Diabetic anyone?

[WhiteTigress]

As for good ways to get the blood for testing, I use the One Touch Ultra lancet device that came with my meter, and I use the One Touch lancets. The way that I get my draws is from the rounded part of my palm, opposite from the thumb side. When you use this area, you have to use the clear cap for the lancing device, rather than the blue one. This way you can actually press the device into the palm, and it causes the blood to pool up in that "dimpled up" part of your skin, prior to releasing the lancet..

If that doesn't always get a large enough droplet, I can go ahead and re-press the device back into the area around the prick mark, and it usually will "milk-up" enough blood that way. If you are trying this, remember NOT to retract the lancet, because it's not going to poke you again. You don't want to re-stick yourself. If that still doesn't work the first time, you could always give yourself a mini palm massage prior to lancing, and that will help stimulate good blood flow into the palm. And Andrew, NEVER injure your feet or toes. You can end up losing them.

As for pasta, try the Dreamfields, because it's a little higher in fiber, so you get fewer net carbs.

WT

[violaine]

http://www.house-foods.com/tofu/tofu_shirataki.aspx

[Andrew, Jr.]

What is the purpose of the daily blood draws? Looking at this from the perspective of someone who is not on insulin. I am not sure of how to explain this to the insurance company.

[WhiteTigress]

Originally Posted by Andrew, Jr.

What is the purpose of the daily blood draws? Looking at this from the perspective of someone who is not on insulin. I am not sure of how to explain this to the insurance company.

I was instructed to test 5 times per day. Upon rising, 2-hours after breakfast, just before lunch, 2-hours after lunch, just before dinner, and 2-hours after dinner. This was more of an indicator if I was compliant with my diet and oral medications. The goal was to never be over 110, and preferably not over 100. When my readings were in line with this, I was usually losing weight, and had good A1c readings, too.

Insurance companies should understand that it's standard practice for diabetics to do daily testing, and that it's NOT just for insulin users.

WT

[JustJo]

I'm on oral meds, not insulin either...and White Tigress is totally correct. I've been stable so long that I'm only supposed to do my fasting reading in the morning, and then 2 hours after (some) meal just to monitor how I'm doing.

Spikes in blood sugar, or lows, can be a sign that your condition is worsening, or that you need adjustments to your meds, or that something is wrong in your diet.

Your A1c test is important, but it only shows a 3 month average of your readings. It's the daily spikes and lows that can teach you how your own body responds to certain foods, or if an infection is flaring up, you're not getting enough rest....all manner of things.

Your insurance company should never fight you on monitoring supplies....it can prevent much more expensive problems later on.

[DomnNC]

Originally Posted by Andrew, Jr.

What is the purpose of the daily blood draws? Looking at this from the perspective of someone who is not on insulin. I am not sure of how to explain this to the insurance company.

Hey Andrew,

You don't have to explain it to your insurance company. All you have to do is tell your Dr the grief they are giving you and he will submit a form to them telling them that this is his/her direction and why, problem solved. Don't try to haggle with them, have your Dr do it.

[Rockinonahigh]

OK folks im shure in a fix now,over the last fue months I have watched my diet,lost weight,feel better.Then I go to the doc yester day and had another blood test done and she just called ..I now have full blown diabetis my test was 6.6..crap im so pissed I can spit nails.I dont get this this..I mean I know ppl get this mess but donet really know what it is or why its is.Dr.J said for me to stop all carbs for the forseeable future.I could have sworn she said I wasnt makeing insulin ..I dont know im really very confused right now,sorry for the ramblings..im heading to the pool hall ..grrrrr.

[intrigue_in916]

Originally Posted by DomnNC

Hey Andrew,

You don't have to explain it to your insurance company. All you have to do is tell your Dr the grief they are giving you and he will submit a form to them telling them that this is his/her direction and why, problem solved. Don't try to haggle with them, have your Dr do it.

It really is important for those of us who are non insulin dependant diabetics to monitor our blood sugars daily, to keep a record, and to take it with you when you go to see your Dr.

[Rockinonahigh]

Hi Andrew,how are ya?? Since I got my meeter ive been testing twice a day four times a week as directed by my doc.Before I started testing I had no idea what or how my sugar was at any given time,now I can check to see where it is in relation to my diet and exersise,im not on any meds but this has made it possable to keep track of it all.At first I was testing at 101 to 104 now im testing at 85 to100,I now know what I can eat and when to eat or if I can have a snack,I also keep some non carb foods handy for when I just want to nibble on something.

[GeekBear]

hey everyone, geek here, I haven't posted in awhile so I thought I'd say howdy. I hope everyone is doing well. my partner and I just went to sign up for a gym membership today, which I am very very excited about. I've been slowly losing weight and my sugars are somewhat normal now unless I overdo it...I do have a sweet tooth. I'm trying to eat healthier and I'm happy about getting on an excerise schedule. can anyone recommend any good sugar free recipes for this sweet tooth of mine? does anyone do any kind of protein shakes at all, if so what so ya'll put in them? I'm not a big breakfast eater so I was thinking of just having a healthy shake in the mornings. I know that it's important to eat breakfast but my body tends to not like food in the morning. any ideas are welcomed and appreciated be well everyone!