Re: Update and questions

[Guest guest]

Hello Terri,

Well, you've reached the point where you can really begin to help yourself! Many

folks live in denial and pay a very high price in the end. I sense by the tone

of your message you are sincere about taking your diabetes seriously, perhaps

for the first time. What follows are things you need to do, but you'll need to

work one step at a time. One day at a time, and realize you didn't get where you

are overnight, and you won't get to where you need to be, and can be, overnight

either.

First, get used to checking your blood sugars frequently. Medicare or your

insurance will pay for the strips provided you have a prescription from your

doc. and you are the one who tells the doctor how many times you check, not the

doc. It sounds like you were originally diagnosed as a type 2 (oral meds), and

are now a type 1 (insulin dependent). Type 1 diabetics on insulin battle swings

in blood sugars hourly. This is why you need to check it as much as you can

stand, and that should be a minimum of 4 or 5 times per day. You also need to

get a grip on your diet. This means, sorry, getting rid of the candy and other

junk food. That's just the way it is. If you want to get better, there's no

option. After time has gone by and you really understand how your diabetic body

acts and reacts, yes, some candy or junk food now and then is acceptable. But it

is always the exception, not the rule.

I also had fatty liver a few years ago, although my doc wanted me to get a liver

biopsy right away. I looked in to what that was and decided no way. So after

some research on the internet, I found the term " fatty liver, " which my doc had

not mentioned. There are 3 things you can do involving life style: First,

eliminate or severely reduce the junk food and other high fat, low nutrient

foods. Second, more exercise. this can vary, depending on your age and overall

health. but a couple hours a week is probably sufficient. Third, get your

diabetes under control and maintain your internal body health. Included in these

3 things are the underlying factor of losing weight. As far as the junk food

that caused me trouble with fatty liver, it came down to me eliminating potato

chips and peanut M & M's, and starting down the track of more nutrient foods and

high fiber foods. After a month or 2, my liver enzymes were back to normal.

Snacks you can enjoy as substitutes are nuts, but not just any nuts. Avoid

macadamia nuts and cashews, as well as pecans. Eat walnuts and almonds. Peanuts,

while not technically a nut (there legumes) are also high in fiber and something

else that escapes me at the moment. I basically have probably 4-6 servings of

walnuts and peanuts each and every day. You can buy sugar free fudgesicles, as

well as sugar free Jell-O. You have to be careful with sugar free though, as

sometimes their carbohydrate content is high.

I will admit to not exercising enough, and I am considering something like a

stepper because they are small and simple. Any exercise you do which involves

movement and a degree of cardiovascular exercise will be helpful. But the big

thing, I am convinced, is diet. So many people think they are eating well, but

they are in fact oblivious to how little they know about nutrition. Always read

ingredient labels, no matter how you have to get the job done. Look for

ingredients that are whole grain, and avoid products that contain any white

flour. Really, anything with white flour, which includes white bread, is not

much better than a twinky, just containing less sugar and fat.

Oh, other foods I have found healthy are Triscuit crackers which have no flour.

They are an entirely whole grain wheat cracker. Eat old fashioned oatmeal, which

are whole rolled oats, and not instant oatmeal or quick oats, which are

processed oats. Peanut butter, preferably crunchy, can be used as well, but

you'll need to monitor how your diabetic body reacts to it.

As far as soda, that's another one that you'll do well to begin cutting way, way

back on. This includes diet soda since most soda is high in, well, I think it's

potassium, which is harmful. And there are really no fruit juices that are sugar

free. Even unsweetened orange juice is loaded with natural sugar, and this will

run your blood sugars up. I do drink a few ounces of purple grape juice when I

am low, since there are some health benefits to the dark or purple grape juice.

I will be happy to help you further, and even talk to you on the phone if you

wish. I can call anywhere in the US for free.

Hang in there, and you've got the right attitude out of the starting block at

this point! Now, you just need to stay in the race!

Dave

But the angel said to them, " Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great

joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of a Savior has

been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. " (Luke 2:10-11)

Update and questions

Hello there everyone,

My name is Terri. I was on this list once before. It was probably about a year

and a half ago. I joined not long after I was told I was pre-diabetic.

Well that was about 2 and a half years ago. A lot of things have changed. Not

all for the good either.

First of all, in the beginning I tried to learn all that I could. I tried very

hard to test like I was supposed to do. Then when I was switched to insulin

about 6 months after my diagnosis, I tried to deal with this as well.

However, after some time went by I just kind of gave up trying. I got annoyed,

and even sad. So I started denying everything, and just eating whatever I

wanted. I thought it couldn't affect me.

Well I couldn't have been more wrong. I now have high cholesterol. Though I

realize it isn't nearly as bad as it could be. It's 241, if I remember

correctly.

My blood pressure is now worse. Instead of just having borderline high blood

pressure, I now have had a few hypertensive crisis in just the last couple of

weeks. The blood pressure medication that was working well for me, now isn't.

Even though my doctor has increased it. I am now retaining more fluid in my

feet, and legs. More than I ever have before. Now when I get weighed, I have

about twenty pounds of fluid on me. This is a first for me. At least, this

extreme anyway.

However, despite all this, something else scared me much more!

I went for a liver function test a few weeks ago, because my doctor was

considering putting me on cholesterol medication. I was quite shocked to learn

that my liver imzines were elevated. I can't remember the names of the tests.

But my doctor told me that neither of them should be above 45. Mine were 86, and

109.

About a week later I started to have some right, upper abdominal pain. At

first it was just some pain that would make me gasp, but then go away shortly.

Then one night it got pretty bad, very quickly and unexpectedly. So I went to

the ER. The doctor there decided to do the liver function test again. Especially

since my doctor had wanted me to repeat it in 3 weeks anyway.

Well within 2 and a half weeks, my liver imzines are more elevated. Now the

one that was 86 is now 145, and the one that was 109 is now 210. Due to these

numbers, my doctor decided to send me for an ultrasound. I have learned that I

have a fatty liver. I won't know more about this, until I go back to see her

this coming Friday.

Also, she wants me to see a gastroenterologist. So I am currently waiting for

this appointment.

Needless to say, this has all been a wake up call for me. I can not help but

wonder if I would have taken my diabetes seriously, if any of this would now be

happening. So I have become very serious about my diabetes again. I am

attempting to watch what I eat much better. I am also trying not to drink so

much soda. Though this has been one of the hardest things for me. I now know

that I really need to exercise, and try to lose some weight.

However, this feels very, very overwhelming to me. I do not even know where to

start with this.

Can anyone tell me what types of exercising they do?

If someone hasn't really exercised before, how do they even begin?

I am not a very active person. Sometimes I do go walking with a friend, though

this isn't often. When I am not having any back pain, I can walk about 2 miles.

I enjoy this, especially when it's cool outside.

Also, I love junk food! Especially candy.

However, I really want to eat more healthily. What are some tasty, yet healthy

snack foods I can eat?

Also, are there any good fruit juices out there that do not have so much

sugar?

When I see my doctor on Friday, I am going to ask her to set me up an

appointment with a nutritionist. She had done this quite a while back. I just

never took it seriously.

Well I will close for now. I apologize for the length of this message. If

anyone has read this far, I really appreciate it.

Thank you, and I look forward to being a member of this list again.

Terri

[Guest guest]

Hi Terri,

welcome back! You have come to the right place for help! Some very

knowledgeable folks on the list! (not me!)

Attitude and etermination are key!

Diet and exercise are very important! Sodas and junk food are a thing of

the passed! Carbinated drinks of any kind are tough on your sugars and your

kidneys.

Here are a few ideas for snacks, please choose carefully since everyone is

different, pay close attention to how they affect you!

list of 36 items

.. Celery with peanut butter

.. Celery with tuna salad

.. Hard boiled eggs

.. Deviled eggs

.. Dill pickles and cheddar cheese (no kidding, it's a great combo)

.. 1/4 cup berries with 1/3 cup cottage cheese

.. Nuts (keep raw ones in the freezer if you think you'll overeat them)

.. Sunflower seeds (get them in the shell so it will take longer to eat them)

.. Other seeds (

How to Toast Pumpkin or Squash Seeds)

.. Low-Carb Trail Mix

.. Jerky (beef or turkey -- try to find low-sugar varieties)

.. Low-carb shakes

.. Cheese sticks, such as string cheese

.. Sugar-free Jello, alone or with cottage cheese and a sprinkling of nuts

.. Make sugar-free lime Jello with part coconut milk -- For a large package,

dissolve the powder in a cup of boiling water, add a can of coconut milk,

and

then add the rest of the water. Stir well.

.. Pepperoni " chips " -- Zap the slices in the microwave

.. Cheese with a few apple slices

.. 4-ounce plain or

sugar-free yogurt

with berries and

flax seed meal

.. Smoked salmon and cream cheese on cucumber slices

.. Lettuce Roll-ups -- Roll luncheon meat, egg salad, tuna or other filling

and veggies in lettuce leaves

.. Lunch Meat Roll-ups -- Roll cheese or veggies in lunch meat (read the

labels for carbs on the lunch meat)

.. Spread

bean dip

, spinach dip, or other low-carb dip or spread on the lunch meat or lettuce

and then roll it up

.. Raw veggies and

spinach dip

, or other low-carb dip

.. Pork rinds, with or without dip

.. Ricotta cheese with fruit and/or nuts and/or flax seed meal

.. Mushrooms with cheese spread inside (or other spreads or dips)

.. Low-carb snack bars (watch out for

sugar alcohols

, especially

maltitol)

.. Product Review: Atkins Advantage Bars

.. Pepperoni Chips -- Microwave pepperoni slices until crisp. Great with

cheeses and dips

.. Garlic Parmesan Flax Seed Crackers

.. Parmesan Crisps

-- Good when you want a crunchy snack.

To touch the sole of another human Being

, is as close as you can get to Heaven on earth! So, touch Gently!

Update and questions

> Hello there everyone,

>

> My name is Terri. I was on this list once before. It was probably about a

> year and a half ago. I joined not long after I was told I was

> pre-diabetic.

>

> Well that was about 2 and a half years ago. A lot of things have changed.

> Not all for the good either.

>

> First of all, in the beginning I tried to learn all that I could. I tried

> very hard to test like I was supposed to do. Then when I was switched to

> insulin about 6 months after my diagnosis, I tried to deal with this as

> well.

> However, after some time went by I just kind of gave up trying. I got

> annoyed, and even sad. So I started denying everything, and just eating

> whatever I wanted. I thought it couldn't affect me.

>

> Well I couldn't have been more wrong. I now have high cholesterol. Though

> I realize it isn't nearly as bad as it could be. It's 241, if I remember

> correctly.

> My blood pressure is now worse. Instead of just having borderline high

> blood pressure, I now have had a few hypertensive crisis in just the last

> couple of weeks. The blood pressure medication that was working well for

> me, now isn't. Even though my doctor has increased it. I am now retaining

> more fluid in my feet, and legs. More than I ever have before. Now when I

> get weighed, I have about twenty pounds of fluid on me. This is a first

> for me. At least, this extreme anyway.

>

> However, despite all this, something else scared me much more!

> I went for a liver function test a few weeks ago, because my doctor was

> considering putting me on cholesterol medication. I was quite shocked to

> learn that my liver imzines were elevated. I can't remember the names of

> the tests. But my doctor told me that neither of them should be above 45.

> Mine were 86, and 109.

>

> About a week later I started to have some right, upper abdominal pain. At

> first it was just some pain that would make me gasp, but then go away

> shortly. Then one night it got pretty bad, very quickly and unexpectedly.

> So I went to the ER. The doctor there decided to do the liver function

> test again. Especially since my doctor had wanted me to repeat it in 3

> weeks anyway.

>

> Well within 2 and a half weeks, my liver imzines are more elevated. Now

> the one that was 86 is now 145, and the one that was 109 is now 210. Due

> to these numbers, my doctor decided to send me for an ultrasound. I have

> learned that I have a fatty liver. I won't know more about this, until I

> go back to see her this coming Friday.

> Also, she wants me to see a gastroenterologist. So I am currently waiting

> for this appointment.

>

> Needless to say, this has all been a wake up call for me. I can not help

> but wonder if I would have taken my diabetes seriously, if any of this

> would now be happening. So I have become very serious about my diabetes

> again. I am attempting to watch what I eat much better. I am also trying

> not to drink so much soda. Though this has been one of the hardest things

> for me. I now know that I really need to exercise, and try to lose some

> weight.

> However, this feels very, very overwhelming to me. I do not even know

> where to start with this.

>

> Can anyone tell me what types of exercising they do?

> If someone hasn't really exercised before, how do they even begin?

> I am not a very active person. Sometimes I do go walking with a friend,

> though this isn't often. When I am not having any back pain, I can walk

> about 2 miles. I enjoy this, especially when it's cool outside.

>

> Also, I love junk food! Especially candy.

> However, I really want to eat more healthily. What are some tasty, yet

> healthy snack foods I can eat?

> Also, are there any good fruit juices out there that do not have so much

> sugar?

>

> When I see my doctor on Friday, I am going to ask her to set me up an

> appointment with a nutritionist. She had done this quite a while back. I

> just never took it seriously.

>

> Well I will close for now. I apologize for the length of this message. If

> anyone has read this far, I really appreciate it.

>

> Thank you, and I look forward to being a member of this list again.

>

> Terri

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Terri,

I am Sugar, and am border line type II on Metformin, and doing well, now.

I hope you learn as much as I have here, and the support is just amazing, I

appreciate all advice and suggestions.

I don't have any problems with my liver;however for the exercising, I am totally

blind, and so I know how difficult it can be.

The one advantage I have is a built in swimming pool in my home, so I can swim

rain or shin, since it is heated.

but other than this, I use those hand held weights?, 10pounders as I listen to a

book, or listen to my soap opera for an hour.

or I'll hold on to the sink, or washer, whatever I'm doing and do my squatz, and

just keep moving around.

you may not realize but by moving around moving your arms, and even as I sit in

front of the puter, I am lifting my legs, swinging my hips and my whatever else

I can, while doing leg squeezing, tucking in my tummy in and out, to help the

muscles get stronger, and after an hour or two on this puter, I can really feel

it.,whoa!

I also do some crunches on the floor, and I have a " total gym " for my arms and

more extended work outs, but just simple things around your home can help, and

remember doing something is better than doing nothing.

I wish you the best of luck, and know that my prayers are going out to you, so

that your liver enzymes get lower.

sugar

People are like stained glass windows: They sparkle and shine when the sun is

out,

But when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a

light shining from within.

-Sugar

Update and questions

Hello there everyone,

My name is Terri. I was on this list once before. It was probably about a year

and a half ago. I joined not long after I was told I was pre-diabetic.

Well that was about 2 and a half years ago. A lot of things have changed. Not

all for the good either.

First of all, in the beginning I tried to learn all that I could. I tried very

hard to test like I was supposed to do. Then when I was switched to insulin

about 6 months after my diagnosis, I tried to deal with this as well.

However, after some time went by I just kind of gave up trying. I got annoyed,

and even sad. So I started denying everything, and just eating whatever I

wanted. I thought it couldn't affect me.

Well I couldn't have been more wrong. I now have high cholesterol. Though I

realize it isn't nearly as bad as it could be. It's 241, if I remember

correctly.

My blood pressure is now worse. Instead of just having borderline high blood

pressure, I now have had a few hypertensive crisis in just the last couple of

weeks. The blood pressure medication that was working well for me, now isn't.

Even though my doctor has increased it. I am now retaining more fluid in my

feet, and legs. More than I ever have before. Now when I get weighed, I have

about twenty pounds of fluid on me. This is a first for me. At least, this

extreme anyway.

However, despite all this, something else scared me much more!

I went for a liver function test a few weeks ago, because my doctor was

considering putting me on cholesterol medication. I was quite shocked to learn

that my liver imzines were elevated. I can't remember the names of the tests.

But my doctor told me that neither of them should be above 45. Mine were 86, and

109.

About a week later I started to have some right, upper abdominal pain. At

first it was just some pain that would make me gasp, but then go away shortly.

Then one night it got pretty bad, very quickly and unexpectedly. So I went to

the ER. The doctor there decided to do the liver function test again. Especially

since my doctor had wanted me to repeat it in 3 weeks anyway.

Well within 2 and a half weeks, my liver imzines are more elevated. Now the

one that was 86 is now 145, and the one that was 109 is now 210. Due to these

numbers, my doctor decided to send me for an ultrasound. I have learned that I

have a fatty liver. I won't know more about this, until I go back to see her

this coming Friday.

Also, she wants me to see a gastroenterologist. So I am currently waiting for

this appointment.

Needless to say, this has all been a wake up call for me. I can not help but

wonder if I would have taken my diabetes seriously, if any of this would now be

happening. So I have become very serious about my diabetes again. I am

attempting to watch what I eat much better. I am also trying not to drink so

much soda. Though this has been one of the hardest things for me. I now know

that I really need to exercise, and try to lose some weight.

However, this feels very, very overwhelming to me. I do not even know where to

start with this.

Can anyone tell me what types of exercising they do?

If someone hasn't really exercised before, how do they even begin?

I am not a very active person. Sometimes I do go walking with a friend, though

this isn't often. When I am not having any back pain, I can walk about 2 miles.

I enjoy this, especially when it's cool outside.

Also, I love junk food! Especially candy.

However, I really want to eat more healthily. What are some tasty, yet healthy

snack foods I can eat?

Also, are there any good fruit juices out there that do not have so much

sugar?

When I see my doctor on Friday, I am going to ask her to set me up an

appointment with a nutritionist. She had done this quite a while back. I just

never took it seriously.

Well I will close for now. I apologize for the length of this message. If

anyone has read this far, I really appreciate it.

Thank you, and I look forward to being a member of this list again.

Terri

[Guest guest]

One caution: Grapefruit, as well as grapefruit juice, should be avoided by some

who take certain medications. Consult the medication's packaging, your

pharmacist, or your doctor.

Dave

But the angel said to them, " Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great

joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of a Savior has

been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. " (Luke 2:10-11)

Update and questions

Someone had questions about fatty liver disease.

Exercise will selectivly reduce it , as well as the other fatty deposits

surrounding internal organs typically found in diabetes. Those fatty

*snip*

[Guest guest]

terry, i too was one that ignored one's diabetese and ended up with some

very serious side effects of this abuse. i have had surgery on my foot

because of a diabetic ulcer and the doctors were able to save the foot. i

lost my eyesight despite large amounts of lazer surgery and treatments. i

also ende up in kidney failure that cause a transplant seven years ago. with

the medication for the transplant i have gained about 70 lbs. and am

currently trying to lose weight. i have lost about 3lbs. in a week through

just cutting back on the amount of food i am eating as well as slowly

beginning an exercise program that includes going to the gym. three times

aweek where i spend alot of my time on the tread mill and stationary bike.

as far a fruit juices that are diabetic friendly try to find the ones that

are unsweet and are natural. however, all juice will effect your blood sugar

readings and elevate your sugar. my weakness is potato chips, i love the

things and could eat a whole bag at one sitting, but to replace the crunch

of the chips i use celery or wheat thins or trisquits. You do not say how

old you are so i have a question about your liver: are you a canidate for a

transplant? i did read the whole post because i would like to offer you some

encouragement to really get a grip on the diabetes and wish you well with

the liver thing. i don't like to get all churchy on these groups but i will

pray that God give you the strength that you need to survive this ordeal.

david

[Guest guest]

terry, i too was one that ignored one's diabetese and ended up with some

very serious side effects of this abuse. i have had surgery on my foot

because of a diabetic ulcer and the doctors were able to save the foot. i

lost my eyesight despite large amounts of lazer surgery and treatments. i

also ende up in kidney failure that cause a transplant seven years ago. with

the medication for the transplant i have gained about 70 lbs. and am

currently trying to lose weight. i have lost about 3lbs. in a week through

just cutting back on the amount of food i am eating as well as slowly

beginning an exercise program that includes going to the gym. three times

aweek where i spend alot of my time on the tread mill and stationary bike.

as far a fruit juices that are diabetic friendly try to find the ones that

are unsweet and are natural. however, all juice will effect your blood sugar

readings and elevate your sugar. my weakness is potato chips, i love the

things and could eat a whole bag at one sitting, but to replace the crunch

of the chips i use celery or wheat thins or trisquits. You do not say how

old you are so i have a question about your liver: are you a canidate for a

transplant? i did read the whole post because i would like to offer you some

encouragement to really get a grip on the diabetes and wish you well with

the liver thing. i don't like to get all churchy on these groups but i will

pray that God give you the strength that you need to survive this ordeal.

david

[Guest guest]

hey dave and terry i find that you, dave, are a very wise individual and

offer great advise. the last post i posted was posted before i read this one

from dave since i can only read my email three or four days a week. i was

not sure about the fatty liver and all i have ever heard about a fatty liver

was not good. i am glad to know that some serious lifestyle changes can help

terry with this situation with the liver. dave keep up the good work

david

[Guest guest]

hey dave and terry i find that you, dave, are a very wise individual and

offer great advise. the last post i posted was posted before i read this one

from dave since i can only read my email three or four days a week. i was

not sure about the fatty liver and all i have ever heard about a fatty liver

was not good. i am glad to know that some serious lifestyle changes can help

terry with this situation with the liver. dave keep up the good work

david

[Guest guest]

Hello, my name is Frances. Some foods you could maybe eat instead of

junk food are, grapes dried fruit nuts sugar free candy, triscuts.

Ofcourse if you eat any of these foods they should be eaten in

moderation. Another thing that helps is I make a suip with nonstarchy

vedgitables. I put such things az carots cabbage green beans zuchini

spiniach escarol peppers onions celery brockly coliflower and sodium

free broth, also tomatoes. Things you wouldn't use in this suip are

potatoes rice or pasta or peas corn or some beans and no meat. You

make this suip and eat it when you get hungry or are tempted to eat

somthing bad or when you need to feel better. I hope this helps and

I'm sory to hear about this.

--

Email services provided by the System Access Mobile Network. Visit

www.serotek.com to learn more about accessibility anywhere.

[Guest guest]

Hello, my name is Frances. Some foods you could maybe eat instead of

junk food are, grapes dried fruit nuts sugar free candy, triscuts.

Ofcourse if you eat any of these foods they should be eaten in

moderation. Another thing that helps is I make a suip with nonstarchy

vedgitables. I put such things az carots cabbage green beans zuchini

spiniach escarol peppers onions celery brockly coliflower and sodium

free broth, also tomatoes. Things you wouldn't use in this suip are

potatoes rice or pasta or peas corn or some beans and no meat. You

make this suip and eat it when you get hungry or are tempted to eat

somthing bad or when you need to feel better. I hope this helps and

I'm sory to hear about this.

--

Email services provided by the System Access Mobile Network. Visit

www.serotek.com to learn more about accessibility anywhere.

[Guest guest]

Hi Terry,

Welcome back to the list! Now seriously, get your doctor to get your gall

bladder checked. I had many of the same levels as you did and my gall

bladder had to be removed. You must watch because the liver, gall

bladderAnd pancreas share common ducts so your blood sugars can go wild!

Which may in the end lead to pancreatitus which is very serious. As for the

diet, the nutritionist is an excellent idea and others have given you some

excellent snack ideas. Stay away from the fruit juices unless you are

hypoglycemic! They will spike the blood sugars which is not good. Good

luck with everything.

Ruth

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Terri S

Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 4:12 AM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Update and questions

Hello there everyone,

My name is Terri. I was on this list once before. It was probably about a

year and a half ago. I joined not long after I was told I was pre-diabetic.

Well that was about 2 and a half years ago. A lot of things have changed.

Not all for the good either.

First of all, in the beginning I tried to learn all that I could. I tried

very hard to test like I was supposed to do. Then when I was switched to

insulin about 6 months after my diagnosis, I tried to deal with this as

well.

However, after some time went by I just kind of gave up trying. I got

annoyed, and even sad. So I started denying everything, and just eating

whatever I wanted. I thought it couldn't affect me.

Well I couldn't have been more wrong. I now have high cholesterol. Though I

realize it isn't nearly as bad as it could be. It's 241, if I remember

correctly.

My blood pressure is now worse. Instead of just having borderline high blood

pressure, I now have had a few hypertensive crisis in just the last couple

of weeks. The blood pressure medication that was working well for me, now

isn't. Even though my doctor has increased it. I am now retaining more fluid

in my feet, and legs. More than I ever have before. Now when I get weighed,

I have about twenty pounds of fluid on me. This is a first for me. At least,

this extreme anyway.

However, despite all this, something else scared me much more!

I went for a liver function test a few weeks ago, because my doctor was

considering putting me on cholesterol medication. I was quite shocked to

learn that my liver imzines were elevated. I can't remember the names of the

tests. But my doctor told me that neither of them should be above 45. Mine

were 86, and 109.

About a week later I started to have some right, upper abdominal pain. At

first it was just some pain that would make me gasp, but then go away

shortly. Then one night it got pretty bad, very quickly and unexpectedly. So

I went to the ER. The doctor there decided to do the liver function test

again. Especially since my doctor had wanted me to repeat it in 3 weeks

anyway.

Well within 2 and a half weeks, my liver imzines are more elevated. Now the

one that was 86 is now 145, and the one that was 109 is now 210. Due to

these numbers, my doctor decided to send me for an ultrasound. I have

learned that I have a fatty liver. I won't know more about this, until I go

back to see her this coming Friday.

Also, she wants me to see a gastroenterologist. So I am currently waiting

for this appointment.

Needless to say, this has all been a wake up call for me. I can not help but

wonder if I would have taken my diabetes seriously, if any of this would now

be happening. So I have become very serious about my diabetes again. I am

attempting to watch what I eat much better. I am also trying not to drink so

much soda. Though this has been one of the hardest things for me. I now know

that I really need to exercise, and try to lose some weight.

However, this feels very, very overwhelming to me. I do not even know where

to start with this.

Can anyone tell me what types of exercising they do?

If someone hasn't really exercised before, how do they even begin?

I am not a very active person. Sometimes I do go walking with a friend,

though this isn't often. When I am not having any back pain, I can walk

about 2 miles. I enjoy this, especially when it's cool outside.

Also, I love junk food! Especially candy.

However, I really want to eat more healthily. What are some tasty, yet

healthy snack foods I can eat?

Also, are there any good fruit juices out there that do not have so much

sugar?

When I see my doctor on Friday, I am going to ask her to set me up an

appointment with a nutritionist. She had done this quite a while back. I

just never took it seriously.

Well I will close for now. I apologize for the length of this message. If

anyone has read this far, I really appreciate it.

Thank you, and I look forward to being a member of this list again.

Terri

[Guest guest]

Hi Terry,

Welcome back to the list! Now seriously, get your doctor to get your gall

bladder checked. I had many of the same levels as you did and my gall

bladder had to be removed. You must watch because the liver, gall

bladderAnd pancreas share common ducts so your blood sugars can go wild!

Which may in the end lead to pancreatitus which is very serious. As for the

diet, the nutritionist is an excellent idea and others have given you some

excellent snack ideas. Stay away from the fruit juices unless you are

hypoglycemic! They will spike the blood sugars which is not good. Good

luck with everything.

Ruth

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Terri S

Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 4:12 AM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Update and questions

Hello there everyone,

My name is Terri. I was on this list once before. It was probably about a

year and a half ago. I joined not long after I was told I was pre-diabetic.

Well that was about 2 and a half years ago. A lot of things have changed.

Not all for the good either.

First of all, in the beginning I tried to learn all that I could. I tried

very hard to test like I was supposed to do. Then when I was switched to

insulin about 6 months after my diagnosis, I tried to deal with this as

well.

However, after some time went by I just kind of gave up trying. I got

annoyed, and even sad. So I started denying everything, and just eating

whatever I wanted. I thought it couldn't affect me.

Well I couldn't have been more wrong. I now have high cholesterol. Though I

realize it isn't nearly as bad as it could be. It's 241, if I remember

correctly.

My blood pressure is now worse. Instead of just having borderline high blood

pressure, I now have had a few hypertensive crisis in just the last couple

of weeks. The blood pressure medication that was working well for me, now

isn't. Even though my doctor has increased it. I am now retaining more fluid

in my feet, and legs. More than I ever have before. Now when I get weighed,

I have about twenty pounds of fluid on me. This is a first for me. At least,

this extreme anyway.

However, despite all this, something else scared me much more!

I went for a liver function test a few weeks ago, because my doctor was

considering putting me on cholesterol medication. I was quite shocked to

learn that my liver imzines were elevated. I can't remember the names of the

tests. But my doctor told me that neither of them should be above 45. Mine

were 86, and 109.

About a week later I started to have some right, upper abdominal pain. At

first it was just some pain that would make me gasp, but then go away

shortly. Then one night it got pretty bad, very quickly and unexpectedly. So

I went to the ER. The doctor there decided to do the liver function test

again. Especially since my doctor had wanted me to repeat it in 3 weeks

anyway.

Well within 2 and a half weeks, my liver imzines are more elevated. Now the

one that was 86 is now 145, and the one that was 109 is now 210. Due to

these numbers, my doctor decided to send me for an ultrasound. I have

learned that I have a fatty liver. I won't know more about this, until I go

back to see her this coming Friday.

Also, she wants me to see a gastroenterologist. So I am currently waiting

for this appointment.

Needless to say, this has all been a wake up call for me. I can not help but

wonder if I would have taken my diabetes seriously, if any of this would now

be happening. So I have become very serious about my diabetes again. I am

attempting to watch what I eat much better. I am also trying not to drink so

much soda. Though this has been one of the hardest things for me. I now know

that I really need to exercise, and try to lose some weight.

However, this feels very, very overwhelming to me. I do not even know where

to start with this.

Can anyone tell me what types of exercising they do?

If someone hasn't really exercised before, how do they even begin?

I am not a very active person. Sometimes I do go walking with a friend,

though this isn't often. When I am not having any back pain, I can walk

about 2 miles. I enjoy this, especially when it's cool outside.

Also, I love junk food! Especially candy.

However, I really want to eat more healthily. What are some tasty, yet

healthy snack foods I can eat?

Also, are there any good fruit juices out there that do not have so much

sugar?

When I see my doctor on Friday, I am going to ask her to set me up an

appointment with a nutritionist. She had done this quite a while back. I

just never took it seriously.

Well I will close for now. I apologize for the length of this message. If

anyone has read this far, I really appreciate it.

Thank you, and I look forward to being a member of this list again.

Terri

[Guest guest]

Welcome back Terry. Sorry you are having all this trouble, but with help of

your docs, it will get better. This especially so as you seem to want to

take better care of yourself now. As Dan has said " walking' is goo place

start. As for tasty snacks, geave you a great list. There are sno

such things as low sugar fruit juices Have you tried Crystalite? It come in

akinds o flavors and has no calaories.

Update and questions

Hello there everyone,

My name is Terri. I was on this list once before. It was probably about a

year and a half ago. I joined not long after I was told I was pre-diabetic.

Well that was about 2 and a half years ago. A lot of things have changed.

Not all for the good either.

First of all, in the beginning I tried to learn all that I could. I tried

very hard to test like I was supposed to do. Then when I was switched to

insulin about 6 months after my diagnosis, I tried to deal with this as

well.

However, after some time went by I just kind of gave up trying. I got

annoyed, and even sad. So I started denying everything, and just eating

whatever I wanted. I thought it couldn't affect me.

Well I couldn't have been more wrong. I now have high cholesterol. Though I

realize it isn't nearly as bad as it could be. It's 241, if I remember

correctly.

My blood pressure is now worse. Instead of just having borderline high blood

pressure, I now have had a few hypertensive crisis in just the last couple

of weeks. The blood pressure medication that was working well for me, now

isn't. Even though my doctor has increased it. I am now retaining more fluid

in my feet, and legs. More than I ever have before. Now when I get weighed,

I have about twenty pounds of fluid on me. This is a first for me. At least,

this extreme anyway.

However, despite all this, something else scared me much more!

I went for a liver function test a few weeks ago, because my doctor was

considering putting me on cholesterol medication. I was quite shocked to

learn that my liver imzines were elevated. I can't remember the names of the

tests. But my doctor told me that neither of them should be above 45. Mine

were 86, and 109.

About a week later I started to have some right, upper abdominal pain. At

first it was just some pain that would make me gasp, but then go away

shortly. Then one night it got pretty bad, very quickly and unexpectedly. So

I went to the ER. The doctor there decided to do the liver function test

again. Especially since my doctor had wanted me to repeat it in 3 weeks

anyway.

Well within 2 and a half weeks, my liver imzines are more elevated. Now the

one that was 86 is now 145, and the one that was 109 is now 210. Due to

these numbers, my doctor decided to send me for an ultrasound. I have

learned that I have a fatty liver. I won't know more about this, until I go

back to see her this coming Friday.

Also, she wants me to see a gastroenterologist. So I am currently waiting

for this appointment.

Needless to say, this has all been a wake up call for me. I can not help but

wonder if I would have taken my diabetes seriously, if any of this would now

be happening. So I have become very serious about my diabetes again. I am

attempting to watch what I eat much better. I am also trying not to drink so

much soda. Though this has been one of the hardest things for me. I now know

that I really need to exercise, and try to lose some weight.

However, this feels very, very overwhelming to me. I do not even know where

to start with this.

Can anyone tell me what types of exercising they do?

If someone hasn't really exercised before, how do they even begin?

I am not a very active person. Sometimes I do go walking with a friend,

though this isn't often. When I am not having any back pain, I can walk

about 2 miles. I enjoy this, especially when it's cool outside.

Also, I love junk food! Especially candy.

However, I really want to eat more healthily. What are some tasty, yet

healthy snack foods I can eat?

Also, are there any good fruit juices out there that do not have so much

sugar?

When I see my doctor on Friday, I am going to ask her to set me up an

appointment with a nutritionist. She had done this quite a while back. I

just never took it seriously.

Well I will close for now. I apologize for the length of this message. If

anyone has read this far, I really appreciate it.

Thank you, and I look forward to being a member of this list again.

Terri

[Guest guest]

Welcome back Terry. Sorry you are having all this trouble, but with help of

your docs, it will get better. This especially so as you seem to want to

take better care of yourself now. As Dan has said " walking' is goo place

start. As for tasty snacks, geave you a great list. There are sno

such things as low sugar fruit juices Have you tried Crystalite? It come in

akinds o flavors and has no calaories.

Update and questions

Hello there everyone,

My name is Terri. I was on this list once before. It was probably about a

year and a half ago. I joined not long after I was told I was pre-diabetic.

Well that was about 2 and a half years ago. A lot of things have changed.

Not all for the good either.

First of all, in the beginning I tried to learn all that I could. I tried

very hard to test like I was supposed to do. Then when I was switched to

insulin about 6 months after my diagnosis, I tried to deal with this as

well.

However, after some time went by I just kind of gave up trying. I got

annoyed, and even sad. So I started denying everything, and just eating

whatever I wanted. I thought it couldn't affect me.

Well I couldn't have been more wrong. I now have high cholesterol. Though I

realize it isn't nearly as bad as it could be. It's 241, if I remember

correctly.

My blood pressure is now worse. Instead of just having borderline high blood

pressure, I now have had a few hypertensive crisis in just the last couple

of weeks. The blood pressure medication that was working well for me, now

isn't. Even though my doctor has increased it. I am now retaining more fluid

in my feet, and legs. More than I ever have before. Now when I get weighed,

I have about twenty pounds of fluid on me. This is a first for me. At least,

this extreme anyway.

However, despite all this, something else scared me much more!

I went for a liver function test a few weeks ago, because my doctor was

considering putting me on cholesterol medication. I was quite shocked to

learn that my liver imzines were elevated. I can't remember the names of the

tests. But my doctor told me that neither of them should be above 45. Mine

were 86, and 109.

About a week later I started to have some right, upper abdominal pain. At

first it was just some pain that would make me gasp, but then go away

shortly. Then one night it got pretty bad, very quickly and unexpectedly. So

I went to the ER. The doctor there decided to do the liver function test

again. Especially since my doctor had wanted me to repeat it in 3 weeks

anyway.

Well within 2 and a half weeks, my liver imzines are more elevated. Now the

one that was 86 is now 145, and the one that was 109 is now 210. Due to

these numbers, my doctor decided to send me for an ultrasound. I have

learned that I have a fatty liver. I won't know more about this, until I go

back to see her this coming Friday.

Also, she wants me to see a gastroenterologist. So I am currently waiting

for this appointment.

Needless to say, this has all been a wake up call for me. I can not help but

wonder if I would have taken my diabetes seriously, if any of this would now

be happening. So I have become very serious about my diabetes again. I am

attempting to watch what I eat much better. I am also trying not to drink so

much soda. Though this has been one of the hardest things for me. I now know

that I really need to exercise, and try to lose some weight.

However, this feels very, very overwhelming to me. I do not even know where

to start with this.

Can anyone tell me what types of exercising they do?

If someone hasn't really exercised before, how do they even begin?

I am not a very active person. Sometimes I do go walking with a friend,

though this isn't often. When I am not having any back pain, I can walk

about 2 miles. I enjoy this, especially when it's cool outside.

Also, I love junk food! Especially candy.

However, I really want to eat more healthily. What are some tasty, yet

healthy snack foods I can eat?

Also, are there any good fruit juices out there that do not have so much

sugar?

When I see my doctor on Friday, I am going to ask her to set me up an

appointment with a nutritionist. She had done this quite a while back. I

just never took it seriously.

Well I will close for now. I apologize for the length of this message. If

anyone has read this far, I really appreciate it.

Thank you, and I look forward to being a member of this list again.

Terri

[Guest guest]

I DO a LOT OF walking but I usually FORget the snack because I can hear myMOM

saying " YOU DON'T eat between meals. " The OTHER thing I need TO watch OUT FOR is

the stuff I can't have because OF either the triggering OF the migraines I get

ORjust TOLLERATION OF the FOOD. NO, I am NOT saying I always FORGETABOUT the

snack, but MOSt OF the time I DO. I am SLOWLY starting TO include them in the

diet. I am still LOSING weightTHOUGH. OH, well, theDOCTOR Did NOT say anything

ON Tuesday. & , NO, she did NOT RECOMMEND me TO an ENDOCRONOLOGIST. DON't KNOW

why NOT. But she did put me ON met FORMAN. I ALSO had TO have MORE BLOOD WORK

DONE. That was OK.

I will get OUT OF here FOR NOW.

Terrie with Jade, my black kitty.

Update and questions

Someone had questions about fatty liver disease.

Exercise will selectivly reduce it , as well as the other fatty deposits

surrounding internal organs typically found in diabetes. Those fatty

deposits produce hormones which make the problems with diabetes ever more

intense. The lipid and bp numbers are a reflection of those growing

hormone levels.

Walking is a good place to start. 30 minutes a day is your goal. Start

with a slow pace and increase it as one becomes more fit. Each day or so

increase both pace and time walking. Set landmarks to reach which take a

given time.

Aim for being able to do those 30 min a day at the fastest pace you can as

your goal. A walking partner helps. If done post meal it helps reduce

blood glucose also, and that effect continues for a period even after one

stops the exercise.

When combined with weight reduction the results are even better and happen

more quickly. Eat few carbs and more non-starch veggies and lean meats.

Include low gi fruits such as grapefruit, only a few segments at a time .

Always always let your meter in post meal test be your guide as to what

foods and in what amount can be eaten.

Forget fruit juices, they are in nutrition terms the same as sugar water.

Forget candy unless using non-sugar sweetners, including not using anything

that has corn syrupor high fructose corn anything on the label.

When someone says they are " watching what they eat, the vision of them

observing the movement of the food from the plate to their mouth comes to

mind. One does not " watch " , one controls. Test and test and test some

more to move away from " watch " and to knowing what you can eat and in what

amounts.

Taking in fewer calories then one uses is the basic for weight loss.

Measure in some way everything one eats for some time. By cup or weight or

calories or bowls etc. get into the habit of knowing exactly how much one

is eating.

When the measure control is in hand, reduce it on purpose and stick to it.

One should shoot for about a pound a week weight loss. If that is not

happening, reduce your measure again. Eat slowly and leave the table as

soon as finished. Drinks with caffiene help.

Snacks are a learned habit, not a nutritional benefit. Often they were a

mother's expression of love as a treat outside meal times. If one decides

to continue the habit substitute nuts and raw veggies. Substitute tea

without sugar as a sweetner for snacks. The herbal ones with various

flavors in addition to real tea is fine.

XB

IC|XC

[Guest guest]

I DO a LOT OF walking but I usually FORget the snack because I can hear myMOM

saying " YOU DON'T eat between meals. " The OTHER thing I need TO watch OUT FOR is

the stuff I can't have because OF either the triggering OF the migraines I get

ORjust TOLLERATION OF the FOOD. NO, I am NOT saying I always FORGETABOUT the

snack, but MOSt OF the time I DO. I am SLOWLY starting TO include them in the

diet. I am still LOSING weightTHOUGH. OH, well, theDOCTOR Did NOT say anything

ON Tuesday. & , NO, she did NOT RECOMMEND me TO an ENDOCRONOLOGIST. DON't KNOW

why NOT. But she did put me ON met FORMAN. I ALSO had TO have MORE BLOOD WORK

DONE. That was OK.

I will get OUT OF here FOR NOW.

Terrie with Jade, my black kitty.

Update and questions

Someone had questions about fatty liver disease.

Exercise will selectivly reduce it , as well as the other fatty deposits

surrounding internal organs typically found in diabetes. Those fatty

deposits produce hormones which make the problems with diabetes ever more

intense. The lipid and bp numbers are a reflection of those growing

hormone levels.

Walking is a good place to start. 30 minutes a day is your goal. Start

with a slow pace and increase it as one becomes more fit. Each day or so

increase both pace and time walking. Set landmarks to reach which take a

given time.

Aim for being able to do those 30 min a day at the fastest pace you can as

your goal. A walking partner helps. If done post meal it helps reduce

blood glucose also, and that effect continues for a period even after one

stops the exercise.

When combined with weight reduction the results are even better and happen

more quickly. Eat few carbs and more non-starch veggies and lean meats.

Include low gi fruits such as grapefruit, only a few segments at a time .

Always always let your meter in post meal test be your guide as to what

foods and in what amount can be eaten.

Forget fruit juices, they are in nutrition terms the same as sugar water.

Forget candy unless using non-sugar sweetners, including not using anything

that has corn syrupor high fructose corn anything on the label.

When someone says they are " watching what they eat, the vision of them

observing the movement of the food from the plate to their mouth comes to

mind. One does not " watch " , one controls. Test and test and test some

more to move away from " watch " and to knowing what you can eat and in what

amounts.

Taking in fewer calories then one uses is the basic for weight loss.

Measure in some way everything one eats for some time. By cup or weight or

calories or bowls etc. get into the habit of knowing exactly how much one

is eating.

When the measure control is in hand, reduce it on purpose and stick to it.

One should shoot for about a pound a week weight loss. If that is not

happening, reduce your measure again. Eat slowly and leave the table as

soon as finished. Drinks with caffiene help.

Snacks are a learned habit, not a nutritional benefit. Often they were a

mother's expression of love as a treat outside meal times. If one decides

to continue the habit substitute nuts and raw veggies. Substitute tea

without sugar as a sweetner for snacks. The herbal ones with various

flavors in addition to real tea is fine.

XB

IC|XC

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Excellent advice and comments.

Much of the advice I have seen elsewhere is big on the fresh fruits as they

are " healthy " foods. Well, if you are a Diabetic not necessarily so my

friends.

Carbs are carbs are carbs regardless of where they come from. While the

lower glysemic foods take longer to release their carbs those carbs will,

eventually, be released.

Cy, The (struggling) Anasazi

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of .dan.

Sent: Friday, December 11, 2009 4:17 AM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Update and questions

Some are suggesting questionable foods as snacks. Any of the snack

crackers are little different then various chips as far as glucose effect

goes.

Among fruits grapes can be used only in very small amounts because of the

vvery high carb content . The same with dried fruits, they contain the

same glucose effects as the whole fruit, only in a concentrated form .

For example, a prune has as many carbs as the plum from which it was dried.

One could in principle use candy as a snack if eating only a very small

amount. But the temptation to overconsume is always there. Best to have

more nutritional packed foods such as nuts as a snack. There are many

online sources of the exact carb content for many foods, as well as the

label information if in a container.

And as always, test and test and test some more, to know, not guess the

glucose effect.

XB

IC|XC

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Excellent advice and comments.

Much of the advice I have seen elsewhere is big on the fresh fruits as they

are " healthy " foods. Well, if you are a Diabetic not necessarily so my

friends.

Carbs are carbs are carbs regardless of where they come from. While the

lower glysemic foods take longer to release their carbs those carbs will,

eventually, be released.

Cy, The (struggling) Anasazi

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of .dan.

Sent: Friday, December 11, 2009 4:17 AM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Update and questions

Some are suggesting questionable foods as snacks. Any of the snack

crackers are little different then various chips as far as glucose effect

goes.

Among fruits grapes can be used only in very small amounts because of the

vvery high carb content . The same with dried fruits, they contain the

same glucose effects as the whole fruit, only in a concentrated form .

For example, a prune has as many carbs as the plum from which it was dried.

One could in principle use candy as a snack if eating only a very small

amount. But the temptation to overconsume is always there. Best to have

more nutritional packed foods such as nuts as a snack. There are many

online sources of the exact carb content for many foods, as well as the

label information if in a container.

And as always, test and test and test some more, to know, not guess the

glucose effect.

XB

IC|XC

[Guest guest]

There are TOO many nuts that I can't have because OF migraine triggers, I KNOW I

can have ALMONDS and I DON'T think they are GOOD but I DO eat a few in a day and

I DON " T seem TO have a PROBLEM AT least, NO MORE than usual. I prefer things

like cucumber, celery, green OR red pepper OR a few grapes That is when I

remember TO have a snack, but I usually DON't.

Update and questions

Some are suggesting questionable foods as snacks. Any of the snack

crackers are little different then various chips as far as glucose effect

goes.

Among fruits grapes can be used only in very small amounts because of the

vvery high carb content . The same with dried fruits, they contain the

same glucose effects as the whole fruit, only in a concentrated form .

For example, a prune has as many carbs as the plum from which it was dried.

One could in principle use candy as a snack if eating only a very small

amount. But the temptation to overconsume is always there. Best to have

more nutritional packed foods such as nuts as a snack. There are many

online sources of the exact carb content for many foods, as well as the

label information if in a container.

And as always, test and test and test some more, to know, not guess the

glucose effect.

XB

IC|XC

[Guest guest]

Almonds are one of nuts that ae good for-in moderaton of course.

Re: Update and questions

There are TOO many nuts that I can't have because OF migraine triggers, I

KNOW I can have ALMONDS and I DON'T think they are GOOD but I DO eat a few

in a day and I DON " T seem TO have a PROBLEM AT least, NO MORE than usual. I

prefer things like cucumber, celery, green OR red pepper OR a few grapes

That is when I remember TO have a snack, but I usually DON't.

Update and questions

Some are suggesting questionable foods as snacks. Any of the snack

crackers are little different then various chips as far as glucose effect

goes.

Among fruits grapes can be used only in very small amounts because of the

vvery high carb content . The same with dried fruits, they contain the

same glucose effects as the whole fruit, only in a concentrated form .

For example, a prune has as many carbs as the plum from which it was dried.

One could in principle use candy as a snack if eating only a very small

amount. But the temptation to overconsume is always there. Best to have

more nutritional packed foods such as nuts as a snack. There are many

online sources of the exact carb content for many foods, as well as the

label information if in a container.

And as always, test and test and test some more, to know, not guess the

glucose effect.

XB

IC|XC

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone,

Thank you to all of you who responded with such great advice. I so appreciate

this. I would like to thank you all separately. But then I feel I would be

crowding the list with small messages.

Well I put off my grocery shopping for as long as I could. I am never fond of

making this trip. I love to eat, I just do not love to buy it.

However, I am going this afternoon. I am thinking I will buy some whole grain

bread, some chereos, some turkey and chicken, and some snack foods. As for

drinks, I do enjoy Crystal Light. I am also going to attempt to drink more

water. Though this will be a challenge for me, all on it's own. Though I was

thinking about buying a bottle of that lemon flavoring. This way my water

wouldn't taste so plain.

Does anyone know anything about that stuff?

Also, what are some whole grain breads out there?

I've actually never bought any.

I was also wondering, are there pretty good tasting cheeses out there for

sandwiches, and to just munch on, that are more healthy?

I haven't ever been a fan of string cheese. I don't know if it's the type I have

bought, or not. But it tastes too rubbery to me, and it doesn't seem to have

much flavor.

I was also thinking of purchasing some of the sugar-free pudding. Not the kind

in the little cups, but the kind you actually add milk too. Of course, I know it

won't be completely sugar-free, due to the milk. But I was thinking that maybe I

could have this as a snack option as well.

Now when it comes to buying nuts, how do you go about finding something like

peanuts, without all that salt?

When I see them in those cans, they always seem to be loaded with salt. They are

delicious, but I know they can not be all that good for me.

Also, are the flavored Triscuits just as healthy as the plain ones?

If so, I've gotten a good start on those then. I bought some around Thanksgiving

time. They are a garlic and herb flavor, if I remember correctly.

And last, but not least. What do you all think of those drinks that have no

sugar or calories? At the moment I can not think of what they are called, which

is driving me crazy! They are similar to Gatorade, if that helps anyone. I can't

believe I've drawn a blank on this.

I am not purchasing any soda. This will be very, very difficult for me. The

longest I have ever managed to go without a soda is about 2 and a half weeks. I

think one thing that makes all of this so hard for me, is that none of my

friends watch what they eat, or drink. So spending any time with them, or going

out to eat with them is about to get very, very difficult. But I know for my own

health I need to make these changes.

I will keep you all posted on how things are going. Thank you again for the

help.

Terri

[Guest guest]

Terri,

As far as whole grain breads: I assume you will have someone sighted assisting

you, so the only way to know what you're buying is to read the nutritional data

panel. Don't buy anything that is less than 3 grams per serving. Having said

that, a brand we just bought states 6 grams of fiber per serving, but a serving

is 3 slices. Now, this is a very thinly sliced bread, which is excellent, but

you need to do some math to get to the real fiber content for what you might

actually eat. I only ever use 2 slices, which still works out to 4 grams of

fiber in 2 slices, which is more than the minimum of 3 grams of fiber per

serving.

If you could eat sugar free jello instead of sugar free pudding, that would be

better, but sugar free pudding is still an improvement over the regular pudding.

The varieties of Triscuits available shouldn't be any problem. The garlic one

might even be more healthy. Just watch the sodium content since diabetics need

to be concerned with this. Thos of us with kidney issues need to be especially

careful, but any diabetic, especially long time diabetics, need to protect the

kidneys as much as possible.

I do not eat cheese, so can't help there.

I think you mentioned cereals and other snacks. Again, read those nutritional

data panels. Cereals are really only a different form of bread for the most

part. There are a few that are more healthy, Wheat Chex to name one. This cereal

is made from whole grain, with no flour added. They are high in carbohydrates

nonetheless. Generally, the nutritional panel will reveal the nature of the

product pretty clearly. Products made from white flour will simply not have a

high fiber content. So read the fiber, the carbohydrates per serving (making

sure you understand how big a serving actually is), and the sodium.

Don't think you'll never be able to drink a soda. Cut back slowly, perhaps 1 or

2 per week, then 1 per week, then 1 every 2 weeks, or something like that. Or,

as you work at cutting back, pour only a small glass of the soda, and don't

drink an entire bottle or can.

I don't know too much about the various drinks out there, but water is always a

safe bet. Some of the flavored waters should be fine too.

Keep us informed, and happy grocery shopping later today!

Dave

But the angel said to them, " Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great

joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of a Savior has

been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. " (Luke 2:10-11)

Re: Update and questions

Hello everyone,

Thank you to all of you who responded with such great advice. I so appreciate

this. I would like to thank you all separately. But then I feel I would be

crowding the list with small messages.

Well I put off my grocery shopping for as long as I could. I am never fond of

making this trip. I love to eat, I just do not love to buy it.

However, I am going this afternoon. I am thinking I will buy some whole grain

bread, some chereos, some turkey and chicken, and some snack foods. As for

drinks, I do enjoy Crystal Light. I am also going to attempt to drink more

water. Though this will be a challenge for me, all on it's own. Though I was

thinking about buying a bottle of that lemon flavoring. This way my water

wouldn't taste so plain.

Does anyone know anything about that stuff?

Also, what are some whole grain breads out there?

I've actually never bought any.

I was also wondering, are there pretty good tasting cheeses out there for

sandwiches, and to just munch on, that are more healthy?

I haven't ever been a fan of string cheese. I don't know if it's the type I

have bought, or not. But it tastes too rubbery to me, and it doesn't seem to

have much flavor.

I was also thinking of purchasing some of the sugar-free pudding. Not the kind

in the little cups, but the kind you actually add milk too. Of course, I know it

won't be completely sugar-free, due to the milk. But I was thinking that maybe I

could have this as a snack option as well.

Now when it comes to buying nuts, how do you go about finding something like

peanuts, without all that salt?

When I see them in those cans, they always seem to be loaded with salt. They

are delicious, but I know they can not be all that good for me.

Also, are the flavored Triscuits just as healthy as the plain ones?

If so, I've gotten a good start on those then. I bought some around

Thanksgiving time. They are a garlic and herb flavor, if I remember correctly.

And last, but not least. What do you all think of those drinks that have no

sugar or calories? At the moment I can not think of what they are called, which

is driving me crazy! They are similar to Gatorade, if that helps anyone. I can't

believe I've drawn a blank on this.

I am not purchasing any soda. This will be very, very difficult for me. The

longest I have ever managed to go without a soda is about 2 and a half weeks. I

think one thing that makes all of this so hard for me, is that none of my

friends watch what they eat, or drink. So spending any time with them, or going

out to eat with them is about to get very, very difficult. But I know for my own

health I need to make these changes.

I will keep you all posted on how things are going. Thank you again for the

help.

Terri

[Guest guest]

Your grocer can show you the unsalted ppeanuts.. At least where I live Publix

and Kroger both carry them.

From: Terri S

Sent: Saturday, December 12, 2009 9:49 AM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Re: Update and questions

Hello everyone,

Thank you to all of you who responded with such great advice. I so appreciate

this. I would like to thank you all separately. But then I feel I would be

crowding the list with small messages.

Well I put off my grocery shopping for as long as I could. I am never fond of

making this trip. I love to eat, I just do not love to buy it.

However, I am going this afternoon. I am thinking I will buy some whole grain

bread, some chereos, some turkey and chicken, and some snack foods. As for

drinks, I do enjoy Crystal Light. I am also going to attempt to drink more

water. Though this will be a challenge for me, all on it's own. Though I was

thinking about buying a bottle of that lemon flavoring. This way my water

wouldn't taste so plain.

Does anyone know anything about that stuff?

Also, what are some whole grain breads out there?

I've actually never bought any.

I was also wondering, are there pretty good tasting cheeses out there for

sandwiches, and to just munch on, that are more healthy?

I haven't ever been a fan of string cheese. I don't know if it's the type I have

bought, or not. But it tastes too rubbery to me, and it doesn't seem to have

much flavor.

I was also thinking of purchasing some of the sugar-free pudding. Not the kind

in the little cups, but the kind you actually add milk too. Of course, I know it

won't be completely sugar-free, due to the milk. But I was thinking that maybe I

could have this as a snack option as well.

Now when it comes to buying nuts, how do you go about finding something like

peanuts, without all that salt?

When I see them in those cans, they always seem to be loaded with salt. They are

delicious, but I know they can not be all that good for me.

Also, are the flavored Triscuits just as healthy as the plain ones?

If so, I've gotten a good start on those then. I bought some around Thanksgiving

time. They are a garlic and herb flavor, if I remember correctly.

And last, but not least. What do you all think of those drinks that have no

sugar or calories? At the moment I can not think of what they are called, which

is driving me crazy! They are similar to Gatorade, if that helps anyone. I can't

believe I've drawn a blank on this.

I am not purchasing any soda. This will be very, very difficult for me. The

longest I have ever managed to go without a soda is about 2 and a half weeks. I

think one thing that makes all of this so hard for me, is that none of my

friends watch what they eat, or drink. So spending any time with them, or going

out to eat with them is about to get very, very difficult. But I know for my own

health I need to make these changes.

I will keep you all posted on how things are going. Thank you again for the

help.

Terri