Guest guest Posted October 28, 2005 Report Share Posted October 28, 2005 Hi, and other newbies, welcome to our list. You'll find lots of support and information here. To start you off, I'm appending my standard newby letter. Please do follow all the links - there's a lot of good and important information on all of 'em. To: " whimsy2 " whimsy2@...> Subject: newby letter #5 Date: Sunday, October 23, 2005 9:44 PM First of all, let me refer you to two of the best books about diabetes. Read 'em and you'll learn a lot: The first one is called " The First Year, Type Two Diabetes, An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed " by Gretchen Becker. Gretchen is a list member and her book is an excellent guide. It's in paperback and available online from Amazon if your local bookstore doesn't have it. The second book is called " Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solutions " by K. Bernstein, M.D. You can get it from the library but it's such a good reference that you really should have it in your home library. Dr. Bernstein is a longtime type 1 who controls his diabetes using a lowcarb diet as well as insulin.. Many of us - both type 1 and 2 -- on this list have found great success using his plan or a modified version thereof. . And here's the URL to Dr. Bernstein's website, where there's lots of good stuff: http://www.diabetes-normalsugars.com/index.shtml These two books will give you good basic information on the ins and outs of diabetes management. I would further refer you to an excellent informational website titled " " What They Don't Tell You About Diabetes " http://www.geocities.com/lottadata4u/ If it isn't there for some reason, let me know and I can email you the contents -- I have it in my archives now. I would also refer you to Mendosa's website, where there's a wealth of diabetic information and good links. He also has an online diabetes newsletter which is very good. It's also an excellent source for information about the GI index (glycemic index). www.mendosa.com There's one thing that's sure to make BGs rise and that's carbohydrates. Cutting out high GI carbs is an excellent way to control your BGs and the more you cut, the better. Most of us find that the " whites " -- breads, cereals and pastas, in fact anything made with grain - will raise our BGs. Also, rice and potatoes will do the same. And of course, cakes and cookies and sweets of all kinds, including fruits and fruit juices. Watch out for " low calorie " foods; often they're higher in carbs. Learn to read food labels. Dr. Bernstein recommends about 40 carbs a day total. This is really only for the dedictated low carber and IMHO hard to maintain over the long run. However, I've read that the average American eats about 300 carbs a day, so the truth is somewhere in between. The best thing you can do for yourself (if you haven't already) is buy a meter and use it FREQUENTLY. At the beginning you want to learn how different foods affect your BG and to do this you need to eat one food at a time, testing first...then test one and two hours afterwards. Weigh out the amounts and keep good notes. You'll use up a lot of strips in the beginning but the rewards are definitely worth the expense and bother because in the end, you'll know what foods to avoid and which are okay. Diabetes is a very individual disease and we often say YMMV - " your mileage may vary " -- what works for one may not work for another. You want to aim for postprandial (two hours after meal) BG of 120. Keeping your BGs between 70 and 140 are your goals. If you can do this longterm, you can probably avoid the dreaded consequences of longterm poor BG control...and I'm sure I don't have to list those for you. (I will if you want, though). Here's my own list of pretty lowcarb veggies: Spinach Cauliflower Broccoli Summer squash (zucchini, crookneck) Spaghetti squash Mushrooms Asparagus Greenbeans Cabbage Sauerkraut And of course lettuce and avocados which aren't a veggie but a fruit .but they're definitely lowcarb. I have a large mixed lettuce salad with avocado every night with dinner. You can eat a reasonable portion (4-6 ounces) of meat, chicken, fish without problem; it's all protein, no carbs. Berries are the lowest carb fruit but even so, you should eat them very sparingly. Here's the website of the USDA, which you'll find very helpful. It has carbs, calories, protein, etc. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl It's helpful to have a food scale. A cup measure isn't nearly so accurate. I use a Salter scale. It weighs in both grams and ounces and cost me somewhere around $35. I got mine at a local gourmet shop but they're available online too. Just do a Google search for " Salter food scales " . The A1C is a test that measures your average BG for a three-month period with slightly more weight given to the latest month. All diabetics should have this test every three months. And you should ask for, and keep, copies of all your lab reports. Oh, here's a link to a site that explains some definitions of diabetic terminology: http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/P/Pancreas.html Good luck. And keep those questions coming. There's a really steep learning curve at the beginning of your diabetes education but hang in there -- it will all make sense eventually. And remember -- the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask. Vicki, diabetic since 1997, A1Cs consistently under 6 for a long time, no complications, planning on forever no complications, smile. Welcome New Member - > Hi All, > > Please join me in welcoming new member ! > > Rick > > At 07:34 AM 10/28/2005, wrote: >> >>Rick: >> >>My name is Carven. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 3 weeks >>ago. I came across this site on the internet while doing research. I >>am looking to gather all of the resources that I can to help me in >>battling this disease and staying healthy. Please add me to the forum. >> >>Thanks, >> >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2005 Report Share Posted October 28, 2005 Hello Welcome to a really good site for learning about controlling your diabetes. One of the most important things is to test when you get up, before a meal, 1 hr and 2 hrs after meals and when you go to bed. Also, cut out high carbohydrate foods - but you will see this a lot YMMV ( Your Mileage May Vary) - it means what works for someone else may not work for you, so the testing lets you know how foods affect your BGs (Blood Glucose levels). May your life be long and complication free. Blessed Be Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2005 Report Share Posted October 29, 2005 > Hi All, > > Please extend a warm welcome to ! > > Rick > > At 06:00 PM 10/28/2005, wrote: >> Hello, >> >> I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes this past summer. I'm taking >> metformin twice a day to help with BG control (along with making >> dietary changes and trying to get more exercise of course) with >> some success. I'm trying to learn everything I can about diabetes >> so that I can manage it better and hopefully avoid the long-term >> complications associated with it. >> >> Thanks, >> , welcome! Like you. I was diagnosed last summer and take Metformin twice a day. I'm fairly new to this group, but I can assure you that you have found a terrific place for support and information! I know you'll enjoy it. Kathy Roosa > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2005 Report Share Posted November 14, 2005 Welcome, . I too am a retired engineer. You might find my website of interest. Recently, I've been looking at modeling a Type 1 to determine the possible effects of GI (glycemic index). It seems that the required total insulin dose (Humalog) may not be much affected by GI, because a carb is a carb is a carb for Type 1s. However, my model suggests that lower GI foods will help lower peak BG and reduce AUC even for a Type 1. I'd be interested in any comments that you might have on your experience with different GI foods. Cheers, Type 2 for 15 years www.dapaice.com " Click on Potpourri for diabetes tests. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2005 Report Share Posted November 17, 2005 Welcome , Glad to have you here in the group. A few questions---What were you doing previously to maintain control? D&E, meds, exercise? What has changed recently that has changed that? Sometimes our diabetes/control just changes & there's no explanation. It's funny that way! Well, not " funny " , but confusing. Do you have any questions for us? If so, could you give some specifics such as bg #'s, HbA1c & what WOE which will help us to make meaningful suggestions. I'm sure there are listmembers that have had experiences similar to yours & can be of help. Myself, I've been controlling my bg's with HbA1c's 5.6-6.0% now for 7 1/2 years with D&E, & am just starting (yesterday) an experiment with Metformin & Glyburide to see if I can get the HbA1c down nearer 5.0% to further lower complication risk. Particularly with the Glyburide, it's a balancing act to avoid going hypo, so I'm cutting pills & starting with small doses, primarily to counteract DP & meal spikes. So far, so good & will report #'s later. , T2, dx'ed 4/98, controlling up to now with LC & Supplements Average Fasting bg 105mg/dl, Last HbA1c 6.0% (10/20/05) Started Metformin & Glyburide Experiment 11-16-05 to get HbA1c nearer 5.0% No Medical Qualifications-Only Experience Living With & Controling my DM >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>Hello. >I have type 2 diabetes. I was diagnosed in February 2003. >It has been under control until recently. So, I am trying to learn all that >I can, and get my numbers back under control. > << Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2005 Report Share Posted November 19, 2005 Dear , I am so sorry you have suffered such great loss this past year. I'm an end-of-life, at home caregiver and I know what you've gone through has been horrendous. Please don't be embarassed to return to your swim aerobics class! I can't imagine a soul there being judgmental toward you or your situation. I'm sure they will congratulate you for coming back, and getting back to your old routine (especially before the holidays!) will no doubt be very comforting to you, and a great outlet for some of the stress...all of which will help your A1c in January, too. Good luck and God bless you, ~a In a message dated 11/19/2005 3:11:55 PM US Eastern Standard Time, phutteman@... writes: I was maintaining control over my diabetes by taking water aerobics 3 times a week, and cutting out a late night sweet habit. Things changed when both of any parents died this year. My dad died in February from Cancer. My Mom died in July after refusing to go on dialysis. So the stress from this has really gotten me down. I quit going to swim aerobics, and I've been eating sweets not just late night . but throughout the day. I tried walking, but the shin splints made it near impossible. I am too embarrassed to return to aerobics. So I Feel stuck! My last A1C in September was 5.6. Im scared to see what it will be in January.Sorry for rambling. Type 2 Since Feb 2003. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2005 Report Share Posted November 19, 2005 I was maintaining control over my diabetes by taking water aerobics 3 times a week, and cutting out a late night sweet habit. Things changed when both of any parents died this year. My dad died in February from Cancer. My Mom died in July after refusing to go on dialysis. So the stress from this has really gotten me down. I quit going to swim aerobics, and I've been eating sweets not just late night . but throughout the day. I tried walking, but the shin splints made it near impossible. I am too embarrassed to return to aerobics. So I Feel stuck! My last A1C in September was 5.6. Im scared to see what it will be in January.Sorry for rambling. Type 2 Since Feb 2003. _____ From: diabetes_int [mailto:diabetes_int ] On Behalf Of rogerhlmn@... Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2005 2:04 PM To: diabetes_int Subject: Re: Welcome New member - Welcome , Glad to have you here in the group. A few questions---What were you doing previously to maintain control? D&E, meds, exercise? What has changed recently that has changed that? _____ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2005 Report Share Posted November 19, 2005 I was maintaining control over my diabetes by taking water aerobics 3 times a week, and cutting out a late night sweet habit. Things changed when both of any parents died this year. My dad died in February from Cancer. My Mom died in July after refusing to go on dialysis. So the stress from this has really gotten me down. I quit going to swim aerobics, and I've been eating sweets not just late night . but throughout the day. I tried walking, but the shin splints made it near impossible. I am too embarrassed to return to aerobics. So I Feel stuck! My last A1C in September was 5.6. Im scared to see what it will be in January.Sorry for rambling. Type 2 Since Feb 2003. _____ From: diabetes_int [mailto:diabetes_int ] On Behalf Of rogerhlmn@... Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2005 2:04 PM To: diabetes_int Subject: Re: Welcome New member - Welcome , Glad to have you here in the group. A few questions---What were you doing previously to maintain control? D&E, meds, exercise? What has changed recently that has changed that? _____ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2005 Report Share Posted November 19, 2005 I was maintaining control over my diabetes by taking water aerobics 3 times a week, and cutting out a late night sweet habit. Things changed when both of any parents died this year. My dad died in February from Cancer. My Mom died in July after refusing to go on dialysis. So the stress from this has really gotten me down. I quit going to swim aerobics, and I've been eating sweets not just late night . but throughout the day. I tried walking, but the shin splints made it near impossible. I am too embarrassed to return to aerobics. So I Feel stuck! My last A1C in September was 5.6. Im scared to see what it will be in January.Sorry for rambling. Type 2 Since Feb 2003. _____ From: diabetes_int [mailto:diabetes_int ] On Behalf Of rogerhlmn@... Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2005 2:04 PM To: diabetes_int Subject: Re: Welcome New member - Welcome , Glad to have you here in the group. A few questions---What were you doing previously to maintain control? D&E, meds, exercise? What has changed recently that has changed that? _____ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2005 Report Share Posted November 19, 2005 Your not rambling and I am sorry about the loss of both parents. Did you know that stress can cause your insulin to rise and rising insulin can cause cravings for sweets? We all have ups and downs and we all feel low about " allowing " ourselves to go off our eating plans. Please don't feel embarassed about something that is a common result of such extreme stress. If you don't go back to your water aerobics ask yourself ? How will you feel mentally in a month, 6 months, a year? Where will your glucose levels be in a month, 6 months, a year? What will happen to your body in response to higher glucose levels? I can't tell you how many times 6 months has gone by or a year and I sit here wishing I had lost weight or had my carpel tunnel surgery or wished I had moved into a smaller home 4 years ago instead of 10 months ago. It might seem hard at first but if you make the effort to return to you water aerobics class I know you will be glad you did. And don't be embarassed, I wonder how many people wonder what become of you, how is she doing and I am sure they would only have compassion and understanding after your having lost both your parents. K I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it! RE: Welcome New member - I was maintaining control over my diabetes by taking water aerobics 3 times a week, and cutting out a late night sweet habit. Things changed when both of any parents died this year. My dad died in February from Cancer. My Mom died in July after refusing to go on dialysis. So the stress from this has really gotten me down. I quit going to swim aerobics, and I've been eating sweets not just late night . but throughout the day. I tried walking, but the shin splints made it near impossible. I am too embarrassed to return to aerobics. So I Feel stuck! My last A1C in September was 5.6. Im scared to see what it will be in January.Sorry for rambling. Type 2 Since Feb 2003. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2005 Report Share Posted November 19, 2005 , I am sorry for your losses, I think all of us here know what it is to lose loved ones. I also did not do well during the final illness and after the death of my first husband. But I did find out that was dangerous, for I have neuropathy now. You need to begin the first day of your new life now. Once again make a commitment to yourself to be good to yourself. Slowly drop the newly acquired habits that you dislike and add back those old ones that you did so well with. If you start right now, you may be pleasantly surprised in Jan. Now, what could be the worse thing that would happen if you returned to aerobics? Do you think people would say bad things because you didn't come? And if they did, would that be end of the world? Of course, they won't, in fact, you might find yourself in a class full of strangers with whom you have no history. So take that first step, the hardest one of all and return to the exercising. Let us know how it goes, we are a bunch of very supportive people. Another big step is to get the sweets out of the house and not to buy them again. If you are living with people who can tolerate sweets, and will have a fit without them, let them keep their stash away from your eyes. Taking care of yourself is hard work, but you are well worth the effort. Helen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2005 Report Share Posted November 21, 2005 , Welcome to the list. I was also diagnosed in Feb. 2003. I think 5.6 is good but if January is higher don't fret too much as you have a lot on your plate. I am sorry to hear abut your parents. I need to go back to the doctor and am afraid what my A1c has gone up to. And I do not have the good excuses you have. Go easy on yourself and just do the best you can. These kinds of things take a long time to deal with. I totally coped out on my swimming at the Y and it has been at least over I year since I swam for 18 months. I had gone at 5AM (which was the time I needed to go for several reasons) but I just could just not get up anymore as I have had so much trouble with sleep. Easy does it and God bless you. ml Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2005 Report Share Posted November 21, 2005 Hi, ...welcome to our list. Your girlfriend is lucky to have someone like you who's willing to support her. I'm going to append my " standard newby letter " . Please read it and follow all the links. There's lots of important information on them, too. You may find that the information there is quite different from what your girlfriend's doc told her about how to control her diabetes but trust us, we've all walked the walk and we know what works. I'd also like to point out that taking insulin is not the end of the world; it's actually the best way to gain control. However, the idea is very scary to newbies, so I understand where she's coming from. Can you tell us what her initial A1C was and what she's doing to control right now? Well, here's the newby letter: First of all, let me refer you to two of the best books about diabetes. Read 'em and you'll learn a lot: The first one is called " The First Year, Type Two Diabetes, An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed " by Gretchen Becker. Gretchen is a list member and her book is an excellent guide. It's in paperback and available online from Amazon if your local bookstore doesn't have it. The second book is called " Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solutions " by K. Bernstein, M.D. You can get it from the library but it's such a good reference that you really should have it in your home library. Dr. Bernstein is a longtime type 1 who controls his diabetes using a lowcarb diet as well as insulin.. Many of us - both type 1 and 2 -- on this list have found great success using his plan or a modified version thereof. . And here's the URL to Dr. Bernstein's website, where there's lots of good stuff: http://www.diabetes-normalsugars.com/index.shtml These two books will give you good basic information on the ins and outs of diabetes management. I would further refer you to an excellent informational website titled " " What They Don't Tell You About Diabetes " http://www.geocities.com/lottadata4u/ If it isn't there for some reason, let me know and I can email you the contents -- I have it in my archives now. I would also refer you to Mendosa's website, where there's a wealth of diabetic information and good links. He also has an online diabetes newsletter which is very good. It's also an excellent source for information about the GI index (glycemic index). www.mendosa.com There's one thing that's sure to make BGs rise and that's carbohydrates. Cutting out high GI carbs is an excellent way to control your BGs and the more you cut, the better. Most of us find that the " whites " -- breads, cereals and pastas, in fact anything made with grain - will raise our BGs. Also, rice and potatoes will do the same. And of course, cakes and cookies and sweets of all kinds, including fruits and fruit juices. Watch out for " low calorie " foods; often they're higher in carbs. Learn to read food labels. Dr. Bernstein recommends about 40 carbs a day total. This is really only for the dedictated low carber and IMHO hard to maintain over the long run. However, I've read that the average American eats about 300 carbs a day, so the truth is somewhere in between. The best thing you can do for yourself (if you haven't already) is buy a meter and use it FREQUENTLY. At the beginning you want to learn how different foods affect your BG and to do this you need to eat one food at a time, testing first...then test one and two hours afterwards. Weigh out the amounts and keep good notes. You'll use up a lot of strips in the beginning but the rewards are definitely worth the expense and bother because in the end, you'll know what foods to avoid and which are okay. Diabetes is a very individual disease and we often say YMMV - " your mileage may vary " -- what works for one may not work for another. You want to aim for postprandial (two hours after meal) BG of 120. Keeping your BGs between 70 and 140 are your goals. If you can do this longterm, you can probably avoid the dreaded consequences of longterm poor BG control...and I'm sure I don't have to list those for you. (I will if you want, though). Here's my own list of pretty lowcarb veggies: Spinach Cauliflower Broccoli Summer squash (zucchini, crookneck) Spaghetti squash Mushrooms Asparagus Greenbeans Cabbage Sauerkraut And of course lettuce and avocados which aren't a veggie but a fruit .but they're definitely lowcarb. I have a large mixed lettuce salad with avocado every night with dinner. You can eat a reasonable portion (4-6 ounces) of meat, chicken, fish without problem; it's all protein, no carbs. Berries are the lowest carb fruit but even so, you should eat them very sparingly. Here's the website of the USDA, which you'll find very helpful. It has carbs, calories, protein, etc. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl It's helpful to have a food scale. A cup measure isn't nearly so accurate. I use a Salter scale. It weighs in both grams and ounces and cost me somewhere around $35. I got mine at a local gourmet shop but they're available online too. Just do a Google search for " Salter food scales " . The A1C is a test that measures your average BG for a three-month period with slightly more weight given to the latest month. All diabetics should have this test every three months. And you should ask for, and keep, copies of all your lab reports. Oh, here's a link to a site that explains some definitions of diabetic terminology: http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/P/Pancreas.html Good luck. And keep those questions coming. There's a really steep learning curve at the beginning of your diabetes education but hang in there -- it will all make sense eventually. And remember -- the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask. Vicki, diabetic since 1997, A1Cs consistently under 6 for a long time, no complications, planning on forever no complications, smile. Welcome New Member - > Hi All, > > Please join me in welcoming new member ! > > Rick > > > At 05:02 PM 11/21/2005, you wrote: >>Hello Rick, >> >>My name is and although I am not diagnosed with Diabetes, my >>longterm >>girlfriend was recently diagnoses with Diabetes about 6 months ago. >>She does >>not have to take insulin shots but I fear that may be comming. We >>have been trying >>to control her diet and she lost about 10 pounds but her numbers are >>still high. I think it has reached a point where she is giving >>up. It is frustrating me like crazy because I don't know what she >>is going through. Hopefully through this group, I'll be able to >>undertand better what it means to be Diabetic and learn how to help >>regain control over her condition. >> >>Thank you for your consideration. >> >> Lai > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2005 Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 Hi, ...welcome to our list. I've just posted my newby letter to another newby, most of which you already seem to know. And I congratulate you on your great control. Your statement that your doc didn't want to do the GAD test is quite correct, since you already were on insulin. But at what point were you put on insulin? Were you on orals for a while? How long? Vicki, another LADA with A1Cs consistently under 6, waving hello, smile... Welcome New Member - > Hi All, > > Please welcome new member ! > > Rick > > At 11:05 AM 12/11/2005, you wrote: >>I have had diabetes for over 9 years, possibly LADA since C-Peptide >>has >>always shown lower than normal insulin production but I've not had a >>GAD >>test to prove the LADA since it wouldn't change methods of treatment. >>I'm >>on MDI with Lantus & Novolog plus restriction of carbohydrates in my >>diet. >>Last HbA1c was 5.3, up 0.2 from the last 3 tests. >> >>I hope this is enough information. >> >> Humeniuk > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2005 Report Share Posted December 31, 2005 Hi, and , our 2 new members from today...welcome to our list. I'm going to post my standard newby letter here, so if you've already read it you can move on to the next post. For you who haven't read it, this is a distillation of what I've learned from 8 years with diabetes, managed successfully. Please do follow the links, too. There's a lot of good information there. First of all, let me refer you to two of the best books about diabetes. Read 'em and you'll learn a lot: The first one is called " The First Year, Type Two Diabetes, An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed " by Gretchen Becker. Gretchen is a list member and her book is an excellent guide. It's in paperback and available online from Amazon if your local bookstore doesn't have it. The second book is called " Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solutions " by K. Bernstein, M.D. You can get it from the library but it's such a good reference that you really should have it in your home library. Dr. Bernstein is a longtime type 1 who controls his diabetes using a lowcarb diet as well as insulin.. Many of us - both type 1 and 2 -- on this list have found great success using his plan or a modified version thereof. . And here's the URL to Dr. Bernstein's website, where there's lots of good stuff: http://www.diabetes-normalsugars.com/index.shtml These two books will give you good basic information on the ins and outs of diabetes management. I would further refer you to an excellent informational website titled " " What They Don't Tell You About Diabetes " http://www.geocities.com/lottadata4u/ If it isn't there for some reason, let me know and I can email you the contents -- I have it in my archives now. I would also refer you to Mendosa's website, where there's a wealth of diabetic information and good links. He also has an online diabetes newsletter which is very good. It's also an excellent source for information about the GI index (glycemic index). www.mendosa.com There's one thing that's sure to make BGs rise and that's carbohydrates. Cutting out high GI carbs is an excellent way to control your BGs and the more you cut, the better. Most of us find that the " whites " -- breads, cereals and pastas, in fact anything made with grain - will raise our BGs. Also, rice and potatoes will do the same. And of course, cakes and cookies and sweets of all kinds, including fruits and fruit juices. Watch out for " low calorie " foods; often they're higher in carbs. Learn to read food labels. Dr. Bernstein recommends about 40 carbs a day total. This is really only for the dedictated low carber and IMHO hard to maintain over the long run. However, I've read that the average American eats about 300 carbs a day, so the truth is somewhere in between. The best thing you can do for yourself (if you haven't already) is buy a meter and use it FREQUENTLY. At the beginning you want to learn how different foods affect your BG and to do this you need to eat one food at a time, testing first...then test one and two hours afterwards. Weigh out the amounts and keep good notes. You'll use up a lot of strips in the beginning but the rewards are definitely worth the expense and bother because in the end, you'll know what foods to avoid and which are okay. Diabetes is a very individual disease and we often say YMMV - " your mileage may vary " -- what works for one may not work for another. You want to aim for postprandial (two hours after meal) BG of 120. Keeping your BGs between 70 and 140 are your goals. If you can do this longterm, you can probably avoid the dreaded consequences of longterm poor BG control...and I'm sure I don't have to list those for you. (I will if you want, though). Here's my own list of pretty lowcarb veggies: Spinach Cauliflower Broccoli Summer squash (zucchini, crookneck) Spaghetti squash Mushrooms Asparagus Greenbeans Cabbage Sauerkraut And of course lettuce and avocados which aren't a veggie but a fruit .but they're definitely lowcarb. I have a large mixed lettuce salad with avocado every night with dinner. You can eat a reasonable portion (4-6 ounces) of meat, chicken, fish without problem; it's all protein, no carbs. Berries are the lowest carb fruit but even so, you should eat them very sparingly. Here's the website of the USDA, which you'll find very helpful. It has carbs, calories, protein, etc. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl It's helpful to have a food scale. A cup measure isn't nearly so accurate. I use a Salter scale. It weighs in both grams and ounces and cost me somewhere around $35. I got mine at a local gourmet shop but they're available online too. Just do a Google search for " Salter food scales " . The A1C is a test that measures your average BG for a three-month period with slightly more weight given to the latest month. All diabetics should have this test every three months. And you should ask for, and keep, copies of all your lab reports. Oh, here's a link to a site that explains some definitions of diabetic terminology: http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/P/Pancreas.html Good luck. And keep those questions coming. There's a really steep learning curve at the beginning of your diabetes education but hang in there -- it will all make sense eventually. And remember -- the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask. Vicki, diabetic since 1997, A1Cs consistently under 6 for a long time, no complications, planning on forever no complications, smile. Welcome New Member - > Hi Y'all, > > We have another new member - ! Welcome! > > Rick > > > > At 02:55 PM 12/31/2005, you wrote: >>Hello. I am a registered nurse who was diagnosed with niddm a year >>ago. I am seeking support and information from others who have the >>same condition. >> >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2006 Report Share Posted January 10, 2006 Hi All, Please join me in welcoming new member ! Thanks! Rick At 01:36 PM 1/10/2006, you wrote: >I have been a diagnosed Type >II diabetic for about 12 years. I'm currently 53 years of ago. I have >also struggled with hypertension and obesity my entire life. About 3 >months ago I started taking Byetta and have had quite good success. I >have been able to lose about 25 pounds with it. Unfortunately, though, >over the past two years I have developed a severe problem with >Metformin. Also about three months ago (with the help of my >endrocronologist) I stopped taking Metformin. I felt like I'd lost 10 >years off my age. I had no idea how sick the Metformin had been making >me. I have far more energy that I have had in years, and my intestinal >system has finally returned to normal. Unfortunately, though, controling >my levels has gotten much more difficult, and I've had to almost avoid >any type of carbs completely. I also tried the time-release varieties of >Glucophage and Metformin with no better success. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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