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Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,308
Registered: ‎06-15-2016

Newly diagnosed with type II diabetes and need help, please!

My regular doctor retired last December. He was watching my Ac1 level, which was elevated but not terrible, like 5.7-5.9 depending on when it was tested. We talked about being mindful of my diet and I try, sort of. My new doctor drew blood at my first visit. He said it was 6.7 and declared I had been diabetic for years! He's well liked and respected by all of my friends which is why I decided to use him. But, after he told me he believes I'm diabetic, he prescribed Metformin and said nothing else! When I was paying my copay I mentioned my diagnosis to the nurse. She handed me a packet of notes from the Internet, nothing the average person wouldn't know!

 

After some trouble getting used to Metformin, I am finally on it with little problem. When I saw the doc next, my number was down to 6.3. I told him I felt like I was on my own with everything. He said he had an easy way to manage my diabetes and was going to tell me. He got called out on an emergency before he did. At the desk I told the nurse what he said and she handed me the packet again!  I've done a lot of research online, but I feel like I am floundering! I know about glycemic index, etc. I make an effort to watch that I don't eat a lot of carbs, but the only foods that taste good to me ARE carbs! I think my taste buds have been affected by my autoimmune disease as I have burned mouth syndrome. I test my blood and it is usually 119-123 first thing in the morning. It is usually no more than 157 at any give time and only once was it 169. The doctor did not tell me to test my blood so I have no idea what I'm doing with it, either! I have mobility issues so what I eat for breakfast and lunch needs to be something I can grab easily, like a donut (shh! Don't yell at me!😉). For lunch I do ok. I eat cottage cheese and fruit. I eat mini saltines for snack, and not a lot for dinner, but later I eat mini ice cream cones for desert. If we have fresh fruit I will eat it during the day as well.

 

I haven't been feeling well lately. When I am getting ready to go out I will get very shaky, and feel generally weak and I'll. I test at 120 so I doubt it's my sugar. I also will wake from sleep feeling the same way! I'm about to go crazy! I rarely go anywhere anymore because of how I feel! I'm also afraid I will harm my organs. I've had pancreatitis twice! I'm open to advice! Thanks!

Never underestimate the power of kindness.
Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,206
Registered: ‎08-08-2011

Re: Newly diagnosed with type II diabetes and need help, please!

I know our local hospital offers diabetes management classes. Do you have a hospital nearby that might offer that?

Valued Contributor
Posts: 567
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: Newly diagnosed with type II diabetes and need help, please!

I was diagnosed last September with Type II. There is a lot of information on the internet and many many books.  Diabetes for Dummies was very helpful.  

 

First off you need to eat better. You say you don't eat many carbs -- there are good carbs and bad carbs.  You need to select the good carbs.  Start putting protein into your diet ... fish, chicken, some red meats.  Stay away from the sweets and watch what fruits you eat.  Saltines -- stop those as well, they are starchy and full of sodium.  

 

You seem to be your worst enemy.  You need to make changes. 

 

I made the changes. You need to eat throughout the day so your glucose levels don't drop.  Stay away from the juices and even diet soda.  

 

I dropped 30 lbs and my A1C number dropped a full point in 6 months.  

 

You can do it, you need to work at it.  Taking a pill won't solve the problem.  

 

Good luck to you.  

 


@Imadickens wrote:

My regular doctor retired last December. He was watching my Ac1 level, which was elevated but not terrible, like 5.7-5.9 depending on when it was tested. We talked about being mindful of my diet and I try, sort of. My new doctor drew blood at my first visit. He said it was 6.7 and declared I had been diabetic for years! He's well liked and respected by all of my friends which is why I decided to use him. But, after he told me he believes I'm diabetic, he prescribed Metformin and said nothing else! When I was paying my copay I mentioned my diagnosis to the nurse. She handed me a packet of notes from the Internet, nothing the average person wouldn't know!

 

After some trouble getting used to Metformin, I am finally on it with little problem. When I saw the doc next, my number was down to 6.3. I told him I felt like I was on my own with everything. He said he had an easy way to manage my diabetes and was going to tell me. He got called out on an emergency before he did. At the desk I told the nurse what he said and she handed me the packet again!  I've done a lot of research online, but I feel like I am floundering! I know about glycemic index, etc. I make an effort to watch that I don't eat a lot of carbs, but the only foods that taste good to me ARE carbs! I think my taste buds have been affected by my autoimmune disease as I have burned mouth syndrome. I test my blood and it is usually 119-123 first thing in the morning. It is usually no more than 157 at any give time and only once was it 169. The doctor did not tell me to test my blood so I have no idea what I'm doing with it, either! I have mobility issues so what I eat for breakfast and lunch needs to be something I can grab easily, like a donut (shh! Don't yell at me!😉). For lunch I do ok. I eat cottage cheese and fruit. I eat mini saltines for snack, and not a lot for dinner, but later I eat mini ice cream cones for desert. If we have fresh fruit I will eat it during the day as well.

 

I haven't been feeling well lately. When I am getting ready to go out I will get very shaky, and feel generally weak and I'll. I test at 120 so I doubt it's my sugar. I also will wake from sleep feeling the same way! I'm about to go crazy! I rarely go anywhere anymore because of how I feel! I'm also afraid I will harm my organs. I've had pancreatitis twice! I'm open to advice! Thanks!


 

Helen852
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,423
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Newly diagnosed with type II diabetes and need help, please!

[ Edited ]

I've found mother nature plays nasty tricks on us- the stuff we shouldn't eat tastes the best! I also love carbs but eat next to none since they're the worst for me- diabetes runs in my family.  I was  the high range of pre diabetic a little over a year ago and have lost weight-  plus exericise. No more pre diabetic at all after a few months of consistent life changes!!

 

If you don't feel comfortable working with this doctor and his staff I'd suggest you find someone else. We all need to take control of our health but the doctor and his staff should partner with you. The 2nd opinion is likely to be the same- but you won't so feel so much on your own if they're supporting you.

 

Yes- no donuts!!  Or mini ice cream cones!! Did the doctor write you a script to see a nutritionist? That would help with the diabetes as well as the autoimmune issues.

 

Super Contributor
Posts: 416
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Newly diagnosed with type II diabetes and need help, please!

I agree, OP is her own worst enemy!

 

No ice cream or donuts!!!!

eat lean meat, veggies , limit fruit and fat

 

eat fruit with a protein ( like string cheese)

 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 30,918
Registered: ‎05-10-2010

Re: Newly diagnosed with type II diabetes and need help, please!

Your doctor can treat your ear infections and sore throats.  He cannot effectively manage diabetes.  That isn't his speciality.  Diabetes is a serious disease and you are correct, you're on your own.  But don't have to be.  Please call your local hospital and make an appointment with an endocrinologist.  Ask to see one who specializes in diabletes.  Most hospitals have diabetes clinics and specialists and nutritionists and diabetes nurses.  You NEED that type of team.  Don't wait....do it today.  Diabetes is a serious and insidious disease and you could find yourself in trouble without even realizing it. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,938
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: Newly diagnosed with type II diabetes and need help, please!

Sorry you are having to figure this out on your own. I know if I was in your shoes I would be wondering the same. I keep watching what I eat & exercise, eat protein for breakfast so I'm not hungry all day. My A1C went down last 2 labs. 

First off all I can say is if you are diabetic if you eat donuts you will feel ill. If you need something to grab & go grab an apple instead of a donut. Maybe you could find a good protein shake for breakfast. You will feel better if you eat the right foods & smaller amounts throughout the day to keep your sugar levels in check. At least this is what I think you need to do since I'm not diabetic. 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,104
Registered: ‎09-12-2010

Re: Newly diagnosed with type II diabetes and need help, please!

It's so unfair that as we get older the chance of having a diabetes issue becomes greater.  And, if you become sick with something else, you are doomed to have diabetes.  We are all different in how we handle this.  I know many people who make no changes to diet until they are a full blown diabetic.  If it were me, it would only take a hint for me to make a change.  I eliminated as much sugar as I could a long time ago to reduce food cravings.  Until you do that, there is not a snowball's chance of successful change.  If you can get past 2 wks of extremely low sugar, you won't even want to eat those items you've kept around as comfort food.  Good luck. 

Contributor
Posts: 73
Registered: ‎06-02-2015

Re: Newly diagnosed with type II diabetes and need help, please!


@Nightowlz wrote:

Sorry you are having to figure this out on your own. I know if I was in your shoes I would be wondering the same. I keep watching what I eat & exercise, eat protein for breakfast so I'm not hungry all day. My A1C went down last 2 labs. 

First off all I can say is if you are diabetic if you eat donuts you will feel ill. If you need something to grab & go grab an apple instead of a donut. Maybe you could find a good protein shake for breakfast. You will feel better if you eat the right foods & smaller amounts throughout the day to keep your sugar levels in check. At least this is what I think you need to do since I'm not diabetic. 


 

 

I will add here that I use Glucerna shakes for a small meal or in between to keep blood sugar level.  I also get Diabetic Living  and Diabetic Self Management  magazines which have alot of up to date info and recipes. I snack on unsalted nuts. I eat smaller more frequent meals. And metformin is what keeps me under 6.0. At first I checked my blood sugar 6 times a day, and I could see what certain foods were doing to me. It really is a whole big deal that you have to devote some time and energy to.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,325
Registered: ‎03-08-2014

Re: Newly diagnosed with type II diabetes and need help, please!

[ Edited ]

I relate to what you are saying and your frustration. I had an AC1 reading of 101 – just over the 100 making me pre-diabetic. I asked for help, training, education, etc. so I could reverse it before it escalated. All I got was a useless small pamphlet. I thought they would refer me to a dietitian to help me learn how to reverse the situation….boy was I ignorant.

 

I am not medically trained, but here are a few general tips that helped me and might help get you started while you find out about your new diet. Avoid things that are white…potatoes, white pasta, white rice, bread (saltine crackers, too), etc. Starchy carbs turn to sugar quickly in your system and white things tend to fall into that category. Eat small amounts every few hours – even if you are not hungry. Always include a protein, a healthy fat, and a healthy carb (you can Google: “healthy fats” & “healthy carbs” for ideas). Taking a cinnamon capsule each day helps me – research it and ask your doctor about the benefits of cinnamon (that does not mean eat cinnamon rolls).

 

Think PFC at each meal (not KFC like Kentucky Fried Chicken, but rather PFC for protein, fat & carb – healthy carbs). I tend to like easy things, so I will make up a batch of sweet potatoes on the weekend so all I have to do is reheat as needed. I also hard boil 6 eggs to have on hand for quick protein. Breakfast might be an egg (cooked any way) plus some warmed sweet potatoes. Either cook your egg in a little butter or put a little butter on the sweet potatoes for your healthy fat. Lunch might be some cold cuts, or cold steak left over from last night’s dinner (protein), with cold sliced tomatoes (healthy carb) and some sliced avocado (healthy fat). Afternoon snack might be cold crisp celery stalks (healthy carb) with peanut butter – or any nut butter(healthy fat) smeared on each and a hardboiled egg (protein). Dinner might be a pork chop (protein) with wild rice (healthy carb) and some tasty olives (healthy fat). Bedtime snack – leave out the protein as that tends to be an energy source. Try some sliced peaches (healthy carb) and put a little cream on them for a healthy fat…or apples & nut butter. That is just a skeleton example – you can substitute other healthy items while you are learning about your new way of eating.

 

While fruit is a healthy carb, most fruit is high in sugar or quickly turns to sugar in your bloodstream, use moderation with fruit and especially the really sweet fruits. Also, when ready the labels on boxed things, look at the “Total Carbohydrates” listed – then divide that number by 4 and the number you get will tell you how may teaspoons of sugar you will consume if you eat one portion of that item. I was shocked when I saw that a 1 oz. single serving box of raisins had 22 grams of carbohydrates – that is over 5 teaspoons of sugar in that one little box! I have better ways to spend my sugar allotment.

 

Change is often hard, but you will adjust to all the good foods that are available to you. It is just a new way of thinking, shopping and eating. It is still good and easy. It takes time to learn a whole new way of eating so don’t expect to learn everything overnight. I agree there should be more information readily available to people since there is such a high rate of diabetes. Why not teach people before the disease advances to full form! I don’t understand what has happened to the business of medicine these days.

 

Hope this helps.  Wishing you well!

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