DH stayed up for about a half hour and then went back to bed. While he was up, he coughed a couple times and I could hear congestion loosening up in his chest, so I'm back to thinking it's congestion. He has been running the vaporizer so that might be loosening things up. I told him that lying down is NOT good for pneumonia, but he says he feels terrible and wants to lie down. I can't force him. He's an adult, even though he acts like a child sometimes.

I had my breakfast of scrambled eggs with mushrooms. I sprinkled in some black beans. So far they haven't raised my BS.

Carol Sue, I pray your husband feels better soon :hug: Men are so stubborn :(. On that thread, my goodness. Some people are happy as they are and don't believe that there is a such thing as change. We are not those people thank goodness :) On the spaghetti sauce I love the sound of the sauce that you made. Can you go into detail on how you made the sauce :drool:

my fbs was 129 this morning. I know what my problem is and I just need to get my head back into the game of eating properly

Just quick flyby, but will be back later. Yesterday was just a blip. I am back on track although not really calling my way of eat Atkins. Just low carb. I do need to raise my fiber which will help with keeping the carbs low.

Weight was up only .4 lb this morning and fbs was 109 so I'm still good. So I'm just doing low carb. As long as I can lose weight and keep fbs/bs low, that is what I'm working for.

BBL

This is a bunch of hooey! So, I told you that my degree is in laboratory medicine. After I left the lab, the last 12 years of my career were in clinical trials. The last 8 of those 12 I spent at a company that specialized in cardiovadcular disease and diabetes trials. I promise you that weight loss does help and can even reverse diabetes. Bunch of old farts over there, lol!

[QUOTE]I don't date my strips when I open them, either, so if I'm not testing regularly they get old. I was told that unless you are on insulin, insurance won't give you more strips than one or two per day. The reason is because if you do get a high reading there's not much you can do about it besides exercising. It's not like a T1 who can inject insulin. Once you determine what foods spike your blood glucose you should not have to keep testing post-prandial. I know some type 2s who take Metformin and don't test at all.[/QUOTE]

I buy the Relion strips and meter from Walmart because the doctor only prescribed one strip a day. I got to the point where I thought, hey he doesn't care what my blood sugar is so... he also told me to limit sweets. I was already doing that so I had stopped using the Relion at other times of the day and pretty much only tested my FBS which was always good, under a 100 usually 80.

Imagine my surprise when I went for my A1c and was still at 7 which meant I had an average blood sugar of 154. Now I am back to using my Relion several times a day, eating to my meter. Recently I've found that even though I am eating low carb and gluten free the amount of food I eat can spike me- I found that out through testing. As my weight goes down I will constantly have to adjust that.

Doctors try to keep the insurance company happy, the insurance company cares about their bottom line. We have to care about our own blood sugar. Another forum I use consistantly tells us Type 2 diabetics to eat to your meter, know what and how much food spikes you and make corrections. We can take control but we can't rely on insurance companies or our doctors to always have our backs.

Trish good numbers there, keep up the good work :)

I promise you that weight loss does help and can even reverse diabetes. <--- Shannon I thought I had read this some where, but my memory is bad and these are certainly my hopes :)

Donna I agree ---> Doctors try to keep the insurance company happy, the insurance company cares about their bottom line. We have to care about our own blood sugar. Another forum I use consistantly tells us Type 2 diabetics to eat to your meter, know what and how much food spikes you and make corrections. We can take control but we can't rely on insurance companies or our doctors to always have our backs.

Shannon I have read (in fact have two book) that say you can reverse diabetes with diet and exercise. They both stress the point of eating more fiber. However, I just realized the New Atkins book says that you can relerse it with their diet as well. The interesting thing is that if you follow Atkins as suggested you would eventually be adding more fiber. I guess I am proof that following it proves that is true. I was diagnosed with diabetes back in the 80s and I was able to get rid of diabetes and live without any meds for a good 10 yrs or more. When I regained weight over 200 lbs, the diabetes returned with it. So I know from experience that losing weight and exercise can and will reverse diabetes. At least it does for me.

Y'all are talking about the problems with the meters makes me not want to change my meter. I had planned to get the new one because it is cheaper, but my bs is always in line with my A1c readings. However, the few times they were off was when I was having high reading on my home meter and I expected a bad A1c only to find that my average was better. So I'm not sure I should get a new one since mine I evidently have a very good one.

Carol Sue I have tried the fiber pills, the psyllium and other powder for constipation and they did nothing but bloat me. Seems they just laid in my belly. So I can't take them either. They work great for DH and my sister. But I seem to have to eat my fiber in foods. I think I need to focus more on protein, fiber and try to keep the carbs as low as possible although my carbs won't be Atkins low and fiber won't be extremely high either. I thought about eating edamame for a snack. I love the taste so I think I'll fix a bag for snacks. Do you keep the bag in fridge once thawed? Do you just eat a serving or what.

I ended up wanting cookies last night, but I really think what saved me was I ate 2 oz of nuts (fiber/healthy fat) with them. Plus I didn't pig out on them I just ate a serving of 2 different kinds. It wasn't a binge, but a planned type meal. I remember my doctor telling my DH that I could have ice cream if I wanted sometime in place of a meal. So that is why I made it a planned meal. This is a learning process and I found that I they didn't taste as well as I thought they would. I keep the cookies here for DGS when he is here on weekends, but he hasn't been here on weekends since he lost his license so I'll put them in the freezer for him. You know "out of site out of mind".

Donna My doctor gave me a prescription for my meter etc but only for 1 stick a day. When I asked if I could get more, he told me that since I'm on medicare that I would be required to keep a record to be shared with medicare. I decided to start purchasing the sticks on my own. I don't even get a prescription for them any more as I think government gets too involved in our business as it is. IMHO. I didn't want it on my record because 1) my diabetes isn't bad enough to have more sticks. It is my choice to stick after some foods to see how it affects my spikes. This is how my step-sister's DH got control of his diabetes. 2) I don't plan to live with diabetes for the rest of my life since I know losing the weight will reverse it. The difference this time is I'm doing this to find out what I can and cannot eat so that when I reach goal that I will know how to maintain and never gain any of this weight back. Thanks for sharing here. Also something you said made me realize that I was about to goof up on my plane today. I have learned that eating small meals rather than large meals work better for me.

I did have my high fiber bread with my breakfast. The rest of the day will be just regular low carb meals and snacks. I make my plans out on MFP because it shows my fiber count when I make the print out. I believe one of the things that causes weight gain and high fbs and other bs readings is eating too much at one time overloading my tummy. I made my lunch plan too high for today. What I have planned to eat isn't bad, it just needs to be spread out over the day, not so much of it in one meal. I would never have realized it if I hadn't read your post Donna. So thanks again.

It is wonderful how we learn from each other. Sometimes I just share what I'm going through so that it might help someone else. I know y'alls sharing sure does help me.

Have a good day!!!

Donna - A while back you posted that you made a muffin in a mug recipe in your waffle iron. I would like to see that recipe if you don't mind sharing it.

My doctor told me that in order to write a script for more strips he would have to document that my glucose was out of control, which at the time, it wasn't. For me, it is just cheaper and easier to use the ones from WalMart.

Trish, if you are happy with your meter and strips, stay with it. I remember before I went for my A1c I predicted it would be a 9 based on the average readings I was having and I was right. It was 9.7. If I get it down to 7 or below I will be happy, and I hope the doctor is too.

I think we will always have to exercise and watch carbs, even if we lose weight and are able to get off the meds. That's just my opinion and I know I could be wrong. I think that's why some people don't like to hear the word "reversed." It's not really reversed, but controlled. I'll take "controlled!!"

Trish, I have a snack size bag of edemame in the refrigerator. For lunch I cooked some baby carrots and brussels sprouts and threw in some edemame for protein. I will just pull the bag out and have a few in between meals. I defrost the amount that would fit in my cupped hand.

Another thing I do for fiber is eat pitted prunes. Usually only 1 a day, sometimes 2. We buy them in Aldi's in a big canister and we both eat them. Very rich in fiber.

Rennie - There is no actual recipe for my butter sauce. I just melted some butter in a small frying pan, added some chopped onion and garlic and simmered it to flavor the butter. Then mixed the butter in with the spaghetti squash strands. I didn't measure anything. Sometimes I would add some frozen mixed vegetables in with it. Whatever I wanted in there. If it made too much I just kept the leftovers for the next day. I was eating this at lunch time. Lunch seems to be the only time I can do my own thing. Supper is usually something that DH will eat, and he won't eat any of my weird foods. LOL

I did very well today so far, so I will post my menu.

Breakfast
Scrambled eggs with mushrooms

Lunch
Wilted Kale and Spinach with sauteed onions and garlic
I still felt hungry after that so I cooked some baby carrots and brussels sprouts and added the edemame to it.

I am satisfied, but not stuffed.

For dinner I am planning on some grilled salmon with asparagus and whatever starch DH wants. If he doesn't want salmon I will cook a hamburger for him. He is feeling a little better, but I don't want to force him to eat something he doesn't want. (like I could!LOL)

Shannon, I think some people prefer to be able to eat what they want and just inject the insulin, so they let themselves believe that it has to be that way. I will be having labs done again at the end of June to see if my A1c went down. He is also checking my lipids, and I'm hoping they are improved, too! It will make this all worthwhile.

Muffin in a mug

The basic recipe is 1/4 cup flax meal, (or 2 TBS Flax and 2 TBS almond flour)1/2 tsp baking powder, pinch of salt, 1 egg, stevia to taste, and either 1 TBS coconut oil, butter or olive oil.

I sub a TBS of nonfat greek yogurt (sometimes 2 TBS) for the oil and pour it into a sprayed, hot waffle iron.

Today I had a cinnamon roll in a mug, which was yum!!

2 TBS almond meal
2 TBS flax meal
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2-1 tsp cinnamon
1 egg
1 TBS Butter

mix together in a mug or a glass bowl and microwave for 1 minutes 15 secs.

pop it out of the mug and spread with sweetened (I use stevia or xylitol) cream cheese.

The basic recipe can be made savory with olive oil, garlic, a TBS of parmesian cheese and what ever other spices you like. I make mine in a 4 cup glass measuring cup and cook in the microwave for 1-2 minutes . Pop it out and slice it in the middle, it makes a nice bun for a breakfast sandwich or a burger. I just do whatever goes with what I'm eating it with. Sometimes I leave it plain and just toast it in the toaster oven and eat it with butter.


For pasta dishes, I sub sliced cabbage or zuchinni, not crazy about the texture of spaghetti squash the cabbage and zuchinni have a more neutral flavor..

Carol Sue thanks for the details for the butter sauce :)

Thanks Donna that's the recipe I have minus the almond meal which I just added. Maybe the cream cheese or the parmesan garlic will give it more flavor. I am sure gonna give them a try :) Thanks ... PS you've made me hungry (in my mind) but I'm full and done eating for the day ;)

Donna i have a question for you about coconut oil. Mine stays in the hardened state and it's hard to get out a specific measurement. Any tips?

Shannon mine is in the hardened state also (white jar), I scoop it out with a tablespoon measurer and heat. It's usually just the right amount. :) I saw in the Walmart in Morrisville the liquid coconut oil. I think I'm gonna go back to get it. It wasn't there when I got the one in the jar :(. Also have you seen the GG's Scandinavian crisp bread any where? Have you had it before?

I have not heard of that before....no clue! I tried the cinnamon bun muffin in mug tonight and it was okay. I think I need to melt my butter before I add it. I just put it on top so most of the muffin was dry but the center was moister, I guess it didn't spread throughout. Also will add the full amount of cinnamon next time. Definitely will try it again. Donna let us know if you come up with any other variations! I'm not very adventurous with coming up with stuff on my own but I can follow a recipe like nobody's business, lol!

I did not eat enough today so late tonight I got snacky and grabbed a handful of yogurt covered raisins. Not the worst thing I've ever done but I need to work on daytime meals better, making sure I'm eating enough. I don't track calories or anything else...it's a major binge trigger for me.....maybe when I've lost half my goal or something I can try but definitely not opening that can of worms yet!

Thanks for the recipe Donna. I saved it for when I am ready to add carbs back into my food plan.

I am down another 2 lbs this morning. The second lb is rather shaky, so I hope it stays off. Happy Happy Joy Joy! I am actually losing weight instead of losing and gaining those same 2 lbs. That makes 8 altogether.

I had a feeling that I was going to be down some. The beans I ate yesterday did their job! (sorry TMI)

Last night I wanted something. I wasn't craving anything in particular, but it wasn't actually hunger. So I ate some olives with whipped cream cheese. High fat, but low carb. It got me through til bedtime, but I wish I had stood strong and not eaten since I was not hungry. After I ate my salmon and asparagus for dinner I was still hungry so I made a veggie salad. That all should have kept me til bedtime. I also didn't walk after dinner, so that would have kept my cravings at bay. I still showed a loss, so no harm, no foul. I will try to learn from this.

DH stayed up most of the evening, watching TV, but had some pain during the night. I can definately hear the congestion breaking up. When he is sick I am not allowed to tell any of his family. They are so quick to come to him when they need help with something but he will never ask for help and they are never around for him. They always assume he can do it and doesn't need help, like he is invincible. His brother called yesterday and wants to come over to work on his truck in our garage. This also means he wants DH to help him. He would not tell him No, I don't feel good. So they will be in the garage, laying on the floor under the truck, etc. He can't just let him use the garage and tools. He has to get involved. At least it's supposed to be a warmer day today.

I have bible study this morning so I'm rushing to get us fed and clothed but just wanted to check in. I was trying to avoid weighing til my next official weigh day since TOM is here but I sneaked a peek and I'm still going down, yay!! Unfortunately BG was 130 this morning. That is kind of high for me. :-(

That's what mine was this morning too, Shannon, but I was running in the 200's a month ago so mine is a great improvement. I think mine is because I didn't exercise yesterday.

I made a new rule regarding my glimiperide. I will only take it if my FBG is over 130. That's what I did yesterday and I didn't have any spikes. I did take it with dinner though. I don't want to be on this med long term because it damages your beta cells. I know I can get a good A1c without it.

I just had a late breakfast. I didn't have any mushrooms to put in my eggs and I didn't want them plain. I took some black beans, added some frozen chopped spinach, and some frozen broccoli that I chopped really small. I put all that in a warm skillet to defrost them, then poured the eggs over it all and scrambled it up. With all the little green bits, it looked rather disgusting! LOL But it was soooooo delicious! I think I'm going to do this again tomorrow! I could actually make another plate of this, but I won't.

Carol Sue, nice weigh in, glad everything is coming together :)

Shannon the sneak peeks help us stay OP and motivated. I should probably start doing it again also during the day while I can. I use to weigh myself whenever I was about to eat something not good for me and it would deter me if I saw a good number. I'm glad the scale numbers are going in the right direction for you :)

I'm up .6 this morning feeling really really bloated :( but my fbs came back down as it usually does when the scale is up. It was 118 this morning so hopefully the 120's to 130's are gone :crossed: Until my birthday when I have my Food Lion cake :) and ice cream. I love their cakes. The are the only ones that still use icing and not that butter creme stuff, yuck :)

I like real frosting and not the stuff that is like whipped cream! Your post reminded me I have anniversary, mother's day and my birthday all in May.....oy!

I scoop out my coconut oil and melt it in the micro wave. I use a lot of coconut oil! I found a huge container of it at my local Amish store.

Carbs are pretty low (figuring in fiber) for the flax meal - on my eating plan they are recommended for the higher fat meals. I eat carb meals like sweet potato separate from high fat meals. It lets my body work on burning one fuel at a time.

Wow, Shannon and you like to cook. Hopefully they are not all in the same weeks. So one cheat meal a week may not be bad, idk.

I had a bad day today after careful planning, smh. I got to see my stats from Dec to now from a friend on another thread so that made me smile. I have come a long way so I will get back on the wagon tomorrow and get as close as I can to my birthday goal :)

Haven't been on pc much today. Did laundry and went to Bible study tonight and that is about it. I'm doing better just counting calories and watching my fiber. I finally have that straightened out again. I decided that if I don't do Atkins that I can use beans sometimes for my fiber instead of or along with veggies, but I can cut back on some of the veggies especially raw ones as they are hard on my tummy if I eat too many of them. And to quote Carol Sue the beams have worked very well today. My calories for today is 1192 and the fiber was 30 g which when subtracted from the carbs comes to net carbs of 42 g. So that is good as far as I'm concerned.

I will be back tomorrow and do indies.

Good night.

Trish glad to see you :) I'm gonna try to add beans back in but the refried way like Shannon told me. I figure I'll cook, divide and freeze them since my husband will probably not want them in the refried state :D. I really need to get in more fiber.

I had a plan today and totally blew it. My numbers are just ridiculous across the board but tomorrow is a new day and my 3FC friends have gave me great pep talks and helped me pick myself and my sadness back up. So hoping tomorrow will be a much much better day :)

Rennie hope you have a better day tomorrow! Try not to get too down, this too shall pass. In addition to the anniversary, Mother's day and birthday in May we will be going on a week's vacation the last week of the month. I feel sick....lol! I might actually have real cake on my bday :-) the week of vacation I should have a kitchen to work with, thank God, but we usually eat out alot too.

Carol Sue I am impressed that you've brought your FBS down so far! You have really accomplished alot. You should be, as my 3 year old would say, super proud!

Today breakfast was a boil in bag cheese omelet with strawberries. Lunch was a homemade taco salad (no shell). I made these poppers subbing cream cheese instead of goat for a snack in the afternoon http://popularpaleo.com/2013/03/19/s...epper-poppers/

Then tonight I had dinner out with a friend at Chili's. I watched her eat the chips and salsa and wasn't interested in them....amazing! I got a guacamole burger and removed the bun. There were finely chopped jalapenos in the guac so I had to pick all those out....cannot do jalapenos! The only sub for the fries that was LC was broccoli and I just could not see that as an appropriate side for a burger! LOL! So, I got the sweet potato fries for 50 cent extra and ate less than half and added on a side of grilled shrimp. Just checked my BS and it's 106 so I am refraining from a snack. Hoping to see a lower number tomorrow.

Question? - how long after waking should I be checking my FBS? I am usually up a while before checking because of attending to my daughter. I am wondering if it is rising alot in that period of time.

Checking FBS varies by personal opinion. Some say check the minute you get up. The thing I don't like is sometimes I check upon waking, don't eat, and a hour later it's up even higher. Others say to eat something, however small, immediately upon rising to stop your blood sugar from going higher. (Saying to myself, but eating is going to make it go higher, too!) So my final answer is "I don't know." LOL

I have been checking fasting, and 3-4 hrs after eating. That would show me how far my bs went down after a meal, but I also need to check 2 hours after a meal to see just how far the meal has spiked my bs. It really shouldn't be that high because I'm not eating carbs. I have heard that protein will eventually turn to glucose too, so it should be limited. Fat is supposed to slow the spike. I am suffering from information overload and all this testing is getting on my nerves.

Yesterday in the store I found that Pancake/Waffle mix. They had a separate section for glute-free items. I noticed they had regular and sugar free and the sugar free was the low carb one. I didn't buy it, because I'm not ready for that. But at least I know where to find it when I want it.

This store has a very big section for The Red Mill's stuff. The only thing I ever bought from there is the potato starch. I had read about resistant starch and how it is supposed to lower blood sugar. Put it in water and mix it up. It doesn't have much taste but it made me very burpy. Now I just use it as a thickener in stuff like chili and spaghetti sauce. I only drank it a couple days so I didn't give it a chance to see if it helped blood sugar. When I think of it I put the vinegar and lemon juice in my water bottle.

113 this morning, that is better. Last night it occured to me that I might have a rise from items I hadn't thought about. I often need 2 tums before bed and every night I take two melatonin gummies to help me fall asleep. Both have carbs (and no fat/protein). I will switch to regular pills for melatonin after this bottle (I'm hoping my chronic sleep issue will resolve with lowering carbs, the only caffeine I drink is in the morning, about a half cup coffee) and maybe there is a sugar free variety of tums I can get...?

Another article I thought would be encouraging. Some of these don't apply to us, because we don't use a pump or take insulin; however, I thought all of them are encouraging. They are people sharing how their diet and exercise has helped them successful get bs reading down successfully. I think I realize that it really doesn't matter what diet you choose, but consistence with the diet you choose along with regular exercise will work.

17 Things People with A1Cs Under 7.0 Do

By Ginger Vieira from Diabetes Daily Newsletter

Whether you live with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, figuring out what changes we need to make in order to achieve our A1C goals can be overwhelming and confusing. To help inspire and educate, we asked our Facebook audience what they believe has helped them achieve A1Cs under 7.0 percent.

Read all of the replies in this Facebook Post by Diabetes Daily.
17 Things People with A1Cs Under 7.0 Do:

1. Melissa Baland Lee: I spent 18 years at or above 10%. The last 6 years, I’ve been below 7%. My tips are (1) learn how to time your meds/insulin to stop the one hour post prandial spike (it’s the highest number you hit in a day), (2) never treat without knowing an actual BG value, (3) leave meters out where you will see them and check often, (4) control your numbers overnight – if you’re flat while you sleep, that’s half your daily average.

2. Henry P. Botello: My A1C was near 11 three years ago. I was on two meds, total of 120 pills/mo. I began to workout and and eat healthy. Unltimately lost 50 lbs and totally off all meds. Last A1C was 5.3. I am now a Triathlete and I’m 52 years old. I was type II for nearly 20 years.

3. Alison E Peters: T1D 14 years, my A1C used to be abismal, now it’s usually between 5.5 and 6. I eat plant based, but still lower carb (it is possible). I exercise 4 days or more a week. I test 5-10 times a day.

4. Kelly Harp: My daughter’s a1c has been 5.1-6.1 for the last 2 years. I credit that to pumping and cgm.

5. Robbie Kizer: My son has had type 1 since 2010. He was 8 yrs old at the time and his a1c was 11.5 at dx. Since then, his a1c hasn’t been above the mid 6 range. It’s a lot of work but the long term benefits are worth it to our family.He wears the Omnipod pump (started pumping 7 months after dx) as well as the Dexcom CGM (started using dex a little over a year after dx). Consistent and accurate carb counting, consistent prebolusing before meals, taking action when dex or meter reading shows him going up or down, along with an extremely positive attitude all play a huge role in his management success up to this point. He is in puberty and we have still maintained low a1cs. It can be done.

6. Shanna Wolf Heart Powell: Drum roll, please! Like I said before if you believe it you can achieve it!

7. I just got back from the doctor and…My name is Shanna Wolf Heart Powell, and I am a Recovering Diabetic! Yes! No more meds! Diet and exercise only! Take that diabetes! A1C now 5.4!

8. Sharone Herring: I was diagnose with type 2 in Oct 2013 and my A1C was 11% at the time. I changed my eating habits and add exercise about 3 times a week. When I went back to my appointment in Jan 2014 my A1C was down to 6.5%. Today, I no longer take insulin. I still take pills but, I would like to stop taking the pills!

9. Linda Michelle Mincey: Mine was 11.6 at diagnosis and I started following the diabetic diet with portions and eating less fried foods and more veggies and fruits and started walking 30 minutes a day at least 5 times a week. In 3 months I brought A1C down to 5.3. The dr was pleased and took me off morning med and said he thinks if next A1C is as low that I can come off night medicine too! My goal is to be healthy and medicine free. I truly feel that it is about being aware of food intake and exercise to control your own health.

10. Rick Wigington: I went from 6.9 to 5.1 in three months and stayed at 5.1 the next three months. Lost 20 pounds, cut out sweets and cut down on portions. Cinnamon, turmeric, magnesium, chromium picolinate, apple cider vinegar and lots of exercise.

11. Jolesa Ferrand: My highest a1c was 14 & that was just a few years ago when I was put on insulin. I use to weigh almost 600 pounds. I had lost 200 pounds on my own with diet & exercise. My a1c was still high 9 -8. Thats when the doctor started having me carb count. Also had to increase my insulin to two types, Levemir & Novolog. After a lot of hard work I am at a a1c of 6. I have also lost 70 more pounds. With the right diet & exercise plan for you it can be possible to lower your a1c & lose weight. I thought I would never see my weight where it is now nor my a1c. I am so proud of myself!

12. Sudhir Gupta: My A1C was 5.8 and am diabetic since 1987. I am thrilled. I take good care of myself, enjoy life, love chocolates but never exceed my calories. Being happy is most important. The saying fits perfectly, you smile everyone smiles with you , you cry you cry alone. Que sera sera, whatever will be will be so why worry about it now. When eulogies are being read, the priest never fails to mention that whoever comes to the world goes to the good Lord one day. So enjoy the life as long as you live. Take your medicines, eat small meals every two hours, exercise and drink lot of water.

13. John E Wallace: Type 2. Went low carb, no grains, processed foods or diet drinks 2 years ago. A1C dropped from 11.5 to below 7 for last year. Exercise helps. Not bad for 20 years with diabetes.

14. Dwayne Robinson: 5.9 percent, type 2, 5th year past diagnosis. (My diagnosis level was 566 or a 14.8 a1c.) Diet and exercise. Check your glucose before you eat and adjust what and how much you eat accordingly. My self-imposed guideline is if my BG is 80-110, I eat a full meal. 110-120, I eat a half meal. Above 120, I eat a quarter meal. Physical activity BEYOND your occupation. Your body is used to the labor of doing your job, so go a step beyond. Walking jogging gym work. If you can’t do these, grab some canned food, throw them in a Wal-Mart bag and use them as weights. I find a 30 min workout with resistance bands to be quite a challenge and often my glucose drops 10-30 points afterwards. I wish ALL of you the great results I’ve seen.

15. Jolinda Dirks: For the last year my A1C has been between 6.7-6.9! I couldn’t believe how easy it was and how fast my number dropped and has stayed under. In 2011 I got married and my husband and I decided to do a major health change. We both started TapouT XT. We were hoping that the weight loss would help us look and feel better. And although I only lost 10 pounds I started noticing my activity has increased and my sugars were so much better. I have been able to keep the weight off and the counts normal. I have enough stress in my life, it’s nice that diabetes isn’t part of that stress any more!

16. Chantal Dyment: Fruit & veggie with every meal. No white breads. Whole grains, measure measure measure! Exercise!

17. Lynn Spaulding Bradley: In January 2013 my A1C was 9.4. I was put on 10 units of Levemir once a day. In January 2014 I had my A1C down to 6.1 getting my Levemir reduced to 5 units. With all my eating habits being changed and walking 4 to 5 times a week I have also lost 52 lbs.

I asked my doctor that question at one of my recent visits because I've heard people say you needed to check as soon as you get up. He said it didn't have to be as soon as you get up. The main thing is to do it before you eat or drink food breaking your fast. I usually get up, dress and put coffee on and a few other kitchen chores before I check mine. It has never made that big a difference in my reading.

We were just getting ready for bed and my husband noticed a rash on his side where his pain is. He has shingles. I had them and they are extremely painful. Probably the worst pain I've ever had and it takes a while to get rid of them. I am relieved. He's still upset because of the pain. I feel bad for him, but am so relieved it's not something more serious. I will be calling the doctor in the morning for meds.

When I was at the doctor a little over a week ago, he was talking to a woman in the waiting room that said she had such terrible pain and didn't know what it was. Now, I think she was starting to get shingles. They say you can't get them unless you are exposed to the active blisters, but he was not exposed to hers. She might not even have had the blisters yet. But I think that's how he got them.

Here's an interesting recipe I found online. Not sure I would want all that stuff on top....but it's low carb and gluten free.

http://peaceloveandlowcarb.com/2013/...uten-free.html

Carol Sue ugh! That must be painful! So glad it isn't worse!

Rennie are you out there?! LOL!

:carrot::carrot::carrot:
My scale says 198.8 this morning!! I have to wait til Monday though to see if it's "real", lol (yes, I know how ludicrous that sounds!). But, I'm excited on the inside! My FBG was 119. Before bed it was 113. It's the weekend which is usually more off plan. Tonight DH is going to an event at church. I was thinking of taking the munchkin out but I might attempt wheat free pizza at home instead since I have plenty of toppings on hand. Oh!! Forgot to tell ya'll, I made cauliflower mash last night (that was on my low carb cooking bucket list) and it was edible! The entire bowl was eaten, mostly by my super skeptical husband. "Rice" is up next! Speaking of the DH, he weighed this morning when I did -419. I hope he joins me soon. I'm still buying junk for him (if I don't he just goes out himself and buys even more than I do....ice cream is on sale, let's get 5 cartons!). I used to eat all that mess, can't believe what a change I'm experiencing. I keep hoping he will see how well I am doing and join me. I was overweight when I met him but only by like 20 lbs. i've gained 60 lbs on top of that since we married almost 7 yrs ago. I'm so ready to get rid of this weight that has made me so physically uncomfortable, unable to find clothes I like in my size, wearing the same ugly bathing suit at the pool/beach with my daughter for 4 years! LOL! Even with just this first 10 lbs, my body is changing. My belly is not nearly as puffy. I may end up with alot of loose skin in the belly, it is totally deflating. But, if it keeps me from losing a leg later then AMEN to loose skin!

DH got an anti-viral and pain meds filled, so hopefully he will start to feel better. I wonder if his is really that much worse than mine was or if he's just a bigger baby about it? LOL

You are doing great, Shannon! I hope when your husband sees your improvements he will join you. Men aren't as vein about weight as we are, even though it's just as unhealthy for them. But once they make up their mind to lose, the lose much faster than we do. It's good that he liked the mashed cauliflower. Because you are young you might not get much loose skin. Your skin still has it's elasticity.

I want to try the cauliflower rice. I wonder if I can make it with frozen cauliflower. I will only make a small portion to see if I like it. DH won't eat it. I'm lucky he eats any veggies at all.

Yesterday, I had carbs. I couldn't think of what to make for dinner and DH didn't feel good. I had a box of Tuna Helper so I made that and added a lot of vegetables with it. I ate a normal portion....didn't go back and finish all the leftovers the way I would have in the past. Actually, even with all the veggies, it made me feel a little sick...bloated and uncomfortable. By bedtime my rings were tight. I don't see myself doing that again any time soon. Yukky feeling. This morning my FBG was 142. I didn't get to eat breakfast because we were leaving for the doctors. When we got home around 10:30 my glucose had gone up into the 160's. That's without eating anything, just some black coffee. I heard somewhere that if you go too long without eating and you get too hungry, your body thinks your starving and dumps glucose. So now I'm taking my glimiperide twice a day again, the way the doctor told me to.

Trish - Item number 2 spoke to me loud and clear. We CAN lose weight and lower our blood sugar and get off the meds.

Shannon I'm here. I've just been reading :) doing good new low today 161.8 down .4. FBS was at 121 so up from yesterday. Checked my husband's and told him he should see a doctor because he is pre diabetic but he says he's fine (of course). I hope your husband will see your accomplishments and follow suit :hug: I'm sure trying to get my family on point. I will start my beans shortly thanks again for the recipe :)

Here is a sauce you might like with your mexican dishes, I have been eating it on my taco salads and as a dip for raw veggies. I got it from The Pioneer Woman.
1/4 cup each mayo, sour cream and salsa mixed together

Wannabehealthy! That recipe looks so yummy!! We have an Easter breakfast at church and I think this is what I'm going to make. Thanks for sharing.

Trish I check as soon as I use the bathroom, wash my hands and before I brush my teeth. It I don't I'll forget. :)

Carol Sue hope your husband is better soon :hug:

Donna :wave:

Carol Sue Shingles are very painful, but so glad it wasn't something worse. I had them a few yrs back up and down my right arm. I thought I would never get over it, but compared to how long it lasts for some, it really wasn't all that long. Hope I never have them again. Hope he recovers soon.

Shannon :cp: YAY :cp: for reaching the goal of getting to 200 and sliding past it to 198.8. I knew you were young enough to make it happen. I'm proud of you.

Rennie I usually check mine within about an hour after getting up most days.

I've had a fairly carby day but got my fiber in. So I think I'm good.

Y'all have a great weekend.

Carol Sue
My husband is way worse with everything than I am!

Thank you! He commented tonight that I inspired him. Maybe he will come around at some point. When we married he had lost ~75 lbs on a low carb diet while we were friends/dating. He was about 300 lbs then. He needed to lose more but instead he stopped eating low carb and has gained 119 lbs in the past 7 yrs. i am not sure I would call 40 "young" but maybe you are right and there is some remnant of elasticity left in me, lol! I am not sure the rice can be done from frozen since you have to grate it like cheese, but maybe?

Thank you! I'm really shocked it is going so well....keep wondering when it will all fall apart but until then, I'll keep on keepin' on

Shannon, when you're 68, 40 looks really, really young! LOL YOU are not going to let it fall apart, and we are not going to let you. We are your cheering section.

I made cauliflower rice yesterday with frozen cauliflower. It was wonderful, and I can't wait to try it again. I put the frozen flowerettes into a strainer and ran some water over them to defrost. They were defrosted somewhat, but not soft like they are after you cook them. I pulsed them in a small food processor. Then I did the same thing with some frozen mixed vegetables, the ones with corn, peas, carrots, green beans etc, ran the water over them to defrost, but didn't pulse them. left them whole. In a small frying pan I melted some butter over low heat. I put the cauliflower rice and mixed vegetables in there and cooked them a little over a low heat until they were heated up. I added salt and pepper and ate it. I just made 1 serving. It looked like vegetables and rice, which I sometimes make for a quick side dish. I loved it. The texture of the cauliflower was the same as rice and since rice doesn't have a real strong flavor by itself and the "rice" and veggies were still a little crunchy I felt as if I was eating rice and veggies. I was thinking that you could do this using a small amount of chicken broth instead of the melted butter if you wanted to keep the fat content down. You could add different veggies according to your taste, like kale or spinach. You could use different seasonings, You could add some stir fried chicken breast to make it more of a main dish. Or you could just add some salt and pepper and use it like rice with a chinese dish like Sweet and Sour Pork or Chicken. I actually think I could fool even my husband with this, if only he didn't like to hang out in the kitchen and watch me cook. If one unusual ingredient goes into my cooking, he's finished. LOL

It's more costly than rice, a box of rice makes a lot of servings because it swells up, the cauliflower does not. But to me it's worth it to be able to eat something I really like.

As far as pulsing the vegetables, I think that would be a good way to get young kids to eat vegetables they wouldn't otherwise try. Put them in a food processor and then you can add them to other dishes to disguise them.

My bs was 123 this morning. Very good, for me. But I slept in until 9 AM, so I checked it much later than usual. I slept very soundly and longer than usual, so that might have had something to do with the lower FBG. I am normally not a good sleeper unless I take something. I did it last night without meds. I am not hungry yet, so I probably won't eat until lunch time.

Weight has stayed at 194. No ups or downs. Blood pressure is improving, so all in all I'm doing what I set out to do, slowly.

Trish, Good for getting that fiber in! It makes a difference.

Donna - If you make the muffins, let me know how they turned out.

Rennie - Good for you on the weight loss! I am amazed at how your blood sugar goes up when your weight comes down. It will even out in the end.

Hi Ruthie. Mad we miss you! Guess you must be busy.