New here and to diabetes

With A1C of 11.2 and being only 40 lb overweight (it is absolutley a problem but this is not like being 200 lbs overweight), I am afraid that in all reality you will have to be on medication as well as diet and exercise.

One of the big phases of being diabetic is DENIAL, the quicker you get over it, the faster you will be on your road to recovey.

If you really want to do absolutely without medicine, your only bet might be going low carb such as South Beach diet. Educate YOURSELF a lot through forums, good books (e.g, South Beach, Dr. Birnstein etc.) because believe me (been diabetic for now more than 5 years) no one can help you as much as yourself.

These are my 2 cents, hope this helps.

Tash

Lori,
As Spooky already pointed out, you will need medications to adjust your sugar levels and you may be put on insulin as well. You can refuse these meds, as is your right, but you will be well on your way to big problems. Glucose in the blood makes it thicker, like syrup is thicker than maple sap. These large sugar molecules can't get through the teenie tiny little blood vessels in your eyes and kidneys and in the capillaries in your fingers and toes. Your heart has to pump harder to move the thicker blood. Your kidneys and liver have to try to work with less than enough oxygen because everything is running slower and the blood is overburdened with extra sugar like the expressway at rush hour... Plaque builds up more easily in the blood vessels, the little arteries in the eyes burst and scar the retina, the little arterioles in the kidneys burst and cause scarring so the filter system in the kidneys is all clogged up... You are looking at an end of life scenario of kidney dialysis, blindness, limb loss and wheelchairs...

Medications help your pancreas do it's job and help your body be more accepting of your own insulin. Once the sugar gets into the cells you have more energy and less hunger. I'm on meds and insulin and I expect to see my 6 month old grandson grow up to be a man. I want to have a good quality of life and I am choosing to do whatever it takes to keep those numbers down. Go to your food class, ask questions, come here for support and learn all you can. We will be here for you and with you every step of the way, but you have to do the heavy lifting and do your part. Hang in there! You can do this.

Lori,
don't worry...we all have been at this point and then back.
Be glad that you have found it out now and that you are going to take care of it.

There are lot worse diseases then Diabetes so cheer up, it will be Okay, so cheer up!!!! we all are here with you.

Hi, Lori, and Welcome!

I sure know exactly how you feel.  I begggged! my doctor not to give me the diabetic label ... just give me a chance to get my numbers down and loose some weight on my own, even for a month.  I'd been told for 30+ years that I was "borderline."  All I needed was just a little time to straighten up.  I even cried for emphasis!  He couldn't be persuaded ... I'd had three consecutive fasting levels above the acceptable norm (but not near as high as yours) and that was that.  Type 2 diabetic.  That was the end of August, 2003; almost 3 years ago.

That doc is my hero.  He put me on glucophage, ordered blood tests, including A1c, and made arrangements for a class.  I got out my old Dr Atkins book, gave away all the sodas and sweet stuff in my pantry, and got real serious about taking care of myself.  I know too many people who are blind or amputees because they didn't take care of themselves.

I lost 50 pounds, random blood sugar went from 183 to 95, A1c went from 7 to 5.9, triglycerides went from 163 to 46, cholesterol went from 203 to 143.  I was a poster-child for diabetes management.  I looked and felt good, even tho loosing another 20 pounds would still be a plus. 

My point, Lori, is that it is doable.  Early detection, followed by immediate corrective action ... you just gotta do it. 

Now...the rest of the story.  If my doctor hadn't been firm, If I hadn't taken action, If I'd let my health continue to slide, I probably wouldn't be sitting at my computer tonight.  Part of getting  serious about taking care of myself included eye exams, food exams, regular blood work, mammograms, colonoscopies, stress tests and that's all I can think of right now, but there may have been other things, too.  Certainly regular massages and occassional facials! 

My colonoscopy in November'04 found a rectal ulcer.  It was excised, biopsy said 'highly dysplasic' but not maglinent.  I was just fine in a couple of weeks.  My followup colonoscopy in January of this year found rectal cancer.  OMG!  Surgery!  My anus was removed and sewn up, my rectum was removed, and I now have a permanent colostomy.  Early detection = Stage 1 cancer = no chemo or radiation.  Survelliance only.  God is good, I am truly blessed. 

If I'd had too go thru the cancer stuff early this year with raging, out of control, diabetes - the outcome would have been much more serious, if not fatal.  My lab numbers have crept up a bit since my surgery - I've been very lenient with myself, perhaps too much so.  Gotta get back on track! 

At age 64, I know I can do it, I've proven it already.  And you can do it, too.  Whatever it takes.  Go for it, Lori - let us know what happens next - Life is better than a soap opera!

  Martha

Thank you all for all the supportive comments. Just a quick minute to post here. The dr put me on metformin twice a day as well as insulin. I've really come to understand the seriousness of my case and agreed to take the meds. I'm hoping to one day be able to get off them after losing weight and eating right.

Sounds like you are off to a great start, Lori! 

Do you have a date for your diabetic class yet?  The RN(s) that taught my class were a hoot.  They made it a truly enjoyable experience despite the hour devoted to the dietitian, who was boring beyond words and didn't understand/advocate low carb at all.  Take a significant other with you to the class if you possibly can - they need the info and you'll want their support.

  Martha

Lori and company. Thanks to all of you for your posts. It really does help to share. I was diagnosed 2 years ago and went through the denial, the rebellion, the excuses, etc and finally feel that I am on the right track Byetta has been a wonder drug for me. I take 200mg metformin 2xday, 4 mgs Avandia, benicar & vytorin. It took me almost a year to adjust to all these meds and they have been "tweaked" or changed several times. Been on byetta for about 3 months now and I am a true believer! Numbers are WAY down and I've dropped 20 lbs. about 40 to go! I know lots of folks have problems with Byetta but I am telling every type 2 I know to at least give it a "shot" LOL Little pun on words there! the shots arent bad compared to the benefits for me. I am pretty new to this forum and I can't tell you how nice it is to finally have someone to "talk" to about diabetes! Strange reactions from people especially re: weight. I have pointed out several times that eventhin people have diabetes, but some people don't seem to believe that....thick headed souls! thanks again for all your sharing and comments!...................Deb

Just want ot say "HI" to Deb. Happy to meet you here and enjoy your input.