Looking for advice from those with type 2 diabetes

CooCooforCoCoPuffs said:
Saltines will cause a rise in your blood sugar.
There should be a glycemic index on a reliable web page, you can find that will show you which food to avoid.

A Type 2 diabetes journey has to be highly individualized.
Would suggest requesting an appointment with a diabetes educator to help you get to the point you do not have Type II diabetes.

The only thing which distinguishes the terrible medical consequences of cancer and or Type II diabetes is that YOU can completely get FREE of Type II diabetes with no medication at all, if you work hard enough with diet control and exercise.

In cancer: exercise and diet control don't work. The horrific results of unmanaged diabetes cannot be understated; those results can easily be as bad as cancer.
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Trust me, I know, 3 people in my life suffered insulin dependent diabetes. I have plenty of exposure. The first was a lady I worked with. Diagnosed as a child, she got to the point her kidneys had failed, dialysis 3 days a week. She had all kinds of health problems but God sent her a miracle, a triple organ transplant! She got a kidney, pancreas and heart all at the same time. Her boyfriend got a new kidney around that time but rejected, so still doing dialysis.

Second, the best friend of my family, so much so he was family. He was diagnosed much later in life. He was a large man, 6.5 and 375 pounds. His struggle was with circulation in his legs. First, he lost a few toes. Years later the dreaded below the knee amputation.

He had never married or had a long term girlfriend. I stepped in to take care of him. My husband had passed by that point, my family thought I had lost my mind but there was no way I was not going to help. He had been so good to us during my husband's cancer battle.

So, when he got released from the hospital he came to my home. I took care of the amputation sight. I researched and cooked meals for a proper diet. Took care of personal hygiene (all but the private areas), washed his hair, cut his hair, washed his clothes, changed his bed. Took him to all doctor appointments, set up care for the construction of his prothesis, watched him take his first steps on his new leg. When he was able to go home, his weight was down 50 lbs and ALC at 5.2

The last person, also a work colleague, who just would not take care of himself at all. He was a wonderful person and it was heartbreaking to watch him slowly die of diabetes.

I have seen the world of diabetes; know it is imperative to get control of things. I thought I had done an amazing thing by quitting smoking but to me, this is a whole new level of personal responsibility. You don't have to smoke to live but you do have to eat to live. I have just got to learn as much as I can and stay focused. We used to think it won't happen to me. All the bad stuff, a sick child, cancer, loss of a spouse, bad health. Now many of us know the truth, it can, it does, it will. We will all face the heartbreaks; it is just for us to accept and do the best things for our families and ourselves.

It is a great gift to know that we have each other for advice, to share tears, to give strength, to have a complete stranger hold your hand through the bad times
 

I hesitate to say very much any more. Aside from generalities, we're all in such different places and we may even have different underlying causes for Type 2 that respond to things differently.

I consider a fasting glucose level of 135 as high, but not alarmingly so for me. As long as it's been a solid 9 hours or more since I last ate, then my wake-up level runs from 85 to 110 and I call that good.

I can recognize low glucose symptoms before they hit hard now, and meal discipline has all but eliminated such incidents anyway.

Right now I'm focusing on activity level, reducing processed foods in my diet, limiting carb intake, portion control, and getting a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber. I'm still taking Metformin, but for me the "gastro" impacts reduced to tolerable early on.

When I got serious, I started losing weight quickly. I've slacked so I've leveled off but I need to get back on that train - where a "sweet snack" is a carrot.
 

RadishRose said:
Doesn't sound like you need advice, Blessed. You know the drill and I wish you the besI
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RadishRose said:
Doesn't sound like you need advice, Blessed. You know the drill and I wish you the best!
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I know the drill but I now I can truly understand how others have truly felt dealing with diabetes. Up to know the true nature of it did not seem real. Things never do until you are standing in that place. Until a doctor says the words, cancer, diabetes, autism, stroke, paralysis, heart disease, schizophrenia, dementia, Alzheimer's, depression, blindness, deafness, bedridden, colitis, chrons, and on and on. No one is really ever ready, prepared to deal with the truth of it. It is even more crushing when it is a child. The world spins on it's axis and we can't ignore the fact, it happens.

In the scheme of things, I have dealt with many of these things with family. I think what crushes us most is that someone we love is sick and we can't fix it. If it is you, it is easier to accept, you really understand the depth of love for your family. You do not want to cause them stress, to scare them. to wonder what to do, how to help. I guess we all feel we would never want anyone to face a health challenge. It should give everyone a check of the human condition.

There are those suffering so much all around us, but the sad thing is we ignore it. It is time to call out WTF, help others, strangers, be a good human.....who knows when you will need another good human. The drill is to figure it out, no more homeless, no more addiction, no more hunger.....just basic human attention and care.
 
dilettante said:
I hesitate to say very much any more. Aside from generalities, we're all in such different places and we may even have different underlying causes for Type 2 that respond to things differently.

I consider a fasting glucose level of 135 as high, but not alarmingly so for me. As long as it's been a solid 9 hours or more since I last ate, then my wake-up level runs from 85 to 110 and I call that good.

I can recognize low glucose symptoms before they hit hard now, and meal discipline has all but eliminated such incidents anyway.

Right now I'm focusing on activity level, reducing processed foods in my diet, limiting carb intake, portion control, and getting a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber. I'm still taking Metformin, but for me the "gastro" impacts reduced to tolerable early on.

When I got serious, I started losing weight quickly. I've slacked so I've leveled off but I need to get back on that train - where a "sweet snack" is a carrot.
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It is so new for me personally there is so much to learn. I know what to eat, I think! Then there is the pressure to get your weight down so you don't eat enough to stay at a consistent level. I have got to learn what is right for my body and adjust accordingly. Things you think are okay are not okay for your body. Like your carrot, love carrots but they do contain sugars.

Sounds like you have done the work and know what is best to eat a balanced diet without too many highs or lows. Is that what I should aim for?
 
Blessed said:
Trust me, I know, 3 people in my life suffered insulin dependent diabetes. I have plenty of exposure. The first was a lady I worked with. Diagnosed as a child, she got to the point her kidneys had failed, dialysis 3 days a week. She had all kinds of health problems but God sent her a miracle, a triple organ transplant! She got a kidney, pancreas and heart all at the same time. Her boyfriend got a new kidney around that time but rejected, so still doing dialysis.

Second, the best friend of my family, so much so he was family. He was diagnosed much later in life. He was a large man, 6.5 and 375 pounds. His struggle was with circulation in his legs. First, he lost a few toes. Years later the dreaded below the knee amputation.

He had never married or had a long term girlfriend. I stepped in to take care of him. My husband had passed by that point, my family thought I had lost my mind but there was no way I was not going to help. He had been so good to us during my husband's cancer battle.

So, when he got released from the hospital he came to my home. I took care of the amputation sight. I researched and cooked meals for a proper diet. Took care of personal hygiene (all but the private areas), washed his hair, cut his hair, washed his clothes, changed his bed. Took him to all doctor appointments, set up care for the construction of his prothesis, watched him take his first steps on his new leg. When he was able to go home, his weight was down 50 lbs and ALC at 5.2

The last person, also a work colleague, who just would not take care of himself at all. He was a wonderful person and it was heartbreaking to watch him slowly die of diabetes.

I have seen the world of diabetes; know it is imperative to get control of things. I thought I had done an amazing thing by quitting smoking but to me, this is a whole new level of personal responsibility. You don't have to smoke to live but you do have to eat to live. I have just got to learn as much as I can and stay focused. We used to think it won't happen to me. All the bad stuff, a sick child, cancer, loss of a spouse, bad health. Now many of us know the truth, it can, it does, it will. We will all face the heartbreaks; it is just for us to accept and do the best things for our families and ourselves.

It is a great gift to know that we have each other for advice, to share tears, to give strength, to have a complete stranger hold your hand through the bad times
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I see - now.

First, congratulations on the stopping smoking!! That is terrific!!

I've found, as I get older, I don't have to eat as much as used to think I did! Wish I did need more, as I love to eat the good stuff, too!

Am glad you clarified for me that you HAVE been extensively exposed to this disease. By your posts, it seemed you had not. But now I know you are struggling with this whole new level of "personal responsibility"?

Well, I hope your journey includes being able to stay "focused" and you do "learn" how to get it done. It seems clear now, you know what a task this will involve on a personal level. I for one, do not envy you, but only wish you the best of everything and know just how challenging it will be.
 
Blessed said:
Sounds like you have done the work and know what is best to eat a balanced diet without too many highs or lows. Is that what I should aim for?
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Oh I'm still honing my insights on an ongoing basis.

Mine is not so severe that I need to do too much monitoring. The Doc has me testing fasting glucose every other day just to let me ensure that I'm not going too far astray. Every so often I'll do additional testing if I "feel" that things might be getting uncontrolled.

"Highs" within reason are normal, 140 to 180 range ideally. When you eat you are going to get elevated levels, but you want to avoid staying high or really high spikes.

"Carbs" in general aren't the problem. But only because in general this includes dietary fiber that either doesn't get absorbed, absorbs slowly, fosters proper gut bacteria environment, or moderates the uptake of sugars including those created out of starches. So for carbs... fiber is good, most others bad.

I try to limit pasta, rice, wheat products, etc. and go with "whole grain" alternatives when I do eat those things. If I make meatloaf I stick with a mix of rolled oats and ground flaxseed, no breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs.

The big thing is increasing physical activity level.
 
gilead said:
135 is not extremely too high. As mentioned above there is always an AM spike. Just getting up & awake will raise your count. The saltines are made with white flour & that in itself will raise your count after they digest. They are my go to relief when I get an upset stomach or shakes from a low count. My 1st morning test was the first thing I quit. I was still taking my SA insulin jab. but the test was nerve racking. (SA - short acting, LA - long acting).​
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I new those crackers were a bad idea but when you have a bad tummy it is that or toast. I did not know there could be a morning spike. I only knew my friend was happy when his first test was 90 to 100. Again, not on insulin yet and want to avoid it.
 
dilettante said:
Oh I'm still honing my insights on an ongoing basis.

Mine is not so severe that I need to do too much monitoring. The Doc has me testing fasting glucose every other day just to let me ensure that I'm not going too far astray. Every so often I'll do additional testing if I "feel" that things might be getting uncontrolled.

"Highs" within reason are normal, 140 to 180 range ideally. When you eat you are going to get elevated levels, but you want to avoid staying high or really high spikes.

"Carbs" in general aren't the problem. But only because in general this includes dietary fiber that either doesn't get absorbed, absorbs slowly, fosters proper gut bacteria environment, or moderates the uptake of sugars including those created out of starches. So for carbs... fiber is good, most others bad.

I try to limit pasta, rice, wheat products, etc. and go with "whole grain" alternatives when I do eat those things. If I make meatloaf I stick with a mix of rolled oats and ground flaxseed, no breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs.

The big thing is increasing physical activity level.
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And there is my problem, I do not get enough physical activity. I am even just saying walking. With a hip replacement, too much walking aggravates it. I think I might try again at the community center, indoor padded track and I will take my walker for extra support. I don't use the walker on a regular basis. The other thing is they have a seniors only pool. I was a swimmer in high school so that might be the ticket.

The meatloaf, never a fan of adding those things, just prefer, mushrooms, bell pepper, onion and an egg. Already have sugar free ketchup. I have read we are supposed to have some complex carbs. I prefer beans, black eyed or field peas. Says every once in a while I can have a small red potato, so I airfry sliced thin with salt, pepper and thyme. Funny how we thought any veg or fruit was good for us.

I got some veggie made pasta and cauliflower rice but have not experimented with those yet. It for me, is a whole new way of cooking. I had it down for my friend, proteins, lots of high fiber veg, few carbs and fresh herbs, onion and garlic for flavor.

I have made some deviled eggs and field peas with snaps for dinner so far. Maybe some sauteed yellow squash with onions. Protein has not been decided but I have many choices frozen in small individual servings. I have learned to be careful now with horseradish.

I will share new ideas if you will!!
 
Blessed said:
I am taking a oral pill, something like glipizide for the diabetes. I tried metformin but it gave me too many tummy troubles. The pain med has only been tylenol #3 with codeine.

I will try to work the tester soon. I am in a migraine spell right now. I do have the instructions. I was not worried about doing it until after I saw the doctor again, she did not say anything about the need to do it now. I just know I feel bad, you know how the anxiety gets rolling, I just fall apart.
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Have you considered asking for something to relieve the anxiety? I avoid medications when I can but there are times when they are needed. We are apt to do better in every way when we are feeling good.
  • Stress hormones
    When you're stressed, your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to prepare for a "fight or flight" response. These hormones can make it harder for insulin to work properly, which can cause your blood sugar to rise.
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Vida May said:
Have you considered asking for something to relieve the anxiety? I avoid medications when I can but there are times when they are needed. We are apt to do better in every way when we are feeling good.
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yes, I have medication for anxiety when I need it. I am very careful with it as I have had crippling anxiety my whole life. I would love to take it like M & Ms but that would do me no good. I have learned to cope for years in my younger years. It was a time of constant work, family and child raising that kept me grounded. Since my husband passed it has become a much more difficult situation. I hope this is just a normal thing many widowed and aging alone.
 
First of all Congratulations 🎉🎉on making the changes you did to lose weight and improve your health. I'm so sorry you got sidetracked after your extraction. It's important to eat enough so that your blood sugars don't tank. I was on Metformin for a long time, Never had a problem with it but starting reading and hearing bad things about it. Also the doctor and I are watching my kidney function and Metformin is not good for the kidneys, so I finally got off it about 6 months ago.

We're in the process of finding the best combination of replacement drugs that work for me. I'm on 5mg of Farxiga, which is supposed to be beneficial to kidney function. He gave me samples of Tradjenta 5 mg. He also suggested insulin (which I do not want to have to take) and referred me to an endocronologist. While I was on Metformin, my A1Cs were good.

I've had to get on and off Farxiga a couple of times. Found out I can't use the 10 mg...it gives me yeast (one of the known side effects). I refused to take Jardiance because the warning said in bold print...May cause sudden kidney failure. Anyway, due to the intermittent use of Farxiga, my A1C went up to 8.6. It had always stayed between 6.8 and 7.2. Tradjenta, though also kidney friendly, causes constipation. All meds have side effects; some affect people differently or not at all (at least outwardly).

You want to do the right thing to get your diabetes under control. That's more than half the battle. I hope you'll feel better soon. Wishing you the best with blood sugar management.
 
Blessed said:
I was diagnosed at the beginning of November. I changed my diet right away. @dilletante, gave me helpful advice. I have lost some weight and overall have felt much better. The changes seem to have lowered inflammation in my body, aches and pains less, most of all less migraines or less severe.

I had to have a couple of teeth pulled a couple of weeks ago. Not pleasant at all, I am better now. Thing is with the pain, the pain meds, etc, I have not been eating as well. I have felt awful, migraines back, joint pain back. Lightheaded and hot flashes.

What do you do, your sick, in pain, have no appetite, much less the energy to spend time cooking, Most of the food has been toast and broth. A liittle cheese and uncured deli ham. Are these hot flashes related to high or low blood sugar?

I have bought a tester but have not learned how to use it yet. I don't see the doc until 2/6 to check my A1C again. She wanted to see if diet and weight loss helped. Should I be concerned, should I go ahead and go now?
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I was diagnosed two years ago and just recently reversed it and got off the medication. It was all from exercise, eating right, reading food labels and research. I test my blood sugar twice a week and keep notes on my calendar. My A1C averages 4.7 to 4.9 now from 7.5. My biggest thing was counting carbs and exercise. I experimented with things till I got it right, like good portions and types of food. It was difficult at first, but now just second nature. Peanut butter helped with cravings and dark chocolate with hot tea also helped.
 
Oldeagle66 said:
I was diagnosed two years ago and just recently reversed it and got off the medication. It was all from exercise, eating right, reading food labels and research. I test my blood sugar twice a week and keep notes on my calendar. My A1C averages 4.7 to 4.9 now from 7.5. My biggest thing was counting carbs and exercise. I experimented with things till I got it right, like good portions and types of food. It was difficult at first, but now just second nature. Peanut butter helped with cravings and dark chocolate with hot tea also helped.
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I hope to do the same, things are going well but it has only been a couple of months. The eating part is working so far, weight going down. I had felt better before have two teeth pulled. I have not gained any weight back but not eating has made feel bad. Once I got started on changes to the diet I realized it was not so hard. I ate, I think a lot out of boredom, being a good cook sometimes has it drawbacks. Peanut butter will not save me, I have never been a big fan except in the sweets arena LOL
 
Just checked 2 hours after dinner, score 123, I had a lean ground beef patty, field pies with snaps and a deviled egg,
 
Oldeagle66 said:
I was diagnosed two years ago and just recently reversed it and got off the medication. It was all from exercise, eating right, reading food labels and research. I test my blood sugar twice a week and keep notes on my calendar. My A1C averages 4.7 to 4.9 now from 7.5. My biggest thing was counting carbs and exercise. I experimented with things till I got it right, like good portions and types of food. It was difficult at first, but now just second nature. Peanut butter helped with cravings and dark chocolate with hot tea also helped.
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That is REALLY great! Congratulations, impressive.
 
Blessed said:
..... I ate, I think a lot out of boredom, being a good cook sometimes has it drawbacks. Peanut butter will not save me, I have never been a big fan except in the sweets arena LOL
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Lifestyle changes are very hard, so go easy on yourself. Each step will get you there. You CAN do this, you will get there.

Also: the anxiety ramping up? The cortisol from that raising your blood sugar is reason enough to find a way to manage it with non-addictive meds such as anti-anxiety SSRIs, etc. Common anti-anxiety drugs such as Cymbalta also act as pain relief, a combination of different drugs for anxiety may be needed, who knows?

There is no shame at ALL in taking drugs to keep your anxiety or any pain down, thereby keeping cortisol levels down to help control blood sugar levels.

I too LOVED to cook before I had to start watching my levels. Another adjustment as my DH and everyone loved my cooking and baking! I miss that so much.
 
I was diagnosed 11 years ago. I take after my mom all her aunts and uncles on her dads side got type 2 diabetes when they got older. Mine came out the year I almost drowned.
They had a hard time controlling my moms and my uncles. She failed all oral meds and so have i. So I have non insulin dependent for 5 years. They had me on ozempic which kept my sugars good. Then I could not bc afford it co oil at $800- 1,000. I go to an endocrinologist now who has me on the Libre free style. And a divergent insulin my sugars in the am is over 300. Then it goes down as I start my am insulin and my insulin before meals good all day until night when it starts going up
I watch my carbs, seldom eat bread. Eat a lot of salad and fruits I just don't get it
 
I just read all of this thread again....so much helpful information for me and the others on this forum that are struggling with Diabetes or Prediabetes.
I'm going to check out the Diabetes Daily Forum....mine is Prediabetes and I'm trying to control it with diet....it's hard... so I'm constantly searching to learn what helps others.
 
Update: my endocrinologist tried to start me on Ozempic, but I refused. I hate needles and told her I can't see me sticking to a regimen where I'd have to inject myself. She started me on Rybelsus and it's controlling my blood sugars very well. At first she gave me a 30 day sample bottle of the 3 mg. Once we saw that I could tolerate that, she prescribed the 7 mg.

Rybelsus is known to have a side effect of nausea, but thankfully, I only had very mild nausea for a few days. The doctor did say the symptoms usually go away in about 2 weeks. The only thing I don't like is that it's a very bitter pill. I've learned to brush my teeth and tongue immediately before taking it...that helps. I am also still on 5mg of Farxiga. My A1C at the end of May was 7.2 but I hadn't been on the Rybelsus long enough to get a better result. I'm hoping for at least 6.8 if not 6.5 next time.
 

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