[the terminator]

Hello. For some reason, I felt really sad when asked to introduce myself. Don't know why. Anyhow, I am a type 2 member of the club now.

I have felt like I was living in my sleep for a long time. I had a 32 oz drinking glass that I would drink 4 or 5 times a night. My toe came up with an ulcer, unknown to me at the time what it was. I kept medicating it, it never go better. I went to see a physician last Wednesday. I rushed to a specialist, rushed to the hospital, a million tests, pokes and blood lettings. They removed the dead toe on Thursday. I came home this morning.

I enjoy online forums for all of my hobbies. I guess that diabetes is my new one. So, hello, and I'll likely be looking for a lot of help in the future. - Ted

[xMenace]

Welcome.

I have a friend who went through a similar experience. He's down two toes and survived a nasty internal infection. He's pumping now, got his A1C under 6%, and feels like a million bucks.

[princesslinda]

Hi Ted, welcome to the forums! Sounds like you've had a rough time lately. You've came to a great place for information and support.

What meds are you currently taking for your diabetes? Do you have a meter and are you testing often? Its very important to test, so you can learn how different foods affect blood sugar, and be able to make smarter food choices.

Many here find that minimizing carbs (esp white foods) helps keep blood sugars stable. When you're back on your feet and can exercise, make it something you do every day.

Hope you post often, ask lots of questions and learn all you can about this new chapter in your life. As you'll see if you read many of the posts here, its possible to have a long and happy life with diabetes.

Also, get the book: "The FIrst Year, Type II Diabetes, " by Gretchen Becker. Does a great job of explaining diabetes and gives a lot of useful/helpful information.

[the terminator]

Thank you both for your kind words. To answer your questions princesslinda.

I am taking 500mg of Metformin, twice daily.
I have one type of injectible insulin that I am taking on a sliding scale, 3 times daily. I have a second type of insulin that I am taking once nightly, 20 units per injection. I recieved a meter at the hospital, with training. Videos, and hands on. It doesn't seem that hard to do. Today, my glucose has been 199 am, 264 lunch, and 239 dinner.

According to the doctors, I should only need the insulin injections for about a month, the pills may eventually not be needed. They think that my insulin receptors in the cells will begin to work again, but I know that future predicitions can be very speculative.

Initially, at the early Wednesday doctors appt, the glucose level was 442. They called the next day, and let me know. I will meet with my diabetic physician on Tuesday. I had a staff MD at the hospital, along with my podiatrist, a wonderful man. He knew a phenomenal amount about diabetes, as most of his foot patients have it.

Best -

[princesslinda]

Sounds like you have the attitude you need to get a handle on your diabetes! You won't believe how much better you'll feel once your numbers normalize. T2 can come on so gradually, we don't realize how badly we feel until we stop feeling that way.

Glad you have a meter...testing 2 hrs after your first bite is VERY important in learning which foods to eat.

Right now, with your infection and the stress of surgery, your blood sugar will tend to run higher...and it can take 3-4 weeks for the metformin to reach optimal levels in your body. So don't be discouraged if your #s aren't as good as you think they should be at first. Glad you've go the insulin on board for more immediate help.

Please check in often and let us know how you're doing.

[the terminator]

Originally Posted by princesslinda

,,,T2 can come on so gradually, we don't realize how badly we feel until we stop feeling that way.

God knows, that is so true. I have always been stronger, and exercised more than most around me. The last 9 months or year, I have felt like I was living in my sleep. My strength is down to about 15%, and I thought it was just old age. I have felt poorly and in declining health, for several years, aches and pains just came and stayed. The week before the hospital was the worst. I felt so sore, weak, and tired, I could not really work a full shift at my job, which is not real physical, but requires that you be active. I feel ten times better today. I haven't been constantly drowsy for a couple of days. What a great "awakening", no pun intended. Best -

[notme]

Hi Ted, Glad you are feeling better. Sounds like you have been through a lot in the past few months.

I know this was a club that most of us would rather not join, but you will find that there are great people and good friends here. We all understand what you are going through and are willing to help. If you don't need help, they are just here to listen and be friends. Nothing bad about that.

I have found this site to be a great release when I am bugged about something diabetes related (and not). My family really doesn't understand, although they try. We are living it and they are living with it. Big difference.

Just sit back, read and enjoy the great people on this site.

[mortis505]

HI Ted and welcome to DF! Sorry you had to go through this, but glad you found the forum.

[Psycho Penguin]

Oh man, I have bad nightmares of the huge drinking glass and needing to refill it all the time. Sorry to hear about the toe but hopefully you can prevent further complications now that you have first hand experience. Glad to hear you are doing better now!

[shutterbug]

I know.. I was in other hobby related forums before joining here. Its was difficult for many of us to introduce ourselves. There are still people out there who visit the forums without introducing themselves

Welcome to DF!

[davef]

Ted,

I'm really sorry to hear about how you discovered your diabetes. The important thing is you now know what you are dealing with and so you will be able to get in control.

You have been given great advice already, so I'll just add a "Welcome" and 2nd Linda's suggestion of the Becker book.

Visit and post often,

[shutterbug]

I know.. I was in other hobby related forums before joining here. Its was difficult for many of us to introduce ourselves. There are still people out there who visit the forums without introducing themselves

Welcome to DF!