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forevervike · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 08:28 AM

Hi everyone.

Name is Mark and im 47 from upstate ny. They did a fast gluc intolerance test and it was 120. They did another one and it was 125. Now I took the 3 hr test and am waiting. This really bums me out. Although I smoke a little (working on stopping) I am 5'10 and weigh 170, great shape, always busy and active. I am though a little hyper and high strung. I eat like a horse, can eat like 3/4 lb macaroni one sitting. Been like that my whole life and never gained weight. this is really bumming me out. For a week, i've been eating oatmeal & cinamon, cesar salads, shredded wheat. I am starved, I have always needed food. I lost 7 lbs in 4 days and am getting headaches. You all seem so great here, so I am here for help and suggestions. I know it isnt bad yet, but I can feel it getting bad. Be talking to you.

Mark

yannah · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 08:39 AM

Hi Mark,

If you have diabetes, they have caught it early it seems, so that is on the up side.

I feel bad for you having to wait. today I am waiting for my lab results to show up on my computer. It is going to be a long day for us I fear!

Welcome to diabetes forum! It is a great place to be.

princesslinda · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 08:49 AM

Welcome Mark! I'd encourage you to watch the oatmeal and cereals, as most cereals have a lot of carbs. Some diabetics tend to tolerate oatmeal (esp. the steel cut kind), but some don't. I find any oatmeal sends my blood sugar soaring. Minimizing your carbs helps keep blood sugars stable. Avoid "white" foods...rice, pasta, bread, potaotes and instead focus more on fresh green veggies, salads, lean meats, seafood, cheese, nuts. You shouldn't have to starve, you just need to learn what to eat.

Testing is very important...ask your doc for a meter and a prescription for strips. Testing 2 hrs after your first bite of food will show you which foods cause your blood sugar to rise, and allow you to make smarter food choices.

If you enjoy pasta, try the Dreamfield's brand, its much more blood sugar friendly than regular pasta.

A great book for you'll see recommended here often is "The First Year, Type 2 Diabetes," by Gretchen Becker. Its a great resource.

Regular exercise is very important as well.

Hope you post often, ask lots of questions. Knowledge is power. We're here to help.

Cassini · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 08:49 AM

Hi there Mark and welcome to the forums!

That is the thing with D, it doesn't always just hit unfit people, it is everyones illness. Being busy and active already is a good thing for sure, because a lot of us have to learn how to exercise regularly. I had fallen into a hard time with this as I suffer from agoraphobia (leaving the house) a long time ago.

Your numbers are definately telling you/them something is up and you are at a good place by getting it looked at right away.

Food can still be your friend, proteins like meat, fish, cheese, eggs etc are all not going to affect your numbers. Carbs on the other hand (3/4 lb, macaroni!) are my worst enemy and plenty on here agree and are low carbing to manage their numbers as the carbs break down fast into sugars in your blood

So all food is not lost! Although there are days when I just want a big fat burger with the bun I now just take the meat, make a salad and chow down.

Once you have more time for reading around here you will get soooooo much information it will be mind boggling!

Good luck while you wait and with your numbers and keep coming back often, there is a plethera of very valid info here.

PS, losing weight so fast can surely give you headaches and is not in general good for your body. My discovery is that if I eat too many carbs I also get headaches, all of this post of course is just my simple opinion

Wecome again,
Cass

forevervike · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 08:55 AM

Thank guys. You see I dont know anything about it. My wife is pre diabetes and I always thought it was nothing. Oh, I am though also on cholestorol medicing, (eating lbs of macaroni lol). does that hurt. What kind of meat can I eat and what can I eat with it? I am having so much trouble eating these little portions.

shutterbug · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 08:59 AM

Mark,
Welcome to DF. Your body has done pretty well so far by not gaining weight.

low carb diet will help you on a long run.

princesslinda · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 09:03 AM

You can pretty much eat any kind of meat you want. I eat lots of chicken (mostly grilled), beef, pork roast, fish. Carbs are what you need to avoid. Fill up with the proteins. Have a nice steak with salad and baked sweet potato (I like to add splenda, cinnamon and butter for a sweet treat) or green beans, broccolli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, asparagus. Sweet potatoes are more blood sugar friendly than regular potatoes. Some people do tolerate potatoes on occasion, but you'd need to test and see how YOU respond. We're all different.

Also, have as much salad and green veggies as you want...you don't have to go hungry. Also, a nice walk after dinner helps too.

forevervike · #8 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 09:22 AM

steak, pork roast, fish? Yum, I guess you can eat. What can you put on your salad? I like oil & vinegar.Thanks. I will start testing. Last night, I had a bowl of eatmeal with cinamon and 3 (little) cho. chip cookies, (couldnt take it anymore, lol ). I saw my wifes test strips just sitting there and I never used it before, so for the heck of it, I pricked my finger, (it was only 5 minutes after I eat, not 2 hrs), and wanted to see how it works and what it says. It said 145.

princesslinda · #9 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 09:26 AM

I'm partial to balsamic vinaigarette, oil and vinegar (esp. w/olive oil) or Italian dressings as I don't like mayo...but many enjoy ranch and other mayo-based dressings.

Test 2 hrs after your first bite...should be 140 or less by then. At diagnosis, I was given the goal of 110 or less fasting and 140 or less 2 hrs after first bite.

Mich · #10 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 09:48 AM

Hi Mark,

Welcome to the group. It is a great place to ask, learn and get support.

Don't worry, if you are diagnosed with the big D, it sure isn't the end of the world. You will learn to shift your preferences for comfort foods to different comfort foods that are better for you. You won't have to eat only small portions if you learn to eat the right stuff. It helps that you are fit and active, you are starting well.

You won't have to give up pasta if Dreamfields works for you. For many of us, it prevents a spike in blood sugar.

Keep us posted.

Mich

kgm0612 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 06:42 AM

HI Mark & Welcome.

Karen

notme · #12 (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 06:47 AM

Hi Mark, Welcome to Diabetes Forums. You will find a lot of help here and great advice.

Welcome

yannah · #13 (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forevervike

Thank guys. You see I dont know anything about it. My wife is pre diabetes and I always thought it was nothing. Oh, I am though also on cholestorol medicing, (eating lbs of macaroni lol). does that hurt. What kind of meat can I eat and what can I eat with it? I am having so much trouble eating these little portions.

Prediabetes is a big deal!!!! I have a friend with prediabetes
who does not take care of it. I told him he will be diabetic in time. I hope your wife is taking care of it. There is alot of good advice here.