Guest guest Posted June 22, 2006 Report Share Posted June 22, 2006 In a message dated 6/22/2006 9:56:32 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, cheezy1229@... writes: I have only been on meds for 1 week, but already I am frustrated. Hi Anne, Some people get control quicker than others. You did not get diabetes overnight so don't expect to get control overnight. I know it is frustrating, but don't stress about the higher numbers. Stress will only lead to even higher numbers. Your numbers will start coming down. Just take one day or one meal at a time. hugs Eunice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 22, 2006 Report Share Posted June 22, 2006 Hi group, I have only been on meds for 1 week, but already I am frustrated. The first two days were a real challenge, but I figured that was bound to happen. The last two days, however, I have been really " good " --less than 6 total carb exchanges. My numbers have ranged from 220-372, not including my fasting numbers. I have even (groan) been exercising. How long did it take for your numbers to drop and stabilize? Sorry to vent--hope you are all having a good evening. Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 22, 2006 Report Share Posted June 22, 2006 > > The last two days, however, I have been really " good " --less > than 6 total carb exchanges. My numbers have ranged from 220-372, not > including my fasting numbers. It may take a bit of time to find the right combination of diet, exercise and medications. I would recommend (if you haven't already) see a dietitian and take a diabetes education class. Your doctor can recommend one. Follow the diet that they put you on (I don't suggest you try to 'modify' it). While several schools of thought exist on this issue, the human body's nutritional requirements don't change when you acquire diabetes. Diabetes is a disease disorder where the body either does not produce adequate (or any) insulin, or your body doesn't use the insulin effectively. Your diet should be balanced and appropriate for you to achieve a healthy weight. From that point, your doctor needs to adjust medications until you achieve control...knowing you are following the diet plan set by the dietitian. If you are overweight, your medication needs should reduce as you lose weight. It will take some time to find the correct medication levels, and some don't work overnight. So, don't expect overnight success... but do be encouraged as you start to control your diabetes. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 22, 2006 Report Share Posted June 22, 2006 Hi Anne, I've only been on meds for a week myself and my numbers are slightly lower than when first diagnosed, but not by much. I still don't have the exchanges figured out. I am a bit afraid of food; It seems so evil to me right now. I've tried all week to get ahold of the dietary dept but they don't answer and don't return my messeges on their voice mail. Tomorrow I go to an eye specialist. I wanted you to know I'm in a similar place as you. Hang in there!! > > Hi group, > I have only been on meds for 1 week, but already I am frustrated. > The first two days were a real challenge, but I figured that was bound > to happen. The last two days, however, I have been really " good " -- less > than 6 total carb exchanges. My numbers have ranged from 220-372, not > including my fasting numbers. I have even (groan) been exercising. > How long did it take for your numbers to drop and stabilize? Sorry to > vent--hope you are all having a good evening. Anne > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 22, 2006 Report Share Posted June 22, 2006 I am furious that my insurance does not cover diabetes education, and apparently, the ADA doesn't have a presence here or offer classes. My health insurance considers the education the same as hospitalization, and makes me meet a $1000. deductible. I don't understand this, as the classes are not held in the hospital, nor is one hospitalized while attending them. They did the same thing to me with an in-home intravenous IV that I recently had for a condition called cellulitis. Now, get this..my Dr. wanted me in the hospital...me wanting to save both myself and the insurance from huge in patient expenses, insisted that we try me with the at home IV first. Dr. finally and reluctantly agreed, I went to the office, had the IV inserted, and walked around for 3 days with the pack. Felt real righteous, I did, figuring the $1000s of bucks I saved the insurance company, as the at home IV would cost a grand total of $350., whereas a 3-4 day inpatient course of the same antibiotics would have cost a fortune. Then I find I have to pay for it. Granted I saved myself the difference between the 350 and $1000., which would have been my deductible, but it just seems that if I chose the much cheaper option, they should be glad to pay the $350. I have had plans that rewarded their customers for finding ways to cut costs. Apparently, this is not the case with United Healthcare. Laurie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 What a bunch of idiots. Education will save them money in the long run. Some hospitals offer free classes and programs to the public, if you have a few hospitals around you, you might call around to see what's availible. You might do some internet research as well to bring you up on your education. You might be able to piece meal an education together from multipul sources. Try Government diabetes programs & see what they might have in your area & or if they have suggestions. We have a big diabetes health fair at a local Jr. College once a year with free help from the city, local hospitals & companys that sell diabetes supplys & medicnes. They offer free testings & diabetes training. Good Luck & Better Health Victor Laurie mrmossis@...> wrote: I am furious that my insurance does not cover diabetes education, and apparently, the ADA doesn't have a presence here or offer classes. My health insurance considers the education the same as hospitalization, and makes me meet a $1000. deductible. I don't understand this, as the classes are not held in the hospital, nor is one hospitalized while attending them. They did the same thing to me with an in-home intravenous IV that I recently had for a condition called cellulitis. Now, get this..my Dr. wanted me in the hospital...me wanting to save both myself and the insurance from huge in patient expenses, insisted that we try me with the at home IV first. Dr. finally and reluctantly agreed, I went to the office, had the IV inserted, and walked around for 3 days with the pack. Felt real righteous, I did, figuring the $1000s of bucks I saved the insurance company, as the at home IV would cost a grand total of $350., whereas a 3-4 day inpatient course of the same antibiotics would have cost a fortune. Then I find I have to pay for it. Granted I saved myself the difference between the 350 and $1000., which would have been my deductible, but it just seems that if I chose the much cheaper option, they should be glad to pay the $350. I have had plans that rewarded their customers for finding ways to cut costs. Apparently, this is not the case with United Healthcare. Laurie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 Victor, I am looking into it, but I too think they are being penny wise and pound foolish. I am doing research on my own, but I have other health issues that prevent me from being able to get this done quickly, as my energy reserves sometime get quickly used up. It is really the part of the education that would tell me what my goals should be for #s after a meal that I don't quite know yet. I'll get there. Laurie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 I know about those other health issues, I've got high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides & an idiopathic lung disease. Energy levels is something I also have to manage. Your sort of like your on an energy budget with so much you can spend at a time. I don't think there pound foolish, I know it. Education is always cheaper than the complications of the lack of education. I've found a plethora of information on other message boards about other matters & I bet you can find them out on message boards as well as the rest of the web. If you will go to the American Diabetes Associaction website they have a box where you can enter your zip code & get events near you. It's called " what's happening locally " ! If Shakespeare had known about Insurance company's, I'm sure he would have added them to the hit list along with lawyers. Victor Laurie mrmossis@...> wrote: Victor, I am looking into it, but I too think they are being penny wise and pound foolish. I am doing research on my own, but I have other health issues that prevent me from being able to get this done quickly, as my energy reserves sometime get quickly used up. It is really the part of the education that would tell me what my goals should be for #s after a meal that I don't quite know yet. I'll get there. Laurie Diabetes homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/diabetes/ To unsubscribe to this group, send an email to: diabetes-unsubscribe Hope you come back soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 In a message dated 6/23/2006 1:24:17 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, frenchbluedove@... writes: I've tried all week to get ahold of the dietary dept but they don't answer and don't return my messeges on their voice mail. Hi , Have you thought about calling the nurse at your doctor's office and ask her to set up an appointment? Usually they can get an appointment for a patient quicker. hugs Eunice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 After six years of not having my eyes checked a great pressure was lefted from my heart. My eyes turned out to be ok & the worry was gone for awhile. I hope you experance the same relief. As far as exchanges & all that stuff, don't let it get to complicated at first. Work your way into it. Watch for items with 5grams of fiber or more & subtract that from the carb amounts. Having greenbeans is a great way to drop the carb count of potatos. You make macoroni & cheese, add brocholi to bring those carb levels down. Squash is a great vegtable to fill you up & tastes great. Look for food friends to help with those items work so hard agains't you. Good luck with your eyes... Victor frenchbluedove frenchbluedove@...> wrote: Hi Anne, I've only been on meds for a week myself and my numbers are slightly lower than when first diagnosed, but not by much. I still don't have the exchanges figured out. I am a bit afraid of food; It seems so evil to me right now. I've tried all week to get ahold of the dietary dept but they don't answer and don't return my messeges on their voice mail. Tomorrow I go to an eye specialist. I wanted you to know I'm in a similar place as you. Hang in there!! > > Hi group, > I have only been on meds for 1 week, but already I am frustrated. > The first two days were a real challenge, but I figured that was bound > to happen. The last two days, however, I have been really " good " -- less > than 6 total carb exchanges. My numbers have ranged from 220-372, not > including my fasting numbers. I have even (groan) been exercising. > How long did it take for your numbers to drop and stabilize? Sorry to > vent--hope you are all having a good evening. Anne > Diabetes homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/diabetes/ To unsubscribe to this group, send an email to: diabetes-unsubscribe Hope you come back soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 > > Victor, > > I am looking into it, but I too think they are being penny wise and pound > foolish. I am doing research on my own, but I have other health issues > that > prevent me from being able to get this done quickly, as my energy reserves > sometime get quickly used up. > > It is really the part of the education that would tell me what my goals > should be for #s after a meal that I don't quite know yet. I'll get > there. Two things here... 1) Your doctor (not diabeted education) should advise you what your numbers should be after a meal. 2) You really can't blame your insurance company for following the guidelines of the contract you are covered under. These are the same rules that also require them to pay after you have exceeded the $1000 deductible. I don't know if this is an individual or group policy (so you may not have had any choice)... but many times policies have high deductibles to do two things... first to reduce the amount the policy is liable under and second to reduce utilization (as people will be reluctant to have the services if they have to pay). The $1000 deductible isn't the insurance companies fault, it's the fault of the person who bought the policy. I would bet that the same insurance company offers policies with a $200 or $300 deductible (or none at all), however the monthly premium is going to be a lot higher. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 Just my 2cents but my drugstore chain offers diabetes education at some locations. It is free for now. You might also look into that. Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 I just read that yesterday in a diabetes pamphlet. (about the free diabetic education at some pharmacies ). I am going to look into it. Judy Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has . Margaret Mead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 Hi Anne, I've only been on meds since the last part of April, and I have much the same story. In the 300s forever (it seemed like), then the 200s. It seems to take the meds a while to really " kick in " . My big breakthrough into the 100s came after Memorial Day weekend, which I spent camping in the mountains and therefore doing a lot of walking & hiking. My numbers have steadily dropped until now they're mostly in normal range. I've tweaked my back so can't exercise much at the moment, and last night my food wasn't good (euphemism) but my fasting bg was still only 118 this morning (much to my surprise). So I think it just takes time and persistence. My diabetic friend in England tells me his doctor doesn't think daily readings are necessary, only every 3 months or so. I'm still wanting to track my bg at least twice a day, if not more. Maybe when I've really become stable I can relax & quit supporting the test strip makers! LOL. Kate > > Hi group, > I have only been on meds for 1 week, but already I am frustrated. > The first two days were a real challenge, but I figured that was bound > to happen. The last two days, however, I have been really " good " --less > than 6 total carb exchanges. My numbers have ranged from 220-372, not > including my fasting numbers. I have even (groan) been exercising. > How long did it take for your numbers to drop and stabilize? Sorry to > vent--hope you are all having a good evening. Anne > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 Tell me about your exercise program. What are you doing, how often and how long? Should be DAILY at least 40 minutes. If you are just starting out try doing something like " starting out " video or even " Sweatin' to the oldies I " . In the beginning, my hubby wanted to take a day off each week from exercise and I pulled the old line on him (modified for diabetes) " Does your diabetes take a day off? You can take a day off when your diabetes takes a day off! " We exercise together and that helps a lot - a much higher percentage of people can keep up with an exercise program if they have a partner.... When my hubby started exercising daily, his sugar levels came down almost instantly. I cannot emphasize how important cardio exercise is, to keeping your sugar levels down because it directly forces your insulin resistant cells to uptake the insulin (and the sugar carried by the insulin) as after 20 minutes, the glycogen muscle sugar is depleted and the cells are starving. Like after a few days of daily cardio, he HAD to get off the glybuteride as his sugar levels were " too low " (starting from something like you are experiencing). Now, 12 years later, he still does not take medication of any kind, not even blood pressure meds. And he's very overweight so overweight doesn't really have much to do with it. I feel that so many doctors unemphasize the importance and impact of exercise on ALL health issues and especially on diabetes. Find something you like - make your workout fun... put a cyclometer in the living room in front of the TV and watch a silly TV program while cycling... whatever you need to do to keep going.... best, Sue ------ original message ------- >>>>>>>> Posted by: " Anne O'Cain Mahoney " cheezy1229@... aomahoney29 Thu Jun 22, 2006 6:55 pm (PST) Hi group, I have only been on meds for 1 week, but already I am frustrated. The first two days were a real challenge, but I figured that was bound to happen. The last two days, however, I have been really " good " --less than 6 total carb exchanges. My numbers have ranged from 220-372, not including my fasting numbers. I have even (groan) been exercising. How long did it take for your numbers to drop and stabilize? Sorry to vent--hope you are all having a good evening. Anne <<<<<<<< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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