hospital visit - again Update #27

[Alysser]

I don't have much advice either, but I am here if you need me. I know what it's like to be in and out of hospitals. Hope you get better soon You're a trooper for sure!

[Karen]

Don't be scared, I know plenty of people who have lived good, long lives with diabetes. Eduction is the key, avoiding starches like rice and potato at first until you get used to what your body can handle.

[Prairie Purrs]

I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last March. Like Grace, I take metformin, watch my diet, and exercise. For me, exercise has been especially helpful. And everyone has already given you excellent advice--classes, testing, and learning as much as you can.

It's not a disease to take lightly, but it is manageable. My overall health is better now than it was before I developed diabetes, because now I'm motivated to take care of myself. I lost 70 pounds and went from being unable to stand for more than 15 minutes without horrible back pain to being able to walk/jog 3 miles in under 40 minutes. And I went from a size 22 to 8, which is kind of cool.

The potential complications are scary, and diet management is kind of a pain. But hang in there! It's something you can control.

[DJFyrewolf36]

I'm a borderline type 2 diabetic too. The things that keep it under control for me are diet and exercise. I find that if I avoid sugary things and make sure I burn off all of the calories I consume (or most of them at least ) I stay pretty stable. Illness and infection make my blood sugar skyrocket, so I try to be extra careful when I am sick.

My mom is a type 1 diabetic (the more serious of the two types) and she has been diagnosed since 1995. She does have some complications because she had the disease for quite some time before her diagnosis but she is still doing pretty well. Diabetes is no longer the scary thing that it once was. There has been great strides in medical research and nutritional research that help so much with managing the disease.

*HUGS* The changes are hard (and sometimes I still cheat, diet wise ) but you can do it!

[Medusa]

I have no medical advice for you, Crystal, but I know that all will be well. Just keep saying "God in me knows what to do, how to do it and gets it done". Keep the faythe.

[momcat]

I'm type 1 and on insulin. A great place to go for information and support is the website for the American Diabetes Association, that's how I found my endocrinologist. Diabetes is nothing to be afraid of. Most important is to find an endocrinologist you're comfortable with and can talk to.
A lot has changed regarding treatment. My insulin dose is based on carbohydrates. Ask your doctor for a good nutritionist for help with a workable meal plan, something you can live with and works into your lifestyle. And don't be afraid to ask questions.
There's a lot to learn about diabetes, I have a much easier time than my grandparents did with it. If you're feeling overwhelmed by it right now, that's okay - it goes with the territory.
Please, pm me anytime if you need some support or if there's anything I can do to help you out or if you just need to vent. I'm solidly on your side.

[Scooter's Mom]

thanks, everyone.

I know they said to have 3 meals and 2 snacks daily.
They said pre-breakfast my #'s should be between 70-130. It was 115 this morning so I think that was okay.

Each serving should be no more than 15 carbohydrates.
1 snack = 1 serving = 15 carbohydrates
1 meal = 3-4 servings = 45-60 carbohydrates

I picked up that much from them.
I got some things like yogurt and snack bars at their recommendation.

The one nurse said I could have just almost anything as long as it fell in those guidelines.

The hardest thing I think will be to have NO coke. I love coke.
I have 3-4 a week.

Thanks again for all the help. I'm still pretty scared about all these changes but hearing y'all and seeing your support is so helpful.

[Cataholic]

Gosh, everyone has such helpful information for you, I couldn't add anything even if I knew anything. The only experience I have is from a client of mine. He controls it completely with diet and exercise. He was in his early 20s when the doctor said he had to go on insulin. I guess the benefits of being young is that you are out to prove everyone wrong. In a couple of months, he tested 'normal'.

Good luck, keep us posted, and for many of us (myself included) let this be a wake-up call to watch our diets and exercise!!!