Diabetes Type 2 Support Group
Type 2 Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not make efficient use of it. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert food into glucose, a sugar that the body uses for energy. Without enough insulin, glucose can accumulate in the blood, and can cause serious health problems such as heart disease and strokes and organ damage...
I was recently diagnosed with type2, and I am devastated, but not surprised. It runs in my family - both my parents have it as did my grandmother. I also had gestational diabetes and was told that it was a good indication that I was at a higher risk.
I have always struggled with my weight and was warned about a year ago. I had blood work done about 6 months ago and my A1C was about a 6.2, which I know is borderline. I recently got tested and it was an 8.3. I am not sure how it increased so much over a short period, but that was it, officially a diabetic.
I am on Metformin and Januvia and of course, adjusting my diet. I am a big sweet and carb eater, so this has been difficult. I need to lose at least 50 pounds, if not more. I am joining the YMCA, so I can use their gym and will start walking again. It has only been a week, and the metformin has been doing a number on me. I have been nauseous a lot from it, and I had a horrible cold to top it off. But now I am starting to feel better and can hopefully get into an exercise routine.
I have not seen a nutritionist, but would like to, so hopefully my insurance will cover it.
My primary care also wants to put me on Lisinopril (if my kidney count ends up high) and possibly a med for cholesterol. She said that I am at risk for heart disease, etc. I am really freaked out and nervous now. I am going to try my best to lower my sugars, but I am really scared.
Any advice would be great appreciated. I am reading as much as possible, but of course, I am very busy and trying to keep up with the information is hard.
thanks :)
I have always struggled with my weight and was warned about a year ago. I had blood work done about 6 months ago and my A1C was about a 6.2, which I know is borderline. I recently got tested and it was an 8.3. I am not sure how it increased so much over a short period, but that was it, officially a diabetic.
I am on Metformin and Januvia and of course, adjusting my diet. I am a big sweet and carb eater, so this has been difficult. I need to lose at least 50 pounds, if not more. I am joining the YMCA, so I can use their gym and will start walking again. It has only been a week, and the metformin has been doing a number on me. I have been nauseous a lot from it, and I had a horrible cold to top it off. But now I am starting to feel better and can hopefully get into an exercise routine.
I have not seen a nutritionist, but would like to, so hopefully my insurance will cover it.
My primary care also wants to put me on Lisinopril (if my kidney count ends up high) and possibly a med for cholesterol. She said that I am at risk for heart disease, etc. I am really freaked out and nervous now. I am going to try my best to lower my sugars, but I am really scared.
Any advice would be great appreciated. I am reading as much as possible, but of course, I am very busy and trying to keep up with the information is hard.
thanks :)
I too was diagnosed 7 months ago. I was not shocked as it runs rampant in my family.....however, I cried all the way home from the doctors office. I read as much as I could get my hands on. Coming here was also helpful.....tons of info from the "seasoned" diabetics.
Everything is trial and error, but the rule of thumb is to count carbs...usually 30-45 per meal and between 15-18 for snacks.
I don't eat anything with white flour, no fried foods, no ice cream, no white rice, or white potatoes.....these types of foods usually affect your blood sugar by getting into your blood quickly which spikes your blood sugar and holds the blood sugar high too long.
I have become quite the cook in trying various different things. I eat tons of fresh salads.....I eat fruit but am careful to not over do it. I usually do the plate division thingy....half my plate is filled with veggies or a salad and a fruit. one third is one slice of 100% whole wheat bread and a little butter and the other third is 3 ounces of a lean meat. In doing this 3 times a day and a atikins bar for a snack 3 hours after a meal.....I've been able to lose 70 pounds and I'm still losing. My blood sugars have come down as has my blood pressure. I take Lasartan Potassium (the sister drug of Lisinopril.....Lisinopril gave me that nasty cough and didn't work as well as the sister drug). I'm also on Metformin 500 mg. twice a day.
I started out slow (one a day for two weeks then added the second dose) as it does mess with the digestive system....however, I was one of the lucky ones that it didn't give me much problems. I also take it with my meal which I feel helps. Usually the symptoms subside after a few weeks.
I usually walk, but the weather got nasty, but is finally giving way to Spring.....so I need to get back to that.
I feel so much better......losing the much need weight was a plus and a perk I was not expecting....but I'll take it.
I just like the fact that I am feeling much better.
I use to feel like I was walking on eggshells when I was first diagnosed, but lately I forget I am diabetic and need to remind myself to test my blood and eat (the God for my glucose buddy app on my phone).
know it's normal to be overwhelmed at first and need some guidance. I am lucky to have my mom who is also diabetic and a retired nurse.....she has been a wealth of information and comfort. Even though we are both type two diabetics we handle it differently.....she does portion control (mostly) and I have to stay away from the white foods (flour, rice, pasta, pizza, potatoes) and count carbs. I also eat much healthier than my mom and eat on a schedule.......but, it is what it is :)
Everything is usually trial and error.
I've had 3 A1C's now.....my first was 7.4, my second was 5.9.....and my last one a few weeks ago was 6.2. I was a bit freaked when I went from a 5.9 to a 6.2 as I didn't do anything different....but as you will learn....diabetes has a mind or agenda of it's own....even if you do everything you should or can.
Well, I could ramble on all night LOL......but I'll give your eyes a rest (they are very vulnerable with diabetes).
Keep coming back and ask all the questions you need.....we have some great peeps here. They should be by later.
Chin up.......you will do great!
You main issue of course is your diet and it's not a special diet, just a healthy diet - watch your portion controls, the white breads, pasta, rice, potatoes have starches which will hold your numbers up higher and longer so learn to make substitutions like the light version of bread - white or multigrain, try to find dreamfields pasta, it is carb friendly, try sweet potatoes use smaller sizes. veggies are good tho carrots and corn have a high fructose content so experiment how they react with your numbers.
Remember it is carbs NOT just sugar....carbs are sugars so just because it says sugar free, it is not CARB free.
The lisinopril does help the kidneys, and most cholesterol meds given is simvastatin or pravastatin. These will usually be the small does, basically maintenance type unless you do have an issue with blood pressure and cholesterol.
Exercise is also needed to help control the numbers. And many people will do diet and exercise to control instead of immediately going on meds so do talk with your doctor.
talk to us, we are here and in time this will all become a normal thing for you and we all go thru the emotions, etc. Even after 18 years with me having it, I still have moments lol,