Re: Hello, intro & looking for some advice :-)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/28/01 12:08:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

IrishStitcher@... writes:

<< Should I try a

different doctor? Also, for those who are low-carbing.....do you take a lot

of fat or do you try to limit that too? >>

Your readings sound diabetic to me...

I'd go to a differnt dr,

i dont limit my fat, just my carbs

[Guest guest]

>

> These readings seem to be a bit high to me. I've

> tested my hubby on several

> occasions and he is generally in the 90's with a

> spike in the 120-

want some advice from another newbie (and still in

denial that i really need to test), i'd see your

doctor again, or change doctors. your numbers (and

high BP and cholesterol) are what i had, and the

doctor said to me " come back in 6 months; " and it was

dismissed pretty much. i came back in Novemmber, and

i was told it was high, was i had nothing to worry

about. well, i have diabetes. i have no clue, but

maybe had i known in November when i was first

checked, and then going thru being in a mental

institution (my mom); and life threatening surgery (my

mom); and the nursing home stress, i would have been

on medication and diet that would have prevented this.

not sure, but i'm a little annoyed at my doctor (i'm

still trying to blame somebody/anybody) for brushing

it off. i wonder if they would have brushed it off

had it been their numbers.

please note: this is my opinion and i was diagnosed

less than a week ago, have no literature and am just

reading emails here. pat

=====

wendy darling-pan aka pat

http://www.basketsbypat.com

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

<<<<<<<Lastly........I'd just like to say that this is

a great group, I only joined

a few days ago and I've already learned a lot, much

more than my doctor would

ever tell me! I'm looking forward a lot to getting to

know you all better :-)

Roisin (ro-sheen)>>>>>>>>

Hi, Roisin. Welcome to our group. It is good to have

you join us. Most of us in this group aim for

readings between 80-120. When my readings have gotten

as high as yours, I get worried. The complications

from diabetes are far less apt to happen, when we

consitently keep our numbers in the " normal range " .

Getting a meter is one of the best things I have ever

done for myself. Several times in my life I was

tested for diabetes. Each time I was told I was

" boderline " diabetic. No one ever suggested that I

change how I ate, or take any meds.

Then, my current dr. diagnosed me about two years ago.

He didn't suggest any meds, or getting a meter. I

found this group online, about 16 months ago, and just

read everyone's messages. I talked to my dr. about

getting a meter, and he said I didn't need one. This

list convinced me that I did need one. So, I bought

one.

Then, I went to some classes conducted by a CDE

(certified diabetes educator) I asked her about the

meter and she definitely said I should get one, and be

using it. I delayed for several months. Then, once I

had it, I refused to use it, for a few more months.

Chalk that up to my being bull headed!

Now, I don't feel right unless I am testing, daily.

Knowing exactly where my bs are, is reassuring to me.

It is also the only way I know of, to learn what foods

spike my bs, and which are safe for me to consume.

Please keep posting and let us know how your readings

are going.

Sheila

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Roisin,

Run,,,do not walk with that list of numbers back to your doctor. But ignore

any advice about giving up low carb. Others here can speak more clearly but

IMHO you would do better on low carb.

ressy

[Guest guest]

Roisin,

These are diabetic numbers. I was dxed with numbers lower than these. I

think you need to bring these to the dr's attention immediately.

Re: I eat fat, but try to focus on the " healthier " ones. I use a lot of olive

oil, fatty fish like salmon, some nuts and avocado. I do use Real Butter,

but not piles of it. Personally, I rarely eat bacon, ham, sausage, etc. I

do use some cheeses, but not piles of it. I'm 5'4 " also (if I stand Really

straight) and when I weighed 240+, I needed meds (glucophage) to control my

bss. I lowered my carb intake and focused on lower GI choices and I've been

off DM meds for 21 months. Weight loss has been slow and steady, but

relatively painless.

Were you having any other symptoms that deveoped around the time you were

gaining weight? There are some conditions in which weight gain is a symptom.

Carol T

In a message dated 4/27/01 9:08:01 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

IrishStitcher@... writes:

> Morning before eating.....150

> 1 hour after breakfast.....239

> 2 hours after breakfast.....238

> 1 hour after lunch.....223

> 2-3 hours after lunch.....159

> Didn't get a dinner reading

> Before bed.....227

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Roisin. (Lovely name :-) I'm not a doctor, just a diabetic, but

IMHO you are too. Normal people don't have readings like yours, and I think

your doctor is way off base telling you not to low carb. If I were you, I'd

treat myself as if I were diabetic, lower your carbohydrate intake, keep on

testing. When your bg's get more in the normal range (we aim for 100 - or

under 5.8 here - on a lower carbohydrate diet, you should start losing

weight and many people find that their cholesterol comes into line as well.

Docs that get angry about a diet that works need to be fired...again, In my

not=so=humble opinion.

It sounds like your instincts are right on,

Barb

> Although the total count has lowered, the HDL has gone down so that is not

> very good. I'm not on any cholesterol meds.

>

> Anyway, I bought myself a Blood glucose meter a short while ago to keep an

> eye on the BS and I would like your opinion on the readings I've been

getting

> and whether I should go back to the doctor again. I'll give you a few

days

> of readings and see what you think,

>

> Morning before eating.....150

> 1 hour after breakfast.....239

> 2 hours after breakfast.....238

> 1 hour after lunch.....223

> 2-3 hours after lunch.....159

> Didn't get a dinner reading

> Before bed.....227

>

> Morning, before eating.....164

> 1 hour after breakfast.....203

> 2 hours after breakfast.....213

> 2 hours after lunch.....215

> 5 hours after lunch, right before dinner.....124

> 2 hours after dinner.....317

> Before bed.....296

>

> Morning before eating.....168

> 1 hour after breakfast.....188

> 1 hour after lunch.....189

> 2 hours after lunch.....189

> 1 hour after dinner.....253

> 2 hours after dinner.....246

> Before bed......310

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 27-Apr-01 11:12:55 PM Central Daylight Time,

mrspan@... writes:

> i would have been

> on medication and diet that would have prevented this.

> not sure, but i'm a little annoyed at my doctor

Hi Pat..........I was just wondering.....as you are a newly diagnosed

diabetic, are you on any medications, or are you just learning to control

things with diet and exercise? I think you're doing really well, considering

you were saying that you are still in denial, I've been following your

progress/frustrations all week. I've never tried Ben & Jerry's

icecream......maybe, it's just as well........now Starbucks icecream, well

that's another matter, but it may be goodbye to it too, though I've only ever

indulged on a " once in a blue moon " occasion :-)

Roisin (ro-sheen)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sometimes the Lord calms the storm;

sometimes He lets the storm rage

and calms His child.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 28-Apr-01 7:42:49 AM Central Daylight Time,

cprcarol@... writes:

> Were you having any other symptoms that deveoped around the time you were

> gaining weight? There are some conditions in which weight gain is a

> symptom.

Hi Carol T.........the weight gain started not long after I moved to the USA

which was March 1994. My eating habits completely changed, I went from

eating fairly healthy to a lot of junk. Hubby was running a restaurant and a

lot of time was spent eating there. Also, whereas I walked everywhere back in

Ireland I stopped moving over here. After a few years I was up around 170lbs

(I was 135 when I first arrived), but the last 18 months I've put on the

most, especially in the waist area. I peaked at 227 at the beginning of the

year and right now I'm around 220 (I hope!). I gave up drinking and smoking

within a short time of each other (very heavy drinker and smoker). The only

other thing that developed really suddenly over the past 18 months is

periodontal disease, I know that diabetics need to be careful in this area so

I'm quite worried about that also, I've been told it'll cost at least around

$12,000 to get my mouth treated and I don't have that sort of money or

insurance that will cover it. But apart from that I can't think of anything

else that is associated with the weight gain.

Roisin (ro-sheen)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sometimes the Lord calms the storm;

sometimes He lets the storm rage

and calms His child.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

[Guest guest]

> IMHO you are too. Normal people don't have readings

> like yours, and I think

> your doctor is way off base telling you not to low

> carb. If I were you, I'd

" normal " people!!!! excuuuuuuuuuuuuuse me. LOL

just decided i'd mention that since my " sick " post got

mentioned. LOL it's early and i'm on my first

cuppa coffee. and i forgot and put 2% milk in it.

pat (154 on rising and pricking away)

=====

wendy darling-pan aka pat

http://www.basketsbypat.com

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi, Roisin...yes, I think those numbers are definitely too high. Numbers

llike that over a long period of time can cause permanent damage. You want to

keep them as close to 100 as you can, trying not to go over 140 two hours

after eating is best. Your A1C was pretty good but that's an average and

probably reflected many lows that balanced the highs. Or may have reflected

your period of lowcarbing.

I also feel strongly that you need to find a new doctor. You were doing

pretty good lowcarbing, you were losing weight and your BGs were probably

good too, which imay be why you had a good A1C. If your kidneys are in good

shape there's no reason not to lowcarb. Since you've already tried it and

you know it works for you, I'd say go for it! Just, as we've advised others,

test, eat, test, eat and write everything down. You'll do just fine. Take

care, Vicki PS: Thanks for writing the pronunciation of your name down...even

though we're not " saying " it. It's a lovely name. Vicki

In a message dated 01-04-28 00:07:58 EDT, you write:

<< occasions and he is generally in the 90's with a spike in the 120-140

range.

Right now, I'm following no particular eating plan. I was low-carbing all

last year, but my doctor really chewed me out last October when he found

out,

so I stopped.......I had lost about 20lbs the first few months of doing

low-carbing, but then nothing for about 6 months after that. Do any of you

think that I have anything to be worried about with the above numbers? >>

[Guest guest]

> The only

> other thing that developed really suddenly over the past 18 months is

> periodontal disease, I know that diabetics need to be careful in this area

so

> I'm quite worried about that also, I've been told it'll cost at least

around

> $12,000 to get my mouth treated

**Roisin, I had great luck with my periodontal disease using a little pick

sort of brush and really poking around everywhere, then floss, then flushing

my mouth with a special tiny squirter thing (technical I am not!) with a

solution of peroxide, mouthwash and 4 drops of grapefruit seed extract. I

also starting taking the equivalent of a supplement my dentist tried to sell

me, which contained vitamins, lots of calcium and magnesium, echinacea, and

grape seed extract. I also took the grapefruit seed extract internally

(nature's antifungal). In 6 weeks my mouth had far less germs (we looked

through the microscope) and my gums were pinker. But first, I'd suggest you

get your bs in better control.

From your history it sounds like you could have been diabetic for quite

awhile, brought on, perhaps, by the weight gain/lack of activity thing.

Exercise is wonderful for bringing bs in control.

Barb

[Guest guest]

> Hi Pat..........I was just wondering.....as you are

> a newly diagnosed

> diabetic, are you on any medications, or are you

> just learning to control

> things with diet and exercise?

roisin. i don't feel like i'm doing very well, but

i'm still at the whining/crying/martyr stage. and

angry. i was on glucotrol for like 2-3 days. the

" finger " test said i had diabetes; the one that i

can't remember what it's called for the life of me

said i did not. when i went back, the fasting number

was high (153 i think), and the doctor said i had

diabetes. the other number (H....) was 6.8 or

something like that (i can't remember that either).

he said it was " good " , but still, i had diabetes.

just not enough to medication YET. he said control my

diet and put me on 1800 calories a day, and i have a

chart. i'm preferring doing it " my way " , and i'm

reading here, and eating pretty much " what i want " ,

but only things i find that are low carb.

i cheated last nite. it was rough with mom, and i

didn't feel like chopping vegies for a salad, so i got

a TV dinner (salisbury steak/mac and cheese). yep,

the numbers proved that will not be purchased again.

i was 179 after breakfast (sausage, fruit) and was 113

a few minutes ago, just before i ate " lunch " . i'll

check in an hour or so, and then an hour after that,

and see if i'm high again.

when i have time, i need to check the archives here.

this is a busy week (or should be), and i need to stay

off here and do other stuff, but this seems to be

drawing me right now. i'm guessing i'm finding saving

my eyesight and limbs more important right now that

weaving a few baskets. pat

=====

wendy darling-pan aka pat

http://www.basketsbypat.com

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 28-Apr-01 2:38:08 PM Central Daylight Time,

mrspan@... writes:

> i'm guessing i'm finding saving

> my eyesight and limbs more important right now that

> weaving a few baskets.

I think once you get settled into a routine and a little more used to dealing

with your diabetes, you'll be back weaving away :-) I have let a lot of

things slip these past few weeks. I knit for preemie babies and feel guilty

that I haven't been doing as much as I should, but hopefully I'll make up for

it soon. I'm also in the middle of an international court case with the

courts in Ireland which is causing a lot of stress (stress affects your BS

doesn't it?) so that doesn't help things. But I decided when I turned 40

this year that I was going to be very optimistic about the future no matter

what gets thrown at me, if it has to be diabetes, well so be it........I'll

learn everything I can about it and take it from there. Just one day at a

time Pat :-)

Hugs

Roisin (ro-sheen)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sometimes the Lord calms the storm;

sometimes He lets the storm rage

and calms His child.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

[Guest guest]

What a lovely quote! Thanks, Roisin. Vicki

In a message dated 01-04-28 13:01:17 EDT, you write:

<<

Roisin (ro-sheen)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sometimes the Lord calms the storm;

sometimes He lets the storm rage

and calms His child.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

>>

[Guest guest]

At 10:51 PM 4/27/2001 -0400, you wrote:

>>> Hello group, I'd like to introduce myself and also get some advice if

I may. My name is Roisin, I'm 40 years old, been living in Minnesota for 7

years, I'm originally from Northern-Ireland, and as of yet I haven't been

given a diagnosis of diabetes by my doctor. <<<

Greetings, Roisin, and welcome to the group, although we'd all wish it

weren't necessary for you to be here. But frankly, it very much sounds as

though it's at least *wise for you to be here.

The blood glucose readings you take yourself would seem to indicate that

you are indeed " diabetic. " From what else you say, I'd wonder whether you

might also be insulin resistant. If I were you, I'd find a diabetologist

who may or may not also be an endocrinologist, and get some updated

professional advice.

That said, a number of us on this list would also highly recommend that you

obtain and read a copy of Dr. Bernstein's Diabetic Solution, just for the

excellent information it contains about this disease, and so you would be

able to ask intelligent questions of your new doctor and have some basic

information through which to filter that new doctor's recommendations to you.

Some folks do well without " low carbing. " Some folks do well with " low

carbing. " A lot depends on one's definition of low, methinks. I'm one of

those that talks in " low carb " terms, but practically speaking, moderate

carbing is more what I actually do.

You'll get a lot of feedback here, and support, and genuine good will as

you sort through what's what in regard to your own body and its response to

things. The main thing to remember is that Your Mileage May Vary ... that

is, what you experience will be unique to you. Nevertheless, we've all

" been there " in some fashion or other, and can at least share from our

experiences to supplement your own.

Again, welcome. We'll look forward to hearing how you fare as you

investigate and sort things out.

jo

----------

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Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.

Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Version: 6.0.250 / Virus Database: 123 - Release Date: 4/18/2001

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 01-04-28 14:45:13 EDT, you write:

<< 'm quite worried about that also, I've been told it'll cost at least

around

> $12,000 to get my mouth treated

>>

If there's a dental school in your area and you don't mind students working

on your mouth (under close supervision) you can get the work done for

considerably less...maybe even no cost. It may also take longer than with a

regular periodontist...but definitely woth the savings - if you have the

time. Check it out.

Vicki

[Guest guest]

to dealing

> with your diabetes, you'll be back weaving away :-)

> I have let a lot of

> things slip these past few weeks. I knit for

> preemie babies and feel guilty

> that I

well, i'm putting things in priority (could this be

part of meno too???) my mom comes first right now,

but the diabetes is close behind. cleaning the house

found it's way to the bottom, and weaving is there,

but not much. i guess i realized that money is not

as important as people, and money can't buy me health.

and since i'm single, and without money, i guess i

need to make sure i don't end uup in a nursing home on

medicaid.

plus, this is kinda fascinating. the finger pricking

is not as horrible as i thought (can't believe i

actually said that). i think the worse part is that

right now, i just got home, and am ordering a pizza

(only in my mind). LOL i will go down and fix a

salad and pretend it's the pizza i'm ordering. and

some day, when my numbers are down and i'm in control,

IF i still want that pizza, i will order it.

but today i was sluggish. my numbers were down, but

my body said " hey, stupid, you just can't stop testing

with that Ben & Jerry, can you?? " and it got the last

laugh. pat

=====

wendy darling-pan aka pat

http://www.basketsbypat.com

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 01-04-28 20:40:57 EDT, you write:

<<

but today i was sluggish. my numbers were down, but

my body said " hey, stupid, you just can't stop testing

with that Ben & Jerry, can you?? " and it got the last

laugh. pat >>

No, you got the last laugh, Pat...because when that container's gone you're

not gonna buy another, Right? Vicki

[Guest guest]

> laugh. pat >>

>

> No, you got the last laugh, Pat...because when that

> container's gone you're

> not gonna buy another, Right? Vicki

>

ummmmmmmmmmm. LOL not right now. i still have

the remains of two in the freezer, but i'm gonna go

shopping tomorrow for jello and cool whip. and i have

two hershey's kisses left. and some cookies i'm

taking out today and giving to the garbage man, birds

or possums. then, i will have only vegies, protein,

and no chocolate.

i'm gonna invest in candy soon, but not now. for me,

i think cold turkey will work. it will be hard, and

i will have those cravings. not sure what i will do

when they come, but if there's nothing in the house, i

will have no choice. pat

=====

wendy darling-pan aka pat

http://www.basketsbypat.com

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 01-04-29 12:22:27 EDT, you write:

<< not sure what i will do

when they come, but if there's nothing in the house, i

will have no choice. pat >>

This is true! When you feel a craving...run, don't walk, in the other

direction. Get involved in something else. Weave a basket! and concentrate

on it...Vicki

[Guest guest]

> Hi Pat,

> I went cold turkey. Anytime I had a craving I let

> BTW, Really nice baskets!

> joan >^^< t1

>

>

thanks, joan. and i think i need cold turkey.

getting little bits is not helping. it's there and i

want it and i eat it. i have some snackwells, but i

haven't checked the label. if it's loaded with

carbs, then i take it with me tonite, and give it to

an aide. that way, it's gone.

i hate eggs, but love egg salad on bread with lettuce.

i'm betting i could pretend bread is there, put some

on lettuce and have a ball. i usually put pickle

relish in mine, and mustard, so i guess i also need to

read those labels. i'm not sure what's acceptable,

but i know the labels on jellybeans, yoohoo and ice

cream has super high carbs. some stuff has almost

none, so i'll stick with that. pat

=====

wendy darling-pan aka pat

http://www.basketsbypat.com

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 01-04-29 16:43:53 EDT, you write:

<<

i hate eggs, but love egg salad on bread with lettuce.

i'm betting i could pretend bread is there, put some

on lettuce and have a ball. >>

some people think the lowcarb tortillas are okay...I personally think they

taste like flavored cardboard but they're handy to wrap egg salad, ham,

cheese, etc. in at the very least...you might like 'em, very very low carb.

Available online at various lowcarb sites. Vicki

[Guest guest]

> This is true! When you feel a craving...run, don't

> walk, in the other

> direction. Get involved in something else. Weave a

> basket! and concentrate

> on it...Vicki

>

i think i'm gonna think about a friend's dad who lost

a foot, then a leg, then a foot, then died. and

another friend who lost a leg, and died. both decided

they didn't need to follow a diet regime and ate

whatever they wanted. i don't think they had happy

lives.

i was looking at the crackers i love so and deciding

if that little taste of chocolate was worth being in a

wheelchair. pat

=====

wendy darling-pan aka pat

http://www.basketsbypat.com

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 01-04-29 20:25:54 EDT, you write:

<<

i was looking at the crackers i love so and deciding

if that little taste of chocolate was worth being in a

wheelchair. pat

>>

This is what keeps me on the Straight and Narrow (smile) . Vicki

[Guest guest]

Roisin, I'm not a doctor, so this is not a diagnosis. But -- one current

standard for diagnosis as diabetic is a fasting blood surgar reading of 126

or more (on a couple of occassions to make sure it wasn't a fluke). So I

would say you are a diabetic.

The levels you summarized in your post will subject you to high

probabilities of complications if not brought under control. Most, if not

all of us would suggest some reduction in carb consumption. Some of us,

including me, would suggest cutting back to very low levels (like 30 g./day)

at least until you are back in normal range (close to 100).

By all means secure the book DR. BERNSTEIN'S DIABETES SOLUTION -- obviously,

by Dr. Bernstein. Significant portions are available on his web site at:

http://www.diabetes-normalsugars.com/

It is, IMHO, the best single source of information regarding blood sugar

control and is definately a " must have. "

If your current doctor will not at least work with you at reducting carbs,

try to find one who will. It not so important that the doctor recommend it

as that he (generic, she/he) will work with and support you in getting the

tests, etc. for which a doctor is required.

You have made a big step in beginning to test instead of trying to deny the

problem. Testing is the key. Otherwise, we don't know where we are.

Diabetes is a big bad thing to face, but it is controllable. My prayers are

with you.

Tom the Actuary

-----Original Message-----

From: IrishStitcher@...

I'll give you a few days

of readings and see what you think,

Morning before eating.....150

1 hour after breakfast.....239

2 hours after breakfast.....238

1 hour after lunch.....223

2-3 hours after lunch.....159

Didn't get a dinner reading

Before bed.....227

Morning, before eating.....164

1 hour after breakfast.....203

2 hours after breakfast.....213

2 hours after lunch.....215

5 hours after lunch, right before dinner.....124

2 hours after dinner.....317

Before bed.....296

Morning before eating.....168

1 hour after breakfast.....188

1 hour after lunch.....189

2 hours after lunch.....189

1 hour after dinner.....253

2 hours after dinner.....246

Before bed......310