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Posted 9/2/2006 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. I am an oldtimer at HW but have never posted to nor even read this forum before.  I am "just visiting" from the Crohn's board. I think it was just last spring that I was put on Metformin, but partly because my numbers aren't all that high and partly because I'm still in denial, I haven't quite begun to think of myself as diabetic.  Also, I've had more problems with Crohn's and anemia and haven't noticed any real symptoms of diabetes yet. I am not even testing myself; the doctor said it wasn't necessary yet, but she gave me the name of a consultant to call about what kit to use, etc.  Fortunately, I'm on medicare, so they will pay for my equipment. I don't know about prescriptions; I have already used up my part D plan for 2006 and will have to start paying for my meds out of pocket.

Anyway, I am 67 years old, was diagnosed with Crohn's in 1982, was put on a lot of Prednisone, which affected my weight and may have more directly affected my glucose levels, too. I remember that I had  borderline diabetes when I was on it, but it went away when I stopped.

Anyway, I've lived too many years to be able to give you a brief history; but I'll be visiting again and may even become a "regular" on this forum as well as on the Crohn's one.  Looks like a great bunch here and I'm happy to meet you. Thanks.

Posted 9/2/2006 1:25 PM (GMT 0)
Lois,

Welcome to the diabetes forum. Glad to make a new buddy but sorry for the reason. I'm thinking that if you're on meds you should be testing. Just once a day in the morning before breakfast do the little poke and be done with it. This way you will be alert to any changes before they cause problems. You want your fasting numbers to be at least below 120 and right around 100 is even better. Two hours after a meal you should be looking at 150 or less. Numbers higher than this will indicate that your metformin isn't doing the job and your dosage may need to be adjusted.

My first doctor (an internist) who treated my diabetes was not very agressive and I now have neuropathy in my hands and feet, vision changes and early kidney damage. My present physician is all over my diabetes like ants on a donut! She makes me test more, asked me to journal my meds, exercise and foods and has prodded me to become much more vigilant about my numbers. High numbers mean more problems so we all try to keep them down all the time.

Many of the glucose monitors are free because they want you to keep on buying their test strips. Finger testing is much more accurate than arm testing but at this early stage of the game you probably will be fine with arm testing. Check out the test kits at your local pharmacy. I use a big, clunky, inexpensive one that is very accurate and uses regular AA batteries. (It's called a Prestige IQ and I bought it online.) I have no insurance so the 30ยข each price for the test strips vs. the $1.00+ each price on the fancy ones was a no brainer to figure out.

We have lots of Type2 diabetics here and we all help each other find our way through this maze called diabetes. It's not too bad if you learn it in stages. Feel free to ask questions because we have lots of long time diabetics who have lots of knowlege and they are really helpful. Take care.
Posted 9/2/2006 2:33 PM (GMT 0)

Hi, Eljay - Welcome! 

I'm due for Medicare next spring and look forward to help with the cost of meds and supplies.  As suggested, check local pharmacies for deals on glucose monitors - there's often a get free when buying strips, or a 99% rebate, or other attractive deal.  It's really worth it to check your sugar numbers daily and log your results so the docs will know how you are progressing with current meds.

No chrons, but I do have a permanent colostomy due to rectal cancer.  Know the bowel/diabetes connection is significant.  Glad to see you on this forum.   :-)

Posted 9/3/2006 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much, Jeannie and wmnak. I feel so welcome here. I am still reading posts; moderating the Crohn's board has kept me busy for a while.

Wmnak, do you have any special diet because of the colostomy? I find it very difficult to balance the Chron's diet with the diabetic one, mainly because I can't eat any salads, and that would keep me satisified. The comfortable foods, which I can digest, are, unfortunately, starches. I know I'm not the only one with both conditions and I can be more careful. Lately, I've lost twenty pounds because I always feel full; so that's a blessing in disguise. I can afford to lose a lot more.

Jeannie, I have a neighbor across the hall who has diabetes and has tested me occasionally. As I mentioned, I have some denial, but lately I have had so many tests and procedures for the Crohn's that I haven't pursued anything else. I'm late scheduling a mammogram, too, and I know that has to be done. I think I have more time and can concentrate on these issues now. After Labor Day, my "vacation" is over and I plan to spend Tuesday making appointments and doing some research. (I am on permanent vacation, but I did set aside some volunteer duties this summer for R and R.)

Thank you again for your warm welcome and helpful and caring advice.
Posted 9/3/2006 4:35 PM (GMT 0)

Yes, Lois - managing a diet that will accommodate both my ostomy and my diabetes is quite a challenge!  My ostomy wants pasta and rolls, my diabetes wants meat and veg.  Sooo... I stick with the sugar free breads, including great Rye bread, and my diabetes wins with the meat, veg, salad regime.  I've been thinking about adding a fiber supplement for bulk, instead of the breads, but haven't yet.  Weight is creeping back so I know I must cut those calories/carbs even (especially?) in all the sugar free products now on the market... i.e. York Peppermint.

I'm blessed that my colostomy is very low, sigmoid, and has not made a major difference in digestion, output consistancy, or regularity.  It's the constant concern about food blockages that mandate both extra fibre and low residue foods ... impossible opposites!  After 6 months of adjusting to the colostomy, I'm about to the stage that says ostomy is doing fine, take care of sugar numbers and weight.  If/when that changes I can adapt.

Glad you have access to a gluco-meter!  Let us know how you are doing.   HUGE congrats! on the weight loss!  It really is doable, we just have to think and get off automatic pilot.     :-)   Martha

Posted 9/10/2006 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks again, wmnak and all who responded. I haven't been around here too much the past week, busy on the Crohn's board and with some other things. I have been reading here when I could, though, and I realize it's time for me to start taking this seriously. I went for blood tests on Friday and then to the pharmacy which is in the same building as the lab. I asked how to get a meter paid for by medicare and they told me to get a prescription. My PCP is also in that building; so I went in and talked to her receptionist. She gave me the name of a diabetes consultant and told me to make an appointment with her; so I am going to call on Monday and start taking more responsibility for my health. I took the "real age" test and found out I'm 81. LOL. My chronological age is just 67; so that gave me a jolt, too. The handwriting is on the wall; thanks to all here for helping me to see it.
Posted 9/13/2006 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there Eljay 1066,

I am intrigued about the "real age" test! Can you please clarify?
Posted 9/13/2006 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
It's on the net. It's free but you have to sign up. You can opt out of receiving ads, though.  Here's the link:

http://www.realage.com/reg/regvar/st1.aspx?mod=LONGFORM

Oh, and I forgot to include my daily vitamins; so maybe I'm a little younger. :)

Posted 9/13/2006 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, they also told me I should get a dog.
Posted 9/14/2006 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
Wow! I have take vitamins and have 2 dogs, getting a third one tomorrow... I'll bet I'm really only about 14!
Posted 9/14/2006 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't be surprised, Jeannie. You always sound young to me. Some of the "Crohnies" ended up younger than their (chronological) age. Me, well, I'm even more chronologically gifted than before. :)
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