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 have doctors appointment with my new Endo this coming Wednesday and I am the type to want to have things written down and know what needs to be said. but I don't have much. I wanted to know questions to ask and what things are important that people seem to skip because they think it not a big deal that may be. The only thing I can think of right now is that Metformin ER makes me really sick. and the excessive urinating and thirst. Like I can be in Walmart and have stop to buy water before I am even done shopping.(how annoying?)
When should you contact a doctor or go to the ER (what number levels such as BG over 400 or 70 and below)?
These are just a few questions that I have had to ask. There sure is a lot to learn and try to remember.
Other questions - what should you do if you are unwell? how to best treat a high or low blood sugar? what food substitutions can you make that will be reasonably healthy but also tasty? how to count carbs and dose insulin/meds (if you take those)?
You can get a cheap meter at walmart, lancets, and testing strips.
Keeping track of your numbers is essential to controlling diabetes. At least test in the morning before you eat and usually before dinner (more if necessary). Read, read, read labels. You want to count carbs by serving size........this is sugar in disguise and the most important thing to watch.......also fat and salt intake. Try to keep your meals within 30-45 grams of carbs per meal.....careful with fruits. I eat small apples and pears. I have other fruits, but I watch how I react to them as they can raise your blood sugars fast.
I have to eat snacks in between meals, so I bought some Atkins bars in my purse and in my car in case I can't eat at my regularly scheduled meals.
This is something you MUST keep on top of becuz you don't want complications that come with this disease. I'm new into this and my eyesight is already affected. I'm working hard to stay on my diet and get exercise. I've lost weight and I'm feeling better than I have in a long time.
I say you need to ask your doctor for a diet plan/dietician and exercise plan. I'd also ask how often you should be testing your blood and how it's done (it may take some practice). I don't have health insurance (I've applied for Obamacare and am still waiting), so I have to pay out of pocket for testing items......I got the Walmart brand and it is WAY cheaper than the other brands and it works just fine.
Your doctor will probably take blood every 3 months to keep track of your A1C which tells them where you are in the disease.
Best of luck and let us know how your visit goes and how else we can help...ok?