Living with Diabetes

P

Patnono

Member
Location
Whittier,Ca
I was diagnosed a year ago, I've been taking my medication religiously, eating and excercise not so much. I suffer from anxiety and depression. I stay in the house alot. Just started taking classes for diabetes, just hitting me how serious it is, keeping up with it seems overwhelming, testing all the time. It's causing problems with my anxiety. The thing is when im having an episode,I have trouble eating, which is bad for my blood sugar. I don't know if I can do this? Is there anyone out there living with Diabetes? It seems like a death sentence? Thanks for reading
 

We all have something to deal with.

I spend less than five minutes a day testing and taking my medications.

For me, the biggest challenge is changing my eating habits, I have my ups and downs with that.

It is also frustrating because Diabetes changes over time so what works today may not work next month or next year.

This is the first disease that I've had to deal with that I can't cure only attempt to slow down and that too is a little bit frustrating.

Just put one foot in front of the other, things have a way of working out.

Good luck!
 
Patnono said:
I was diagnosed a year ago, I've been taking my medication religiously, eating and excercise not so much. I suffer from anxiety and depression. I stay in the house alot. Just started taking classes for diabetes, just hitting me how serious it is, keeping up with it seems overwhelming, testing all the time. It's causing problems with my anxiety. The thing is when im having an episode,I have trouble eating, which is bad for my blood sugar. I don't know if I can do this? Is there anyone out there living with Diabetes? It seems like a death sentence? Thanks for reading
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What are your numbers ? and what 'symptoms' are you feeling.

They tell me, I'm pre-diabetic. A1c 6.0 Metformin seems to be doing the job for me currently.

Not to sound like a wise ass but,..."I don't know if I can do this?"...you don't have a choice.
 

Thanks for writing, this is the first disease I've had to deal with. I've been reading up on it and, it seems like constant testing? Just looking for somebody who's had diabetes who tell me about their experience? I'm scared of eating the wrong thing?
 
Thanks for writing, I don't know my numbers? My doctor told me I didn't need to check my numbers? I was surprised by that? Another doctor said because my numbers must be very good? I get tested every 3 months. So far so good. And your right, I have no choice. But afraid of eating the wrong thing? There's only 3 things to eat, protein and carbs? Hard to get full.
 
Patnono, first of all your questions marks at the end of most of your sentences are confusing.

Ask you doctor for literature on what you should and should not eat too much of.

There are many hundreds of websites with good info on how to manage your eating.

Good luck!
 
Wife and I are both Diabetic II. I was diagnosed in 2008 and she was diagnosed a few years ago. We are both on Metformin, but I'm on Glipizide as well. I take two Metformin 1000mg in AM and PM along with a 5mg Glipizide. We use to test more during the week than we do now, but generally it's a couple of times a week. Our bg numbers are generally 150 or so and both of our PCP's are ok with that. We no longer have regular sugar in our home and our fruit (in a can) is always "No Sugar Added". I use Spenda and a "sugar free" creamer in my coffee, but don't drink coffee all day, just a cup or two in the AM.

We watch what we eat, but still eat a few things we really, really like, that we probably shouldn't, but...…….
Exercise: Not a whole lot when it's so darn humid and hot (northeastern Florida). Do have the Wii Game, but have cut back on playing it due to my cataract surgeries right now.

It is a PITB being a Diabetic II, but better than having to use insulin everyday in a needle.
 
Patnono said:
Thanks for writing, I don't know my numbers? My doctor told me I didn't need to check my numbers? I was surprised by that? Another doctor said because my numbers must be very good? I get tested every 3 months. So far so good. And your right, I have no choice. But afraid of eating the wrong thing? There's only 3 things to eat, protein and carbs? Hard to get full.
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Are you not testing your levels several times a day? I don't understand what you're saying here. If you're testing yourself you will know how you're doing by your numbers. As others have said there is a lot of good diabetes info available on the internet.

I'm neither diabetic nor even pre-diabetic, but my extended family is so loaded with diabetes that I bought a testing kit to check my levels on a regular basis. It's good motivation to stay on the straight and narrow with my weight, exercise regimen and eating habits.
 
Thanks for writing, I'm in a weekly class for diabetes which has been very informative. I'm eating differently which is more expensive, excercise I'm trying, aside from my anxiety, I also have chronic fatigue syndrome, it's a debilitating disease. Its just that diabetes seems more complex, test my sugar when I do this and when I don't do that? Sounds like I'll be spending a lot of my time testing It's seems overwhelming to me. I haven't had any luck with doctors they don't seem to care?
 
That's great that you're being pro-active with your health. You misunderstood my message, my doctor said I didn't need to test myself, I do get tested every 3 months for that and my kidneys. Worried about eating the wrong thing
 
I've never heard of anyone who has diabetes of either type who doesn't have to test their own blood sugar levels. That just doesn't make any sense. Testing is the only way to manage what's going on in your body.
 
Yes, she said to go by what my doctor said? But another doctor said that she probably said that because my glucose reading was so good. That I still don't get? Their are times when I get Shakey had read that when that happens it's because your sugar is low. I don't even know how to test myself? I have the equipment for it, but can't find anyone to show me.
 
I too have never heard of a diabetic that a doctor would not recommend a test for glucose at least once daily. I do a glucose test every morning before eating or drinking anything and have an A1c test every 3 months. Is there diabetic alive that does not know what their last A1c reading was?

My wife recently was prescribed Juva something or the other, but without any daily testing, etc and was told to come back for A1c testing in 3 months. The reason being that her A1c jumped up from previous annual tests, not because she is being diagnosed as diabetic, but as a precaution. It had historically been in the 6.0~6.2 range and jumped to 6.5.

Carbs should be very limited. My experience has upping the protein and lowering the carb intake as being beneficial. However, upping the protein intake has other drawbacks, so you will need to limit the food intake.
 
Patnono said:
Yes, she said to go by what my doctor said? But another doctor said that she probably said that because my glucose reading was so good. That I still don't get? Their are times when I get Shakey had read that when that happens it's because your sugar is low. I don't even know how to test myself? I have the equipment for it, but can't find anyone to show me.
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Ask your class. That's what it's for.
 
Patnono said:
Yes, she said to go by what my doctor said? But another doctor said that she probably said that because my glucose reading was so good. That I still don't get? Their are times when I get Shakey had read that when that happens it's because your sugar is low. I don't even know how to test myself? I have the equipment for it, but can't find anyone to show me.
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This thread is starting to sound odd to me.

Detailed testing instructions are included in the package with the glucometer and the test strip refills.

In this area newly diagnosed diabetics usually attend a 3 or 4 session workshop with a dietician that goes over available medications, testing, diet, etc...

When I was first diagnosed with diabetes my PCP considered it mild and only had me test a few times each week at different times to see the range of highs and lows that I was experiencing. Now that my diabetes has become worse he has me test 3 times each day.

In another post, you mentioned that the cost of food is now higher. I believe that once you adjust to a low carb way of eating basic foods you will see your costs go down. Things like frozen vegetables, bag salads, no sugar added fruit cups, whole grain cereal and bread, chicken, tuna, sardines, etc... are not much fun but they are no more expensive than a high carb convenience food diet.

Turn off all of the noise, including my posts. Stick with the information that your instructor and your current PCP provide and IMO you will be fine.

Good luck!
 
I live in Australia and most chemists sell,and will show you how to,do your daily blood tests

I’m talking from expericence as I was told I had diabetes 2 however after loosing quite a bit of weight I don’t have it anymore
I cut out quite a few carbs to loose weight and now find I can’t eat to many carbs I used to,eat 2 slices of toast for breakfast now I eat yoghurt and fruit and maybe 1/2 slice of toast.

Despite being re tested for diabetes,and being told I don’t have it .... I still test my blood at least once a month and keep,it on a great easy to,use app on my iPad .

Its nothing to be afraid of patnono wash your hands p, dry and prick your finger with device supplied with your kit ..put a drop on the test strip and if done correct your BS readings will,show up for you to write down
I have a abbots brand device they have a toll free number anyone can ring and they will also take you through step by step

Im pretty sure any brand device would offer the same service ,they also supply batteries free of charge once a year and the device I have has a lifetime warranty so if it fails they replace free of charge for your life .,you can’t get better than that
 
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Originally Posted by Patnono
Yes, she said to go by what my doctor said? But another doctor said that she probably said that because my glucose reading was so good. That I still don't get? Their are times when I get Shakey had read that when that happens it's because your sugar is low. I don't even know how to test myself? I have the equipment for it, but can't find anyone to show me.

I learned on YouTube. This three minute video explains it all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMMpeLLgdgY
 
Patnono, Maybe your doc has said you are pre-diabetic, rather than being actually diabetic. I just don't buy that any doctor treating a diabetic patient would tell them not to test their blood. And why do you have testing gear if you are not supposed to use it?

My husband was diabetic, and I found that managing a diabetic diet wasn't any more expensive than a regular balanced diet, but it does require more attention, and you can't really use prepared foods which are full of sugar and salt and all kinds of unpronounceable things and are terrible for you anyway.

Make it your number one concern to figure out what's going on with your diabetes. Besides the fact that it can kill you, it can cause all kinds of awful things, such as blindness, for example. My husband largely refused to take it seriously or cooperate with dietary restrictions and medication management, which had all kinds of awful consequences.
 
Butterfly said:
Patnono, Maybe your doc has said you are pre-diabetic, rather than being actually diabetic. I just don't buy that any doctor treating a diabetic patient would tell them not to test their blood. And why do you have testing gear if you are not supposed to use it?

My husband was diabetic, and I found that managing a diabetic diet wasn't any more expensive than a regular balanced diet, but it does require more attention, and you can't really use prepared foods which are full of sugar and salt and all kinds of unpronounceable things and are terrible for you anyway.

Make it your number one concern to figure out what's going on with your diabetes. Besides the fact that it can kill you, it can cause all kinds of awful things, such as blindness, for example. My husband largely refused to take it seriously or cooperate with dietary restrictions and medication management, which had all kinds of awful consequences.
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I agree with everything Butterfly wrote and will add that I'm so fearful of becoming diabetic because I've also seen the repercussions suffered by close friends and relatives who didn't take it seriously. Two went blind, several had toes, then feet, then the bottom halves of their legs amputated, one died of a massive heart attack in his early fifties as a direct result of ignoring it. All who've passed died far too young. Now I'm watching the younger set struggle with the same disease. Unfortunately, many are modeling the cavalier attitudes of their now-deceased parents. Tragic.

Patnono: Diabetes is as serious as a heart attack - which it can cause. I'd recommend that you phone your doctor's office, ask specifically if you are diabetic or pre-diabetic. If you haven't gotten a written copy of your test results, ask what they are and write them down. Then request an emailed or USPS copy of those results and start a file. (It's hard to imagine any modern doctor's office or lab that doesn't automatically generate and distribute a patient's copy these days.)

Most importantly, make a list of just a few questions before making the phone call. While they are responding with the information, open both ears, tale notes, and stop talking. (Harder than you think. Our tendency is to be thinking about what we want to say next rather than listening closely to what the other person is saying.)
 
TALKING about diabetics -my husband - had it now for about 10 years and medication has been ok '
but he has just had heart surgery which went ok -- but hes heel wont heal up coz of poor blood flow
any ideas to what would be good to have ' if anyone has the same problem ...appreciated !!
 
toffee said:
TALKING about diabetics -my husband - had it now for about 10 years and medication has been ok '
but he has just had heart surgery which went ok -- but hes heel wont heal up coz of poor blood flow
any ideas to what would be good to have ' if anyone has the same problem ...appreciated !!
Click to expand...

My husband had a really bad car accident and healing was a huge problem -- even his bones woldn't knit properly.. He finally healed up, but it took a very long time and they had actually told me that amputation might be the only answer if his injuries to one of his legs refused to heal. Diabetes can be a really terrible thing. I would add that he wasn't very compliant with dietary management or even medication management and that made it much worse, of course.

I hope your husband's foot heals up as it supposed to.
 
I've had so many loved ones who weren't/aren't remotely disciplined about diabetes management, but the price tag for that is very high. It's such an awful disease that affects the body in unseen ways.

Toffee, I hope for the best for your husband.
 
I have type 2 and am on pump therapy and I test four times a day. If your diabetic you should test.
 

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