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New here...never discussed my diabetes with others except.........

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Posted 4/18/2004 5:28 AM (GMT 0)
those who do not have it!!!!  Hi, my name is Nancy, and I'm glad I found you here!  I was diagnosed with type 2, three years ago.  I was told I could control it with diet.  But....it has gotton worse, and I guess I haven't done as I should have.  Last mnonth I was hospitalized with a serious eye infection.  I was told that my diabetes needed medicine, and I was put on insulin, and metformin while in the hospitasl, along with very agressive antibiotics, and steroids.  I was given Metformin pills upon leaving the hospital, along with two other unrelated drugs.  Broke out with a major case of hives, and was told that i should discontinue all drugs.  I see my doctor, after my three month blood test, on the 29th.  I used to have a fasting range of never over 160.  Tonight before dinner it was 285!  I have had nothing but proteins today, with the exception of a couple of handfuls of pretzels maybe two hours before I tested.  I'm in a quandry as to what I should do.  Apparently I am not able to control this with diet, and I'm afraid of the Metformin. I do hope for some feedback.  Thanks!  Nancy
Posted 4/20/2004 11:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Nancy. Glad you found this place, but sorry no one has answered you yet, unless they privately emailed you. I'm new to this part of Healing Well, so not sure about how the board works. I can generally be found in the Heart section.

You didn't say much about your doctor and what she or he has said to you about this. I'd definitely call your doctor. Obviously the insulin is not working at this time. Either you need more, and it sometimes takes some time to get the correct doseage, or perhaps they can give you a different form of oral medication to add to your regime. I think there are lots of types of oral meds. I've been on insulin alone for close to 10 years now and had to gradually increase my doseage at first. That is way too high for a fasting blood sugar. Glad you are testing!

Have you been to see a dietician? That's a very important part of diabetis care. Better yet, diabetis education because you get both information about your diabetis as well as the dietician's help. Knowledge is power.

I wish you all the best and hope that you are doing better today! Hugs, Kathy

Posted 4/23/2004 1:18 AM (GMT 0)

Hi, Nancy.  Welcome to this site. 

I can't help you too much with the dietary advice.  However, until you see your doctor, I have a hint:  Eating more protein at this point is probably not a bad idea.  However, rather than eating a couple of handfuls of pretzels (which contain refined carbohydrates), you would do better to eat low-calorie/low carb vegetables like celery, lettuce, cucumber, etc. 

I have a friend (type 1) whose blood sugar goes through the roof when she eats pretzels.  So, for some people at least, they're not a great way to keep you blood glucose down.  Also, there is almost no nutrition in pretzels other than calories.  By comparison, vegetables have lots of fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals which help fight cancer and prevent other problems, including ones related to diabetes. 

Another thing you might want to try is exercise.  However, be careful.  If you blood glucose is too high, exercise will make it go higher.  If it's close to the normal range, exercise should be fine and should help bring down your reading.  Not only that, regular exercise will increase you metabolism, help you lose weight, etc.  In the long run, it is an excellent way to help control your diabetes and bgs.

If you don't mind my asking, and if you don't mind replying, why have you never discussed your diabetes with those who do not have it? 

Anyway, take care, and I hope your blood glucose tests and your doctor's visit go well.  Please let us know how they go.

Scrappy Jak

Posted 5/6/2004 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
Nancy,
I understand you not discussing your DM with anyone... because when you do it becomes more real... I've probably had it for about 25 years and was only diagnosed about 6 years ago. It has taken me quite a time to come to terms with my disease and I still have some days when I just think, "I hate this @#$%^&* disease!" You may find that you have to go through a grieving process for your lost 'normal heath'. I had to get over my anger over the numbers on my blood meter and having to watch every little thing I put in my mouth. Check with your doctor and see if there is a local support group or diabetes education clinic in your area. These are usually connected with a local hospital. Or you could call the local diabetes association office or your health department... If there isn't a support group you could start one. Heaven knows enough of us baby boomers have it so you shouldn't have any trouble getting members. Usually the local newspaper will let you run a notice of a meeting for free in the community news section. Then when you have a group, meet at a local church and invite different doctors, health educators, fitness experts, nutritionists to be guest speakers once a month. Before you know it you will have some friends with similar problems and you can brainstorm ways to help yourselves. Hope this helps. ~Jeannie
Posted 5/19/2004 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nancy,

My wife has Lupus, A-vascular necrosis in 12 major joints, diabetes, fibromyalsia...the list goes on.  She is at the point where she is unable to take care of things herself so I do most everything for her, one of which controlling her diabetes.  One thing you should know is steroids increases your blood sugar so even if you don't eat anything all day but take oral steroids your blood sugar will go up.  This has happened many times with my my wife and is one of the most difficult aspects of controlling her diabetes.  I remember one day she couldn't eat anything all day because of her enlarged liver from lupus but took her pills and her blood sugar was over 500!  It's like walking a tight-rope sometimes and you need to stay on top of it.  Keep testing and call the nurse on call if you aren't sure what to do.

Bill

(lupus husband)

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