Diabetic anyone?

[NJFemmie]

Most recent A1c test came back and ......... (Drum roll please)

Almost normal! (although Mare tends to argue the definition of normal, I am referring to blood sugars here)

I've managed to get it below 6!! 5.8 to be exact.
My initial diagnosis test a few months ago was 7.2, which isn't great, but it wasn't the end of the world either. The ultimate goal is to get it below 5.5, get off the meds, and control it with diet and exercise.

*Clearing throat*

I'd like to thank Mare for Her support, my cats for being fluffy and adorable, regular exercise and healthier eating. Oh yeah, and probably Metformin. :/ I hate my *^#$*&@ meds.


Leigh - If you don't mind my mini-diatribe, I'd like to say it's simple, but it's not (and yet it is). When I was first diagnosed, I was devastated and overwhelmed. I am such a carb junky and also have a sweet tooth from hell and I wasn't sure I would survive the life change - but I did it, and I'm still alive. I still have moments where I am overwhelmed and not sure what I should or should not eat, but it becomes easier with time.

The first start would be to get in some regular exercise - at least 30 minutes a day, a few times a week at minimum = walking, bike riding, SOMETHING. Exercise helps the body metabolize and burn sugar. First and foremost, if you are overweight, you have to start losing it.

Cut out the bad carbs. I wouldn't recommend eliminating them completely, but choose wisely and cut them down considerably. Potatoes, rice, breads - all bad if you are eating the wrong ones. Stay away from white breads and rices. If you do find yourself wanting them, resist! or at the very least, cut down the portions. Diabetes is all about portion control. Eat small, healthy meals throughout the day.

Increase your protein intake. Get yourself some protein shakes, eat more meats instead of starches. Eat foods with fiber and consume more veggies. My plate used to have more carb than protein, but I reversed it. If I want to indulge in a little more carb than usual, I make sure I work out an hour after eating.

Cut out any candy. Don't indulge in sugar free candy. Sugar free candy may not have "sugar" in them, but they do have sugar alcohols in them, and that is a no no.

Drink more water and stay away from sodas - even diet sodas - as the sugar substitute in them causes a blood sugar spike. Drink those sparingly.

Test your blood regularly to see how certain foods effect you. If you notice that your sugar is high after eating a particular food, then cut that food out or limit how much you eat it.

My mother was insulin dependent, and that is my inspiration. I DO NOT want this to progress to the point where that may happen. My mom suffered from a lot of illnesses - and didn't have the medications, resources and support that we have now. If you continue to ignore it, you WILL develop serious health issues over time. Diabetes is destined to cause issues.

[JustJo]

Bravo NJ Femmie! 5.8 is awesome

Good advice Leigh....and you really, truly do need to take this disease seriously.

The big problem with diabetes is that we can eat sugar, and feel fine. It takes a long time to catch up with us. But, if we don't control it....it can kill us, blind us, make us have amputations.....serious, horrible stuff.

One of the easiest "tricks" is to make your plate half veggies....and not starchy veggies like corn and carrots. Make your plate half green veggies, squash, cauliflower....good veggies. The other half is 1/4 starch (leaning towards brown rice over white, whole grain pasta over white, sweet potatoes over white) and 1/4 lean protein.

Make your beverages water, unsweetened coffee or unsweetened tea....no soda (diet or regular), no juice...learn to love water.

And NJ Femmie is correct....you have to move. Walk, do housework, go to the gym, do yardwork....anything...but you have to move.

Good luck

[NJFemmie]

As a side note, if you absolutely have to have carbs - I recommend ....



Mare found this in a magazine and I recently bought a box to try it out - my blood sugar was not whacked out and it's actually really good. (We are not fans of whole wheat/multi-grain pasta, so if Mare can eat this, anyone can )

Here's a coupon to try it:
http://www.dreamfieldsfoods.com/ppc_...FYqZ4AodVnYARQ

[lusciouskiwi]

Hi everyone - I'm not diabetic but my dad is on insulin injections and mum is borderline diabetic (she's on medication but her dr feels if she can get enough weight off, she'll be fine).

I read this article and thought I would share it with you:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20497086

Maybe there isn't a negative impact with diabetes medication, but thought I would share it anyways.

Hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving Dinner.

[Lady Pamela]

Today I was told I have this
"Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes"

Seems like everytime I go in they find something..anyways it is good to know what I have atleast.
Also why I have gained weight. That frustrating me more than anything.

Does anyone have any ideas or info that will help me with this?

Thanks so much
Blessings


.

[MsTinkerbelly]

Originally Posted by Lady Pamela

Today I was told I have this
"Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes"

Seems like everytime I go in they find something..anyways it is good to know what I have atleast.
Also why I have gained weight. That frustrating me more than anything.

Does anyone have any ideas or info that will help me with this?

Thanks so much
Blessings


.

The first thing "I" would do is talk to a nutritionist regarding food to avoid or add to your diet, get more low-impact exercise (swim, walk, move to music, bicycling), and read read read.

The internet has so many good sites for reliable information, and some answers may just be a click away.

Blessings to you

[Lady Pamela]

Originally Posted by MsTinkerbelly

The first thing "I" would do is talk to a nutritionist regarding food to avoid or add to your diet, get more low-impact exercise (swim, walk, move to music, bicycling), and read read read.

The internet has so many good sites for reliable information, and some answers may just be a click away.

Blessings to you

Thank you...smiles
I will definately be googling...ha


.

[o222Good]

Originally Posted by Lady Pamela

Today I was told I have this
"Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes"

Seems like everytime I go in they find something..anyways it is good to know what I have atleast.
Also why I have gained weight. That frustrating me more than anything.

Does anyone have any ideas or info that will help me with this?

Thanks so much
Blessings
.

Well, this is my life also. It seems doctors are real quick to put us on the insulin pump these days, and I was determined not to go on insulin. My A1C was over 8.6 a couple of years ago. Now, I am not even diabetic, just in the high risk category. The best advice I can give has two parts. First, test your blood two hours after every meal to see what foods your body can tolerate. For me, I can never, and I mean NEVER, eat potatoes or rice. I'm a label reader to be sure they are not in anything. Some foods actually lower my sugar! Like Ezekial Bread, which is a sprouted wheat bread you can even get in the supermarkets here in NYC. Cruciferous veggies are very good for us, like brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli.

This website is a great help. Stick to foods with a low glycemic load and are non-inflammatory.
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/...roducts/2363/2
Also, I get a great protein powder, with no sugar or artificial sweetener, called About Time from GNC.
http://www.gnc.com/search/index.jsp?.../13200328&sr=1

Which leads me to Part Two. Muscle development helps your body's cells use the insulin your body produces. When you lift weights, you become less insulin resistant, even to the point of controlling your diabetes. I see you call yourself a girly girl, but you can still lift weights! 3-4 days a week, skipping a day or two in between. Have protein after you lift, because your muscles will just consume themselves for protein if you don't! I'm sure some Butch in your neck of the woods will help you get started! Good luck to you, Lady Pamela!

PS Sugar is the devil!!

[Lady Pamela]

Originally Posted by o222Good

Well, this is my life also. It seems doctors are real quick to put us on the insulin pump these days, and I was determined not to go on insulin. My A1C was over 8.6 a couple of years ago. Now, I am not even diabetic, just in the high risk category. The best advice I can give has two parts. First, test your blood two hours after every meal to see what foods your body can tolerate. For me, I can never, and I mean NEVER, eat potatoes or rice. I'm a label reader to be sure they are not in anything. Some foods actually lower my sugar! Like Ezekial Bread, which is a sprouted wheat bread you can even get in the supermarkets here in NYC. Cruciferous veggies are very good for us, like brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli.

This website is a great help. Stick to foods with a low glycemic load and are non-inflammatory.
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/...roducts/2363/2
Also, I get a great protein powder, with no sugar or artificial sweetener, called About Time from GNC.
http://www.gnc.com/search/index.jsp?.../13200328&sr=1

Which leads me to Part Two. Muscle development helps your body's cells use the insulin your body produces. When you lift weights, you become less insulin resistant, even to the point of controlling your diabetes. I see you call yourself a girly girl, but you can still lift weights! 3-4 days a week, skipping a day or two in between. Have protein after you lift, because your muscles will just consume themselves for protein if you don't! I'm sure some Butch in your neck of the woods will help you get started! Good luck to you, Lady Pamela!

PS Sugar is the devil!!

Thank you so much for all the info.