Guest guest Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 I agree he should be on insulin. Get your doctor to prescribe a long-acting insulin like Lantus, which stays in your body for around 24 hours. Short-acting insulin like Humalog and Novolog is used to deal with prandial or bolus carb consumption. Lantus would be good to establish a basal dose of insulin. RE: Okay need support Ricky Joe, I think at an A1c of 9.3 you need medication (if you are not on it already), or more likely insulin. I think you should make another doctor's appointment even if he doesn't think he should see you (and maybe get a new doctor if he thinks an A1c of 9.3 is okay). Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 I agree he should be on insulin. Get your doctor to prescribe a long-acting insulin like Lantus, which stays in your body for around 24 hours. Short-acting insulin like Humalog and Novolog is used to deal with prandial or bolus carb consumption. Lantus would be good to establish a basal dose of insulin. RE: Okay need support Ricky Joe, I think at an A1c of 9.3 you need medication (if you are not on it already), or more likely insulin. I think you should make another doctor's appointment even if he doesn't think he should see you (and maybe get a new doctor if he thinks an A1c of 9.3 is okay). Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 I agree he should be on insulin. Get your doctor to prescribe a long-acting insulin like Lantus, which stays in your body for around 24 hours. Short-acting insulin like Humalog and Novolog is used to deal with prandial or bolus carb consumption. Lantus would be good to establish a basal dose of insulin. RE: Okay need support Ricky Joe, I think at an A1c of 9.3 you need medication (if you are not on it already), or more likely insulin. I think you should make another doctor's appointment even if he doesn't think he should see you (and maybe get a new doctor if he thinks an A1c of 9.3 is okay). Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Ricky Joe, It is entirely possible that you need insulin. Keep in mind that insulin (as oral medication can be) is your friend. You should embrace it, and take comfort in knowing that in the end, your health will improve and you'll see that insulin isn't all that big a deal. I've heard (perhaps on the list) that medication will probably drop someone's a1c 1, possibly 2, points. Your weight is probably factoring into this also, so it is hard to really know. As I think Jen said, your doctor shouldn't be satisfied with a 9 plus a1c. Incidentally, since weight is apparently a factor in the effectiveness of oral medications, that is, in allowing the body to absorb insulin, you'll need to shed some pounds to be sure. Perhaps you could use one of those steppers that don't take up much room, and are pretty inexpensive. Also, once spring and summer arrive, is it likely you'll be able to walk for exercise? Above all, hang in there! Dave A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. (Proverbs 16:23) Okay need support Hi all, I'm in tears. I just got my second A1c test results and as hard as I tried to cut carbs the number is way high. My A1C as of last Wednesday was 9.3 ouch I just can't believe that. I'm so discouraged. They said that I was extremely low on vitamin D and they are giving me a perscription for that. I asked if the doctor wanted to see me again and she said that he didn't indicate that in the letter they sent out yesterday to me. Don't you think at that high of an A1C he'd want to be seeing me to figure out how to get those numbers down? The lady said he probably would recommend you do more exercise and try to cut more carbs. Well I live in an area where I can't just get out and walk and don't have the funds to purchase any exercise equipment. I am doing walking and other exercises here in the house but don't know if that's helping or not. Thanks for letting me vent I'm just so discouraged I thought the number was going to be a lot lower than that. Ruth, if you read this my fasting blood glucose was 166 on the test and the Prodigy bg reading number just before the test at the lab was 217 so the meter is off. Ricky Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Ricky Joe, It is entirely possible that you need insulin. Keep in mind that insulin (as oral medication can be) is your friend. You should embrace it, and take comfort in knowing that in the end, your health will improve and you'll see that insulin isn't all that big a deal. I've heard (perhaps on the list) that medication will probably drop someone's a1c 1, possibly 2, points. Your weight is probably factoring into this also, so it is hard to really know. As I think Jen said, your doctor shouldn't be satisfied with a 9 plus a1c. Incidentally, since weight is apparently a factor in the effectiveness of oral medications, that is, in allowing the body to absorb insulin, you'll need to shed some pounds to be sure. Perhaps you could use one of those steppers that don't take up much room, and are pretty inexpensive. Also, once spring and summer arrive, is it likely you'll be able to walk for exercise? Above all, hang in there! Dave A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. (Proverbs 16:23) Okay need support Hi all, I'm in tears. I just got my second A1c test results and as hard as I tried to cut carbs the number is way high. My A1C as of last Wednesday was 9.3 ouch I just can't believe that. I'm so discouraged. They said that I was extremely low on vitamin D and they are giving me a perscription for that. I asked if the doctor wanted to see me again and she said that he didn't indicate that in the letter they sent out yesterday to me. Don't you think at that high of an A1C he'd want to be seeing me to figure out how to get those numbers down? The lady said he probably would recommend you do more exercise and try to cut more carbs. Well I live in an area where I can't just get out and walk and don't have the funds to purchase any exercise equipment. I am doing walking and other exercises here in the house but don't know if that's helping or not. Thanks for letting me vent I'm just so discouraged I thought the number was going to be a lot lower than that. Ruth, if you read this my fasting blood glucose was 166 on the test and the Prodigy bg reading number just before the test at the lab was 217 so the meter is off. Ricky Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Ricky Joe, It is entirely possible that you need insulin. Keep in mind that insulin (as oral medication can be) is your friend. You should embrace it, and take comfort in knowing that in the end, your health will improve and you'll see that insulin isn't all that big a deal. I've heard (perhaps on the list) that medication will probably drop someone's a1c 1, possibly 2, points. Your weight is probably factoring into this also, so it is hard to really know. As I think Jen said, your doctor shouldn't be satisfied with a 9 plus a1c. Incidentally, since weight is apparently a factor in the effectiveness of oral medications, that is, in allowing the body to absorb insulin, you'll need to shed some pounds to be sure. Perhaps you could use one of those steppers that don't take up much room, and are pretty inexpensive. Also, once spring and summer arrive, is it likely you'll be able to walk for exercise? Above all, hang in there! Dave A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. (Proverbs 16:23) Okay need support Hi all, I'm in tears. I just got my second A1c test results and as hard as I tried to cut carbs the number is way high. My A1C as of last Wednesday was 9.3 ouch I just can't believe that. I'm so discouraged. They said that I was extremely low on vitamin D and they are giving me a perscription for that. I asked if the doctor wanted to see me again and she said that he didn't indicate that in the letter they sent out yesterday to me. Don't you think at that high of an A1C he'd want to be seeing me to figure out how to get those numbers down? The lady said he probably would recommend you do more exercise and try to cut more carbs. Well I live in an area where I can't just get out and walk and don't have the funds to purchase any exercise equipment. I am doing walking and other exercises here in the house but don't know if that's helping or not. Thanks for letting me vent I'm just so discouraged I thought the number was going to be a lot lower than that. Ruth, if you read this my fasting blood glucose was 166 on the test and the Prodigy bg reading number just before the test at the lab was 217 so the meter is off. Ricky Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Ricy, This medical card you have, is is because you are on Medicaid? The reason I ask is because you could call evey endo listed in your phone directory (look up on the computer) until you find one that will take the card You definitely should be on insulin, if only on the long lasting insulin such as Lantis or Levermer. Okay need support Hi all, I'm in tears. I just got my second A1c test results and as hard as I tried to cut carbs the number is way high. My A1C as of last Wednesday was 9.3 ouch I just can't believe that. I'm so discouraged. They said that I was extremely low on vitamin D and they are giving me a perscription for that. I asked if the doctor wanted to see me again and she said that he didn't indicate that in the letter they sent out yesterday to me. Don't you think at that high of an A1C he'd want to be seeing me to figure out how to get those numbers down? The lady said he probably would recommend you do more exercise and try to cut more carbs. Well I live in an area where I can't just get out and walk and don't have the funds to purchase any exercise equipment. I am doing walking and other exercises here in the house but don't know if that's helping or not. Thanks for letting me vent I'm just so discouraged I thought the number was going to be a lot lower than that. Ruth, if you read this my fasting blood glucose was 166 on the test and the Prodigy bg reading number just before the test at the lab was 217 so the meter is off. Ricky Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Ricy, This medical card you have, is is because you are on Medicaid? The reason I ask is because you could call evey endo listed in your phone directory (look up on the computer) until you find one that will take the card You definitely should be on insulin, if only on the long lasting insulin such as Lantis or Levermer. Okay need support Hi all, I'm in tears. I just got my second A1c test results and as hard as I tried to cut carbs the number is way high. My A1C as of last Wednesday was 9.3 ouch I just can't believe that. I'm so discouraged. They said that I was extremely low on vitamin D and they are giving me a perscription for that. I asked if the doctor wanted to see me again and she said that he didn't indicate that in the letter they sent out yesterday to me. Don't you think at that high of an A1C he'd want to be seeing me to figure out how to get those numbers down? The lady said he probably would recommend you do more exercise and try to cut more carbs. Well I live in an area where I can't just get out and walk and don't have the funds to purchase any exercise equipment. I am doing walking and other exercises here in the house but don't know if that's helping or not. Thanks for letting me vent I'm just so discouraged I thought the number was going to be a lot lower than that. Ruth, if you read this my fasting blood glucose was 166 on the test and the Prodigy bg reading number just before the test at the lab was 217 so the meter is off. Ricky Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Relying on us as your guide can be as bad as a doctor who offers no guidance. There are grains of reason in each. Possibly the reason your doctor doesn't want to start medication at just the second A1C (you didn't say how far apart they were taken, as I recall) is because he wants to see what lifestyle changes you make and how they impact things. This is not a diet you go on for a few months or to lose a set number of pounds, but is a change you have to make for life. They are the best, cheapest, and easiest things you can do for your medical management; far better than starting a medicine that may or may not work. Besides, insulin will surely control your blood sugar, after you spend considerable time and effort getting to the dose that is right for you, but likely without your full commitment to lifestyle changes it will also cause you to gain more weight, making everything worse. So, it is not always just greed or incompetence on the part of your doctor that dictates how he/she treats you. Never mind the proposition so often spouted here. I can certainly relate to not liking exercise. I have banged my head trying to find ways to engage myself in some exercise. I am the personality type that is driven most by competition in some organized way, but tennis, basketball, skating, etc. are out. I have tried using my treadmill regularly, but that is hard to stick to, also. I have tried music, reading, talking on line, picking a book I only read while walking, keeping track of time and distance; everything I can think of to make it a challenge to myself and make me want to stick with it. But, minus a treadmill or other equipment, there are a lot of very simple exercises you can do with nothing. Bending over and touching your toes 10 times a day this week, 15 times a day next, etc. is just one and just that one is at least more than you do now. You can add something like picking up a dumb bell or something like that each time you bend over, raising it over your head and bending over with it like that, and bending back to the ground and setting it down. Remember the calisthenics we did in gym classes; none of them required any equipment and they sure were a work-out. Maybe you could get someone to come over and giggle at you when you change or push you around a little bit just to make it more like it was back in the good old days. Man, do I know your frustration. But, try to remember there are other sides of everything and most often the one facing you is not going to be the right one. Have you ever considered a vegan diet? I dropped my A1C 5 points in just three months by cutting out all animal products and byproducts. That was a whole lot easier and cheaper than jumping into insulin. See, there is a suggestion/idea that may have no relevance in your life, even if it did work for me. I know that some studies show starting insulin sooner than later has its benefits, but it has another side, too. A lot of what people talk about they learned the hard way by looking back at their trail and seeing how deep in the ditch they are now. That is a whole lot easier to do than to take the right road from the start and then telling how you did it, not how you think it should be done. I've rambled and vented enough. Did you get that Gretchen Becker book? There is a reason she takes you through a year of learning. Some of us need a few years. I suggest learning as much as you can so that you can judge with your treatment team and ultimately for yourself what is right for you. I wouldn't say to you that taking this drug or eating that food or doing whatever exercise is a must for you right now, but I emphatically say reading that book is an absolute. You have to decide what works best for you and to do that you have got to have information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 , I take issue with the statement you made that insulin causes weight gain. If administered properly, it does not cause weight gain. Many, many studies show that type 2's who start on insulin and follow a weight loss and exercise routine can often get off the insulin and have much better control of their diabetes . Look at some of the archives in Diabetes in Control website. Diabetesincontrol.com RE: Okay need support Relying on us as your guide can be as bad as a doctor who offers no guidance. There are grains of reason in each. Possibly the reason your doctor doesn't want to start medication at just the second A1C (you didn't say how far apart they were taken, as I recall) is because he wants to see what lifestyle changes you make and how they impact things. This is not a diet you go on for a few months or to lose a set number of pounds, but is a change you have to make for life. They are the best, cheapest, and easiest things you can do for your medical management; far better than starting a medicine that may or may not work. Besides, insulin will surely control your blood sugar, after you spend considerable time and effort getting to the dose that is right for you, but likely without your full commitment to lifestyle changes it will also cause you to gain more weight, making everything worse. So, it is not always just greed or incompetence on the part of your doctor that dictates how he/she treats you. Never mind the proposition so often spouted here. I can certainly relate to not liking exercise. I have banged my head trying to find ways to engage myself in some exercise. I am the personality type that is driven most by competition in some organized way, but tennis, basketball, skating, etc. are out. I have tried using my treadmill regularly, but that is hard to stick to, also. I have tried music, reading, talking on line, picking a book I only read while walking, keeping track of time and distance; everything I can think of to make it a challenge to myself and make me want to stick with it. But, minus a treadmill or other equipment, there are a lot of very simple exercises you can do with nothing. Bending over and touching your toes 10 times a day this week, 15 times a day next, etc. is just one and just that one is at least more than you do now. You can add something like picking up a dumb bell or something like that each time you bend over, raising it over your head and bending over with it like that, and bending back to the ground and setting it down. Remember the calisthenics we did in gym classes; none of them required any equipment and they sure were a work-out. Maybe you could get someone to come over and giggle at you when you change or push you around a little bit just to make it more like it was back in the good old days. Man, do I know your frustration. But, try to remember there are other sides of everything and most often the one facing you is not going to be the right one. Have you ever considered a vegan diet? I dropped my A1C 5 points in just three months by cutting out all animal products and byproducts. That was a whole lot easier and cheaper than jumping into insulin. See, there is a suggestion/idea that may have no relevance in your life, even if it did work for me. I know that some studies show starting insulin sooner than later has its benefits, but it has another side, too. A lot of what people talk about they learned the hard way by looking back at their trail and seeing how deep in the ditch they are now. That is a whole lot easier to do than to take the right road from the start and then telling how you did it, not how you think it should be done. I've rambled and vented enough. Did you get that Gretchen Becker book? There is a reason she takes you through a year of learning. Some of us need a few years. I suggest learning as much as you can so that you can judge with your treatment team and ultimately for yourself what is right for you. I wouldn't say to you that taking this drug or eating that food or doing whatever exercise is a must for you right now, but I emphatically say reading that book is an absolute. You have to decide what works best for you and to do that you have got to have information. __________ NOD32 3762 (20090113) Information __________ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 , I take issue with the statement you made that insulin causes weight gain. If administered properly, it does not cause weight gain. Many, many studies show that type 2's who start on insulin and follow a weight loss and exercise routine can often get off the insulin and have much better control of their diabetes . Look at some of the archives in Diabetes in Control website. Diabetesincontrol.com RE: Okay need support Relying on us as your guide can be as bad as a doctor who offers no guidance. There are grains of reason in each. Possibly the reason your doctor doesn't want to start medication at just the second A1C (you didn't say how far apart they were taken, as I recall) is because he wants to see what lifestyle changes you make and how they impact things. This is not a diet you go on for a few months or to lose a set number of pounds, but is a change you have to make for life. They are the best, cheapest, and easiest things you can do for your medical management; far better than starting a medicine that may or may not work. Besides, insulin will surely control your blood sugar, after you spend considerable time and effort getting to the dose that is right for you, but likely without your full commitment to lifestyle changes it will also cause you to gain more weight, making everything worse. So, it is not always just greed or incompetence on the part of your doctor that dictates how he/she treats you. Never mind the proposition so often spouted here. I can certainly relate to not liking exercise. I have banged my head trying to find ways to engage myself in some exercise. I am the personality type that is driven most by competition in some organized way, but tennis, basketball, skating, etc. are out. I have tried using my treadmill regularly, but that is hard to stick to, also. I have tried music, reading, talking on line, picking a book I only read while walking, keeping track of time and distance; everything I can think of to make it a challenge to myself and make me want to stick with it. But, minus a treadmill or other equipment, there are a lot of very simple exercises you can do with nothing. Bending over and touching your toes 10 times a day this week, 15 times a day next, etc. is just one and just that one is at least more than you do now. You can add something like picking up a dumb bell or something like that each time you bend over, raising it over your head and bending over with it like that, and bending back to the ground and setting it down. Remember the calisthenics we did in gym classes; none of them required any equipment and they sure were a work-out. Maybe you could get someone to come over and giggle at you when you change or push you around a little bit just to make it more like it was back in the good old days. Man, do I know your frustration. But, try to remember there are other sides of everything and most often the one facing you is not going to be the right one. Have you ever considered a vegan diet? I dropped my A1C 5 points in just three months by cutting out all animal products and byproducts. That was a whole lot easier and cheaper than jumping into insulin. See, there is a suggestion/idea that may have no relevance in your life, even if it did work for me. I know that some studies show starting insulin sooner than later has its benefits, but it has another side, too. A lot of what people talk about they learned the hard way by looking back at their trail and seeing how deep in the ditch they are now. That is a whole lot easier to do than to take the right road from the start and then telling how you did it, not how you think it should be done. I've rambled and vented enough. Did you get that Gretchen Becker book? There is a reason she takes you through a year of learning. Some of us need a few years. I suggest learning as much as you can so that you can judge with your treatment team and ultimately for yourself what is right for you. I wouldn't say to you that taking this drug or eating that food or doing whatever exercise is a must for you right now, but I emphatically say reading that book is an absolute. You have to decide what works best for you and to do that you have got to have information. __________ NOD32 3762 (20090113) Information __________ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Hmmm ricky Most docs are very glad if you have MediCare and something else. Try calling around by looking up endos on your computer and see what they say. Okay need support Hi , I have Medicare and what Medicare doesn't cover I have a plan from " Care Oregon " http://www.careoreg <http://www.careoregon.com> on.com that picks up most of the rest of the costs of coverage. I have a co payment for medicine that's like $4 per prescription. If I were to give up the Care Oregon coverage then I'd be covered by the Oregon Health Plan which I think isn't as good coverage as the Care Oregon. Ricky Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Hmmm ricky Most docs are very glad if you have MediCare and something else. Try calling around by looking up endos on your computer and see what they say. Okay need support Hi , I have Medicare and what Medicare doesn't cover I have a plan from " Care Oregon " http://www.careoreg <http://www.careoregon.com> on.com that picks up most of the rest of the costs of coverage. I have a co payment for medicine that's like $4 per prescription. If I were to give up the Care Oregon coverage then I'd be covered by the Oregon Health Plan which I think isn't as good coverage as the Care Oregon. Ricky Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2009 Report Share Posted January 14, 2009 As a general rule of thumb, oral medications like pills for diabetes has a history of lowering the A1C by 1%-1.5%, which is not much. Insulin on the other hand works every time it is tried to reduce your A1C to near normal levels, near 5.0% which is a long way from 9.2%. I am not kidding. The high bs levels are the primary cause of diabetic complications. So get that blood glucose level down and keep it down. Okay need support Hi Jen, I've been on Metformin. He just switched me last Friday to Metformin Slow Release two 500 pills twice a day for a total of 2000 mg. I was taking that amount just not the slow release. I've been thinking I'd really like to see an endo but don't know how to do that unless I give up the state managed care program " Care Oregon " and go on an open card which would let me see any doctor I'd like but would have to find an endo that would take that coverage so don't know really what to do. I just keep thinking about the doctor visit and that he didn't seem that interested in seeing me. I know that it was my first visit and he is a very prestigious and popular doctor and has a limited time with each patient. I know I'm rambling here so will close for now. Ricky Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2009 Report Share Posted January 14, 2009 As a general rule of thumb, oral medications like pills for diabetes has a history of lowering the A1C by 1%-1.5%, which is not much. Insulin on the other hand works every time it is tried to reduce your A1C to near normal levels, near 5.0% which is a long way from 9.2%. I am not kidding. The high bs levels are the primary cause of diabetic complications. So get that blood glucose level down and keep it down. Okay need support Hi Jen, I've been on Metformin. He just switched me last Friday to Metformin Slow Release two 500 pills twice a day for a total of 2000 mg. I was taking that amount just not the slow release. I've been thinking I'd really like to see an endo but don't know how to do that unless I give up the state managed care program " Care Oregon " and go on an open card which would let me see any doctor I'd like but would have to find an endo that would take that coverage so don't know really what to do. I just keep thinking about the doctor visit and that he didn't seem that interested in seeing me. I know that it was my first visit and he is a very prestigious and popular doctor and has a limited time with each patient. I know I'm rambling here so will close for now. Ricky Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2009 Report Share Posted January 14, 2009 Hi Ricky Joe, Did this endocrinologist give you a follow up appointment at all? If so, how long from now? As for the meter, I don't think it's necessarily out. When I do the math, what your meter is reading and what you're a1C is match. Your A1C of 9.3 is a percentage. How it works it is this - the higher you are away from6 on your A1C goes, the higher away your actual sugar is. For example, I will do this in Canadian numbers and then convert them, your A1C is9.3. That means your sugar is on average running at 11 to 13. In your numbers this is 198 to 234. Which is how your numbers have been running. As for the difference at the lab, there can be any number of reasons why it is different, such as anxiety, medications, food, exercise, etc. At this point, I as well as the rest on this list would ask your doc about insulin. Do not let this go for a long time! As Harry mentioned pills can only do so much. If you have an appointment in the next 3 months and do another A1C and it has not budged more than 1 point then insulin it is. Do not feel embarrassed about pressing your doctor to work with you to get this down immediately. It is your health and not a popularity contest. If he wants to have a laisez faire attitude then let him keep it to himself and move on to another doc if possible. If not, then make him do what you need to let him see you are serious. Keep a stiff upper lip, don't get discouraged, and try some serious lifestyle changes to your diet, talk to your roommate about this and explain to him the changes that need to be made in the food would help him too and if he's a friend he will try to support you, and keep up the exercise as best you can. You have already lost 12 lbs. which you did on your own so far just keep it up and ask the list for support. We are all behind you. Ruth Okay need support Hi all, I'm in tears. I just got my second A1c test results and as hard as I tried to cut carbs the number is way high. My A1C as of last Wednesday was 9.3 ouch I just can't believe that. I'm so discouraged. They said that I was extremely low on vitamin D and they are giving me a perscription for that. I asked if the doctor wanted to see me again and she said that he didn't indicate that in the letter they sent out yesterday to me. Don't you think at that high of an A1C he'd want to be seeing me to figure out how to get those numbers down? The lady said he probably would recommend you do more exercise and try to cut more carbs. Well I live in an area where I can't just get out and walk and don't have the funds to purchase any exercise equipment. I am doing walking and other exercises here in the house but don't know if that's helping or not. Thanks for letting me vent I'm just so discouraged I thought the number was going to be a lot lower than that. Ruth, if you read this my fasting blood glucose was 166 on the test and the Prodigy bg reading number just before the test at the lab was 217 so the meter is off Ricky Joe [Non-text p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2009 Report Share Posted January 14, 2009 Hi Ricky Joe, Did this endocrinologist give you a follow up appointment at all? If so, how long from now? As for the meter, I don't think it's necessarily out. When I do the math, what your meter is reading and what you're a1C is match. Your A1C of 9.3 is a percentage. How it works it is this - the higher you are away from6 on your A1C goes, the higher away your actual sugar is. For example, I will do this in Canadian numbers and then convert them, your A1C is9.3. That means your sugar is on average running at 11 to 13. In your numbers this is 198 to 234. Which is how your numbers have been running. As for the difference at the lab, there can be any number of reasons why it is different, such as anxiety, medications, food, exercise, etc. At this point, I as well as the rest on this list would ask your doc about insulin. Do not let this go for a long time! As Harry mentioned pills can only do so much. If you have an appointment in the next 3 months and do another A1C and it has not budged more than 1 point then insulin it is. Do not feel embarrassed about pressing your doctor to work with you to get this down immediately. It is your health and not a popularity contest. If he wants to have a laisez faire attitude then let him keep it to himself and move on to another doc if possible. If not, then make him do what you need to let him see you are serious. Keep a stiff upper lip, don't get discouraged, and try some serious lifestyle changes to your diet, talk to your roommate about this and explain to him the changes that need to be made in the food would help him too and if he's a friend he will try to support you, and keep up the exercise as best you can. You have already lost 12 lbs. which you did on your own so far just keep it up and ask the list for support. We are all behind you. Ruth Okay need support Hi all, I'm in tears. I just got my second A1c test results and as hard as I tried to cut carbs the number is way high. My A1C as of last Wednesday was 9.3 ouch I just can't believe that. I'm so discouraged. They said that I was extremely low on vitamin D and they are giving me a perscription for that. I asked if the doctor wanted to see me again and she said that he didn't indicate that in the letter they sent out yesterday to me. Don't you think at that high of an A1C he'd want to be seeing me to figure out how to get those numbers down? The lady said he probably would recommend you do more exercise and try to cut more carbs. Well I live in an area where I can't just get out and walk and don't have the funds to purchase any exercise equipment. I am doing walking and other exercises here in the house but don't know if that's helping or not. Thanks for letting me vent I'm just so discouraged I thought the number was going to be a lot lower than that. Ruth, if you read this my fasting blood glucose was 166 on the test and the Prodigy bg reading number just before the test at the lab was 217 so the meter is off Ricky Joe [Non-text p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2009 Report Share Posted January 14, 2009 Hi Ricky Joe, Did this endocrinologist give you a follow up appointment at all? If so, how long from now? As for the meter, I don't think it's necessarily out. When I do the math, what your meter is reading and what you're a1C is match. Your A1C of 9.3 is a percentage. How it works it is this - the higher you are away from6 on your A1C goes, the higher away your actual sugar is. For example, I will do this in Canadian numbers and then convert them, your A1C is9.3. That means your sugar is on average running at 11 to 13. In your numbers this is 198 to 234. Which is how your numbers have been running. As for the difference at the lab, there can be any number of reasons why it is different, such as anxiety, medications, food, exercise, etc. At this point, I as well as the rest on this list would ask your doc about insulin. Do not let this go for a long time! As Harry mentioned pills can only do so much. If you have an appointment in the next 3 months and do another A1C and it has not budged more than 1 point then insulin it is. Do not feel embarrassed about pressing your doctor to work with you to get this down immediately. It is your health and not a popularity contest. If he wants to have a laisez faire attitude then let him keep it to himself and move on to another doc if possible. If not, then make him do what you need to let him see you are serious. Keep a stiff upper lip, don't get discouraged, and try some serious lifestyle changes to your diet, talk to your roommate about this and explain to him the changes that need to be made in the food would help him too and if he's a friend he will try to support you, and keep up the exercise as best you can. You have already lost 12 lbs. which you did on your own so far just keep it up and ask the list for support. We are all behind you. Ruth Okay need support Hi all, I'm in tears. I just got my second A1c test results and as hard as I tried to cut carbs the number is way high. My A1C as of last Wednesday was 9.3 ouch I just can't believe that. I'm so discouraged. They said that I was extremely low on vitamin D and they are giving me a perscription for that. I asked if the doctor wanted to see me again and she said that he didn't indicate that in the letter they sent out yesterday to me. Don't you think at that high of an A1C he'd want to be seeing me to figure out how to get those numbers down? The lady said he probably would recommend you do more exercise and try to cut more carbs. Well I live in an area where I can't just get out and walk and don't have the funds to purchase any exercise equipment. I am doing walking and other exercises here in the house but don't know if that's helping or not. Thanks for letting me vent I'm just so discouraged I thought the number was going to be a lot lower than that. Ruth, if you read this my fasting blood glucose was 166 on the test and the Prodigy bg reading number just before the test at the lab was 217 so the meter is off Ricky Joe [Non-text p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2009 Report Share Posted January 14, 2009 Pat, I know we can find citations to support anything. I haven't heard and didn't mean it to sound like that insulin is a definite, direct cause of weight gain for everyone, but in general. Here is just one example of the kinds of things I have read. And remember, my real point was that if you start insulin and do not make lifestyle changes of diet and exercise, you are especially prone to further weight gain which definitely worsens your blood sugar issue. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/insulin-and-weight-gain/DA00139 Insulin and weight gain: Keep the pounds off Insulin and weight gain often go hand in hand, but weight control is possible! If you need insulin therapy, here's how to minimize - or avoid - weight gain. Insulin and weight gain often go hand in hand. But if you need insulin therapy, you're not necessarily doomed to gain unwanted weight. Start by understanding how insulin therapy works. Then consider steps you can take to minimize - or avoid - weight gain while you're taking insulin. How does insulin therapy work? Insulin is a hormone that regulates the absorption of sugar (glucose) - your body's main source of fuel - into your cells. Normally, the pancreas secretes insulin when you eat. The insulin allows sugar to enter your cells and, in turn, lowers the amount of sugar in your blood. But if you have diabetes, this process doesn't work properly. Instead of being transported into your cells, excess glucose accumulates in your blood. Eventually, your kidneys may compensate by excreting glucose in your urine. Enter insulin therapy, which can improve your body's ability to use and store glucose. If you have diabetes, insulin therapy may be an important part of your diabetes treatment plan. Often, insulin is injected using a fine needle and syringe. Other options may include an insulin pen or an insulin pump. What's the connection between insulin and weight gain? Weight gain is a common side effect for people who take insulin. The more insulin you use to control your blood sugar level, the more glucose that gets into your cells and the less glucose that's wasted in your urine. Glucose that your cells don't use accumulates as fat. If you continue to eat as you did before, you'll likely gain weight when you start taking insulin. Think about it this way: Before you start taking insulin, you may be able to eat more food than you need without gaining weight because your body doesn't use the food properly. But when you start taking insulin, all bets are off. When your body uses food properly, you may need less food than you think. And the concern about insulin and weight gain goes beyond what you see in the mirror. Excess weight can make your body resistant to the action of insulin - which means that you may need to take even more insulin to get sugar into your cells. Is it possible to avoid weight gain while taking insulin? You bet! When it comes to insulin and weight gain, you may feel as if the scales are tipped against you - but your weight is within your control. Eating healthy foods and including physical activity in your daily routine can help you prevent unwanted weight gain. Count calories. Consuming fewer calories is a surefire way to prevent weight gain when you're taking insulin. And it doesn't have to be difficult. Stock the house with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. At the same time, look for easy ways to cut calories. You might trim your portion sizes, skip second helpings and swap high-calorie drinks for water. For help creating a meal plan, consult a registered dietitian. Eat breakfast. Skipping meals may save you hundreds of calories, but there's more to the story. When you skip meals, your metabolism slows down - which only promotes weight gain. Instead, spread your calories throughout the day to steady your metabolism. Get moving. Physical activity moves sugar from your blood into your cells. The more active you are, the lower your blood sugar level - and the more calories you'll burn. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Start a lunchtime walking group with your co-workers. Use hand weights or work out with a fitness ball during your favorite TV shows. Take the stairs when you can. Remember, any physical activity counts. Ask your doctor about other diabetes medications. Some diabetes medications - including metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, others), exenatide (Byetta) and pramlintide (Symlin) - may promote weight loss and allow you to reduce your insulin dosage. Ask your doctor if these or other medications would be an appropriate part of your diabetes treatment plan. Take your insulin as directed. Resist the temptation to skip or shortchange your insulin to ward off weight gain. Although you might shed pounds quickly if you take less insulin than you need, the risks are serious. Without enough insulin, your blood sugar level will rise - and so will your risk of diabetes complications. Changing your lifestyle can be tough, but the rewards are real. Start making healthy lifestyle choices today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2009 Report Share Posted January 14, 2009 Pat, I know we can find citations to support anything. I haven't heard and didn't mean it to sound like that insulin is a definite, direct cause of weight gain for everyone, but in general. Here is just one example of the kinds of things I have read. And remember, my real point was that if you start insulin and do not make lifestyle changes of diet and exercise, you are especially prone to further weight gain which definitely worsens your blood sugar issue. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/insulin-and-weight-gain/DA00139 Insulin and weight gain: Keep the pounds off Insulin and weight gain often go hand in hand, but weight control is possible! If you need insulin therapy, here's how to minimize - or avoid - weight gain. Insulin and weight gain often go hand in hand. But if you need insulin therapy, you're not necessarily doomed to gain unwanted weight. Start by understanding how insulin therapy works. Then consider steps you can take to minimize - or avoid - weight gain while you're taking insulin. How does insulin therapy work? Insulin is a hormone that regulates the absorption of sugar (glucose) - your body's main source of fuel - into your cells. Normally, the pancreas secretes insulin when you eat. The insulin allows sugar to enter your cells and, in turn, lowers the amount of sugar in your blood. But if you have diabetes, this process doesn't work properly. Instead of being transported into your cells, excess glucose accumulates in your blood. Eventually, your kidneys may compensate by excreting glucose in your urine. Enter insulin therapy, which can improve your body's ability to use and store glucose. If you have diabetes, insulin therapy may be an important part of your diabetes treatment plan. Often, insulin is injected using a fine needle and syringe. Other options may include an insulin pen or an insulin pump. What's the connection between insulin and weight gain? Weight gain is a common side effect for people who take insulin. The more insulin you use to control your blood sugar level, the more glucose that gets into your cells and the less glucose that's wasted in your urine. Glucose that your cells don't use accumulates as fat. If you continue to eat as you did before, you'll likely gain weight when you start taking insulin. Think about it this way: Before you start taking insulin, you may be able to eat more food than you need without gaining weight because your body doesn't use the food properly. But when you start taking insulin, all bets are off. When your body uses food properly, you may need less food than you think. And the concern about insulin and weight gain goes beyond what you see in the mirror. Excess weight can make your body resistant to the action of insulin - which means that you may need to take even more insulin to get sugar into your cells. Is it possible to avoid weight gain while taking insulin? You bet! When it comes to insulin and weight gain, you may feel as if the scales are tipped against you - but your weight is within your control. Eating healthy foods and including physical activity in your daily routine can help you prevent unwanted weight gain. Count calories. Consuming fewer calories is a surefire way to prevent weight gain when you're taking insulin. And it doesn't have to be difficult. Stock the house with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. At the same time, look for easy ways to cut calories. You might trim your portion sizes, skip second helpings and swap high-calorie drinks for water. For help creating a meal plan, consult a registered dietitian. Eat breakfast. Skipping meals may save you hundreds of calories, but there's more to the story. When you skip meals, your metabolism slows down - which only promotes weight gain. Instead, spread your calories throughout the day to steady your metabolism. Get moving. Physical activity moves sugar from your blood into your cells. The more active you are, the lower your blood sugar level - and the more calories you'll burn. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Start a lunchtime walking group with your co-workers. Use hand weights or work out with a fitness ball during your favorite TV shows. Take the stairs when you can. Remember, any physical activity counts. Ask your doctor about other diabetes medications. Some diabetes medications - including metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, others), exenatide (Byetta) and pramlintide (Symlin) - may promote weight loss and allow you to reduce your insulin dosage. Ask your doctor if these or other medications would be an appropriate part of your diabetes treatment plan. Take your insulin as directed. Resist the temptation to skip or shortchange your insulin to ward off weight gain. Although you might shed pounds quickly if you take less insulin than you need, the risks are serious. Without enough insulin, your blood sugar level will rise - and so will your risk of diabetes complications. Changing your lifestyle can be tough, but the rewards are real. Start making healthy lifestyle choices today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Good article and it said what I did-that too much insulin means a person will gain weight to " keep-up " with the insulin or the person thinks insulin is going to cure the disease and still eat correctly. RE: Okay need support Pat, I know we can find citations to support anything. I haven't heard and didn't mean it to sound like that insulin is a definite, direct cause of weight gain for everyone, but in general. Here is just one example of the kinds of things I have read. And remember, my real point was that if you start insulin and do not make lifestyle changes of diet and exercise, you are especially prone to further weight gain which definitely worsens your blood sugar issue. http://www.mayoclin <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/insulin-and-weight-gain/DA00139> ic.com/health/insulin-and-weight-gain/DA00139 Insulin and weight gain: Keep the pounds off Insulin and weight gain often go hand in hand, but weight control is possible! If you need insulin therapy, here's how to minimize - or avoid - weight gain. Insulin and weight gain often go hand in hand. But if you need insulin therapy, you're not necessarily doomed to gain unwanted weight. Start by understanding how insulin therapy works. Then consider steps you can take to minimize - or avoid - weight gain while you're taking insulin. How does insulin therapy work? Insulin is a hormone that regulates the absorption of sugar (glucose) - your body's main source of fuel - into your cells. Normally, the pancreas secretes insulin when you eat. The insulin allows sugar to enter your cells and, in turn, lowers the amount of sugar in your blood. But if you have diabetes, this process doesn't work properly. Instead of being transported into your cells, excess glucose accumulates in your blood. Eventually, your kidneys may compensate by excreting glucose in your urine. Enter insulin therapy, which can improve your body's ability to use and store glucose. If you have diabetes, insulin therapy may be an important part of your diabetes treatment plan. Often, insulin is injected using a fine needle and syringe. Other options may include an insulin pen or an insulin pump. What's the connection between insulin and weight gain? Weight gain is a common side effect for people who take insulin. The more insulin you use to control your blood sugar level, the more glucose that gets into your cells and the less glucose that's wasted in your urine. Glucose that your cells don't use accumulates as fat. If you continue to eat as you did before, you'll likely gain weight when you start taking insulin. Think about it this way: Before you start taking insulin, you may be able to eat more food than you need without gaining weight because your body doesn't use the food properly. But when you start taking insulin, all bets are off. When your body uses food properly, you may need less food than you think. And the concern about insulin and weight gain goes beyond what you see in the mirror. Excess weight can make your body resistant to the action of insulin - which means that you may need to take even more insulin to get sugar into your cells. Is it possible to avoid weight gain while taking insulin? You bet! When it comes to insulin and weight gain, you may feel as if the scales are tipped against you - but your weight is within your control. Eating healthy foods and including physical activity in your daily routine can help you prevent unwanted weight gain. Count calories. Consuming fewer calories is a surefire way to prevent weight gain when you're taking insulin. And it doesn't have to be difficult. Stock the house with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. At the same time, look for easy ways to cut calories. You might trim your portion sizes, skip second helpings and swap high-calorie drinks for water. For help creating a meal plan, consult a registered dietitian. Eat breakfast. Skipping meals may save you hundreds of calories, but there's more to the story. When you skip meals, your metabolism slows down - which only promotes weight gain. Instead, spread your calories throughout the day to steady your metabolism. Get moving. Physical activity moves sugar from your blood into your cells. The more active you are, the lower your blood sugar level - and the more calories you'll burn. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Start a lunchtime walking group with your co-workers. Use hand weights or work out with a fitness ball during your favorite TV shows. Take the stairs when you can. Remember, any physical activity counts. Ask your doctor about other diabetes medications. Some diabetes medications - including metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, others), exenatide (Byetta) and pramlintide (Symlin) - may promote weight loss and allow you to reduce your insulin dosage. Ask your doctor if these or other medications would be an appropriate part of your diabetes treatment plan. Take your insulin as directed. Resist the temptation to skip or shortchange your insulin to ward off weight gain. Although you might shed pounds quickly if you take less insulin than you need, the risks are serious. Without enough insulin, your blood sugar level will rise - and so will your risk of diabetes complications. Changing your lifestyle can be tough, but the rewards are real. Start making healthy lifestyle choices today! __________ NOD32 3766 (20090114) Information __________ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Good article and it said what I did-that too much insulin means a person will gain weight to " keep-up " with the insulin or the person thinks insulin is going to cure the disease and still eat correctly. RE: Okay need support Pat, I know we can find citations to support anything. I haven't heard and didn't mean it to sound like that insulin is a definite, direct cause of weight gain for everyone, but in general. Here is just one example of the kinds of things I have read. And remember, my real point was that if you start insulin and do not make lifestyle changes of diet and exercise, you are especially prone to further weight gain which definitely worsens your blood sugar issue. http://www.mayoclin <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/insulin-and-weight-gain/DA00139> ic.com/health/insulin-and-weight-gain/DA00139 Insulin and weight gain: Keep the pounds off Insulin and weight gain often go hand in hand, but weight control is possible! If you need insulin therapy, here's how to minimize - or avoid - weight gain. Insulin and weight gain often go hand in hand. But if you need insulin therapy, you're not necessarily doomed to gain unwanted weight. Start by understanding how insulin therapy works. Then consider steps you can take to minimize - or avoid - weight gain while you're taking insulin. How does insulin therapy work? Insulin is a hormone that regulates the absorption of sugar (glucose) - your body's main source of fuel - into your cells. Normally, the pancreas secretes insulin when you eat. The insulin allows sugar to enter your cells and, in turn, lowers the amount of sugar in your blood. But if you have diabetes, this process doesn't work properly. Instead of being transported into your cells, excess glucose accumulates in your blood. Eventually, your kidneys may compensate by excreting glucose in your urine. Enter insulin therapy, which can improve your body's ability to use and store glucose. If you have diabetes, insulin therapy may be an important part of your diabetes treatment plan. Often, insulin is injected using a fine needle and syringe. Other options may include an insulin pen or an insulin pump. What's the connection between insulin and weight gain? Weight gain is a common side effect for people who take insulin. The more insulin you use to control your blood sugar level, the more glucose that gets into your cells and the less glucose that's wasted in your urine. Glucose that your cells don't use accumulates as fat. If you continue to eat as you did before, you'll likely gain weight when you start taking insulin. Think about it this way: Before you start taking insulin, you may be able to eat more food than you need without gaining weight because your body doesn't use the food properly. But when you start taking insulin, all bets are off. When your body uses food properly, you may need less food than you think. And the concern about insulin and weight gain goes beyond what you see in the mirror. Excess weight can make your body resistant to the action of insulin - which means that you may need to take even more insulin to get sugar into your cells. Is it possible to avoid weight gain while taking insulin? You bet! When it comes to insulin and weight gain, you may feel as if the scales are tipped against you - but your weight is within your control. Eating healthy foods and including physical activity in your daily routine can help you prevent unwanted weight gain. Count calories. Consuming fewer calories is a surefire way to prevent weight gain when you're taking insulin. And it doesn't have to be difficult. Stock the house with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. At the same time, look for easy ways to cut calories. You might trim your portion sizes, skip second helpings and swap high-calorie drinks for water. For help creating a meal plan, consult a registered dietitian. Eat breakfast. Skipping meals may save you hundreds of calories, but there's more to the story. When you skip meals, your metabolism slows down - which only promotes weight gain. Instead, spread your calories throughout the day to steady your metabolism. Get moving. Physical activity moves sugar from your blood into your cells. The more active you are, the lower your blood sugar level - and the more calories you'll burn. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Start a lunchtime walking group with your co-workers. Use hand weights or work out with a fitness ball during your favorite TV shows. Take the stairs when you can. Remember, any physical activity counts. Ask your doctor about other diabetes medications. Some diabetes medications - including metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, others), exenatide (Byetta) and pramlintide (Symlin) - may promote weight loss and allow you to reduce your insulin dosage. Ask your doctor if these or other medications would be an appropriate part of your diabetes treatment plan. Take your insulin as directed. Resist the temptation to skip or shortchange your insulin to ward off weight gain. Although you might shed pounds quickly if you take less insulin than you need, the risks are serious. Without enough insulin, your blood sugar level will rise - and so will your risk of diabetes complications. Changing your lifestyle can be tough, but the rewards are real. Start making healthy lifestyle choices today! __________ NOD32 3766 (20090114) Information __________ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Good article and it said what I did-that too much insulin means a person will gain weight to " keep-up " with the insulin or the person thinks insulin is going to cure the disease and still eat correctly. RE: Okay need support Pat, I know we can find citations to support anything. I haven't heard and didn't mean it to sound like that insulin is a definite, direct cause of weight gain for everyone, but in general. Here is just one example of the kinds of things I have read. And remember, my real point was that if you start insulin and do not make lifestyle changes of diet and exercise, you are especially prone to further weight gain which definitely worsens your blood sugar issue. http://www.mayoclin <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/insulin-and-weight-gain/DA00139> ic.com/health/insulin-and-weight-gain/DA00139 Insulin and weight gain: Keep the pounds off Insulin and weight gain often go hand in hand, but weight control is possible! If you need insulin therapy, here's how to minimize - or avoid - weight gain. Insulin and weight gain often go hand in hand. But if you need insulin therapy, you're not necessarily doomed to gain unwanted weight. Start by understanding how insulin therapy works. Then consider steps you can take to minimize - or avoid - weight gain while you're taking insulin. How does insulin therapy work? Insulin is a hormone that regulates the absorption of sugar (glucose) - your body's main source of fuel - into your cells. Normally, the pancreas secretes insulin when you eat. The insulin allows sugar to enter your cells and, in turn, lowers the amount of sugar in your blood. But if you have diabetes, this process doesn't work properly. Instead of being transported into your cells, excess glucose accumulates in your blood. Eventually, your kidneys may compensate by excreting glucose in your urine. Enter insulin therapy, which can improve your body's ability to use and store glucose. If you have diabetes, insulin therapy may be an important part of your diabetes treatment plan. Often, insulin is injected using a fine needle and syringe. Other options may include an insulin pen or an insulin pump. What's the connection between insulin and weight gain? Weight gain is a common side effect for people who take insulin. The more insulin you use to control your blood sugar level, the more glucose that gets into your cells and the less glucose that's wasted in your urine. Glucose that your cells don't use accumulates as fat. If you continue to eat as you did before, you'll likely gain weight when you start taking insulin. Think about it this way: Before you start taking insulin, you may be able to eat more food than you need without gaining weight because your body doesn't use the food properly. But when you start taking insulin, all bets are off. When your body uses food properly, you may need less food than you think. And the concern about insulin and weight gain goes beyond what you see in the mirror. Excess weight can make your body resistant to the action of insulin - which means that you may need to take even more insulin to get sugar into your cells. Is it possible to avoid weight gain while taking insulin? You bet! When it comes to insulin and weight gain, you may feel as if the scales are tipped against you - but your weight is within your control. Eating healthy foods and including physical activity in your daily routine can help you prevent unwanted weight gain. Count calories. Consuming fewer calories is a surefire way to prevent weight gain when you're taking insulin. And it doesn't have to be difficult. Stock the house with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. At the same time, look for easy ways to cut calories. You might trim your portion sizes, skip second helpings and swap high-calorie drinks for water. For help creating a meal plan, consult a registered dietitian. Eat breakfast. Skipping meals may save you hundreds of calories, but there's more to the story. When you skip meals, your metabolism slows down - which only promotes weight gain. Instead, spread your calories throughout the day to steady your metabolism. Get moving. Physical activity moves sugar from your blood into your cells. The more active you are, the lower your blood sugar level - and the more calories you'll burn. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Start a lunchtime walking group with your co-workers. Use hand weights or work out with a fitness ball during your favorite TV shows. Take the stairs when you can. Remember, any physical activity counts. Ask your doctor about other diabetes medications. Some diabetes medications - including metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, others), exenatide (Byetta) and pramlintide (Symlin) - may promote weight loss and allow you to reduce your insulin dosage. Ask your doctor if these or other medications would be an appropriate part of your diabetes treatment plan. Take your insulin as directed. Resist the temptation to skip or shortchange your insulin to ward off weight gain. Although you might shed pounds quickly if you take less insulin than you need, the risks are serious. Without enough insulin, your blood sugar level will rise - and so will your risk of diabetes complications. Changing your lifestyle can be tough, but the rewards are real. Start making healthy lifestyle choices today! __________ NOD32 3766 (20090114) Information __________ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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