Hello! I'm new to Diabetes Forums

SugarFreeSweety · #1 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008, 11:31 AM

Well, this is my first posting so I suppose I'll take this time to introduce myself. I'm Kristina, from Georgia. I'm 27 years old and was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2003. I admit I'm not a very good diabetic. (at least in the past) Getting the propper help took a long time and I'm just now starting to show slight signs of improvement. I don't have much support as I don't know many with diabetes and I really find it hard to talk about it with anyone seeing that not many understand. I guess this would be as good a place as any to fit in.

I was only 22 when I was diagnosed and it was by chance at that. I went to the DR for completely different reasons and a few days later, I'm diabetic... Sometimes I think I'm still struggling with the idea of it. I've been to a nutritionist a few times and have yet to really learn much about the right foods. Most of the info I've gathered has been from websites. I think I need a new DR. lol. I used to have blood sugars that ranged from 200-350 and in November 2008, my A1C was a whopping 12.9! I've gotten better since then, with blood sugars ranging from 100-170 and an A1C of 8.6.

Sorry for the long winded story, I guess I just needed to get this out to someone, anyone who would understand. I'm sure you will hear much more from me later

Thanks for listening to me ramble.

~Kristina

jakin · #2 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008, 11:45 AM

Kristin, Congrats on your progress but A1C of 8.6 is still not good. You should set an immediate goal of 7 with an ultimate goal of 6.5 or lower. Do you exercise regularly and restrict your carb intake? Both are very important. Good luck.

princesslinda · #3 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008, 11:48 AM

Welcome Kristina! Most of us learn more from each other than we have from our doctors. Nothing like living it day to day to help you find out what works and what doesn't.

Are you on any meds at this point? Do you check your blood sugars regularly? Do you get regular exercise? Do you limit your carbs?

There's a great book, "The First Year, Type 2 Diabetes," by Gretchen Becker, that is a great resource. Even though you've had diabetes for awhile, it would still be a good read for you.

I'd encourage you to test your blood sugars often. Testing 2 hrs after your first bite of food will allow you to see how different foods affect your blood sugar, and help you make smarter food choices.

Hope you post often...its a great place for support/encouragement and information.

cyberus · #4 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008, 11:55 AM

Hey Kristina and welcome.

Some things you should do to help people help you.

Putting your HBa1c and other such data in your signature gives people some background data when trying to help ... also include whatever meds you are taking.

When you say something like you ate breakfast you need to tell us what was for breakfast, details count ... and what your diet usually consists of is helpful also.