Diabetic anyone?

JustJo · 05-09-2010, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockybcn

http://www.associatedcontent.com/art..._diabetes.html

Hi all! I thought I would include an article about a natural sweetener derived from a plant that is safe for diabetics. My ex is an herbalist and this is what she recommended. The best tasting stevia is called Sweet Leaf (IMHO).
Have any of you heard of it or tried it? Its really sweet so you dont have to use much, and its a great alternative to all the other sugar alternatives.
Wishing you all the very best!

Thank you for posting about stevia! Not only is it safe for diabetics, I've found that it seems to help keep my numbers stable.

Before being diagnosed I was drinking an average of 3 cokes a day...switched to diet coke, which certainly helps but when I instead make a pitcher of ice tea with stevia and have that instead my numbers are better than when I'm drinking the diet soda. Bizarre, since there's no sugar involved in either one...but the stevia seems to be a positive thing for me.

I didn't know about Sobe Lifewater using stevia as a sweetener...thanks for that info Nikki!

That gives me a better choice to grab when we're out running around.

Nikki · 05-09-2010, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustJo

Thank you for posting about stevia! Not only is it safe for diabetics, I've found that it seems to help keep my numbers stable.

Before being diagnosed I was drinking an average of 3 cokes a day...switched to diet coke, which certainly helps but when I instead make a pitcher of ice tea with stevia and have that instead my numbers are better than when I'm drinking the diet soda. Bizarre, since there's no sugar involved in either one...but the stevia seems to be a positive thing for me.

I didn't know about Sobe Lifewater using stevia as a sweetener...thanks for that info Nikki!

That gives me a better choice to grab when we're out running around.

No problem! I live on Sobe! They have like 8 flavors,all are great

Butterbean · 05-09-2010, 01:53 PM

My mom passed away from complications of Type 2 diabetes. My dad (also passed away due to an accident) had some type of Type 1 diabetes that I don't exactly understand? He never took any type of insulin but his eating as a child was a constant fight with his mother. As an adult, the doctors at the hospital would put him on special diets that would outrage him and he'd make us bring him food.

My dad was Ojibway. His father, my gramps, had Type 2 diabetes. He loved his diet sodas and sugar free ice cream bars. His mother, my great grandmother also had Type 2 diabetes. There is quite an issue with Type 2 diabetes among American Indians and I've read some theories...one that interests me the most concerns the introduction of bread and dairy products to their diet, which may be the root cause. At any rate, I don't know what the diabetes issue was with my dad exactly.

I'm 43 and I'm not diabetic yet...even with that family history. I didn't bother listing all the uncles, aunts and cousins....About 2 years ago, a doctor said to me "So you don't have diabetes yet?"

I laughed and said "yet" but was amused at her candor...Well, she became all embarrassed and was thinking more outloud to herself and apologized profusely.

But basically I have always just assumed it would arrive eventually. Fast fowarding up to this past January, I had an emergency double bowel obstruction surgery. Because the obstruction was on both ends, they had to remove two parts of my intestines.

Life has been different ever since that surgery. Because parts of my intestines are removed, I malabsorb anything I eat. I am on prescriptions for B-12, D, Iron, and B-6. They also have me on Culturelle, a super potency B, 4x the usual daily vitamins and 4x the calcium.

That's all cool. The part that sucks is I was also diagnosed with hypoglycemia....because I malabsorb fat and sugar just like I do with vitamins.

They advised me this may be early diabetes exhibiting this way....but due to the timing feel fairly certain it is a side effect of the surgery.

I have a blood testing machine and bottles of glucose tabs all over. I was also told for the "time being" to use candy bars to keep myself feeling good. But was told to eat equal amounts of proteins and carbs at meals. This is the part that is difficult for me. I was also told to eat 4-6 small meals a day. This is the part that is even more difficult for me.

I probably hit blood levels of 40 and 50, 5-15 times a week. One thing that helps is that I get a literal "rush" right before it happens so I know. It's similiar to an aura.

The highest I could ever get my blood sugar back up was 280 by eating 3 glucose tabs, food and then sitting on my butt for awhile. Usually, even after a glucose tab and meal, it only swings up to about 160. When it's all behaving it generally hovers around 98-114.

So that's my long winded story about whey I'm here even though I don't have diabetes. LOL

JustJo · 05-09-2010, 05:57 PM

Good to see even more folks joining this thread...

GoofyLuvr I envy your A1c readings...I hover around 6.5. The fructose is interesting. Being fruit sugar I wonder how well it would work for me...I know I spike like mad after fruit juice, but do fine eating whole fruit. For me, the fiber in the whole fruit seems to make the fructose doable.

Butterbean...I've read some of those theories about Native Americans and diabetes. I think refined foods are bad for all of us, but I gather that the theory is that Europeans (and those descended from European stock) have a longer history with refined foods so that our bodies have adapted more. I'm not a doc either...but be careful about letting your sugar get over 200. My doc said that's when organ damage is happening...and is the "tipping point" of sorts. High 90s and low 100s is where they told me to hang out as much as possible.

The tricky part is that food, sleep, exercise...all of it...seems to impact everyone's body chemistry a bit differently...so it's all about finding what works for you. I've done a lot of experimenting with test strips 2 hours after eating various foods...and some makes no real sense.

I was told that focusing on low glycemic index foods helps a lot. Has anyone tried that? I got a book and read about it...but hadn't actively tried it yet.

amiyesiam · 05-09-2010, 07:12 PM

Hi
type 2 diabetic for god knows how long. (20 to 23 years now)

Started with pills years ago but they require some semblence of eating 3 meals a day about the same times each day. About 12 years ago went to the 30/70 insulin by choice but that was like the pills. About 9 years ago went to lantis (long acting) 1x a day and novalog insulin (short acting) when I eat. Works much better for me. Don't eat I am ok, when I eat take the insulin (novalog) I need to cover that meal. Shots don't bother me, though sometimes they burn like hell.

Insulin gives you wonderful control, but can lead to more lows. Glucose tabs are in the kitchen, bedroom, purse, and work bag. Most of my lows hit in the middle of the night or at work between 6-9pm.
With insulin you take x amount of insulin for y amount of carbs. For me 1 unit insulin for 5 gram of carb. The problem is you decide how much you are going to eat Before you eat. So if you don't eat enough or what you planned you will crash big time.

My meals tend to be about noon/1, 6/7, and midnight. I adjusted them years ago because I work second shift.

I eat fruit all the time, usually daily, but never drink any type of juice.
Fat, protien, and fiber slow down the rate at which your body absorbs carbs.

sugar (including fructose) and all carbs get turned into glucose in your body. (or fat LOL) Glucose is what your body runs on and your brain uses most of it. Your liver keeps a 24 hour store of glucose.

enough for now

DapperButch · 05-09-2010, 07:10 PM

I'm not diabetic, but I use this stuff: www.wheylow.com

intrigue_in916 · 06-24-2011, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustJo

Thank you for posting about stevia! Not only is it safe for diabetics, I've found that it seems to help keep my numbers stable.

Before being diagnosed I was drinking an average of 3 cokes a day...switched to diet coke, which certainly helps but when I instead make a pitcher of ice tea with stevia and have that instead my numbers are better than when I'm drinking the diet soda. Bizarre, since there's no sugar involved in either one...but the stevia seems to be a positive thing for me.

I didn't know about Sobe Lifewater using stevia as a sweetener...thanks for that info Nikki!

That gives me a better choice to grab when we're out running around.

Just in case FYI, Cafeine raises the b/s, and soda, as much as I love my diet Pepsi is bad for the kidneys. i've been diagnosed with type 2 for 19 yrs.

05-09-2010, 05:57 PM	#4
JustJo Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: pushy broad Preferred Pronoun?: she Relationship Status: Follow your heart; it knows things your mind cannot explain. Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Southeast corner Posts: 5,633 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 24,417 Thanked 25,408 Times in 4,660 Posts Rep Power: 21474857	Good to see even more folks joining this thread... GoofyLuvr I envy your A1c readings...I hover around 6.5. The fructose is interesting. Being fruit sugar I wonder how well it would work for me...I know I spike like mad after fruit juice, but do fine eating whole fruit. For me, the fiber in the whole fruit seems to make the fructose doable. Butterbean...I've read some of those theories about Native Americans and diabetes. I think refined foods are bad for all of us, but I gather that the theory is that Europeans (and those descended from European stock) have a longer history with refined foods so that our bodies have adapted more. I'm not a doc either...but be careful about letting your sugar get over 200. My doc said that's when organ damage is happening...and is the "tipping point" of sorts. High 90s and low 100s is where they told me to hang out as much as possible. The tricky part is that food, sleep, exercise...all of it...seems to impact everyone's body chemistry a bit differently...so it's all about finding what works for you. I've done a lot of experimenting with test strips 2 hours after eating various foods...and some makes no real sense. I was told that focusing on low glycemic index foods helps a lot. Has anyone tried that? I got a book and read about it...but hadn't actively tried it yet. __________________ I'm not tall enough to ride emotional roller coasters

05-09-2010, 07:12 PM	#5
amiyesiam Senior Member How Do You Identify?: femme Preferred Pronoun?: she/they Relationship Status: single Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: pa Posts: 2,703 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 17,488 Thanked 10,135 Times in 2,161 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	Hi type 2 diabetic for god knows how long. (20 to 23 years now) Started with pills years ago but they require some semblence of eating 3 meals a day about the same times each day. About 12 years ago went to the 30/70 insulin by choice but that was like the pills. About 9 years ago went to lantis (long acting) 1x a day and novalog insulin (short acting) when I eat. Works much better for me. Don't eat I am ok, when I eat take the insulin (novalog) I need to cover that meal. Shots don't bother me, though sometimes they burn like hell. Insulin gives you wonderful control, but can lead to more lows. Glucose tabs are in the kitchen, bedroom, purse, and work bag. Most of my lows hit in the middle of the night or at work between 6-9pm. With insulin you take x amount of insulin for y amount of carbs. For me 1 unit insulin for 5 gram of carb. The problem is you decide how much you are going to eat Before you eat. So if you don't eat enough or what you planned you will crash big time. My meals tend to be about noon/1, 6/7, and midnight. I adjusted them years ago because I work second shift. I eat fruit all the time, usually daily, but never drink any type of juice. Fat, protien, and fiber slow down the rate at which your body absorbs carbs. sugar (including fructose) and all carbs get turned into glucose in your body. (or fat LOL) Glucose is what your body runs on and your brain uses most of it. Your liver keeps a 24 hour store of glucose. enough for now __________________ A year from now you will wish that you started today~Karen Lamb

05-09-2010, 07:10 PM	#6
DapperButch Roadster Guy How Do You Identify?: FTM, Stone Butch Preferred Pronoun?: He Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Northeast Posts: 7,745 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 26,545 Thanked 26,838 Times in 5,771 Posts Rep Power: 21474858	Another one to try! I'm not diabetic, but I use this stuff: www.wheylow.com __________________ -Dapper Are you educated or indoctrinated?

05-09-2010, 01:53 PM	#3
Butterbean Member How Do You Identify?: ---- Preferred Pronoun?: ---- Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: ----- Posts: 1,143 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,417 Thanked 2,217 Times in 772 Posts Rep Power: 17690476	My mom passed away from complications of Type 2 diabetes. My dad (also passed away due to an accident) had some type of Type 1 diabetes that I don't exactly understand? He never took any type of insulin but his eating as a child was a constant fight with his mother. As an adult, the doctors at the hospital would put him on special diets that would outrage him and he'd make us bring him food. My dad was Ojibway. His father, my gramps, had Type 2 diabetes. He loved his diet sodas and sugar free ice cream bars. His mother, my great grandmother also had Type 2 diabetes. There is quite an issue with Type 2 diabetes among American Indians and I've read some theories...one that interests me the most concerns the introduction of bread and dairy products to their diet, which may be the root cause. At any rate, I don't know what the diabetes issue was with my dad exactly. I'm 43 and I'm not diabetic yet...even with that family history. I didn't bother listing all the uncles, aunts and cousins....About 2 years ago, a doctor said to me "So you don't have diabetes yet?" I laughed and said "yet" but was amused at her candor...Well, she became all embarrassed and was thinking more outloud to herself and apologized profusely. But basically I have always just assumed it would arrive eventually. Fast fowarding up to this past January, I had an emergency double bowel obstruction surgery. Because the obstruction was on both ends, they had to remove two parts of my intestines. Life has been different ever since that surgery. Because parts of my intestines are removed, I malabsorb anything I eat. I am on prescriptions for B-12, D, Iron, and B-6. They also have me on Culturelle, a super potency B, 4x the usual daily vitamins and 4x the calcium. That's all cool. The part that sucks is I was also diagnosed with hypoglycemia....because I malabsorb fat and sugar just like I do with vitamins. They advised me this may be early diabetes exhibiting this way....but due to the timing feel fairly certain it is a side effect of the surgery. I have a blood testing machine and bottles of glucose tabs all over. I was also told for the "time being" to use candy bars to keep myself feeling good. But was told to eat equal amounts of proteins and carbs at meals. This is the part that is difficult for me. I was also told to eat 4-6 small meals a day. This is the part that is even more difficult for me. I probably hit blood levels of 40 and 50, 5-15 times a week. One thing that helps is that I get a literal "rush" right before it happens so I know. It's similiar to an aura. The highest I could ever get my blood sugar back up was 280 by eating 3 glucose tabs, food and then sitting on my butt for awhile. Usually, even after a glucose tab and meal, it only swings up to about 160. When it's all behaving it generally hovers around 98-114. So that's my long winded story about whey I'm here even though I don't have diabetes. LOL