This seems like a great place!

jillybean · #1 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 05:20 AM

I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes about 6 weeks ago now. I had a fasting glucose of 214 and an A1C of 9.5. My insulin production was normal. I was put on 500mg Metformin 2x a day.

I am only 25 years old, so I have a long road ahead. My mother and her brother were both also recently diagnosed with Type 2, so it clearly runs in the family. I've been obese pretty much my whole life, so it's no wonder it popped up at a much younger age for me. I also have the lovely accompaniment of high blood pressure.

I went through an initial sort of shock period where I threw myself little pity parties and complained about not being able to eat normal foods and having to stab myself every day. I'm over that now and have moved on to the let's-kick-this-disease's-a$$ stage

I had a 1-month follow up with my doc, and I told her my morning glucose levels were consistently higher than the rest of the day, so she increased my evening dose of Metformin to 1000mg. She also gave me some Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin 50/500) to take in the morning instead of just the plain met.

As for diet, my doc said to try to stay below 150g carbs a day. Well, I am not new to the world of healthy low-carb plans, so I really stay well below that normally with my carbs coming primarily from veggies, beans, nuts, some reduced fat dairy, and the occasional fruit.

I am now steadily losing weight (started at over 300 pounds), and my BGLs are regularly in the 110s and 120s.

I have a goal of getting OFF all diabetes medications in 3 years. I want to be off them before my fiance and I start trying to expand our family

So that's me and my diabetes!

davef · #2 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 05:28 AM

Jillybean,

Welcome to the forums, great to see you have come through the initial emotional roller coaster and have come out fighting!

This is really a great place, lots of information, really great people, you'll love it here.

Great to see a Doctor giving good advice about carbs, so many of them just don't get the idea of reducing carbs.

There's a good book you may want to have a look at called "The first year: Type 2 Diabetes" by Gretchen Becker.

How often are you testing? If you test before each meal and then two hours after first bite, you will learn what foods work for you and which are best avoided.

Good to have you with us,

princesslinda · #3 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 05:31 AM

Welcome Jilly! Sounds like you've got the right attitude and should do very well.

Hope you're testing your blood sugars often, its the best way to get good control. Testing 2 hrs after your first bite will show you how different foods affect your blood sugars and will help you make smarter food choices.

Watching carbs (esp. potatoes, rice, pasta, breads--all that good "white" stuff) will help a lot.

Regular exercise is VERY important. As a fellow "big-girl," I know its hard to start exercising, esp. if you've been sedentary. At first, I just started taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator, and parking further away from stores and then started going for a walk after dinner or lunch. As you get used to it, add a little more/different exercises. I have a couple of Pilates DVDs and its a good workout.

A great book for you is Gretchen Becker's "The First Year, Type 2 Diabetes." Its full of great information.

Hope you post often, and ask lots of questions.

Evermont · #4 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 05:39 AM

You're right, it is a great place - and we're glad to have you with us. I like your goals.

kgm0612 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 05:56 AM

Welcome to the forum, Jilly.
With such a positive attitude, I know you will reach your goals.

Karen

jillybean · #6 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 06:06 AM

Wow, thanks for the welcomes, everyone! I was afraid this might be a slow forum, but 4 replies before 9am--awesome!

Initially, my doc told me just to test in the morning before breakfast and then again before dinner. Based on my own reading/research, I started testing more frequently than that. I do still check at those 2 times, but I also check 90 minutes-2 hours after starting dinner, and when I'm home on weekends, I tend to check after other meals as well, not just dinner. Most recently, I've been holding steady in the 120s even in my post-meal tests.

Quote:

Originally Posted by princesslinda

Regular exercise is VERY important. As a fellow "big-girl," I know its hard to start exercising, esp. if you've been sedentary.

I've been slacking on this lately. I have no problem exercising when I actually DO it--it's the DOing it part that's hard! I was doing great for about 2 months (started before my diagnosis)--I was doing more than 60 minutes a day on average of workout DVDs and quick walking. Lately, though, life got in the way (travelling for work, working extra hours from home in the evening after working a 9-12 hour day in the office...). I know I need to get back to it, though.

Jan B · #7 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 07:28 AM

Welcome Jilly!

This is a wonderful and supportive place. You have gotten a great start, by getting the attitude in check! We have some T2 members who really believe that this disease gave them the kick in the butt they needed for a much healthier life. We all have to work harder to be healthy, but it can give you a much better appreciation for life itself. Like health, happiness is a choice -- glad to have you here!