Diabetic anyone?

[MsTinkerbelly]

Finally past my plateu, and have lost 59 lbs.

My blood sugars are much better, and except for this cold that is hanging on I feel good!

I hope everyone is well

[Lady_Di]

Not diabetic, not yet anyways... and if I have anything to say about I will not get it.

My grandmother died from complications from Type II Diabetes. My father had it as one of his many co-morbidities. My mother is pre-diabetic with a serious chocolate addiction which I hope she never gives up. She does not have that much longer on the planet, I say do what you enjoy til the day you die.

I pray she dies like her mother did, suddenly from a sudden cardiac event, or a stroke that is swift and sure, hopefully in her sleep. DNR, no tubes, no bs allowed for her. Her goal is to go gracefully into that good night and hopefully get to be with my father again as she really misses him big time. Like my grandparents, they were married over 60 years.

Meanwhile on this side of the veil, I intend to do all I can to prevent diabetes. This disease has so many lifestyle facets to it.

For me, personally sugar and white flour, all artificial sweetners are toxic for me. I am beginning to think I am better with out all gluten as well, though I do not have celiacs disease. I just feel better when I don't consume em.

I hope everyone monitors their blood sugars, even folks that do not have the disease. As it is rampant and many cases go undiagnosed.

Prevention is the cure I want. And for those already dealing with this, keep up the good fight. Your life is worth it.

Off to get a complete blood panel and see how good my numbers are. I am very lucky, for the most part I have avoided sweets, though there have been notable exceptions. Especially since my ex lived on refined everything! Which is all poison to me. One of the best things about being on my own, is eating what is best for me.

Lets hear it for the veggies and protein dance~ with a bit of fruit salsa added in for the sheer joy of it.

Eating and moving is a pleasure today.

Thank goodness! Eating delicious food is like healing medicine.

[MsTinkerbelly]

My blood sugar levels continue to decrease with the drop in my weight...65lbs now. All of my labs are amazing, and even my heart specialist is taking note of the changes. He has asked me a lot of questions, and has begun to read up on the Vegan/oil free diet as a way to possibly help some of his other patients.

I hope that I can maintain this way of eating...it's fine when we are home, but it really restricts our traveling. But, seeing those blood sugar numbers dropping...priceless.

[JustJo]

Got a PM with diabetes questions earlier, so thought I'd come give this thread a *BUMP*.....lots of good information here for diabetics and pre-daibetics.

[Rockinonahigh]

I got a call from my new docs office about my blood test,the call came in yesterday but I didnt call till they opened this morning,my Ac1 is totaly normal.Wow..I am totaly surprised about that and glad to hear it,the doc said for me to contenue with my work outs and meal plans.

Question if anyone can anser it..I keep the Atkins meal bars handy incase I need one when im out and about on the package it says...only 3g net carbs but on the back with the ingredences it says total carbs 19g....confuseing to say the least.

So how is everyone doing in the crazy summer heet,its been a while sence we chatted.

[Leigh]

Good afternoon everyone,

I'm a Type 2 diabetic and have come here for support and to help get myself back on track. I will admit, because I trust everyone here, that I have been ignoring my diet pretty much since I got diagnosed last October and I've been reading this thread over the last day or two. This is a horrible disease for sure, I've seen the effects it can have on people and its not something to mess with thus I am here to not only get helpful advice and hints/tips from my friends but also because I really want to rein this in before it gets out of control ~ I look forward to being part of this group

[JustJo]

Been quite awhile since I've been in this thread, but some diabetic questions came up on the healthy weight loss thread, so I thought I'd give this a bump...

Lately, my biggest struggle has been with fatigue.

I have decided that it's really hard for non-diabetics to understand the intensity and depth of diabetic fatigue. It's not a constant thing for me, thankfully, but when it's going on I am exhausted....exhausted even beyond the point I was with a new baby with colic who didn't sleep through the night until he was 17 months old, plus a high stress job.

When it hits, I literally find it a struggle to keep my eyes open. The prospect of even the simplest activities can make me feel like all I want to do is sit (or lay) down and cry.

The problem, of course, is that it's not visible to anyone else. There's no wound....no temperature...no outward symptoms. And...because of my earliest training...I keep pushing through, keep doing what I need to do, even when I feel like I could easily either throw up or dissolve in tears.

It came to a real head for me today, when I posted on Facebook about my struggles with "the devil dogs"....and one of my oldest (as in elementary school) friends gave me a mini-lecture about how "all" they needed was a long walk every day.

As if I didn't freaking know that.

But I'm a strong woman, and independent, and....yes...a bit proud. And it hurts to say "really? so then what do I do when that's the last thing in the world I can do? what do I do when I struggle some nights just to make dinner for my son and clean up the kitchen? what about how I need to focus the energy I have on my job (since it's the only thing feeding us)...and struggling just to stay even on the filth and destruction they produce each day?"

I think people are so used to seeing me just keep on doing what needs to be done, that they don't give a second thought to how I might feel while I'm doing it.

And how I feel, all too often, is exhausted beyond belief, and on the verge of tears.

*end rant*

[Heavenleahangel]

U've never seen this thread before and want to share my experience. I started out as a Type II diabetic almost 25 years ago when my diabetes didn't go away after the birth of my daughter. I was told I had been diabetic for a while as my A1c was already 8. Fast forward the 25 years and I sooo wish I had listened way back when and learned everything I could have about this dreaded disease.
I consider this disease to be a sneaky bastard as I didn't *feel* sick for many years yet the damage was slowly gnawing away at my internal organs. But in the good ole south where tea has enough sugar to be considered syrup and everything is fried and covered in gravy, diabetes is soooo down played. My aunt always said "Oh you just got a touch of sugar". I didn't hear about the repercussions of sticking my head in the sand and how working 3 jobs was killing me slowly but surely.
I now know the strange relationship between high blood sugar and high triglycerides is a deadly combination. My sugar and triglycerides tend to go hand in hand and those delicate arteries in my heart and vessels just got clogged with the plaque and gunk which lead to coronary artery disease. Thank God I found it early and had to have 2 stents put in.
I also suffer from "painful diabetic neuropathy," I don't feel my feet like I should which lead to Charcot in both feet, I have gastroparesis or nerve damage to the nerves in my stomach which makes food digestion slower, and I get an actual shot of Avastin in each eye monthly. (Yes, the dr puts a needle in the outer corner of my eye each month.) The alternative is going blind. Diabetes is nothing to play with. Did I mention I am only 43 years old? I, like some people, just didn't listen. I wish now I had...

[NJFemmie]

My mother was a type II diabetic. I remember as a little girl, she would teach me how to inject her insulin in case of an emergency, and taught me the warning signs of a diabetic attack.

With that being said, I was recently diagnosed with type II diabetes, but fortunately do not require insulin. My A1c was not that high, but enough to categorize me as an official diabetic. *sigh* Gotta love genetics. I didn't want to admit this to myself at first, because the initial feeling when you hear something like this is - "I've failed myself". But, if it runs in the family, your odds of getting it is that much higher. In fact, my sister informed me that one of my brothers now has it, and he's on a ton of medications. I do not want to walk that path.

Good news is, with diet modification and daily testing, it seems that I am for the most part, within normal readings. I have yet to get the results of my latest A1c, but I am pretty confident that it's better than before if not close to or even normal. I am only on one dose of metformin, and my doctor feels no need to increase my medication. Yay for me. It's under control and that's the goal. My ultimate goal is to get off the meds and control it with diet and exercise because this CAN be reversed.

Carbs are the enemy. I am a carb maniac, so getting used to a diet with limited carbs and sugar is rough but doable. I don't drink soda anymore, eat very little carbs, and exercise regularly because exercise helps control the insulin in your body. It's overwhelming at first, but once you get a grasp on it, it's manageable. My mom died at a very young age and I certainly don't want to follow her footsteps.

For those ignoring their diet, I implore you not to. Diabetes is a silent killer and will damage your organs and nerves over time. It can cause blindness, nerve damage, heart and other organ failure... (you get the idea). Besides, purging the crap that only does your body harm makes you feel better all around. You can still eat the things you like (for the most part), but it's all about portion control. When I eat something that I know might spike my sugar, I'll work out afterwards. I find that it lowers my sugar and burns off some of those nasty calories.

[NJFemmie]

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

I got a call from my new docs office about my blood test,the call came in yesterday but I didnt call till they opened this morning,my Ac1 is totaly normal.Wow..I am totaly surprised about that and glad to hear it,the doc said for me to contenue with my work outs and meal plans.

Question if anyone can anser it..I keep the Atkins meal bars handy incase I need one when im out and about on the package it says...only 3g net carbs but on the back with the ingredences it says total carbs 19g....confuseing to say the least.

So how is everyone doing in the crazy summer heet,its been a while sence we chatted.

Net carbs is another name for carbohydrates that are processed as dietary carbohydrates by the body's systems. The net carbs have a direct impact on your blood sugar. To determine your intake, you subtract the grams of fiber, glycerine, sugar alcohols from the number grams of carbs you have eaten. The net carb is what is left. This is the count you use on such things as the Atkin's diet. You need to know why fiber is not counted as a carbohydrate. Fiber does not turn into sugar in your system, so it doesn't act as a sugar load in your body. For instance, if a bread has 27 carb grams and 3 fiber grams, you have net carbs of 24 grams. The fiber actually cancels out the fat, gram for gram.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6757905

[NJFemmie]

I've mentioned this before in another thread, but I find the diabetic friendly GNC Lean Shake 25 (NOT the powder version, get the bottles) is an excellent source of protein. It has 25 grams of protein and 6 carbs (three of which are fiber, so it's only 3 net carbs).

Calories 170 Sodium 390 mg Total Fat 6 g Potassium 475 mg Saturated 2 g Total Carbs 6 g Polyunsaturated 0 g Dietary Fiber 3 g Monounsaturated 0 g Sugars 2 g Trans 0 g Protein 25 g Cholesterol 20 mg

I get the swiss chocolate because it tastes like Yoohoo to me, and it's guilt free snacking or meal replacement. Sometimes I'll add this to my regular meal if I feel that the meal itself doesn't have enough protein. When Mare and I travel, I'll take some with me to help work out the "eating out" dilemmas most diabetics are faced with.

[Heavenleahangel]

I forgot mention in my earlier posting that I have been in pancreatitus so many times my pancreas no longer makes insulin so I am now a type I diabetic on an insulin pump. The high triglycerides was the catalyst to the pancreatitus.
I had my first physical therapy appointment today and was ashamed to be sitting there on the table for the therapist to tell me I had a muscular ability scale of 8 out of 64! He said a scale of 1 was someone totally bed bound. My muscles have atrophied and we made a plan for PT 3x a week with a re- evaluation in 10 weeks, but to look for PT to last longer. Once I get some strength back, I will also do pool therapy. Looks like I got my work cut out for me!

[GreeneyedMe]

I have been Type 2 since January of 2000. It is a difficult battle to say the least. I have been careful, not perfect...I am human and I love to eat. I have a sweet tooth from HELL....food has become an enemy. I struggle through my days...this... that, this...that....sigh...I'm an ok cook, I get by...I really don't enjoy grocery shopping...reading label after label...sighing in frustration as I put it back....

Today, at my A1C followup...I have been informed I will now become insulin dependent. Shit. Dammit. I am not thrilled. I knew it would come one day. I guess I am lucky it took this long....not exactly excited about needles, but if I want to stay around to finish growing up my boy...this is part of what I have to do...
.....and I am thanking the good lord above for the most wonderful Butch Daddy who has appeared in my life...without him at this moment, I honestly don't know what I would do.

[Leigh]

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to write this because a friend of mine pointed out that I am not taking care of myself health wise and being Diabetic that's not a good thing; the problem is I don't really know where to begin. If anyone could help me with things to do that will help me to properly control my diabetes I'd greatly appreciate it; I'm going to read this entire thread over the next few days and take notes but I hope I can talk to more of you who are also diabetic

[deb0670]

I was diagnosed with Type II in 2002, but have now been Insulin dependent for the last couple of years. I really do not like needled( except for tattoo needles), and it was very difficult for me to deal with having to inject myself 4 times a day. I am pretty used to it now. I have to really watch what i eat, even tho when i get a craving, i satisfy it .
I have lost some weight, but insulin is notorious for making people gain weight, so it is a struggle.

[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


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