[princesslinda]

To have an A1C of 9.0, you've having some pretty high #'s, even if they aren't showing up at the time you're monitoring... I'm glad you're seeing an endocrinologist, though I am surprised that he is letting you go as long as he is with such a wide range of numbers.

I totaled up all the #'s you gave me (6621) then divided by # of tests (42) and got an avg of 157.6 (158) which should correlate to an A1C of 6.6 if you had these same type #'s for 90 days.

[alexg]

It so happens these numbers are for various days in the last 4 months. There were several times I ran out of strips for testing, so I didn't test several days and\or weeks. But I did test most of the time consecutively.

Alex

[princesslinda]

Alex, i'm not questioning the # of times you're testing, i'm sure you're doing all you possibly can, as you seem quite pro-active and knowledgable about diabetes. I was merely pointing out that even though we can test a lot, there still may be times our blood sugars raise or drop and we don't realize it.

Case in point...I have problems with my morning #'s being higher than the 110 goal that the doctor advised me to strive for...i'm almost always higher than that...I read about the dawn phenomenon and set my clock for 2:30 a.m...sure enough, my blood sugar was in the 70's on 2-3 occasions...so I go down somewhat low at night then swing back up in the mornings. I wouldn't generally be aware of this, as who tests in the middle of the night.

Also, my co-worker is diabetic (On glyburide, metformin and Byetta). Her A1c's last A1C was 6.8, yet she hardly ever has a fasting level under 200, usually 250 or more...however, once she takes her morning meds (3 Glyburide, 1000 metformin XR and byetta shot), she will drop to 80, sometimes 60-70, so her average is good, her control is not.

My response was not meant as criticism, rather concern. I know we all struggle daily with the trials and frustrations of diabetes and I just want you to find an answer to your situation soon.

All the best,
Linda

[alexg]

I understand. I added more reading I had and made it total of 59 and got an 160 average. So your calculations and mine show that my AIC of my readings stay around the same. I got 160 in my totals and you got 158. That is not much difference when I added 17 more readings.

I will talk to my Doctor. I think he is not that concerned with my glucose level as he is focused more on my cholesterol levels, don't know why though. I will tell him to change my diabetes meds first and then try insulin.

Alex

[princesslinda]

At diagnosis, my cholesterol levels were "off" and I had abnormal liver function...my HDL was 23 and my LDL was 143...total cholesterol was within normal limits. Doc told me to exercise and that would help the HDL and LDL. I started on the treadmill (i'm quite overweight, lost 56 lbs so far, have 90 more to go). I also added fish oil tablets and started having a glass of red wine before bedtime 3-4 nights a week. 3 months later, my HDL had risen to 44 (doc wanted it over 40, though i've read over 50 is better) and LDL had dropped to 120. Total cholesterol stayed the same. Liver function is now normal. I really didn't want to start on any of the statins as I had heard bad side effects.

I'm certainly not suggesting you start having red wine, fish oil or more exercise (on the glyburide, alcohol could cause you to drop low if you're not careful), just throwing out what worked for me.

I just saw my doctor yesterday, so I don't know my new results yet, but he attributes my better #'s (blood sugar and lipids) mostly to my weight loss (so I don't know that the fishoil or wine helped).

I think once your blood sugars are in line, your triglycerides and cholesterol should follow (or at least improve).

Keep us posted on how things are going...it's a journey we're all taking together and having this support has meant the world to me.

Linda

[alexg]

Looking around, I found sites on cinnamon and glucose, but this one caught my eye.

HERE

It says Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) Capsules, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

I wonder if that works and if its worth trying out.

Alex

[pdxdennisj]

I resisted going on insulin for many, many years. I hate shots and the idea injecting myself gave me the creeps. I finally failed on max doses of the mainline meds and was forced to go on insulin. Much to my suprise I found the injections really were not a big thing - while not totally painless, I hardly notice them 95% of the time. I am, in fact, giving myself insulin and Byetta twice a day. It is a relief not having those high readings.

[alexg]

Wow you are sure taking a lot of meds and shots. I just did a reading right now before dinner and got 150 mg\dl. Not the best but not ridiculously high. Better than my 236 last night.

Alex

[xMenace]

Alex, please don't shoot the messenger, but probably more sooner than later you will be on insulin. Not only is it the best control option, but it also offers the most flexibility. The needle thing is nothing. Seriously. If that's what's holding you back, don't let it. Finger pricks are painful; insulin syringes are not. Trust me when I say you don't want to experience long term complications. A trillion needles are infinately more fun than some of the stuff I've been through. I'm all for questioning doctors, but when the doctor says it's time, accept it.

[alexg]

HAHAHA! Okay lets see what the Doctor says this time.

Alex

[alexg]

Went to the doc today and bad news. My AIC went up to 10 % from 9%. Last blood test had 162 glucose and this time it was 144 md/gl. He change my med glipizide to amaryl instead for one week and see if it changes my results. If not, insulin shots will be taken as supposedly my liver can't handle any other diabetes medication. My cholesterol went up also to 308 (with zetia) from 225 (with crestor). Now he gave me Welcho. He said my liver is normal but not good enough. Everything else is okay.

Alex

[princesslinda]

Alex, i'm sorry that you didn't get the news you wanted...diabetes is frustrating in that it seems to have a mind of its own sometimes, in spite of our doing all we can to make it otherwise. Seems like elevated blood sugars and elevated lipids go hand in hand as well.

I do hope the Amaryl gives you good results. Do you see your doctor again ina week? Sometimes it takes the medications awhile to build in your system and see an improvement. I don't know how long it takes with the Amaryl, but you might want to check with your doctor and see how soon you should note an improvement. I know on metformin, it can take up to 3 weeks to get the best results.

I know you dread the idea of taking insulin...I do myself, but I hope that if/when the time comes, i'll find the courage to do whatever it takes to get my blood sugars at a level that will minimize my risk of complications. All of us want the best life possible, and if it takes insulin injections to have this, it should definitely be worth it.

You hang in there, just resolve to do whatever it takes to make your #'s where they need to be. Keep us posted.

All the best,
Linda

[LancetChick]

Well, ya never know until you actually try. I HATE pills, have hated taking pills since childhood, and won't take a pill that doesn't offer instant gratification like allergy pills do. I take vitamins, but they're all chewable. I don't like getting injections in the doctor's office or hospital because they really are painful, but insulin syringes are a whole different kettle of fish for some reason, and they don't bother me at all, even after reusing the same one for two months and the lubricant has worn off. I prefer insulin injections to pills by far, and am very glad I'm not type 2.

[alexg]

I am already going back to the doc on Tuesday for directions and my first prescription of Insulin shot via an Insulin Pen. For those of you who read this that know about Insulin, what do I need to know from taking pills to going into taking Insulin Shots? Any details are welcome and appreciated.

Alexg

[alexg]

Went to the doctor today and he now gave me 6 ml insulin shots twice a day plus two Amaryl tablets daily as well. Seems rather easy with the insulin pen. Tonight is my first shot so wish me luck.

alexg