years old. I live by myself. I'm a student in Library Science, and school is pretty much my entire life.

DIABETES INFORMATION: I was diagnosed with Type 2 in November. Needless to say it hasn't been the best few months. It upset me so much, even though deep down I saw it coming. I'm quite overweight and it runs in my family. I also have a few other health problems that interfere with my ability to lose weight. As my doctor so eloquently put it, I was "genetically screwed." I'm on metformin 1500mg for the diabetes, but I'm having a hard time with my BG levels even though I track everything I eat and watch my carbs and follow a low GI diet.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I'm 5'7" and weight 261lbs, I was 284 when I was diagnosed. I exercise 3-5 times a week (30 min cardio and weights). I hope to weigh 160 within the next 2 years.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: To become healthy and maybe get off some of the (many, many) meds I'm on.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Tell us about yourself, your family, your pets, your hobbies, your occupation, your most (and least) favourite books/movies/TV programs/music; – just about anything that helps us know the real ‘you’.

I am a 51 yo WMF, have 7 children(yours,mine and ours) and 6 grandchildren. I am a school nurse, making weight loss and improved health my personal and professional goal for the year. I have involved faculty, students, peers and family in my journey, and am accountable to many. I want to be an example of good health for those around me, and prove that it "CAN BE DONE".

DIABETES INFORMATION: What Type; when diagnosed; what medications; any complications you’ve experienced.

I was diagnosed 2 years ago as a Type II, currently on Metformin twice a day. Last A1c was 5.8, so no complaints there. My weight loss and healthier eating are obviously paying off. So far I am fortunate not to have experienced related complications. I have a significant family history that placed me at risk, but I certainly didn't help myself out any with my obesity.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: Height/Weight Statistics. How much you hope to lose and in what timeframe. Formal or informal diet and exercise regimens. Things that work for you. Things you tried, that didn’t.

I am 5'9" and my current weight is 259. I started at 286 in September of 2007. I hope to be between 160-180 in September of 2009. I have done alot of reading and have tried different approaches to dieting, but I find that WW is probably the best plan to follow. I don't attend meetings, but count points, journal and email faculty with my weekly progress. I walk at lunchtime, and bring my lunch to work everyday. I have good control until supper time and evenings roll around.:devil:

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: Anything you’d like to share with the group.

I hope to live long enough to see my great-grandchildren. I want to do some of the things that I sit on the (self-imposed) sidelines for due to my weight. I want to be able to buy clothing in the normal sections of the stores. I would love to be able to manage my diabetes with diet alone.


Thanks in advance for your support.:D
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Hi BETH . . . I seem to be saying hello to you in a few places. :lol: . . . Hope you will be joining the rest of the 'sugar-babes' in our regular "Dieting with Diabetes" chat thread. Look forward to seeing you over there. :hug:

I am Trina 29 years old. Married going on 12 years and have two wonderful children.

I am a type T1 and take 52 units of Lantus and around 60 a day of Novolog. I hate hate taking shots however I refuse to go to the pump. Not going to happen with me. My dr really wanted me on the pump but I refuse I dont want something attached to me at all times. I went to the "classes" and I still dont want the pump LOL I think they got the hint this time. lol
On the average I take 6 to 8 shots a day. I am a very picky eatter as most things make me sick at my belly.

I also have SLE Lupus and Asthma . I have had a big range of health problems most recently ( with in a year) being that I had a large part of my muscle wall in my stomach removed and masses removed from my stomach and had masses in my lungs.



My whole family helps with my diabetic care. My 10 ( 11 soon) year old daughter knows how to give me my shots if anything ever happens. She knows how to test my BS as well as she knows what to do if my sugar goes low.

My husband tries to make sure that if he is cooking to cook something that is "diabetic friendly" . My husband kindly reminds me to take my shots when I am in a runt and pissy about taking them.( LOL take it or i'll give it to you!)


Unfortunally even with shots there is a lot I still can not eat as my body resist shots( I feel really ill if I eat the wrong thing and I go high no matter if I take a shot or not with certian foods) . Me and my Endo are still working on this to see what we can do to fix this problem.


My hobby's are entering sweepstakes online. I belong to another forum with a wonderful wonderful group of people that also like to enter sweeps. WHEN I enter I do very well!

Ok I guess this is all for now!!! look forward to get to know everyone!

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Hey, All!! My name is Mary, and I'm 38 years old. I'm married, for 10 years so far, and a mom to two boys, 8 and 6. I've know my DH since I was 15, and he was 18. We were together, then apart, then had to be together again - he came home to me two years before the wedding. We do TaeKwonDo as a family, and I'm mere moments from testing for my black belt. I scrap book, and we love to watch Doctor Who, Torchwood, Biggest Loser, Survivor. I love reality shows, as well as sci-fi. We have named goats, ducks, and bunnies after the Firefly characters. That said - we have goats (13), a llama, ducks(3), chickens(oh my), bunnies(2), dogs(2), cats(4), and hamsters(2). We live on 40 acres, 5 miles down a dirt road in a little (!) town in Montana. It takes me 45 minutes to get to Helena, the closest town, as well as where our dojang (TKD studio) is located. I read when I have the chance, which hasn't been forevah!! I'm originally from CT, and my boys were born there, but DH is from Montana, and wanted the kids to grow up here. He travels for a living, doing computer work, so I stay home with the kidlets, and have decided to home school them - currently 1st and 3rd grades.


DIABETES INFORMATION: I'm Type II, was gestational with both boys, and have an inkling that I was before getting pregnant. I also had a "scare" as a child, but no one remembers it but me. I guess I always knew, but just went on with life. I'm on 1000 mg of Avandamet, twice a day. A1C started at 11.3, then 10.4, then 9.3. I need to go for another one, my DR was out on maternity leave, and I haven't made a new appointment, probably because I know I'm not so good.


DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I'm 5"0' - current weight is 185 lbs. I would like to be at a healthy 118 lbs, like tomorrow!! I've been struggling at this weight for over a year. I workout almost daily - TKD - which can be very strenuous. I teach, as well as take class. I need to lose my butt - gotta get the size off my hips! I'm testing black belt next week (the 18th) and can't get my body off the ground to do a face level jump front kick board break, so had to switch my board break to a step reverse side kick. For those who don't know, it doesn't sound right, but it means something to me. It was just something that I really wanted to do.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: We have gained so much as a family from doing TKD, that I plan on starting my own school. It's a huge undertaking (HUGE!!), especially in this economy. I've never been physical - I was in marching band in high school!! - so this is amazing for me. Who would have ever thought that *I* would *want* to do anything like this!! But, this is my dream, my goal, my fondest desire. It would help others with their bodies, as well as balance, coordination, self defense, self confidence, respect, as well as a bunch of other life skills!

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Hi! I'm Lauren, I'm 18 and live in Newcastle, Uk where I was born and raised. I'm currently studying Photography in college which I hope to again major in university. I work part time for an estate agency also.

DIABETES INFORMATION: I was diagnosed with Type one diabetes just after my first birthday and take regular insulin injections, twice a day to control my sugars. Most of my life I have been in yo-yo control of my diabetes and at the moment am trying to maintain some control as it is beginning to affect my health, mostly my eyes.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I swim twice a week, take aerobic excercise and dance on a daily basis. I'm a vegetarian and am quite healthy, I just eat too much! My height is 5'2 and my weight is 153 lbs, I used to be about 130 lbs so I'm hoping to return to this weight at least.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: I really just hope to gain some control of my blood sugars, and to feel good about myself and not use food as a weapon and tool to control my feelings!

PERSONAL INFORMATION: I'm Jill. I'm 25 and currently live in northern VA with my fiance, Jeff, and our two puppies, Bean and Bowser. We own a townhouse together, drive his and hers Honda Civics, and are both relatively successful for our age--something I'm very proud of :) I'm currently a Proposal Manager for an IT reseller. I'm good at writing, editing, formatting, and organizing, so I just sort of fell into it. It certainly pays the bills, and I hope to someday migrate to a more marketing-focused position. I love my puppies, decorating, music, watching cartoons, and laughing :D

DIABETES INFORMATION: I've been overweight my whole life (since about age 4 or so). I started having slightly elevated fasting glucose levels when I was maybe 13, but it was never high enough to trigger tracking or treating by a doctor. When I went to a new doctor last month, she ordered all kinds of tests, and I came back with high triglycerides, high fasting glucose (214), and high A1C (9.1)--good for a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes and a prescription for Metformin. I'm frustrated that no doctors paid close enough attention to my glucose levels when I was younger, as I feel this diagnosis could have been prevented or at least delayed. But, c'est la vie...always a case of, "if I knew then wheat I know now," right? :dizzy:

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I'm eating low carb. For me, that's 50 grams or less total carbs per day. And the carbs I do eat should primarily come from veggies, beans, and nuts. I've been doing a lot of walking for exercise mixed in with some light weights for upper body and some ab exercises. I have a LOT of weight to lose (I've lost 24 pounds, but I still have over 100 to lose).

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVEMENTS: I need to get off the Metformin, as my doc said I can not be on it while pregnant, and we plan to begin trying to grow our family in about 3 years. I want to be a healthy mom, raise healthy kids (and puppies!), and continue healthy growth in my career.

I went through all the posts on this thread and didn't see one from me so guess somehow missed this one. So here's all about me..:D

PERSONAL INFORMATION: I am 65. It's just my dh of almost 46 years and myself these days...the kids (4) are all grown and on their own with their own families. We now have 7 grandchildren (4 girls and 3 boys). My dh and I are retired and lovng it!! We keep very busy. He works hard in the yard, when home we go to gym 5 x week, however we travel as much as we can. We usually go south Jan-March (snowbirds) and we try to walk every day down there. We've been slacking off since we came back from our last trip (middle of last month we went to UT) though due to company and illness. My dh got back to the gym today and I hope to return Monday. I am a Christian and I love to study the Bible. I also enjoy entering sweepstakes ...I think it was Trina who also is a sweeper?! Always happy to meet another sweeper. :) My last win was nice...value of $600..an eco-diaper bag with a onsie, a couple books and lots of free coupons for 7th Generation products. I shared with my dd and that made it even funner! :D

My favorite book is the Bible but I also love reading other inspirational books as well as fiction. I love mysteries! Can't remember my favorites right now but I like several of the well known authors.

TV - I'm not a big tv watcher but I do enjoy the crime dramas like all the Law & Orders, CSIs, Cold Case and Criminal Intent. Guess my MOST favorites are CSI Miami, and Criminal Intent. I have also gotten very hooked on Survivor and I get very upset when it doesn't end like I think it should! At those times I say I'll never watch it again but the I do.:o I also like to watch shows like American Idol but don't as often. I love the internet and spend quite a bit of my day off and on online...entering sweeps, researching info, shopping, banking, email, and forums.

Music: My favorites are Gospel and Country, but I like the contemporary choruses we sing in church, as well as most of the old hymns. I enjoy the beat of rap (though not always the words)...my youngest son did a little rapping and he got me to it. I like really smooth jazz and some rock...really I like almost all music except the really hard rock and I don't like it as loud as I used too (is that my age telling on me?!!). And I esp like to sing along with it! I'm no great singer but I do love to sing! I feel like God has blessed me in so many ways and I have lots to sing about!!

DIABETES INFORMATION: About 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with Pre-Diabetes, but by now it is Diabetes, Type II. My dh was diagnosed about 10 years ago. So far we have done very well with diet and exercise. I do have neuropathy in my hands and feet, but neither the doc or I am sure it was caused by diabetes because I had it for several years when I was younger (30s-40s) and then it went away for about 10 years...but at that time it was only with a direct stimuli...now it is more constant/chronic. Back then it was mostly in my toes, now it is in my feet and hands. I also have a gene that only 8% of the population have. This gene causes me to have a lot of inflammation (eyes, muscles mostly) and the doc said it also might be causing the neuropathy, but of course the diabetes doesn't help. So far I get along with OTC pain relievers when it's really getting to me though so I'm sticking with that as long as I can.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I am 5'3" and have been weighing 162-167 lbs. I recently had a dietician consult and diabetic classes and learned a lot . I feel now I am taking my diet more seriously. She put me on a 12-1400 cal, 9-10 carb, 5-6 meat/protein, 4-6 non-starchy vegetables, and 3 added fats diet. IT's only been a few days but so far I am doing well and was 162 this am which was a drop to the lower end of my usual range which I hadn't seen for a while. I hope to get down to at least 140 but prefer 130. My problem is sticking consistently to my diet and my weakness is snacking too much, but I hope to be changing that now.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: My goals in regard to my health iare to control the diabetes, lose weight and maintain good health. I want to live a long life with my dh and I hope we can do a lot more traveling together (he is 73). I want to glorify God in my life and want to see my children glorify Him also. I have been very blessed so I want to give back now to Him and others.

I look forward to partcipating in this diabetic area of the forum. I know the weightloss support has been helpful and I feel a real need now to connect with other diabetics for support as well.

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PERSONAL INFORMATION:
My Real name is Amy, I am 39 years old and I live in Ohio. I have been married to a wonderful man for 20 years. jWe have 3 great teenagers...boy 16, girl 17, boy 18. ( Yes, we are smack dab in the middle of teenage ****!:dizzy:) I have one dog...Zoey ( hence, my screen name) I call her ZoeyBug! She was a puppy rescue...She is a little confused, she thinks she's a cat...so we have the best of both worlds in her.
I just graduated in December and have reached my dream of becoming a special education teacher. I was blessed enough to get a long term substitute position at the high school where I student taught-it was in the classroom for students with multiple disabilities. I loved it! It is so crazy to get paid for something you love to do.


DIABETES INFORMATION: What Type;
I was just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes on 6/11/08. Two days later-after a sleep studyI-I learned I have sleep apnea. I stop breathing 50 times an hour and my oxogen drops to 76%...no wonder I feel like !@#$#. The doctor has put me on a combo medicine...I believe its called ActoPlus Met. It has given me a little bit of stomach side effects. I'm very anxious about the slim possiability of lactic acidosis. ( I have some problems with anxiety...so this does't help)

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN:

I am 5' 2" and weigh 270. I have no exercise regimen...I HATE exercise.
:devil: I do have a recumbant bike( not sure if thats how it is spelled.) it is easier on the knees. I don't mind doing it...I can do about 4 miles in 20 minutes. I am also re-starting water aerobics tonight:D.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: Anything you’d like to share with the group.

My hope is the same as most...to feel better. I am tired of feeling like crap. My goal is to exercise at least 5 days a week and follow the sugar busters plan faithfully.

On a more personal note...my biggest hope is that my oldest son will find his way...he is struggling with drugs and depression. It is so hard to see your child struggle. He began having problems with depression when he began high school and things went down hill from there. Actually, things have improved a small amount. I wish I wouldn't have allowed him to manipulate me and put him in drug treatment before he turned 18...now I can't force him to enter.
Now were just at the point where we don't give him money and love him, love him, love him while trying not to enable him.

I don't know whether we are to welcome people here but I just wanted to say welcome to all of you who have recently joined. I'm fairly new to the site and am very new to the diabetic area but I think it's a great forum. We each have our own issues and yet we have things in common no matter our age and circumstances.

Zoeybut, I can imagine that sleep apnea must be a difficult thing to deal with! And I complain about my frequent hot flashes which tend to rob me of sleep! Getting adequate rest is just SO important to how we feel. My heart aches for you in regard to your son. That can keep you awake at night too. We had a dd who got into drugs and I know how difficult it is. It is so hard to reach them and all you want to do is help them! I hope that your son will find his way soon.

Hi all
I posted this in early June. When the site had a problem my info went away.


PERSONAL INFORMATION:
My name is Brenda and I live in Northeast Mississippi. I'm married to Thomas and we have 4 adult children and an adorable grandchild. She is very precious to us especially since we thought there never would be a grandchild.
My daughter Yalonda lives in Germany, Allyn, and Andrew live in Ok., and our youngest Richard lives about 10 miles from us. He is the one with the child.
No pets or hobbies at the moment. I'm seriously considering a classroom pet so we may be getting one in the fall.
I also need to develop some type of hobby so perhaps my hands will stay busy and away from food.
I'm a Special Education teacher. For a long time I've taught elementary level. This coming year I'm moving to Jr. Hi. This move isn't by my choice but I do feel it's the Lord's will so I'm doing my best to adjust. Last year Regular ed was moved around this year it was SPEDs turn. My big interest is Autism. I was interested in individuals affected by Autism long before it ever became the big interest it is at this time.
I like Country,Gospel, and Golden Oldies music.
I'm a Christain but not a fanatic.
My faith and church is very important to me.


DIABETES INFORMATION:
I have T2 diabetes. I was diagnoised in Jan of 04. It was a very mild form and remains so today. At first I used diet and exercise to control my diabetes. I also took a 2 day class at the Diabetes Treatment Center in Tupelo, Ms. That was the best money I ever spent. They took the time to teach me what I needed to know when my doctor wouldn't take the time. She told me to attend the class if my insurance would pay or read about it on the internet. Real nice medicial professional, Grrrrr!!!!
My insurance refused to pay so they set up a payment plan and I paid for it all out of my own pocket.
In the fall of 04 my symptoms returned and I talked my doc into putting my on meds. Suddenly I could eat some favorite foods that my bs just wouldn't allow me to eat. Rice and oatmeal went back on my list of ok foods.
Today I take Metformin and Byetta.
Due to high stress at work and my mother nearly dying in March I got out of the habit of meal planning, following my food plan, and checking my bgs 2-3 times a day. I'm working hard to get back to doing those oh so important things I need to do in order to control my diabetes rather than letting it control me. Still not back to my normal self but I'm getting there.
Since I've had diabetes I seem to get sick easily and pick up alot of stuff from my students.
I haven't experienced any complications from diabetes.



DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN:
I weigh 216 lbs and I'm 5-4. My goal weight is 140. Many years ago I went to a weight loss program and lost down to 132. I looked like a concentration camp survivor. I also lost my gall bladder. I think 140 is obtainable and I should look just fine at that weight. BTW: that program is now out of business due to the fact that many clients lost their gall bladders.
I follow meal plan that was set up based on activity level etc.
I'm in the process of rebuilding my exercise program.
Summer time means the pool. I would also like to begin walking a little each day. I'm about to change my gym membersip to a gym closer home. When I do that they will set up a weight training program for me. I hate, hate, hate weight training. But I think I'll be able to do it at least twice a week.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Hi. My name is Dee. I'm married with adult kids ages 30, 31, 32 & 35. We live in a small home in Atlantic City, NJ. We have a great veggie garden that I love to tend. Since I stay home I have lots of time to cook almost everything from scratch. I bake and can and freeze many goodies from the garden.

DIABETES INFORMATION: DX Type 2 in May of 2007, probably had it for at least a year but was in denial. Currently taking Metformin 500 mg twice daily and Amaryl 2 mg in the evening.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: 5'4"/205 I'd like to lose 60 lbs in the next year. Informal low carb diet. Exercise: walking and dancing around the house. When I do walk 30 at least minutes everyday I see weight loss. You would think that would be enough motivation....
When I was first diagnosed I wanted to control with diet and exercise only, I did not want to take any meds. Dr. had me on 1500 Metformin, 100 Januvia and 4 mg Amaryl. As I cut out the carbs I cut out medications one by one. The Januvia was the first to go. I had an infected nail cuticle that would not heal, as soon as I stopped taking it the infection cleared up. I try to balance the meds with lifestyle changes, to get control with as few as possible.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: I'd like to help our community become more aware of what the typical American diet is doing to our health. To make kids understand that food comes from the earth not McDonalds or a box. I believe processed food is killing us.

Hi all.....

My name is Chris and I am 52 and have been married to dh for 32 soon to be 33 years. We live in WA where I am a school bus driver. No stress there..LOL.

We have 2 dds...one died in 2002 and the other lives in MI. The dd that died was 21, 4 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 50 lbs. She was not suppose to live to be a year, but surprised everyone. Every day after the first year was a miracle. She was total care so I did everything for her. I miss her so much and it is hard to believe that it is gonna be 6 years.

I weight 305 right now but plan to lower that number. I have tried almost every diet on the earth and then figured out that I am insulin resistant and pre-diabetic. So I am working on that. I am on metformin and that seems to be helping with no side effects.

Our other dd lives in MI and has been married for 9 years. While growing up she because our hellion...she did so many things that we had one dd that could not do anthing and the other that did. We did not give up on her and she is now just a love. We talk just about every day. No grandchildren yet...but that will happen in time.

I love to read, cross stitch and just be with dh. We do have an australian kelpie who keeps us busy. We got her about 1.5 months before Kathy died and she is quite a blessing. She owns us not the other way around.

Well that is about it.

I'm a newbie to the boards and got my behind in gear after my doctor told me that if I didn't change something, I'd be on insulin within a year. I have enough trouble with lancets and don't want to be injecting insulin for the rest of my life.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: I'm 39, divorced with one daughter, 14. I do advanced tech support for a major Internet company. (If you haven't heard of them, you've either been living under a rock or don't know what the Internet is.) While not working with a bunch of skinny 20-something men who can inhale 4000 calories a day and not gain an ounce, I like doing "girly" things - sewing, cooking, gardening (flowers and herbs on my 8'x12' balcony.) I'm getting back into canning, dehydrating, freezing, etc. I also love soccer, cycling, photography and writing. We keep house for 2 cats and have lots of fish tanks (10 I think.)

DIABETES INFORMATION: I was diagnosed as type 2 in 2000 and started out with "diet and exercise" regimen, which was basically walking to the freezer to get ice cream. Needless to say, that didn't do the job and I ended up begging for drugs. Right now, I'm on metformin, glyburide, Januvia and Actos, after a HbA1c of over 13, three months after a 8.6. After 6 weeks of the new regimen, my HbA1c was down to 8.4. My doctor keeps trying to take the glyburide out, because my blood sugar levels have been nearing the hypoglycemic levels. Glyburide is the "kick in the pants" for me. I'll be taking out the Actos soon to see how that goes.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I'm not on any particular eating plan, but I'm keeping track with the USDA pyramid guidelines and a program that works on my desktop and PDA phone so I can spot trends. I've learned that I can't have any wheat products for breakfast - my BS jumps to the 200's and stays up all day. I usually exercise 5 or 6 times a week, depending on my schedule. (I work until 6 PM and if I don't get home right away, I tend to not get that exercise in. Morning exercise just doesn't work for me.) I usually bike since I have a stationary bike and a road bike, but occasionally, I'll toss in a workout or two on my rowing machine.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVEMENTS: My ultimate goal is to have my diabetes under control without the use of any medication (or insulin.) I'm losing weight more for that than anything else. I want to be able to bike the old Columbia River Highway in the Columbia River Gorge (absolutely beautiful area) and have a picture of every waterfall in the Gorge (there are over 200 and many require lots of hiking.) Recently, I was able to spend an entire day at the Oregon Zoo recently and NOT be exhausted at the end of it!! Yeah!

Hey every one, I guess I forgot to post here first.
My name is paula, 34 years old, mother of 3 aged 4-15, married for 12 years, I'm a nurse (you know we make the worst patients), gestational DM in 97, my son weighed in at 10lbs 14oz, bigggggggggg boy via c-section, diagnosed with DM2 in2000 and was in complete denial, I really didn't care, I don't remember what my a1c was, so I guess I just got serious, my weight has always been an issue for as long as I can remember, highest I think wa 307. As of now Ive been doing a low carb diet, and i've seen good results with my BS, highest has been 130, I'm only taking 2 meds to control my bs now, before I was on 3, trying to start moving a bit more. My goal is to control my DM with diet and exercise, I want to seen my kids grow up, I want to set good examples for them.
Paulas

Hi TOFU and Hi PAULA . . . great big welcoming :hug: for each of you . . . there's definitely no rule about where you should post first . . . just hope we'll be seeing both of you regularly down in our Dieting with Diabetes chat thread.

Hi all!

I've been lurking a bit but have decided to take the plunge!
PERSONAL - My name is Marge. I'm 45 years old. Married for 16 years with three daughters, 11,10 and 8.
I have always struggled with my weight. I had gestational diabetes with each of my three pregnancys. they weighed 10.3, 10.8 and 12.2 yes pounds! and yes I had my tubes tied after the third! none of my doctors really made a big deal out of the diabetes. they just said, you know, your sugar is high, your gestational diabetic better watch what you eat. So I cut out most sweets. thats about all I knew to do!
MEDICAL - at my last physical 2 years ago i was diagnosed with pre-diabetes with a fast bgl of 106. Again didn't make much of it.
this past june at my physical I had a fasting bgl of 261. Now she told me I WAS diabetic and had the health of someone who just had a heart attack. LOVELY! she has given me 3 months to bring those numbers and my weight down otherwise she'll put me on meds. So now I am taking this very seriously. honestly, I never really thought it was THAT big of a deal. I guess since the doctors didn't make it out to be. But this one, got my attention!
I chose not meet with a dietician since I've done alot of research on line about eating looking for the right diet! But now Im a bit confused and think i need to see a deitician and take a diabetes management class.
I am testing my sugar numerous times during the day. in the am. before i eat, one hour after i eat, two hours after i eat.... I am just not to sure about what to do with those numbers! how high is high? is my goal to keep it as low as possible or is it ok to go up if comes down quickly?why do i get a worse reading from oatmeal than a piece of cake? to0 many questions.
So I have a call in to my Dr. to set up the appts.for classes and dietician. I have been doing pretty good losing weight but basically it's because I'm really not eating. I just don't know WHAT to eat already.
ok anyway, this went from an intro to a b**ch session. Sorry

SPECIAL HOPES/ASPIRATIONS Well, you guessed it. to get a grip on all this and figure it all out. I am 45 and have an 8 year old. I would love to be around to see her have her own children. so I don't have a choice. I MUST get a grip on this!

Hi there . . . glad you found us, Chickie . . . hope you'll be joining us in our regular Dieting with Diabetes chat thread down under the Sticky area.

Definitely get your doctor to make an appointment for you to see a DEC (Diabetes Education Centre). Most of your questions can be answered there. Unfortunately doctors are often less than helpful for a newly diagnosed diabetic. In the meantime, read some of the back threads in this forum and take a look at the ADA (American Diabetes Association) website.

Blood sugar levels go up and down throughout the day for everyone. Good levels to aim for are between 110 to 130 first thing in the morning and before meals and you should be approaching that level again within about 2 hours after eating.

The sugar and fat in the cake, combines to temper the GI effect of the starch from the flour. Some people (I'm one of them) are more easily impacted by grains; even the whole ones like oatmeal and, of course, the finer the oatmeal is ground the higher it's GI so make sure you use nothing finer than Old-fashioned, large flake oats.

I did a fairly thorough write up on things that raise and lower Glycemic Impact over here . . . http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145931 . . . you might like to think about a low GI plan.

Wow meowwe!
That's great info. I did schedule myself for a class,so I'm looking forward to that. I loved your write up.That is very helpful indeed! Inever imagined there was so much to this. Thanks again!
Maggie

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Tell us about yourself, your family, your pets, your hobbies, your occupation, your most (and least) favourite books/movies/TV programs/music; – just about anything that helps us know the real ‘you’.

Hi ! I'm MK, I'm 48 yrs old & I'm a diabetic child of brittle diabetic parents. I lost my Pop to diabetic complications and my Mom is slowly losing HER battle with this insidious disease. I have relatives on BOTH sides who are or were diabetic. Finding it kinda hard to out-run this bullet. :( I'm a single "Mom" to 3 beautiful babies -- Bennie (4 yr old Main Coon); Bitzie (2 yr old Tuxedo) & newest arrival Lil Max (6 mos old Tuxedo). I AM the office for a non-profit located in Virginia. I truly have found my favoritest job & really love it !

DIABETES INFORMATION: What Type; when diagnosed; what medications; any complications you’ve experienced.

I was diagnosed as "pre-diabetic" bout 6 yrs ago & "earned" the official label 3 yrs ago. I take 1000mg Metformin 2x a day; Lisinopril and HTCZ for blood pressure; Simvastatin for cholesterol; Omeprazole for GERD. Sometimes I feel like a walking medicine cabinet ! Oh can't forget -- I also use a CPAP @ night to breathe. :dizzy:

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: Height/Weight Statistics. How much you hope to lose and in what timeframe. Formal or informal diet and exercise regimens. Things that work for you. Things you tried, that didn’t.

At 64 inches & at 223#, I know I need to lose weight, but have been struggling with getting the weight down (much to my Doc's chagrin). I truly try to conscientiously to watch my sugars, carbs, fats, etc. Not to mention going as far as purchasing portioned dinnerware & measurers. So far only 10# have disappeared (since 2 yrs ago) & I have some physical limitations that make exercising strenuously, impossible. However, I did recently purchase a recumbent exer-cycle & have been logging in on that 6 days/week.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: Anything you’d like to share with the group.

I don't want to be 120# (quite frankly, it'd look horrid on MY frame), I just want to get to a reasonable and maintainable weight (say 150ish#) so that I can hopefully break the "family curse" and get off meds for good and also rid myself of most of this pain that haunts me DAILY.

Hi there MOLLIKINS . . . glad you found us . . . hope you will join us in our regular Dieting with Diabetes chat thread. :hug:

Sorry! I've just found this forum and have gone around blabbing everywhere without taking the time to start in the right places. So, this seems like a right place.

Personal information: My name is Dyan and I'm 47 and I live in a suburb of Dallas with my husband and our dog Buddy. I have a 29 year old son in California and a 24 year old son working on his bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering. I have a 9 year old granddaughter Rebecca who is an amazement. My degree was in foreign languages, but now I'm a federal contract manager and have been in this career for about 12 years.

Diabetes Information: I've always struggled with weight and have never much cared to diet or exercise or ever visit a doctor. June I had a huge wake-up call. Health fair day at work turned up with a fasting glucose of 167. One can be very smug and cavalier about their weight until one affects their whole family by compromising their health. Quick about-face. The doctor prescribed 2 x Metformin @ 850 mg daily plus 1 lisinopril. My ac1 is 6.7. My daily testing averaged about 145 last month and it is around 150 this month. Doesn't sound like it's in the healthy range to me! Very, very new to this, so I'm stunningly ignorant. Don't know what to do next.

Diet/Exercise Regimen: I went to the dietician who has educated me on portion control and the effect of fat and carbohydrates. I'm on an 1800 calorie a day diet and I walk 30 minutes per day and see a trainer once a week. I have a mighty dislike for exercise, but it's not about my likes and dislikes anymore -- it's about being responsible. Exercise can be tough because I have a bad right ankle, bad left knee and a trick back.

Special Hopes/Aspirations/Achievements: My hope is to start being responsible. I have people who care for me and people (my parents) that I need to care for. Life is too great to be treating it this frivolously.

Thank you for any guidance you can give. In addition to my weight, I especially noticed my health faltering when I was in a mega-stressful job for 2 years straight... poor eating, constant panic, too little sleep, zero exercise had to have contributed. I notice my blood sugar responds mostly to stress rather than diet. I left that job and am in a MUCH better place now where I can put some balance back into my life.

Wow, you ladies are going to make me cry. If any of you have read my past post have heard me say it a lot. I can not believe how lucky I am to have found this site.
Personal information:- My name is Amanda and I am 23 years old. I have been married for 2 years and together we moved to southern Maine to start our lives. I work as an administrative assistant for a mapping/software company. I have no children and no pets, nor to I plan on having either one.
Diabetes Information: I was diagnosed at age 11 with type one diabetes. It was May 1996, crazy how well i remember that day. Type 1 runs in my family, but I feel like I am the only one in any control. However, due to insurance reasons, i had to take my insulin sparingly and I was hospitalized twice when I was 18 and once at 21 for DKA. Also in that time I suffered from diabeticlema, I would not take my insulin so I could stay skinny. Wow they came back to bite me in the butt. Anyway, since my last hospital stay, i see a doctor every 3 months and have been more healthy now then ever, although I do slip up now and then. Like some I have read before me, I am also against the pump. I take multiple novolog shots a day and one Lantus in the evening
Diet/Exercise Regimen:I don;t really have a plan, so let's skip this part
Special Hopes/Aspirations/Achievements: I want to be healthy. I don't want diabetes to be a chore.Once I get down to my goal weight, I want to go back to school. I just need to focus on my health first.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: I am 25 years old and living with/madly in love with the greatest, most supportive, wonderful man in the world! I live in Houston and jusssssst got my power back from Hurricane Ike, but all of my family members/people I love are fine. I am truly a lucky woman. I'm taking online classes this semester at the University of Oklahoma, where I'm majoring in history and minoring in anthropology (with an archaeology concentration.) I love to travel and be outdoors as much as humanly possible, and I am a HUGE sports fan!

DIABETES INFORMATION: I'm a Type II diabetic, diagnosed in March. I've been controlling it with food but it is getting harder and harder to do so and I fear I'll be on medication in the next few weeks. I'm also a member of the lifelong eating disorder club, which contributed a LOT to my blood sugar problems.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: Right now, I am 5'6 and 155-160, depending on the time of day and how kind my scale decides to be to me. I ate nothing but junk food during the hurricane and gained five pounds, which is wreaking havoc with my whole system right now, and I'm trying to get back on my meal plan. I just started running (I ran my first three miles today!!) and hope to do that every day. I also am trying out the "100 pushup plan" and want to run a half marathon with my brother in January. I am basically just focused on doing things in a healthy way that's not going to jeopardize my health - I've had enough with that.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: I want to get back to my weight of 125-130, but do it in a HEALTHY way. I was so emaciated last summer that my whole family considered putting me in a hospital -that was the first indication that something was really, really wrong with my body. Once we figured out what was going on, I started gaining everything back and of course I had to decide between my health and my vanity. My health, obviously, is much more important. :)

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking for a few weeks, but thought I'd go ahead and join. Here's my info.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: I'm married with 2 dogs and cat. I am a pet sitter and dog walker - great job, absolutely love it. My music tastes are pretty eclectic. I prefer non-fiction type television generally, but my favourite shows include Big Bang Theory, Rick Mercer, and 22 Minutes. I love to travel - we plan one big holiday each year. I live in eastern Ontario.

DIABETES INFORMATION: I was diagnosed with Type 2 about 2 months ago. No medications or anything. So far I've got good control I think, with diet and exercise. Still learning how things effect my levels.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I'm a 5'7" female, 41 years old. I was about 258 when I was diagnosed near the beginning of August. I'm currently about 237, so I've lost about 20 pounds. I'm watching the carbs that I eat, I've reduced my portions (I'm hungry a lot), and I've increased my exercise. I've committed to at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. I wasn't able to do much for about a week and a half because of an injury, but I'm starting to get more active again. I'm hoping to be down to 175 by the middle of next summer. We'll see how that goes!

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: I'm hoping to have my blood sugar under great control. I'm hoping to be much more in shape and healthier than I have been.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: I'm a 38 year old female living in Columbus, OH. I have 2 step-children, Katie, who is 14, and Nick, who is 12. I have a Siamese cat, Cosmote. She was an engagement gift from (now) husband. He gave her to me two years ago when he proposed. He tied a ribbon around her neck with the engagement ring. How could I say no? I have worked for the federal government for the past 15 years. I love to read - put just about any kind of a book in front of me, and I will read it! I enjoy making jewelry in my spare time. I've never tried to sell any of it. I usually give it to friends and family.

DIABETES INFORMATION: Tyoe I, diagnosed about 5 years ago. I'm currenty taking Lantus, Byetta, and Glucophage/Metformin.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: 5ft. 1in. / 242lbs. I need to lose at least 103 lbs to fit into the BMI scale. I started Weight Watcher this week. I've tried low carb diets, PWLC, NutriSystem, and many others.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: I want to live.

Hi there from another cat lover (that's Purrecious is my avatar; she's one of six) . . . hope you will come down and join our regular chat thread DIETING WITH DIABETES . . . :hug:

BTW, are you sure you are Type I (maybe that was just a finger slip) ?? The medications you list (other than Lantus which is a brand name for Insulin Glargine) are usually only prescribed for Type II's. Also have you chatted with your doctor recently about Byetta which has been getting some bad press lately and here's a link to a thread with a couple of fairly recent articles you might like to read . . . http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=149597

Hope to see you again soon . . . :wave:

Personal Information:
Hi ya
i am Maria i am 36 on Thursday 4 DEC i am married to a cool guy called Chris we have two boys called Rowan 13 and Lathym 9 i live in Australia but i am a kiwi.since we moved to Australia. i am stay at home mum but i have been very sick the last year.i love to read and listen to music hang out with my mates go to the beach With Chris and our two boys they both have disability's .and my husband Chris is sealing the roads around Queensland 5to 6 days a week. Mostly away.
DIABETES INFORMATION:
I was diagnosed about one and half months ago with Type 2 diabetes, still getting control BSL. Last week found i have hypo thyroid ism and of top of i have Bi polar. i am on Lantus twice a day and Glyburide and Metforminand a few other meds .i have a questions since i found out i break out in the sweats.
Diet/Exercise Regimen:
i was in hospital for week and they started to get my sugars down and start to diabetes education. I was very lucky my mum came over from New Zealand and help me get my diet sorted out it not sweet things so much it is cheese & pies etc are my down fall and the odd glass of fizzy.As i have not been well i try to go for a short walk but it is very hot at the moment. i have done one thing i stop smoking thought that would not happen but i done it.
Special Hopes/Aspirations/Achievements:
loses some weight and run around with my boy and have lots of fun !!!!!!!!!!

Hi there and :welcome: . . . hope you will come and join us in our regular Dieting with Diabetes chat thread . . . here's a link to the current version . . . http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157504

Hello everyone :)

PERSONAL INFORMATION: My name is Aimee. I am 26 y/o. I live in Western New York in a smalelr town right on Lake Erie with my husband, 4 kitties and a crazy parakeet (who happens to be in love with the cats lol). I am very spiritual and trying to find a good balance of mind, body and soul for myself. I have struggled with depression and panic attacks where I think I might be agoraphobic. I am currently on prozac for it so I am hoping that will help.

DIABETES INFORMATION: I just found out I was diabetic so this is all so new to me. On Jan 10th I went to the ER and they said they felt I was diabetic my blood sugar was over 300. The ER put me on metformin 500mg twice a day. I saw my doctor on jan 27th who confirmed I was diabetic. She upped my metformin to a pill and a half twice a day. Then I saw her again on Feb 3 and she had the results of my A1c which was 11% eek. So she decided I needed to go on insulin. Hopefully only for three months and then see.

So since then I am taking Novolog 70/30 20 units in the morning & 10 at night plus still on metformin though she lowered my dosage back down to 500mg.

Since getting on the insulin my daily blood sugar has been great and within the range she told me. So yay.

It has been really difficult for me so far and overwhelming experience. I went to go eat yesterday after getting home and was like ugh no I have to test & take insulin first. And i am a huge baby with pain and needles are so scary lol so it has been rough to get my mind to say ok you can poke yourself. It doesn't even hurt. It took me like a week to be able to test myself right. I had alot of trouble getting enough blood at first eh. I am getting better though and getting alot more used to it all.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I am 5'7" I am saying I weight 211 right now lol. On the third at my doctors they said I weighed 218 (shoes on) but then on the 6th at a different doctor I only weighed 211 (shoes off). At home it says I weight 210.5 (shoes off). My shoes must weight 7lbs lmao.

My goal right now is to work out a good meal plan and really figure out what I can eat. And to keep up with walking. My goal for now is to get down to 165 and then go from there.

The doctor told me to have 1600 calories and 200 carbs a day. I am a huge carb addict so it is tough lol. But I am counting carbs and calories everyday. Trying to plan out my meals for the week ahead of time and keeping track on sparkpeople.com.

I have a walking video by Leslie Sansone that I am using. Eh well I have only done it three times so far but I am going to keep at it and try to walk everyday 30 mins for now and then work my way up to 60.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: I want to be healthy and happy. I would love to be off the insulin. I want to lose weight. I want to have a baby so badly and I know I need to get myself healthy and it will help.

Hi Folks.

My name is Denise and I have been posting in the chat thread for about a month now. I really enjoy hearing how people are doing.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Tell us about yourself, your family, your pets, your hobbies, your occupation, your most (and least) favourite books/movies/TV programs/music; – just about anything that helps us know the real ‘you’.

I turn 55 today and am a native of Oakland, CA. I have been living in Minneapolis MN for 10 years. I live with my SO of 4 years and am retired from careers as a scienist, entrepenuer and executive. I currently work part time as a disabilty advocate. Work I truly love! My SO and I are big jazz fans and are planning a 40's style wedding for 2009.

I enjoy movies. all kinds of arts events, musuems, theater etc. Being in nature is a big draw for me. I love the tv show 24 and anything espionage.

DIABETES INFORMATION: What Type; when diagnosed; what medications; any complications you’ve experienced.

Diagnosed as Type 2 around 2 years ago. Don' t currently take any medications or have any complications.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: Height/Weight Statistics. How much you hope to lose and in what timeframe. Formal or informal diet and exercise regimens. Things that work for you. Things you tried, that didn’t.

High weight of 470. Currently in the 440s. Was 5'10+" but have shrunk to 5'8+" Am hoping to lose around 50 pounds per year and have lost around 25 in the last 6 months. I do pretty well with food. I counted carbs for a few years but am trying a more intuitive approach to eating since my blood sugars and A1C have been in range for awhile.

Exercise is my nemisis. I have severe arthritis and asthma and have a difficult time motivating my self to do anything. I used to really enjoy the gym and outdoor sports but it has become all to painful in the last few years.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: Anything you’d like to share with the group.

I had planned to go to law school next year but have decided I don't want to spend that much time away from my dear Mark. Would like to grow in my knowledge and abilities as an advocate and continue to improve my health.

"I wish I had taken the doctor more seriously."
--VermontChick

I completely agree with this. I'm glad I found this... Here we go...

Personal Info: My name is Monique, 25; I’m single and a social service provider. I live in Southern California and working towards grad school.

Diabetes Info: I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic about two years ago and did not pay much attention. The doctor told me if I lost even 10 pounds that would take me out of the danger zone, but I didn't do that. I went in on Tuesday (4.2) for blood work because I knew I needed a check up. I also knew deep down that I was diabetic. I had to pee more often, really tired and thirsty all the time! By the next day I got a phone call from a nurse giving me the news. My mother, father and sister are diabetic along with extended family. I am feeling very overwhelmed at this moment and while a part of me just wants to get it together the other part wants to cry. I haven't told my family yet, only friends. I know I can't sit here and blame anyone else except myself but I also know there is no use in throwing a pity party. I have to just take care of myself. I know my life is changed forever and I suppose this is the biggest reality check I could have asked for.

Medications: When I was diagnosis pre-diabetic I was placed on Metaformin 1000mg but took myself off of it because I was kicked off my parents insurance. I see my doctor again on Thursday and will find out then what she is putting me on.

Diet/Exercise: I currently do not have a regular exercise regime. This has been my biggest down fall. I do plan to join the YMCA next week. I would like to work out 4-5 times a week for an hour, half cardio and half free weights. Since finding out yesterday, I feel like I have no idea what to eat. I don’t know how many carbs I can or can not have, I don’t know how much sugar I’m looking for, frankly I’m lost. I plan to go see a dietian on Monday so I can get the low down.

Aspirations: I would love to lose the weight, be off of any medication and have steady blood sugars. I would also love to learn to cook better and live with my diabetes happily instead of letting it define me.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: My name is Lyna, I am 27 years old from Ohio. I am engaged to a wonderful and supportive man, I have 2 cute dogs (Golden Retriever and a Siberian Husky). I do want other types of pets but my fiance said no more =(

I was a student till I fell ill. I'm a fast learner but I like to know about useless things hehe. I love to cook and bake. I play loads of video games. I love listening to music, I do watch some TV now and then, my favorite shows are "Family Guy", "House MD", "Futurama", "South Park", "Fringe", "CSI: Miami" and "Dexter". I also watch a lot of anime (Japanese animation). My favorite movie genre is comedy. I love to read sci-fi fantasy books! I'm a loyal and reliable friend so some people do tend to use me so therefore I have a trust issue. I'm super shy till you get to know me, it's like I'm two different people. I love to make people laugh and make them feel wanted. I used to volunteer as a reader for mentally challenged children and they were my inspiration and joy.

DIABETES INFORMATION: I was diagnosed 9 years ago with type 2 diabetes at age 18. I've been on Glucophage, Glyburide, Humulin R and Humulin N. With Glucophage I felt fatigue so I had to stop and I went on Glyburide. Earlier this year, I was so sick that I couldn't even walk down the stairs and I slept 18 hours a day from exhaustion. =( But I've been getting better with treatment so now I have the energy to be myself again maybe even better than before!

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I'm 5'2 and I'm at 217lbs, I hope to lose another 97lbs in the next 2 years. I've been on Optifast but that wasn't the right program for me, I need to eat food, 3 shakes a day was super hard but I did lose a lot of weight when I was able to stick to it. In the end, I had to say bye, it cost way too much and it was way too hard for me to do it. It was $600 for them to test my blood and give me a physical, weekly visits was $150 plus the cost of the shakes, which was about $12.50 a day so that was $237.50 a week.

What I am doing now: My exercise is consisted of running, jogging, walking (in that order, I start out strong and it slow fades lol) I follow a video from p90x for stretching for about an hour, I also do push ups & sit ups. I hope to start swimming soon. When I hit 170, I would like to do aerobics.

I'm not sure what I would call my diet but I have 4-6 tiny meals a day usually with lean meat (chicken or beef), fish, tofu, light cheese, there's always veggies with my meals and if I want something sweet, I'll have some sugar-free jello (they have protein and are low in calories which is awesome!) I keep my carb intake at 20-25grams a day and I don't eat over 1200 calories a day, my average is 990 cals. I know it sounds low but I am honestly full. I will add fruit to my diet soon. I have the luxury of having so much free time so I cook all my meals. That's a workout itself, cooking for me 4-6 times a day and then cooking 3 times a day for my fiance. Kind to think of it, my days are really busy with exercising and cooking.


SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVEMENTS: I hope to get healthy so I can have the energy to return to school. I like so many things that I don't know what to do, so I hope I can find my one true passion so that I can work on it. I want to get back into volunteering too. One day, I want to get married and have children but not anytime soon.

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

My name is Karla, I'm 47, a mom to 3 boys and one girl, and owned by 3 cats. My dh is a minister/busdriver/emt and I am self-employed (party-plan) very part time plus I'm the one in charge of keeping all the balls in the air. Busy? Yeah, that's me.
I love my NLT Bible and read lots of non-fiction with a few light Christian romance books thrown in occasionally. Not a huge TV watcher - Without a Trace, NCIS and CSI: NY are about all I watch and those not regularly. Like rom/com movies and any that make me LOL. For years I listened to mostly Vineyard Worship and a few others like that, but recently I've developed a liking for Emmylou Harris and others like her. Who knows why.

DIABETES INFORMATION:

Gestational Diabetes w/son #2 and didn't want to find out with #3 and #4, so I always timed my OB/GYN visits for early am, fasting 10 hrs or so beforehand. Talk about denial. (it worked)
Diagnosed pre-diabetic w/ A1c 4.7 because insulin levels were through the roof in July 2008. Metformin 500mg. per day. Due to severe asthma was put on steroids for several months in spring 2009. A1c shot to 6.3. Asthma got better, got off steroids, fasting bg dropped to 87-105, A1c currently 5.6. Official diagnosis: steroid-induced diabetes. So long as I stay off the steroids (and I intend to!), I remain pre-diabetic. Reality is though, unless I change my lifestyle, I will be full-blown type 2 soon.
Other health-related issues: anatomical defect in left kidney so have struggled with chronic kidney infections all my life, have had injury-related neuropathy in my legs for 12 years that comes and goes, mild hypertensive (hctz/cozaar treated). My latest lab test showed slightly decreased kidney function which is my wake-up call. On the good side - my total cholesterol is 143!

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN:

I have only truly dieted twice in my life and both ended dramatically. The first time was with friends and we all decided to break the diet together. On the way to pizza we were in a horrible car accident and the diet went out the window. The second time I tried Atkins and ended up in the hospital with a raging kidney infection. Turns out severly restricted carb diets are NOT compatible with kidney issues.
I find myself thinking about diabetes, food, eating, the whole thing constantly, but doing next to nothing about it. I can't continue this way. I must act NOW.
I walk regularly and volunteer in a food ministry which is physically demanding, but I really need to add some focused exercise so when school gets back in session I'm going to join the gym that's less than a mile away and start swimming.

Height/Weight Statistics.

My long-term goal is 172. While still overweight, that was when I last felt healthy, some 20 years ago. I don't think I could maintain lower than that. I would like to reach that by Sept., 2011 (my 50th birthday).
My first goal is 250 by Jan. 2010. I'm 5'6" and 277 currently. Highest known weight was 282.


SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS:

Someday I hope to live and work in India, but must be healthy first. Shooting for 2018 when youngest child graduates hs. :carrot:

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Howdy, all. You may call me Z. I am 37, divorced, no kids, and currently live with my parents. Four years ago, I quit my job as an IT security analyst due to poor health and unmanageable stress. For about a year, I just became a couch potato and relished my new stress free life. I had saved up a sizable nest egg since all I did was work, eat, and sleep. Things changed when my parents were having some financial difficulty so I decided to move-in to help out. Both my parents are disabled and my dad is diabetic (type 2). I soon found out I had a new full-time job helping my parents out around the house, managing their rental properties, driving them to/from appointments, and anything else that needed doing. Things have greatly improved on the home front and even during these tough economic times, we are prospering. This summer, our beloved 15 year old cat, Philo, was eaten by foxes. :( He is sorely missed. Philo was a great mouser. Curiously, Lucy (our 1 1/2 year old American bulldog) has not tolerated the presence of any animals in our yard since Philo's death. She will chase off anything that sets foot in our backyard. We also have a very lovable cocker spaniel named Daisy. She is 8 years old. I am still a computer geek and serve as my family's IT support. I often make house calls for my sister and an uncle. My younger cousin, Nicos, and I will occasionally head to the local computer gaming center for an all night lock-in, where we will game for 12+ hours at a time. I read a lot of online forums, but only register with a few. The TV shows I regularly watch are all recorded on the Dish DVR so I can skip the commercials. I like crime dramas and anything to do with military history. I rarely go to the movie theater and will instead wait for the dvd/blue-ray release. Futbol (a.k.a. soccer) is near and dear to me. I love watching international matches and have season tickets for the Colorado Rapids. Besides technical manuals, the books I read are mainly military/tech thrillers, fantasy/science fiction, or military non-fiction.

DIABETES INFORMATION: I was diagnosed type 2 on 08/27/09. I was prescribed metformin (500mg) and began taking it on 08/31/09, one pill a day with my breakfast. Due to harsh side effects, I stopped taking my metformin as of yesterday. I was having severe diarrhea and became extremely concerned when I saw one of my potassium tablets floating in the toilet bowl. I will follow up with my dietitian and doctor about my metformin use on Tuesday, after the Labor Day weekend.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I am 5'5". As of Tuesday, 09/01/09, my weight was 285 lbs and my BMI was 46. My dietitian weighs me at my weekly appointments. She asked that I don't weigh myself for awhile. I am on a highly restricted diet called Omnifast. All my meals are from protein packets. I drink a minimum of a gallon of water each day and take the following daily supplements: potassium chloride (3x), multivitamin (1x), calcium with vitamin D (1000mg, 1x), and omega-3 fish oil (1000mg, 2x). The day I started my diet I also started exercising. I take a 3 mile long walk every day. My doctor wants me to stay with my weight management center for at least 6 months. His desire is to see me at 200 lbs. I would be ecstatic with 200, but my dietitian would like to see me in one-derland. I see her again tomorrow and will find out what realistic goal I can set. Even though I am on a fasting diet, my weight loss plan spans months. I have never tried any form of structured diet before and "lived to eat", as opposed to "eat to live". The big D has changed my lifestyle. All for the better, I hope.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: I hope to lose enough weight to be able to safely play soccer again and snowboard. The last time I played soccer was in 2001 with an adult coed indoor recreational team. Those days ended when I broke my left ankle during a match. I put away my snowboard in 2004 when I could no longer physically last an entire day on the slopes. My weight was just too much for my ankles to bear while boarding. What I have achieved so far with my new diet and exercise routine is an increased sense of energy and stamina. Not too long ago, walking to the mailbox was exhausting for me. This past week, on Friday, 09/04/09, I went to a pulmonary center and was told that I do not, and may never of had, asthma. For the past several years, I have been prescribed and treated for asthma. This may not count as an achievement, but it is a milestone nonetheless. :carrot:

PERSONAL INFORMATION:
Well my name is Laura and I reside in Burlington Ontario. I have 6 cats and two dogs not to mention all of the foster kittens I take in though out the year =) I love my fur babies =)
I am a foster parent and take very difficult teenagers on a long term basis thus my life is a bit stressful to say the least. But I love it. Presently I have two 14 year olds .. one girl and one boy.
I volunteer at the Royal Botanical Gardens Auxilery planting and caring for annual plants that we sell at our spring sale. I really enjoy this and encourage the kids to help out when they can.
I have been married for almost 20 years ... oh wow how time flies. My hubby works in the automotive industry.
I also have been diagnosed with PCO and PMDD which have not been treated as I am 45 and a smoker. So I am hormonally challenged also lol which puts me in at a higher risk of developing all those other nasty issues that will remain unnamed =) I battle with insomnia and rarely go to sleep before 3am and then Im up at 7 am ... so evening munchies are an issue that I have pretty much eliminated.

DIABETES INFORMATION:
I am a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic so new that I have yet to meet with my dietician =) All I got was a phone call telling me and to pick up my glucometer at the pharmacy. I am trying to deal with making changes to my eating habits but I really have no clue what I am doing. That's a bit of a lie cuz being overweight all of my life .. I know I need to lose weight .. Ive always had to lose weight =) Right now I am just monitoring my BS levels and I have to say they appear to be pretty good. I don't eat alot of sweets with the exception of the sugar I use in my coffee .. 3 x 3 extra large Timmies ... I was contacted just before Christmas so I had a few issues over the holidays but I have cut my coffee back from 12 cups to one cup a day. Carbs and quick foods are my issue. I hate to cook so the quicker the meal the better.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN:
I am 5' 8" tall and weigh 260 lbs as of yesterday =) I am always on the go but like my husband says "driving from point A to point B is not exercise" I must admit I find it hard to find time for me and when I do .. its on the computer or at the gardens. I did enjoy going to Curves and I think with the kids I have now that might be an option for me. I need to lose at least 80 lbs or more. I realized it took years to put it on and it will take years to take it off. Right now I am feeling very lost as to what to eat and not eat to maintain a healthy BS level and lose weight.
I have been on many diets in my life time .. I have done Optifast .. which I loved and lost a ton of weight on .. I don't think I am your typical over weight person .. I don't like food .. I don't like the texture of alot of foods I eat so the Optifast was wonderful. I might look into do that program again and following it to completion. McMaster Medical Center has a bariatric program that I would like to look into as it offers a wide array of diet counselling as well as surgery options. I don't think surgery is the way I would like to go but to have options would be nice =) Even to have a fat friendly doctor would be lovely =) My doctor seems to think that if I were to quit smoking while dieting that I would do well ... ummmmm Im not worried about myself just how to get rid of the bodies of those around me if I were to do both at one time =)
I also attended the Diet Center which was also great .. low carbs .. lots of protine ... and I lost 35 lbs in 3 months. I have to admit that I did have to time my 6 small meals a day so as to avoid getting really grumpy =)

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS:
I know I will lose weight .. I have to ... I really hope to develop a support system that is nonjudgemental who will help me pick myself up when I dont think I can keep going. Or give me a kick in the butt when I need it. I just want to be healthy and enjoy my life again.

In a nutshell thats me

PERSONAL INFORMATION: I’m a Paralegal, 41 years old, married w/ 2 children. I enjoy scrapbooking, travel, and digital graphics. I design websites in my spare time as well as graphics for business cards, signs, etc.

DIABETES INFORMATION: I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes 8 years ago. I was so scared back then because my grandmother has just passed away from complications of this disease. I went strictly by the book and lost 35 pounds. Things in life happened causing me to gain that weight back. In the meantime I stopped eating the way I should. I’m currently on Metformin 500mg X 2.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I'm 5'7. 194lbs. I’m back on to eating healthy as my dietitian 8 years ago told me to eat.
I’m also walking at the least 3 times a day. I hate exercise so I really don’t see it getting any better than my 3 mile Walk with Leslie so far I have lost 9 pounds. I wanna lose 50 more pounds.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVEMENTS: I wanna lose the excess weight and eat healthy for life. I also have back problems and it seems they got worse as I gained my weight. I want to be rid of the back pain.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Hi, my name's Katlyn, I'm 18 and I love trying new things! I am the youngest of three girls, and neither of my sisters have diabetes (Both have horrible diet habits though). I have five cats, a puppy, two aquatic frogs, and a few fish. I'm a freshman in college, and in March I will be spending my spring break in Edinburgh Scotland! I've got the travel bug :P I love reading and writing, I'm an English major. I also love music and art and nature. I can walk for hours without getting tired! I love exploring :D

DIABETES INFORMATION:I was diagnosed in October2009 with type 2 diabetes, and promptly placed on metformin and sent to educational classes at the local hospital. Before my diagnosis, I had a horrible doctor who told my mother that she could go see another doctor (yet still wanted to keep me as a patient.) We switched doctors within a year, but also within that year I started coming home from school, sitting down on the couch and promptly waking up a few hours later by my mother frantically calling my cellphone because I hadn't called her to let her know I had gotten home from school. We began testing my sugars then (My mom has type 2), and when I would wake up my bg was around 450mg/dl.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN:I'm currently 5'3 and weigh 204lbs. My goal for 2011 is to get down to 185lbs, a loss of 19lbs. If I go lower than that, then great, but if I don't, I'll still be happy. I just eat what I want to eat, taking in mind to keep the portions of carbs lower than what I used to eat. As for exercise I walk daily, and I hope to add in some dance classes, or videos seeing as how I'm split between college and home currently. I'm horrible at measuring my food and recording my carbs, so If I know I've been a bit to free with them, I make sure to be active within the next few hours.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS:A special hope of mine is that I'll be successful in my goal of getting off of my Metformin. So far I've been able to lower my A1C every time It has been recorded.(Whoo!) When I was diagnosed my A1C was at 9.7, and two visits ago I was down to 7.1. I know that it is a balancing game, but so far I feel I have been able to work to managing my diabetes! :)

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Hey! Name's Alexis. I live in Louisville, Kentucky. I'm 19 and a sophomore in college, without a major sadly. I'm an artist and a musician- I play cello. I'm also a photographer and a gamer. I love to learn new languages! I speak decent Mandarin Chinese and am learning Japanese. I spent my entire summer in Beijing!

DIABETES INFORMATION: I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes four days after my 18th birthday, ( which would make the day i found out 9-15-09) Yeah... that kind of sucked. I found out by going into DKA, o'course. I'm now using an Animas insulin pump and it is great.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: 5'11"/315 lbs. My diet is diabetic and vegetarian friendly. I want to try and get down to 240 lbs. as a starting goal. With my height, I'm sure that will look alright for a beginning goal.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: to open my own photography studio one day, and to over the rest of my life healthily with as few diabetic complications as possible.

Hi I am very new to this name is Shirley but iI like Violet .Only 3 days ago I got the news that I am type 2 . I went through this scare 5 years ago that proved to be nothing (maybe pre dia ?) I live in Nth Qld Australia . Mother of 5 and grandma of 3 Iam hoping to learn lots of stuff from you ladies as at yet I have no dia medication and have to see the nutritionilist in Feb.
Am a single woman that likes craft movies and reading .. Would like to travelore but not until after I have lost enough weight to stop snoring .Last couple of trips I did skinny people stopped talking and dozed off only to start snoring Funny hows that work ?

I'll introduce myself on this thread - I've been on and off the 3C site for three years.

I'm a 54yo engineer in Houston for a gas pipeline company - a sedentary but low-stress job. I'm been married to a wonderful guy for 31 years (usually low stress). I have 3 beautiful daughters - at the start of the year all three were married. However, 2 of the SILs were caught cheating so 2 daughters moved in with us and brought along their 3 dogs and a cat. One DGS is living with us and my DGD is about 3 hours away (they are both 3 1/2 - born 1 week apart).

I love to cross stitch but little hands around, currently non-existant. I've taken up reading before bed again and find it far more peaceful than DH's late nite news shows. I'll be putting away the Christmas music on my MP3 player (greatest invention in the 21st century!) next week. Despite being born and raised in TX, I can't stand country/western music (my apologies to those that do) - more oldies for me. DH and I love action flix and go to the movie theater about 6-8 times a year. I meet with 4 other high school friends from far flung locations at least once a year (I'm the heaviest) - such fun!

About 2 years ago my blood work came back worse than normal - more tests and the dr called it pre-diabetic Type II. That really scared me but in typical fashion, I spent a year trying to ignore it although dr tested A1C every 6 months. However, in 2010 my resolution was to be healthier. I was so disappointed with my May A1C reading of 6.9! We upped my ER Metformin from 1000mg/day to 1500mg/day. My November A1C reading was down to 6.4 - I was excited! :cheer3: Somewhere along the way in 2010, I've lost over 10 pounds! Only side-effects I've had: tongue "blisters" when I eat excessive sweets (like Christmas) and brief (< 2 hours) localized numbness in either foot occassionally.

2 years ago, I weighed my heaviest 232 lbs; now I'm down to 209 lbs and I'm 5'4". For the last year, I've working on increasing fiber intake, and limiting some of my carbs. The carbs will be more of a focus for 2011. I've always put off consistent exercise "until tomorrow"; however, with a 3yo running around the house, I usually fall into bed exhaused. :faint:

Goal 1: Get the 2 daughters on their own feet and doing well. I'm watchign DGS while 1 daughter goes to college. They both work so we're not totally supporting them.
Goal 2: Lose about 15 pounds in 2011 and keep that A1C number down.
Goal 3: Do something more fun than read. :rolleyes:

I probably won't post much, but know that I'm checking in from time to time. I appreciate all your input and information I've already gleaned from the fellow Type II's. :coolsnow:

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Hello my name is Kelli. I am 41. I have been married 17 years,
but with my husband for almost 20 years. We raised his oldest daughter who is now 29.
We have 2 children of our own now- a son, 11and a daughter, 14.
Hobbies/Interests: computer graphics, web development, sewing, crosswords, music, computer games, art
I do not own a scale so I will be checking my weight once every two weeks when I go to a house I clean
DIABETES INFORMATION: Type 2 first diagnosed last year in February
I have not been able to stabilze my sugar levels. They spike or drop constantly.
I have gotten very discouraged about the whole thing. I am thinking if I get the weight off, the sugar issues will level out somewhat on their own.
DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I am hoping to eat better, making better food choices, not diet per say.
I have done many diets and lost weight many times.
I have kept weight off many times, but now it will not budge, not that I have been doing alot to make it move this time..
I will be trying to walk as my exercise of choice. I cannot do much more at this point.
I will add to the regimine as I get more fit to do so.
01/07/2011 is my start date.
Starting Weight: 253, 5'3"
Goal Weight: 150
SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: I want to breathe better, live better, be happier because I am more healthier.

Hi all!


I have been struggling with weight loss my whole life it seems and the past couple years have just gotten worse. I gained 20 lbs in a couple months just over a year ago and I have felt awful. Hair falling out, exhausted all the time, nails and skin dry as can be, moodiness, depression - I can make a list a mile long. Every year I have asked that my thyroid be tested and every year I was either denied or tested incorrectly and told I was "borderline:. Well, finally this year things spiraled down hill fast and I researched and researched, found another Dr and was finally without a doubt diagnosed with hypothyroidism, a pretty severe case for me. Along with that diagnosis I was told because my thyroid was ignored for so long I now have diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

For years I tried losing weight with no success, obviously, or I wouldn't be here. Almost a month ago I was put on synthroid, was told to walk about 3 miles a day at least 4-5 times a week ( which I had been doing anyway), and to eat no more than 1200 calories a day. Seems those of us who have hypothyroid automatically burn 500 or so calories less a day than the average person.

Been doing this for almost a month now and am down 9 pounds. I think a lot has to do with the synthroid but its a combination of all 3 ( synthroid, walking and calorie control).

I get my blood re-taken in a month and am hoping for better news.

Anyway, glad to be here.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Hi my name is Marilyn. I'm married and have a 25 year old son. I have a dog, cat, and seven horses. I like to read, sing, play farmville on facebook. I like to listen to gospel music mostly, but I do listen to all kinds of other music as long as it is fast and up beat. I really like doing line dancing.

DIABETES INFORMATION: I have type 2 diabetes. I've had it for more than 4 years. I really don't remember when I was diagnosed. I take 2 glucovance 5/500 tab twice a day. I was on byetta but i stopped myself but i think i need to get back on it. The only problem I have is my right ankle swells and i have to wear some very expense support hoses. And I think I suffer from depression.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I'm 5'2"/276.8. I hope to lose 120 pounds. I don't have a time frame. I don't have an exercise regimen i'm just trying to getting moving, and stay focus. I started out at 280.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: My special hopes are to be able to go in a store and not have to buy a size that has a 2 in it. I sick of having to purchase clothing that says 2(_). I don't even want to buy a size 12 one day. I would like to be able to not have to buy clothing that hides my body. I want to get rid of these ugly but necessary support hoses that they don't really make for my skin color (beige) is just not the end thing, and they look horrible with sandles and capri and dresses. My achievement is I haven't totally lost my mind yet. I can't believe I'm doing this but I need someone to talk to. This condition is really making me mad and depressed.

Personal Information: Hi Everyone! I am 51 years old, happily single/divorced and the mother of two sons. I have two adorable grandsons. I am a competetive pool player and I love to fish and camp.

Diabetes Information: I was diagnosed with T2 on August 28, 2011. First A1C was 13.6 I started on metformin and glypizide. I was having too many lows so the glypizide was stopped and I started on Januvia. My second A1C was 5.9. I feel much more comfortable without the lows.

Diet Excercise Routine: I have lost at least 40 pounds.I try to limit carbs and to choose carbs with more fiber. (baked potato instead of mashed). I try to eat small portions of meat and carbs and large portions of green and leafy veggies. I try to excercise every day. My favorite are low impact aerobic tapes that I recorded myself. I enjoy Gilad and his sister Ada. I try to lift weights at least twice per week.

Hopes/aspirations: I would like to prevent complications. I would also like to lose about 50 more pounds but I am really believing that the weight will take care of itself if I just try to make the right choices each day. It is really nice to be able to have this forum

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Hi, all! I'm Dea. I've been lurking here at 3FC for a few weeks now, and I thought this might be the best starting point for me. I'm 34 years old living in Tennessee. I'm a middle school teacher, so while I have no kids of my own I do have 105 kiddos keeping me busy on a daily basis.

DIABETES INFORMATION: I was diagnosed Type II in June of 2008. My mother, who has been diabetic for 25 years, took the diagnosis harder than me. Given my family history and weight gain the last 10 years, it really wasn't a shock to me. I am currently managing my diabetes through diet and exercise. My first A1C was 6.8; my most recent was 5.7. I actually had lab work done today, so I'm hoping for an even lower number as I've worked hard the last 4 months…losing 25 lbs in the process. Yay, me!

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I discovered back in December that I lost 5 lbs without trying, so that motivated me to get myself in gear and really put forth an effort to lose more. I'm also hypothyroid, and for the last 10 years I've felt the weight loss possibility an impossibility. I joined Weight Watchers, bought myself an elliptical machine, and mustered as much discipline and strength I could in order to turn this effort into a successful one. I have a ways to go before I reach my goal, but I'm feeling extremely motivated at the moment. I've changed my eating habits considerably, and my exercise regimen has improved, as well. I try to walk with a coworker a few times a week, and I do interval training on my elliptical 5 days a week. It's a slow process, but I'm in it for the long haul.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVEMENTS: I love traveling but would like to be in better shape so I can do so comfortably…both physically and in the fit of my clothes. Most of all, I, of course, want to be healthy. I want to avoid meds/insulin dependency as long as I can. I.Can.Do.This.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Hi! Im Crystal! Im 26 years old and engaged to the sweetest guy ever. We have 2 "Kids" Jack a 2 year old 17 pound tabby, and Trixie a 2 1/2 year old tuxedo rescue! :) I work as a printroom operator for a fulfillment company so its not super stressfull but it does have its days. Im sadly a big tv junkie. Shows like Deadliest Catch, Axe Men, Dog The Bounty Hunter, really get me lol. I also love to read though. Kim Harrison is one of my favorite authors just to list 1 out of way to many to even mention. Im a horror movie fan too. Oh and as for animals..my kids of course i love...but if i could keep a penguin in a freezer i would totaly have one they are awesome!

DIABETES INFORMATION: About a year ago my doctor said that i was pre diabetic and to get on the ball with exercise...needless to say i havent been back (yes i know stupid) mainly because hes rude...i mean any doctor who just looks at you and says "YOUR FAT AND YOU NEED TO QUIT SMOKING" is discouraging in my book. So im looking for a new doctor now. I have checked my bs frequently with a free meter i received and ordered test strips for. This morning (as an example) the meter read 284, now this afternoon (i havent eaten anything and only had half a soda) it is 151 so yea red flag is up and waving.
DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: Ive tried counting calories and got frustrated, ive tried slim fast and just got annoyed, ive tried those super fun diet pills...what a waste of time. The only thing i got results from was a stomach virus i had for a week when i lost 10 pounds! I just signed up for Weight Watchers though so im kind of excited about the fact that there is structure which i need to actually motivate myself.
SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: My special hope...probably sounds silly...but my special hope is to be healthy. Ive lived a fairly unhealthy lifestyle and its time to kick some old habbits and turn this life around. I would love to eventually take some college courses for programming and or graphic design as i am a bit of a computer nerd. And the biggest thing of all. I want to look fantastic October 27, 2012 when i marry the love of my life :)

Welcome Chase!

You can find my introduction on this thread if you care to look.

I don't think your goals are silly at all! Getting healthy is the best goal of all.

Having a compassionate Doctor it the most important thing. My Doc is so kind and supportive that it has made it much easier for me to make some lifestyle changes.

I also love Dog the Bounty Hunter and deadliest catch. I also love the food network. Ironically, it doesn't make me hungry. Go figure!

I wish you good luck on your journey and I look forward to your presence here.

PERSONAL INFORMATION:
I'm Mindi,I'm 40,and Aquarian,born 2.12.71,mom to one grown son,and to 3 furbabies.I'm divorced,trying to work out my relationship with my boyfriend,I'm a House fanatic,hate reality shows,and love to draw and paint.I'm also rather shy.


DIABETES INFORMATION:
I was diagnosed about 2 months ago with Type 2.My doc called me a "mix of type 1 and 2",but officially I am a 2.Yeah,that confuses me too,but since I'm not on insulin at this point,I'll take it.=) I take 2000 mg of Metformin daily.I only found out after suffering with burning and tingling feet for over 2 years.I was scared,so I put it off,which now,for that goof,I have neuropathy.I'm still going thru testing for it though.I also have hyperthyroidism and an enlarged thyroid.I've heard this could have brought on my diabetes,but I'm also learning its in both sides of my family.


DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN:
I'm about 5'6-5'7,240 lbs.I am wanting to lose 100 lbs at least,maybe 110. I am aiming for a year,hopefully less,but, we'll see.I am using the Lose It! site to monitor my calorie intake,and keep a written food diary as well. I've pretty well eliminated "white" foods,most sweets,and fast food gunk.I've lost a few pounds,but seems like I am at a plateau,and losing inches rather than pounds right now.I havent really developed an exercise program yet,due to the constant pain in my feet,its been an ongoing trial and error thing.I try to walk a little bit every day at the least,even at a turtle's pace.I've tried the Slim Fast diet,works til you go back to solid food,the cabbage soup diet-yuck,and just salads-got bored of that fast.


SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS:
I'd like to have my thinner body back,without diabetes.But since I have been diagnosed,my eating has changed for the better,and although I have the foot pain,my body feels healthier than its been in a long time.

Hello Bunnypaws.

I just wanted to say hello. It will be nice to have another poster on the diabetes thread. I find this site to be really helpful. Ideas, accountability, and just having others who understand what you are going through.

Good for you on the changes that you have made so far!

I hope you enjoy hanging out with us.

Rie

PERSONAL INFORMATION: My name is Kim. I am a 46 year old mother of 5, and married to the most supportive husband for 23 years. I am very home/family orientated, and homeschool our children. Not much of a TV person, but love to read, and have a wide range of books I read.

DIABETES INFORMATION: Was diagnosed with Type2 diabetes about 2 years ago, soon followed by high blood pressure and high cholesterol. have a family history, so it came as no surprise. Dutifully took the tons of medication prescribed, and tried to ignore my failing health, but the meds, and unhealthy life style was making me feel worse then before I was diagnosed. My quality of life was horrible. I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, and I finally decided to take control of my health. Educated myself, and stopped taking all meds except for blood pressure meds. I would not advise anyone to do this, but it was the path I chose in my frustration. Surprisingly I had my doc's support. I am now controlling my BS through exercise and diet alone better then when I was taking the metformin!




DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I am 5'5" and weigh 193 as of this morning. When I started this journey in April of this year I was 205lbs, so that gives me a 12 lb loss so far. My goal weight is 140 lbs by Christmas. I exercise usually 5-6 days a week. 30-45 minutes of walking on the treadmill, and upper body strength training 3 days a week. I follow Dr. Bernstein's "diabetic diet" for both weight loss, and to control my BS.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: I must say my family is my inspiration. I still have young children, and I was feeling so ill all the time all I wanted to do was lay on the couch. All I want to achieve is to have my life back, and it is happening. I have more energy, I feel 10 times better, and I am actually participating in life again.
I have no one to blame but myself for the years of unhealthy eating, and now I have chosen to take that control and decide how I am going to live. Every day I chose! I can have a piece of cake if I chose, but I chose not to. ;-)

Hello Agape.

I didn't see your post right away so I am responding a couple days later. This is a great place for support and accountability. It sounds like you are already making great progress on controlling your blood sugar.

Feel free to join us on the diabetes june chat. There are some really good and knowledgeable people on there. Looking forward to reading your posts.

Hello...my name is Sheri, and I've been here at 3FC before, but it has been a long time. I am feeling I need some support!
PERSONAL INFORMATION: I am a 57 year old mother of two amazing, grown boys who love their Mom and Dad. I am happily married to the man who has made my life a blessing. I teach high school English, and a slew of other electives, and programs in a very small school. To say that I am under stress and that I am overworked is an understatement, but I still love my job.

I am an avid gardener and have a big, crazy, wild garden that just keeps getting bigger. I especially like native plants, drought tolerant plants, butterfly and hummer gardening, and all sorts of veggies. I also enjoy travel, reading, hiking and home renovation; I have two that need it!
DIABETES INFORMATION: I was DX'd with type II two years ago, although, I had an idea for about a year that I might be sliding into it. I had myself tested, and, sure enough...Type II, first AIC was 7.9, fasting blood sugar was 119. I am on one tablet of Metformin, 500 mg. per day and have been experiencing very good control with my AIC's running between 5.6 and 6.4. I feel better than I have felt in years, and so I have probably been pre-diabetic for a long time. I still play around with denial though, and I am still at the anger part of the grieving process about having this disease. I had never expected getting old for me to include a chronic illness, but being overweight, what did I expect? Weight loss is a demoralizing battle for me that yo-yo's me emotionally and physically.
DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I am 5'3 and have lost one pound, so now I weigh 203. I want to weigh 150 pounds by next summer. I hope to reward myself with a lifelong dream of a vacation in Provence, France...my avatar will stay as the sunflowers until I reach my goal. I have done every diet under the sun, but Adtkins has worked the best and been the easiest for me, so, I am going to go on a gentle Adtkins, counting carbs and eating lots of veggies. I wear down on Atdkins because of the carb restriction if I try to stay on induction too long. So a month maybe to jumpstart my weight loss is all I will do and then go on to about 15-20 carbs per meal. I am much better at weight loss if I intensify my exercise, so that is my plan...to really kick butt at exercise. Today I will take my little dog (welsh corgi named Gizmo) for the three mile walk loop.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: Well, I said that I want to go to Provence...I just love all things French. I want to hike a 14'er in Colorado again (there are 54 mountains above 14,000 feet in Colorado), but I am worried about my diabetic feet and possible blisters and foot injuries. I don't know a lot about that yet. I want to move into a semi-retired job over the next few years. I am thinking about teaching online at the college level. And, I want to fit into, and stay in a size 8 sometime within the next couple of years!

I look forward to talking to all of you, and supporting you in your weight loss journey and as you work at conquering this disease, diabetes.
Sheri

Wow, this is such a long thread....but here goes.

[
PERSONAL INFORMATION: Tell us about yourself, your family, your pets, your hobbies, your occupation, your most (and least) favourite books/movies/TV programs/music; – just about anything that helps us know the real ‘you’.

My name is Carol. I'm 65, married, 2 step-children and 1 grandson. I am down to 1 dog, after having had 5 dogs throughout my marriage. I retired in July 2010 and am basically enjoying doing whatever I want, but I'm fighting health problems right and left.

DIABETES INFORMATION: What Type; when diagnosed; what medications; any complications you’ve experienced.

I was diagnosed Type II in 2008 when hospitalized with heart bypass surgery. So I had to handle recovering from surgery and dealing with a disease I knew nothing about. I do not consider myself to be in control. Bread is my downfall. But I am working on it.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: Height/Weight Statistics. How much you hope to lose and in what timeframe. Formal or informal diet and exercise regimens. Things that work for you. Things you tried, that didn’t.

I am 5'3. Since my heart surgery I went from 217 to 197, maintaining, but not losing any more. After a recent surgery I lost an additional 15 lbs, bringing me to 182, the lowest I've been in years. Since the first of 2011 I have been exercising 5 hours a week faithfully. Treadmill and elliptical with some weight training thrown in here and there. I would like to eventually get off my diabetes and blood pressure meds. My blood pressure has dropped dramatically since my weight loss, but not enough to get off the meds completely. With this recent surgery, I have had to stop my exercising, but I do plan on getting back to it gradually.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: Anything you’d like to share with the group.

As I mentioned before, I would like to someday get off my diabetes and blood pressure meds. I don't know how much weight I want to lose. I'm thinking 160 or 150 might be a good weight for me, but I want to go to whatever weight gets me off those meds. Also, I want to quit having these health problems. My grandson will be 3 in August. I would like to live long enough so that he will remember me. I think that probably would be when he's around 7-10 years old. So far I have already out-lived every member of my immediate family, so I'm on borrowed time, genetically. The best bet for me would be to follow the Dean Ornish diet, but I don't think I could ever be that regimented. I can just do the best I can, as we all know, we never know when our time will be up.

Carol

Welcome slmn! This is a great group. Ease on over to the July chat and hang out with us!

Rie

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Tell us about yourself, your family, your pets, your hobbies, your occupation, your most (and least) favourite books/movies/TV programs/music; – just about anything that helps us know the real ‘you’. Hi! My name is Lynn, my hubby is Andy. Our pets are 3 wonderful Maine Coon kitties and a baby that the feral cat we feed gifted us with this spring, so as DH says, we have 3 1/4 cats! For 30+ years I was a travel agent, owned a large agency for 23 years until last year when I closed it down and moved my business home as a private concierge business that I tend to part time, I work fulltime as a personal/executive assistant to one of my former clients. Love it! No two days are ever the same!

DIABETES INFORMATION: What Type; when diagnosed; what medications; any complications you’ve experienced. I was diagnosed over 10 years ago as a borderline diabetic, I managed to keep it under control with diet for 7 years or so, then I fell off the wagon. It was a combination of medications to help my rheumatoid arthritis and stopping smoking. At any rate I packed on 50# and am now determined to get rid of it.

I take 1000mg glucophage twice daily and victoza once a day. In addition I take a lot of supplements: alpha lipoic acid sustain has helped with neuropathy, cinnamon, milk thistle, evening primrose oil....and many others.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: Height/Weight Statistics. How much you hope to lose and in what timeframe. Formal or informal diet and exercise regimens. Things that work for you. Things you tried, that didn’t. I was at 240, now at 230 and am 5'7" tall. It needs to be gone my November 1 for my boss' wedding! Hubby needs to lose about the same so we joined the Bariatric center here in town on August 1. they only weigh once per week, I had lost 10.5#! I know it is nearly all water but that's okay with me, it was encouraging! LOL! I'm back on my low carb program to get my sugar numbers back down.
SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: Anything you’d like to share with the group. I/we just need to get healthy, the weight loss will be a side benefit!

Welcome! I look forward to geting to know you!

Personal Information: My name is Joyce and am I 39 years old. I have a son who is 13 and I live with my partner Gary, our 2 dogs, 4 cats and 2 rabbits in Barrow-in-Furness, England. I work in private education teaching teenagers with learning and behavioural difficulties which I love but its challenging.
Diabeties Information: I was diagnosed with type 2 5 years ago after losing 100 lbs. I have managed to keep the weight of for 6 years but I find it difficult to lose more now but I think it is the only way to take control of my illness. I have had problems with the medical proffesion. They don't seem to care about me and are more interested in prescribing more pills. I was on about 10 a day but I have stopped most of them. I just take 1000mg of Metformin now. My doctor keeps telling me how I will have to have my legs cut off, I will go blind and I will need a kidney and liver transplant. I believe there is another way. If I can control what I eat, I can control my blood sugars.
Diet and Exercise: I bought a cross trainer almost 3 weeks ago and I struggled to workout for even 5 minutes. Last night I did it for 35 minutes and I am aiming for 1 hour 6 times a week. I know I can do that. I have recently cut right back on all carbs and at the moment I am suffering with headaches and fatigue, I'm sure that will go in the next couple of days. I am already seeing my b.s. falling slowly.
Special Hopes: I want to lose another 50 lbs. I want to be free to live my life without worrying about when I will die, without every ache and pain making me wonder if I have pushed my luck too far and my illness has caught up with me.

Hi! I've been poking around for awhile so I suppose formal introductions are in order:
Personal Information- My name is Rebecca, and I'm 30 years old. I'm getting married in a few months and live with my fiance' and our puppy. I work as a trainer in adult education and enjoy cake decorating and travelling as hobbies. (I know i know, the sugar! Luckily I don't eat it, I work with it as an artform.)
Diabetes Information- Diagnosed at age 17 with type 2 with 9.7 A1C. Uncontrolled until I figured it out in my mid-20s. I take 1000 mg Metformin twice per day and would love to get that dosage lowered. Am also on lisinopril. Have lost 70 pounds. A1C is 6.8. Not perfect, but I'm looking for progress, not perfection. Hoping to have a healthy pregnancy in the next few years.
Diet and Exercise- Follow a low GI diet, and exercise 5 times per week for an hour. I love Zumba and pilates right now. The other days I walk/jog.
Special Hopes- As healthy and uncomplicated a pregnancy as possible in the next two years and to be healthy for my children and new hubby. :)

Hi everybody!

PERSONAL INFORMATION:
I'm a 21 year old, who is currently studying her butt off for exams (five days till the first one. Yikes). Im doing a combined law/psychology degree in Australia, and the weather has just turned lovely. So its very difficult to be inside with the textbooks.

I really love to read. Give me a book instead of television anyday. (In fact, the only time when I watch tv is when I am around at my parents house). I know that this makes me sound pretty nerdy, but its just something which I grew up into. Im also a pretty sociable person, so my second favourite thing to do in the world is to sit down with friends over coffee. (Being at uni gives me time to enjoy these things regularly too - except for the four weeks of the year when we actually work. Obsessing a bit over this? Yes, I am)

DIABETES INFORMATION: I was diagnosed with T1DM when I was around twelve years old. It was on the day of the melbourne cup (the biggest horse race in Australia - we actually get a public holiday for it) and I picked the winning horse. Of course, I couldn't enjoy the prize (a big bag of lollies). Its carried on much the same ever since. I started pump therapy around 15, and aside from a brief period of teenage rebellion have been on it ever since. I am ashamed to say however that for a period of around 6 years (14 - 20) I did neglect my diabetes, coming up with some shocking HbA1Cs. However this past nine months I've really made an effort to get back on track, which I have done. Although, this has also entailed the weight gain (as to be expected).


DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: At the moment, I'm 5'5 and 150. (converting this is still a bit tricky for me, I use google all the time). I've managed to loose a bit in the past couple of months (down from about 160), but ideally want to be hanging around the 130 mark. I recently discovered how much I love exercise. I used to be very athletic when I was younger, but that eventually gave way to study. Getting back into it has been fun. I'm currently doing 30 DS, and have just started C25K as well. Good times ahead.
In terms of diet, I tend to eat (very) low carb. This is mostly personal choice, and the fact that I've been doing it for so long it is expected of me, but I do have a fear that if I suddenly dive into a bowl of pasta and have a slice of bread I'll gain 15 pounds overnight. Dramatic, but true. My one weakness: Milk coffee + Lindt 85% chocolate. I have it every day, but in very small quantity as my treat.

SPECIAL HOPES: I'd love to be able to lose those twenty or so pounds, and be able to do it while maintaining the diabetes control. I find that I can do one or another, but haven't ever been able to manage both as an adult.

Oh - and I forgot to add down the bottom that I've been lurking on this forum for ages, and am very much looking forward to meeting everyone here officially!

PERSONAL INFORMATION:
My name is Julz. I'm 39 years old. I live in California. I'm single and I have a chiweenie (half dachshund/half chihuahua) named Lucy. During my free time I enjoy photography, crafts, cooking, baking, and traveling. I work in the corporate world doing project manage work. It's not where I want to be but it's income and I'm employed. For that, I'm thankful. One of my favorite books is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I have many others and I try to be an avid reader but sometimes life just gets too busy. Right now I'm reading a book called "The Zen of Eating". I love movies. Chick flicks are probably my favorite but I love a good adventure, mystery, drama, period flick, etc. Tivo is my friend and browsing the internet is quite enjoyable as well. I love to read other people's blogs (as well as write my own). Usually they are quite inspirational. I enjoy music, particularly pop, Christian, classical, Broadway. Pretty much enjoy every style except maybe head banging/heavy metal and rap.

DIABETES INFORMATION:
I have Type 2 Diabetes. I was diagnosed in Oct 2010. I've been pre-diabetic for years and out of my stubbornness and difficulty breaking bad habits I never lost enough weight and didn't listen to my doctors. I was in denial for about a year. This past fall I attended a Diabetes Education class at my doctor's office and that helped me come to terms better with the condition. I still get angry and sad that I have this diagnosis and sometimes remain in denial but I'm in a better mind frame than I was a year ago. I'm taking metformin. I was just changed over from Glipizide so I'm only taking it once a day right now but once I stop getting stomach aches from it I should take it twice a day. I haven't had any major complications other than thirst and peeing more often.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN:
I'm about 253 right now on a 5'3" frame. My new year thought is to lose 50 pounds throughout the year. That's about 1 pound a week with a 2 lb leeway from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2012. I think that's a healthy loss. I need to be really realistic with my weight loss because in the past my habits have been to give up if I don't see immediate results. It's a day at a time right now trying to change poor eating habits. I've tried commercial diets in the past but due to my own weaknesses I never succeeded at any of them. I've always gained weight when I did diet programs (rebellion?). What is wrong with me that I can't find success in weightless? Sometimes I wonder!

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS:
I am hopeful to gain the courage to tell my family and friends that I am diabetic. In my mind, I am hesitant because I feel like there is a social stigma that goes with it. Though, I think that stigma is a result of having an overly critical mother (but that's another story). I'd like to be more athletic. Having run 3 half marathons about 6 years ago, I'd like to get back to a healthier me both physically and mentally so I can feel that good again. I'd like to fall in love again and get married. I'd love to be a mom but as I"m about to turn 40 this coming summer and now with diabetes I'm just not sure if I'm physically able. My biggest achievement in 2011 was doing a 365 photography project where I took a photo of my life everyday for one year. I'm really proud of myself for doing it. It's made me a healthier person and a better photographer.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Hello! My name is Kimberly and I am 30 years old,i have 2 beautiful girls and a supportive husband. I love all lifetime movies and twilight.

DIABETES INFORMATION: Gestational with both pregnancy's, Insulin with second. I also kept the diabetes after my second child. At this time I am diet controlled. I am allergic to artificial sweeteners so it makes dieting a little harder.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: Height/Weight Statistics. I weight 144 I am 5'1 with a small frame. My goal is to lose 30 pounds by June 2012. Since I start tomorrow the plan is 1200 cal diet with 100 gm carbs, exercising 4 times a week X 1 hour.

I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone!!

Hello!

Julz, I was surprised and sad when I realized that you posted here 3 days ago and hadn't gotten a response. Your post somehow didn't come through as a "new" post. I am sure that I am not the only one in our group who missed it. I can completely relate to your feelings about who you tell and don't tell. Incredibly, you and I have very similar stats, starting dates, etc. I still haven't told some people in my family about my diagnosis. Everyone just thinks that I went on some "health kick". Anyway, come on over to the January chat and join us. We would love to have you and get to know you better.

Hi Kimberly! Wow, you are a tiny little thing compared to most of us. Of course, we all have our own bodies and needs, right? Come on over to the January chat when you find time.

Rie

Hi Everyone, My name is Sally, and I am from Ontario Canada. I have Been Type 2 now going on to my second year. The first year was just a frustrating, day to day battle with food, and myself. There are still those days that I just throw my hands up in the air and say give me that, and eat it. I am normally sorry later, but I am quick to adjust as soon as my body and diabetes tries to put me to sleep and I feel very bad. Those are far and few between now. I have been managing it well according to my doctor, but fighting some of the other things that come with it. Liver and kidney numbers were off, until I got the food and meds under control. Doing well now. My last visit to the doctor showed everything down and where it should be. I am 5'3 I think maybe 5'4 I am never really sure. I tip the scales at 215, and that needs to change. I have a hard time with exercise as I have permanent plantar fasciitis and arthritis in both knees and shoulder. Sounds like excuses, but pain is something it is hard to exercise through and not be able to walk afterwards. I do still try though, hoping it will all just go away someday....a girl can dream. I have a good sense of humour about it all, and plan to smile my way through it all.
I work at home, running a home daycare, after years of the corporate management thing. I like this better. I am 54, I think, not a really important thing to me. I am a Mom of twins (35 now), married to the most wonderful man in the world, supports me in EVERY thing I do. And even joins in. I guess that is it....the rest as with the above is just stuff.
Hope to get to know you all, get support and give when I can.
Excuse all typing errors and spelling.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Tell us about yourself, your family, your pets, your hobbies, your occupation, your most (and least) favourite books/movies/TV programs/music; – just about anything that helps us know the real ‘you’.
Hi, I'm married, have 1 teenage daughter, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 1 rabbit, 1 hamster, 13 finches, 15 chickens, 1 rooster and 8 ducks. Yeah, it's an Animal House around here, lol. My hobbies are scrapbooking and shopping. :D I'm addicted to GSN and 1970-1980's games shows, especially Match Game! I listen to everything from Opera to Metal, including rap!

DIABETES INFORMATION: What Type; when diagnosed; what medications; any complications you’ve experienced.
I was diagnosed Nov 2010 with Type II, with an A1C of 8.4, weighing in around 310# :barf: I'm on metformin, 500mg, 3 times daily. The only real complication I've had, and it's more a symptom, is extreme fatigue.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: Height/Weight Statistics. How much you hope to lose and in what timeframe. Formal or informal diet and exercise regimens. Things that work for you. Things you tried, that didn’t.
When I'm a good girl, I'm on a low GI diet, keep my carbs to around 45gr per meal, and 15gr per snack. I try to get in 30 minutes of exercise daily, aerobic dance and walking. But I'm not always a "good girl" so I've been on a plateau for over a year now: stuck at 245# :mad: If I don't have 5-6 small meals a day, I overeat, gain weight, and feel generally gross.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: Anything you’d like to share with the group.
I'm a yo-yo dieter. So it's not the first time I've lost 65#. It is however the first time I've kept it off. I'm bound and determined to get in to ONEDERLAND (I love that term, btw) and a healthy weight for me. I'm also never going to let my diabetes control me again!

PERSONAL INFORMATION: I'm 25 yrs old I got married 2 (almost 3) years ago. I graduated with a Bachelors in Political Science from Cal State Long Beach and my husband is 2 years away from getting his Bachelors in Computer Science. I love to draw with pastels and I prefer using my fingers that just the pastel. My husband loves to program and play computer games in his spare time. We don't have pets and I work as a legal assistant while my husband is a full-time college student and a part time programmer. We just finished watching Drop Dead Diva, Glee and Breaking Bad. Now, we're watching Star Trek from the beginning my husband has me hooked on it now but he also likes Star Wars so, we watch both lol. I listen to a lot of latin rock and my husband likes daft punk. I used to host a weekly radio show for a local non profit called Association of Professionals and Students and my husband used to be their webmaster.

DIABETES INFORMATION: My husband has Type 2 Diabetes and was diagnosed November 2010 when he was 25. He takes Metmorfin and another drug (i forgot the name) Luckily he hasn't had any complications with it.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: My husband is about 5'9" and is top heavy. We've tried working out and eating healthier and in the first few months he lost ~20 lbs. He's never been on a formal diet only eating healthier and excersizing. We try not to eat after 6pm but its been difficult because he has night classes and when we work out its at night so we end up eating afterwards which isn't good.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: My hope is that I can be a stronger support for my husband. Having diabetes has affected the both of us and it pains me when he says that he worries that he'll die young because of the disease. I know that if I take better care of him by cooking healthier meals and being his gym buddy he'll live a long and healthy life. I aspire to be a lawyer and am presently working on my application process, if all goes well I'll start law school next fall. My husband's dream is to graduate, get his masters and work for Google, and I'm cheering him every step of the way. We have much to live and accomplish and I want to be a better support for him, my hope is that here I can learn that and be there for him when he needs me :)

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Tell us about yourself, your family, your pets, your hobbies, your occupation, your most (and least) favourite books/movies/TV programs/music; – just about anything that helps us know the real ‘you’.
Married Mother of 5, 2 girls 3 boys, 19,14,13,11,8. We have one Shih-poo a sixth child :) I don't really have any hobbies. I used to be a SAHM bu recently had to return to work. I love going to church, studying my Bible and gospel music. Don't watch tv much but will watch it if someone turns it on. Law & Order SVU, and most Lifetime Movies is what catch my attention

DIABETES INFORMATION: What Type; when diagnosed; what medications; any complications you’ve experienced.
I was just diagnosed on 5/14 with Type II, with an A1C of 10.4, weighing in at 188. I started taking metformin, 1000mg, 2 times daily, this past Monday. The symptoms that I have noticed thus far are gas and extreme fatigue about 1 hour after I take the medicine.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: Height/Weight Statistics. How much you hope to lose and in what timeframe. Formal or informal diet and exercise regimens. Things that work for you. Things you tried, that didn’t. I am currently at 185 as of today, my goal is to see 150 then 140-136 is my ultimate goal. I don't have a time frame in mind. I lost 30lbs in 2010 just eating right and walking 3 miles 6 days a week. Now I don't eat like I'm supposed to though I try. Some days I start out well but by the end of the day I have flopped. I don't get any exercise in other than housework and bending and lifting at work.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS: Anything you’d like to share with the group.
I just want to see my children all grow up and have families of their own.