hospital visit - again Update #27

[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!!!

[Grace]

I have another thing to add. Even if you control with diet and exercise and Metformin, there will be times when you want to have something special - pizza, Thanksgiving dinner, a meal with lots of carbs.

I was on a diabetic forum and this subject came up. One of the gals told me about a med you can take for those once-in-a-blue-moon times. I got a prescription for Prandin. I take 0/5mg just before eating one of those high carb meals. The effect lasts for 3-4 hours, and it's really nice to be able to eat like I did in the past.

Just make sure you test before the meal and 2 hours after dinner when taking this.

[Lilith Cherry]

I am type 1 on insulin and was diagnosed in 1992. I am still around and doing okay so don't get too depressed about it! You will soon get used to the idea and find what works for you - everyone is a little different. Definitely take an information class and ask for a referral to a dietician to get you on the right track. A small tip - if you use a blood monitor to test your levels, prick the sides of your fingers and not the pads - it will get less sore. As for the kidney infection, drink lots of diet cranberry juice as it really helps. Any other thing you want to know please ask anytime and I will try and help.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm sorry to hear that you've been so sick and that you've been diagnosed with diabetes. You've already been given a lot of great advice. Just do as your doctors tell you and I'm sure you'll be fine. Good luck.