Diabetic anyone?

[Andrew, Jr.]

Rockin,

I think it's because I am usually hot & sweaty. I actually was told to stop pricking my finger since I was within normal limits of my bloodwork. I feel so uncomfi about it. Having OCD it just another ritual I have had to take on, if that makes sense.

I am glad we can talk about this here.

[Rockinonahigh]

Originally Posted by Andrew, Jr.

Rockin,

I think it's because I am usually hot & sweaty. I actually was told to stop pricking my finger since I was within normal limits of my bloodwork. I feel so uncomfi about it. Having OCD it just another ritual I have had to take on, if that makes sense.

I am glad we can talk about this here.

Andrew my friend,we all are ocd about somthing,beleave me I have a fue things that drive my group at work nuts about.I have this thing about pick up and clean up after yourself no matter what u r doing in "my'kitchen at work...I have been dubed Mr.Clean buy the folks there..u can bet I can clean up a mess so fast its like a tornado going threw.Its not only a chef thing but the right thing to do.
Today my biggie has been the work outs im doing three times a week,they go more or less this way..15-20 minits of basket ball to get some heart rate going is good for the reapiratinon too as it brings on a good sweat,then walk a bit to chill then when ready ..hit the stair stepper for 50 then go to the b-flex and do four upper body routines..if u r not totaly winded by now..drink some water and take 5...then 50 more steps on the steper..then I do three 15 each of diffrent things with 15 pound weights..and then lay back on the bench and give me @ 5 at the time leg raised to the chest with knees.YES,by then I am..I am totaly done..when I am able take a walk around the yard with the fur kids a couple of times to come dome to a reasonable heart rate.Now, someone tell me what I dont feel this is enough,or am I being un reasonable?Getting older is a bi8*%h.

[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.

[Arwen]

Just got diagnosed. Haven't gotten my meter yet. Have already done work exercising and dieting. Have pretty much eliminated sugar but still working on the carbs.

[Rockinonahigh]

Originally Posted by Arwen

Just got diagnosed. Haven't gotten my meter yet. Have already done work exercising and dieting. Have pretty much eliminated sugar but still working on the carbs.

Arwen,get a meeter soon as u can,it has helped me alot in tracking my numbers so I would know what was working or not and what I needed to not eat.I was tested in Jan 2011 it wasnt till June 2011 that I had a second test wich was 6.6 up from 6.3.If I had a meeter sooner I would have not gotten to the higher count.I have a one touch Delica its really a good one for $20.00 its the test strips that are high about $60.00 for 100,I got mine threw disablity but you may beable to check with the diabetis assoication abut getting the things you need for less or maybe even free.I usely test somewhere betweeen under 100 up to 111,today was a big exception and my fault ..will not happen again,I test first thing in the morning when I get up only 3 times a week works well.Good luck if I can help let me know.Take care.

[JustJo]

Hi everyone and welcome Arwen

It is a big transition when you hear that "diabetic" diagnosis. For me, it came about 9 or 10 years ago, and I went through so many different changes....depression, anger, acceptance, following the diet religiously, slacking off, trying to find some balance....it's a process for sure.

Honestly, living with Scoote I've gotten too slack...not testing, eating too much of the snack food that's in the cupboards and fridge. Not blaming her in any way....it's my illness and my responsibility, but it is harder to stay consistent when the tempting foods are around.

In the last month or so, I've gotten more on track (with occasional slips)....eating more veggies and lean protein and healthy fats, cutting down dramatically on carbs. It helps.

I agree with Rockin....get a meter as soon as possible and start testing. Different foods affect different diabetics differently...and only trial and error will show you what works for you. For instance, I can eat sweet potatoes with no problem, but white potatoes will spike me....even though the sweet potato tastes sweeter. I think it's the fiber that helps for me.

Eating "low glycemic" is tremendously helpful, and I'd recommend doing some reading about low and high glycemic foods. The low glycemic diet helps keep your blood sugar levels more even throughout the day. Simple sugars are the worst....white flour, white sugar, fruit juice, anything with high fructose corn syrup.

And keep coming back....there are a lot of us on the site that are diabetic, so you're in good company.

Hugs!

[Rockinonahigh]

Today I tested 150 this morning but its going down as the day goes by,I have gotten in the old habit of not sleeping well at all so when im up on the puter or watching late nite tv I am prone to snack.Also in sick as a dog with a sinus infection with a cough included,I know the cough syrp has sugar in it even if it taste like boot polish.The doc gave me am Rx for antibotics but it reacted with some other meds I was takeing..so glad the drugest caught the prob before I picked it up,now wating for the doc to get the right Rx call to the drugest so I can take it.I feel ike crap on 3 hours of sleep but I have eaten the food im suposed to today so hopefuly my numbers will be better tomorrow.You all take care.

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

Today I tested 150 this morning but its going down as the day goes by,I have gotten in the old habit of not sleeping well at all so when im up on the puter or watching late nite tv I am prone to snack.Also in sick as a dog with a sinus infection with a cough included,I know the cough syrp has sugar in it even if it taste like boot polish.The doc gave me am Rx for antibotics but it reacted with some other meds I was takeing..so glad the drugest caught the prob before I picked it up,now wating for the doc to get the right Rx call to the drugest so I can take it.I feel ike crap on 3 hours of sleep but I have eaten the food im suposed to today so hopefuly my numbers will be better tomorrow.You all take care.

Don't worry Rockin....both lack of sleep and fighting an infection will make your numbers go up. Just keep eating like you're supposed to and get as much rest as you can. And keep monitoring...just in case.

Hope you feel better soon!

[MsTinkerbelly]

Originally Posted by Arwen

Just got diagnosed. Haven't gotten my meter yet. Have already done work exercising and dieting. Have pretty much eliminated sugar but still working on the carbs.

It sounds like you are doing a lot to take care of yourself

[MsTinkerbelly]

I wanted to go back and clarify that it is a soy vanilla protein powder that we buy, but my ipad won't let me edit my post. Trader joes also carries unflavored.

[MsTinkerbelly]

I'm down 24lbs now, and I feel great! My numbers are under 120 in the mornings, but are still somewhat erratic most other times.

I made completely vegan/oil free oatmeal cookies today...omg they are good!

[MsTinkerbelly]

I've lost 32lbs so far...it is such a slow process to get healthy. The thing about losing weight this time is that I really am not trying to lose! I believe it is simply a "by product" of what and how we are eating.

I will have to admit I miss things like eggs and buttered toast for breakfast! I miss stopping for chicken on the way home....I miss cooking a nice meal in less than 1 1/2 hours....I miss cooking with oil. It's funny though, just like with smoking when I quit almost 10 years ago, I miss those things less and less.

My blood sugar levels are a still a struggle as you can imagine when I am eating primarily plants and grains, but I'm hoping things will level out as more fat burns off. I am losing weight differently this time...since I am not eating fat, all my fat stores are burning off quickly, not my muscle.

Anyway I hope you are all well and taking good care of yourselves.