holy high A1C

[Nejeda]

So I went to see my doctor today and he informs me that my A1C is the highest it has been since I was first diagnosed... it's 10.6! And I can't explain it, my blood sugar has been all over the place, I've been stressed which is the reason for the blood sugar being all over the place.

On top of this he told me that he is very happy with my weight loss, and that after me being on Humalog for 10 years, he's going to switch me to an insulin that will help me lose more weight!

I'm sixteen, I'm fix foot two and a half... and I weigh about one sixty six... My BMI according to the doctor is 29... which he says is fine...

But he seemed more intent on getting me to lose weight then getting my A1C down... is it just me or is there something not right there?

[spike]

So I went to see my doctor today and he informs me that my A1C is the highest it has been since I was first diagnosed... it's 10.6! And I can't explain it, my blood sugar has been all over the place, I've been stressed which is the reason for the blood sugar being all over the place.

On top of this he told me that he is very happy with my weight loss, and that after me being on Humalog for 10 years, he's going to switch me to an insulin that will help me lose more weight!

I'm sixteen, I'm fix foot two and a half... and I weigh about one sixty six... My BMI according to the doctor is 29... which he says is fine...

But he seemed more intent on getting me to lose weight then getting my A1C down... is it just me or is there something not right there?

An insulin to help you lose weight??? Are you sure he didn't mean a MEDICATION to help you lose weight.

Yes, something is wrong with the picture if the doc isn't upset with such a high A1c. That's the sort of numbers I used to run when I first became diabetic. Get it down! If you need assistance from a doctor, and he won't help, go see another endo.

[duck]

Um, yeah.

First things first...Relax, I don't know if I know of any teens who can say they are in "tight control" or who have consistently good A1c's...You have a first-hand view of how hard it is to manage one hormone, and you also have a good view on what happens when a group of them go raging through your body. I'm not trying to give you a blanket-excuse to stop taking care of yourself or disregard bad readings, but I hope you don't beat yourself up about this either. To me, it says "need to work a little harder..." and that's all.

Second, IMHO your doc is nuts. If you are not comfortable with a new insulin, don't let him switch you (which one, btw?). But what has me more concerned if his "lose weight" attitude. You certainly are not obese...I weight 175 and I am only 5'7", and NO ONE has ever told me to lose any weight. Also, being that you are a teen, I worry more about starving your growth needs than you being overweight, in light of the evidence. Your doc may be caught in a rut where he tells every diabetic to lose weight, cut the sugar and keep an eye on your blood sugars...If worse comes to worse, tell him you want a re-evaluation or a second opinion. I also worry a little when doctors advise teen females to lose weight, that is such a loaded thing to advise--It MAY be true, but looking at the stats you posted, I dunno...

You are right that he should be more concerned about the A1c...maybe that's why he wants to switch your insulin? I forget, are you a pumper?

[Nejeda]

Nope, he specifically said an insulin that would help me lose weight, it is brand new. He said he was going to battle my insurance company to get them to approve it.

And I definetly am working on the A1C. I even got a shiny new monitor... the new One Touch Ultra 2... it's spiffy... :smile:

[JediSkipdogg]

You're 6' 2.5" and you weight 136 and he thinks you are overweight? Where the heck is he getting the BMI info from anyweights? I am 5' 11.5" and weight 193 and am only overweight by about 10-15 lbs. If anything, you are underweight in my opinion.

Secondly, my guess is he either wants to add Symlin to your mix (which is not not a replacement for Humalog, but another injection) or to something called Aphidra (some help with the spelling) and even then I'm not sure on the weight loss principals of it yet. What other insulin are you on in addition to Humalog?

Your weight loss is not caused by your insulan in my opinion and should not even be a concern for your doctor. RIght now, he should care less about that and more about your A1C. Lowering your weight will not bring your A1C down.

Now, to the important factor and the title of your question. How often are you checking your BG and what makes you check it? How are you calculating how much insulin to give when running how? How about when eating?

It seems to me your problem is in your checking your BG and your calculating what you eat. Are you carb counting? I think answering these questions will greatly help us understand how you are controlling diabetes and from there we can better explain to you how to control it better.

[Nejeda]

Um, yeah.

First things first...Relax, I don't know if I know of any teens who can say they are in "tight control" or who have consistently good A1c's...You have a first-hand view of how hard it is to manage one hormone, and you also have a good view on what happens when a group of them go raging through your body. I'm not trying to give you a blanket-excuse to stop taking care of yourself or disregard bad readings, but I hope you don't beat yourself up about this either. To me, it says "need to work a little harder..." and that's all.

Second, IMHO your doc is nuts. If you are not comfortable with a new insulin, don't let him switch you (which one, btw?). But what has me more concerned if his "lose weight" attitude. You certainly are not obese...I weight 175 and I am only 5'7", and NO ONE has ever told me to lose any weight. Also, being that you are a teen, I worry more about starving your growth needs than you being overweight, in light of the evidence. Your doc may be caught in a rut where he tells every diabetic to lose weight, cut the sugar and keep an eye on your blood sugars...If worse comes to worse, tell him you want a re-evaluation or a second opinion. I also worry a little when doctors advise teen females to lose weight, that is such a loaded thing to advise--It MAY be true, but looking at the stats you posted, I dunno...

You are right that he should be more concerned about the A1c...maybe that's why he wants to switch your insulin? I forget, are you a pumper?


I've never been considered in "tight control" I've been getting closer in the past year or so... up until lately that is.

The other doctor in the office in which my doctor practices (I've seen) has the same attitude towards me losing weight as well. And I kind of thought it was odd that a doctor would want a teenager to lose weight.

I then thought that maybe it was because I was a diabetic?

[Nejeda]

You're 6' 2.5" and you weight 136 and he thinks you are overweight? Where the heck is he getting the BMI info from anyweights? I am 5' 11.5" and weight 193 and am only overweight by about 10-15 lbs. If anything, you are underweight in my opinion.

Secondly, my guess is he either wants to add Symlin to your mix (which is not not a replacement for Humalog, but another injection) or to something called Aphidra (some help with the spelling) and even then I'm not sure on the weight loss principals of it yet. What other insulin are you on in addition to Humalog?

Your weight loss is not caused by your insulan in my opinion and should not even be a concern for your doctor. RIght now, he should care less about that and more about your A1C. Lowering your weight will not bring your A1C down.

Now, to the important factor and the title of your question. How often are you checking your BG and what makes you check it? How are you calculating how much insulin to give when running how? How about when eating?

It seems to me your problem is in your checking your BG and your calculating what you eat. Are you carb counting? I think answering these questions will greatly help us understand how you are controlling diabetes and from there we can better explain to you how to control it better.


The Aphidra... I think that's what he was talking about...
I check my blood sugar before and after I eat (when I eat, if I eat... I have a bad habit of not eating like a should) But usually around six times a day. My doctor has a scale he gave me to inject insulin based on what my sugar readings are. I used to carb count, but I don't anymore, I'm on a sliding scale, and it works better for me.

(Side note... I'm 5'2.5... I think you misread that part... I wish I were taller)

[spike]

Nope, he specifically said an insulin that would help me lose weight, it is brand new. He said he was going to battle my insurance company to get them to approve it.

And I definetly am working on the A1C. I even got a shiny new monitor... the new One Touch Ultra 2... it's spiffy... :smile:


Good! You got an excellent monitor and the right attitude about working on your A1c. Please let us know more about the insulin when you speak with him again.

[duck]

Apidra's website says nothing about helping to lose weight. However, Symlin is known to help lose weight:

http://www.apidra.com/Default.aspx

http://www.symlin.com/


The Benefits of SYMLIN

SYMLIN provides several benefits that can lead to better overall diabetes control.

Less extreme and less frequent blood glucose (sugar) peaks

SYMLIN reduces your blood sugar fluctuations by smoothing out the peaks in blood sugar that happen after eating and throughout the day.

Reduces A1C levels

One measure of how well you are managing your diabetes is to look at your A1C level. A1C measures the amount of sugar attached to red blood cells. SYMLIN lowers the A1C levels of most patients beyond what insulin alone can achieve, giving you better overall control of your diabetes.

Potential weight loss

Because SYMLIN works like the natural hormone amylin, it can reduce your appetite, which leads to eating less and to possible weight loss.

Less mealtime insulin is needed

Because SYMLIN works with insulin to control blood sugar, you may actually need less insulin to achieve your optimal blood sugar targets after meals.

Nausea is the most common side effect with SYMLIN. Mild nausea is more likely during the first weeks after starting SYMLIN and usually does not last long. It is very important to start SYMLIN at a low dose and increase it as directed by your healthcare professional. If nausea continues or bothers you, call your healthcare professional right away.

Tell your healthcare professional if you have any side effects that bother you or that do not go away.

[spike]

The Aphidra... I think that's what he was talking about...



Apidra...
----

[duck]

The Aphidra... I think that's what he was talking about...
I check my blood sugar before and after I eat (when I eat, if I eat... I have a bad habit of not eating like a should) But usually around six times a day. My doctor has a scale he gave me to inject insulin based on what my sugar readings are. I used to carb count, but I don't anymore, I'm on a sliding scale, and it works better for me.

(Side note... I'm 5'2.5... I think you misread that part... I wish I were taller)

I'm going to pick on you a "little". Tell me to get lost, and I will:

If you say the "sliding scale" is working for you, you need to explain how if your A1c came back at 10. I hate the sliding scale, it worked like poop for me, yet for years that's all my doctors ever talked about. "Use the sliding scale, use the sliding scale". Carb counting saved my life, literally.

I wish I were taller too. :mad:

[JediSkipdogg]

The Aphidra... I think that's what he was talking about...
I check my blood sugar before and after I eat (when I eat, if I eat... I have a bad habit of not eating like a should) But usually around six times a day. My doctor has a scale he gave me to inject insulin based on what my sugar readings are. I used to carb count, but I don't anymore, I'm on a sliding scale, and it works better for me.

(Side note... I'm 5'2.5... I think you misread that part... I wish I were taller)

You mistyped it and I wasn't sure which way to take it... (I'm sixteen, I'm fix foot two and a half...) Not sure what a fix two is, lol.

But anyways, that insulin won't help you use weight. At your weight you should have about a BMI of 25. It's slightly overweight, but only by about 5 lbs max.

Carb counting is the easiest way to go if you have accurate numbers. What made you give up carb counting? I think something that would be helpful is if one day you put your mind too it and kept a journal of what you eat in the day and what insulin you give and when. Then we can see what you are doing and maybe give you advice on where to improve.

[spike]

I'm going to pick on you a "little". Tell me to get lost, and I will:

If you say the "sliding scale" is working for you, you need to explain how if your A1c came back at 10. I hate the sliding scale, it worked like poop for me, yet for years that's all my doctors ever talked about. "Use the sliding scale, use the sliding scale". Carb counting saved my life, literally.

I wish I were taller too. :mad:



I found this online:
"
Sliding scale

In intensive regimens, the most common way to adjust your insulin dose is by using a sliding scale, also called an "algorithm." A sliding scale, which is calculated by your doctor or a diabetes nurse educator, shows you how much insulin to add or subtract to your dose depending on your current blood sugar level. Some people who do not count carbohydrates may use the sliding scale to adjust their insulin doses."

Can you BELIEVE they consider the SS to be a form of "intensive regimen"???

I agree, Duck, counting carbs should be the rule. I adjust my bolus based on current bg's (like the Bolus Wizard does on pumps), but I'd never JUST adjust my insulin based on the SS w/o regards to what I'm about eat.

[duck]

I found this online:
"
Sliding scale

In intensive regimens, the most common way to adjust your insulin dose is by using a sliding scale, also called an "algorithm." A sliding scale, which is calculated by your doctor or a diabetes nurse educator, shows you how much insulin to add or subtract to your dose depending on your current blood sugar level. Some people who do not count carbohydrates may use the sliding scale to adjust their insulin doses."

Can you BELIEVE they consider the SS to be a form of "intensive regimen"???

I agree, Duck, counting carbs should be the rule. I adjust my bolus based on current bg's (like the Bolus Wizard does on pumps), but I'd never JUST adjust my insulin based on the SS w/o regards to what I'm about eat.

The more I think about it, when I was "using" the sliding scale, I never felt worse. Maybe it works for someone, but man-oh-mighty it just made me frustrated, and corresponds with the "dark ages" of my diabetes treatment, LOL.

Nejeda, if it works for you, that's great. You come across as smart enough to understand it and use it. I'm just not a believer in the technique.

[spike]

The more I think about it, when I was "using" the sliding scale, I never felt worse. Maybe it works for someone, but man-oh-mighty it just made me frustrated, and corresponds with the "dark ages" of my diabetes treatment, LOL.

Nejeda, if it works for you, that's great. You come across as smart enough to understand it and use it. I'm just not a believer in the technique.


Yes, I agree that whatever works for someone is "good enough", by definition. Never mess with success. (10+ A1c is hardly success, though...)

[4519]

I think what everyone is saying is stabilize the factors that are in your control. What you eat, your activity levels. For some reason it is common thinking that teens cannot control these factors as well as others, peer pressure and the like. You surely can if you want to. Carb counting is one thing - keeping within a desired range will do wonders for understanding how the insulin therapy is working, or not working. I am not saying that you should restrict your carbs forever, just get them stable and consistant while you work on adjusting to the new insulin or bring your gluscose numbers down to the desirable range you are shooting for. Having to adjust every day or every meal to a different situation only makes understanding more difficult. Get under control first, the Aic will come down on its own and your weight, if it is too much, will adjust - hopefully for the better.

A BMI of 29 surely does not fit acceptable. It is pretty standard to shoot for <25. Did you say that you are over 6 feet? That does not relate to a high BMI, something is wrong there.

I don't really have any opinion about the overall approach here, being a type 2 not insulin dependant. I do know what you eat does make a big difference on getting in control, no matter your type. Make one of the factors constant and it should help a lot.

[kidvid]

Apidra is simply another fast-acting insulin analog. I've used it in my pump for about 5 months now. I don't believe there are any claims that it induces weight loss.

Symlin does make the claim that it may help with weight loss - specificly it slows movement of food from the stomach to the intestines - your stomach remains full longer increasing satiety. I was on Symlin when I was MDI, and did not lose weight. It assisted me in gaining BG control through minimizing post-meal spikes. My A1C went from 12.8 to 6.7 when on MDI (Lantus, Humalog, Symlin).

Good luck!

Joe

[Nejeda]

I completely agree that a 10 plus A1C is hardly a sucess. But I was carb counting with my pump (when I was on it) and when I quit my pump, I quit the carb counting. Up until this last A1C the sliding scale was working wonderfully.

[spike]

I completely agree that a 10 plus A1C is hardly a sucess. But I was carb counting with my pump (when I was on it) and when I quit my pump, I quit the carb counting. Up until this last A1C the sliding scale was working wonderfully.


What made you stop counting carbs? MDI should go better with carb counting, no? :)

[Nejeda]

It's very difficult to count carbs when I'm eating the school lunches... or just not eating half the time.

[grace girl]

My dad has been on mdi for about 4 years, using the sliding scale the whole time. He has learned how to ajust it somewhat, but he has his highs and lows from not knowing how to correct! (like 500+ after thanksgving dinner!)He's watching me using the carb counting with my mdi very closely....He wants to make the switch and have better control!. I've used both....carb counting may take a little more time in the beginning, but it's WELL worth it!

[spike]

It's very difficult to count carbs when I'm eating the school lunches... or just not eating half the time.

so the issue isn't whether or not you are pumping--it's getting accurate carb numbers. Pick up a copy of Corinne Netzer's Book of Food Counts. It will help you figure out how many carbs are in unpackaged foods.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440221102/ref=cm_aya_asin.title/104-1573938-8650327?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=283155

[Keezheekoni]

It's very difficult to count carbs when I'm eating the school lunches... or just not eating half the time.
I don't know about your school district, but here in Washington you can go onto any district's website and see the nutrition for all of the school lunches. In my district, the high schools have a lot of a la carte items, where the kids can pick and choose what they want for lunch. If you do that, and want to go back to counting carbs, you could check in the morning what the carb numbers are for what you'll eat at lunch that day.

Just a thought!
Rikki

[duck]

Something else you need to do is learn how to eyeball and estimat carbs in foods. What I did was I took a lot of the foods I knew I would tend to eat while out, and I made some at home (rice, noodles, ice cream, etc) and I measure out a cup of this, two cups of that, spread them all over a plate, balled them all up, compared them to my hand, palm, fist...A cup of rice is about the size of my balled up fist, etc. It's not perfect, but I come out better than worse.

And like Rikki said, your school district HAS to be accomodating to your nutritional needs.

[Cyborg]

There's no way you need to lose weight if you are 6'2" and 136 pounds. There's no "new" insulin to help lose weight. I think it's time to find a better endocrinologist... :stupid:

[JediSkipdogg]

There's no way you need to lose weight if you are 6'2" and 136 pounds. There's no "new" insulin to help lose weight. I think it's time to find a better endocrinologist... :stupid:

He corrected it and mean 5'2"

[Nejeda]

There's no way you need to lose weight if you are 6'2" and 136 pounds. There's no "new" insulin to help lose weight. I think it's time to find a better endocrinologist... :stupid:


I wish I were that tall and weighed that much! or even if I just weighed that much.... is it possible to still grow? Naw, I don't think so... I haven't grown a fraction of an inch since I was in sixth grade...

I'm 5'2.5" and I weight about 166, the doctor said my BMI is 29.

He said the insulin will help to control my hunger, and help me lose weight.

Now, while I am 16 I'm not overly concerned about my weight... or at least I wasn't. I have been losing weight at a slow, gradual pace, and it really hasn't been a big deal, but my doctor, is making it out to be... and it really cut a into a person.

[spike]

Something else you need to do is learn how to eyeball and estimat carbs in foods. What I did was I took a lot of the foods I knew I would tend to eat while out, and I made some at home (rice, noodles, ice cream, etc) and I measure out a cup of this, two cups of that, spread them all over a plate, balled them all up, compared them to my hand, palm, fist...A cup of rice is about the size of my balled up fist, etc. It's not perfect, but I come out better than worse.

And like Rikki said, your school district HAS to be accomodating to your nutritional needs.

What I figure for rice/potatoes/pasta is 40 carbs per cup. Easy to remember and fairly easy to guestimate a cup.

[Cyborg]

He said the insulin will help to control my hunger, and help me lose weight.

Rubbish! Insulin is known as the "fat drug".

Quack Quack...

[spike]

Rubbish! Insulin is known as the "fat drug".

Quack Quack...


LOL! Are there ducks in here??

[duck]

Eh?


:confused: :confused:

[duck]

Nejeda,

Without having seen you, I can't advise if you need to lose weight or not. Personally, as long as there isn't some pressing health concern, I think our society worries too much about appearance, fat, etc. Seriously, I do. And I don't want to contradict your docs, but even if you HAD to lose some fat, there are two mitigating factors here: your A1c and your age. Yeah, CDC is warning docs to be mindful of obese kids. And maybe your docs are doing that, and maybe they feel any additional bodyfat is hampering the ability of your insulin to work (insulin resistance).

I'm not opposed to symlin, there are a number of members here who use it and like it. It helps cut your insulin needs, which can't be all bad. So don't write it off yet. "Let's" concentrate on getting your A1c's down, safely. It will probably require so much testing you'll end up feeling like a pin-cushion, but the alternatives are not exactly attractive. And we'll reserve further judgment on your docs for a later time...

[Finn]

When I was in high school (dx'd at 16 years old) I was on a sliding scale and my A1c was pretty much in the 8 to 9 range (ahh...R & NPH:secruity: ). I didn't know any better to question my doctor and being a new diabetic, I was SO afraid of going low!
Nejeda- you said that you were slowly loosing weight so I think your doc is wrong to focus on that issue. Your sliding scale seems to need some fine tuning and perhaps you may want to try carb counting again. Looking back (geeze, that makes me sound old) I think carb counting would of helped me have better control. Now, if I am eating something that isn't a "regular" I will write down how many carbs are in it and how it effects my blood sugar. That helps me figure out how to deal with it when I eat it next time.

[spike]

When I was in high school (dx'd at 16 years old) I was on a sliding scale and my A1c was pretty much in the 8 to 9 range (ahh...R & NPH:secruity: ). I didn't know any better to question my doctor and being a new diabetic, I was SO afraid of going low!
Nejeda- you said that you were slowly loosing weight so I think your doc is wrong to focus on that issue. Your sliding scale seems to need some fine tuning and perhaps you may want to try carb counting again. Looking back (geeze, that makes me sound old) I think carb counting would of helped me have better control. Now, if I am eating something that isn't a "regular" I will write down how many carbs are in it and how it effects my blood sugar. That helps me figure out how to deal with it when I eat it next time.


After some time with this disease I think most of us figure out what works for us and what doesn't. Then we rely on the doctors primarily to tell us what are bloodwork numbers are, rather than expect him/her to manage our bg's.

Speaking of worrying about going low, I got low the very first day I went on insulin, back in '78. No one told me what to expect! I took about 8 units of insulin before breakfast that first day, ate, and went off to work. Around 10AM I felt like I was gonna pass out. Very, very scary! I went to the nearest phone to ask the doctor's office what to do. Of course they told me to go eat something. That's how I was introduced to taking insulin! No bg testing. No instruction. It wasn't like 1978 was the dark ages, medically. The doctor just didn't do a good job of explaining the basics of DM to me. I went to the bookstore shortly thereafter and picked up a couple of books to familiarize myself with it. There was no carb counting back then--it was those horrible "exchanges" which I refused to understand. Not until I pumped, did I learn carb counting (100 times easier, I think).

[SueM]

I wish I were that tall and weighed that much! or even if I just weighed that much.... is it possible to still grow? Naw, I don't think so... I haven't grown a fraction of an inch since I was in sixth grade...

I'm 5'2.5" and I weight about 166, the doctor said my BMI is 29.

He said the insulin will help to control my hunger, and help me lose weight.

Now, while I am 16 I'm not overly concerned about my weight... or at least I wasn't. I have been losing weight at a slow, gradual pace, and it really hasn't been a big deal, but my doctor, is making it out to be... and it really cut a into a person.

I have to wonder if your weight lose is due to your high blood sugars?
As you know and have said an A1c of 10 is not good.
I noticed you quite often mention you do not always eat, is there a reason for this?
Are you seeing an endo or just a local GP?
Carb counting is going to be your best option I would have thought.
If you are afraid of going low always carry fast acting carbs with you, IE glucose tablets of a glucose drink/reg coke.
Some teenagers feel the odd one out with glucose tabs if this is the case then a small bottle of reg coke should solve that problem.
Why did you stop the pump?
Pumping would enable you to increase your insulin in very small doses when you are high than you wont have the fear of going low. (lots of youngsters go through this stage)
Test test test would also cut out the worry of going low before you caught it in time.

[Nejeda]

I have to wonder if your weight lose is due to your high blood sugars?
As you know and have said an A1c of 10 is not good.
I noticed you quite often mention you do not always eat, is there a reason for this?
Are you seeing an endo or just a local GP?
Carb counting is going to be your best option I would have thought.
If you are afraid of going low always carry fast acting carbs with you, IE glucose tablets of a glucose drink/reg coke.
Some teenagers feel the odd one out with glucose tabs if this is the case then a small bottle of reg coke should solve that problem.
Why did you stop the pump?
Pumping would enable you to increase your insulin in very small doses when you are high than you wont have the fear of going low. (lots of youngsters go through this stage)
Test test test would also cut out the worry of going low before you caught it in time.


I've been losing weight as a result of exercising and a medication they put me on for migrains Topamax (spelling is probably off)... I see an endo,

I stopped the pump because the only pump my endo will give me is animas, and after five falling to pieces on me (literally) and malfunctioning I decided that shot were more stable...

[Cyborg]

I've been losing weight as a result of exercising and a medication they put me on for migrains Topamax (spelling is probably off)... I see an endo,

I stopped the pump because the only pump my endo will give me is animas, and after five falling to pieces on me (literally) and malfunctioning I decided that shot were more stable...

A side effect of Topamax is decreased appitite.

What model Animas pump did you have that kept falling apart?

[Nejeda]

A side effect of Topamax is decreased appitite.

What model Animas pump did you have that kept falling apart?

I had the IR 1200

[JediSkipdogg]

I had the IR 1200

Hmmm...I've had that and only had one replaced due to a recall for a bad screen. That's the only problem in 1.5 years of having my IR 1200.

[Nejeda]

I had five in under two years

[Cyborg]

I had five in under two years

How did customer service treat you? Were you overnighted pumps everytime?

[SugaryOne]

The Aphidra... I think that's what he was talking about...

Ephedra was banned by the FDA a long time ago. It is a weight-loss drug but it's also dangerous.

[JediSkipdogg]

Ephedra was banned by the FDA a long time ago. It is a weight-loss drug but it's also dangerous.

There's a new insulin out called Apidra...that's what he's talking about. However, like every insulin, it's not a weight loss insulin at all.

[Nejeda]

How did customer service treat you? Were you overnighted pumps everytime?

Yes, they were overnighted everytime... except the last time. I was without a pump for a week, I had to go back on the shots, and I decided that I would stay on them.

[JediSkipdogg]

Yes, they were overnighted everytime... except the last time. I was without a pump for a week, I had to go back on the shots, and I decided that I would stay on them.

Do you mind telling us what the problem was each time? And any idea why it took so long for the last pump?

[Nejeda]

Do you mind telling us what the problem was each time? And any idea why it took so long for the last pump?

Most of them they simply fell apart, but the last one, it kept beeping and telling me that their was no insulin in the pump, or that it wasn't primed. It did this for half a day when I finally called the company and they told me that it would take a week. They called me a week later and said that the pump was wacky (in different words) and another was on it's way. I have a new one sitting on my stand, but I refuse to use it.

[JediSkipdogg]

Most of them they simply fell apart, but the last one, it kept beeping and telling me that their was no insulin in the pump, or that it wasn't primed. It did this for half a day when I finally called the company and they told me that it would take a week. They called me a week later and said that the pump was wacky (in different words) and another was on it's way. I have a new one sitting on my stand, but I refuse to use it.

I'm just amazed you had that many problems with the 1200 seeing as I've had only one with it that was recalled in a sense.

[bandy]

So I went to see my doctor today and he informs me that my A1C is the highest it has been since I was first diagnosed... it's 10.6! And I can't explain it, my blood sugar has been all over the place, I've been stressed which is the reason for the blood sugar being all over the place.

On top of this he told me that he is very happy with my weight loss, and that after me being on Humalog for 10 years, he's going to switch me to an insulin that will help me lose more weight!

I'm sixteen, I'm fix foot two and a half... and I weigh about one sixty six... My BMI according to the doctor is 29... which he says is fine...

But he seemed more intent on getting me to lose weight then getting my A1C down... is it just me or is there something not right there?

I think it's true that for most people better bg control translates into weight gain, which puts you in kind of a tough spot. Anyway, I think getting your bsl under control is a WAY more important goal than loosing weight. If you can't do both at the same time, I would certainly concentrate on stabilizing bsl for now. Also, I think what will help you with you bsl (better eating habits, regular excercise etc.) will probably help with weightloss as well, when the time comes for that.

[Nejeda]

Past couple days my sugar had been really good, right around 100, without dropping or shooting up... but I've had a migraine to end all migraines!

I've been watching very carefully what I eat, and exercising... doing the calorie counting thing as well as watching the carbs and sugar intake.

[duck]

Past couple days my sugar had been really good, right around 100, without dropping or shooting up... but I've had a migraine to end all migraines!

I've been watching very carefully what I eat, and exercising... doing the calorie counting thing as well as watching the carbs and sugar intake.

A journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step. Keep up the good work!

[Nejeda]

A journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step. Keep up the good work!

words to live by

thanks

[Roy Gardiner]

I'm sixteen, I'm five foot two and a half... and I weigh about one sixty six... My BMI according to the doctor is 29... which he says is fine... ...what has me more concerned if his "lose weight" attitude. You certainly are not obese...I weight 175 and I am only 5'7", and NO ONE has ever told me to lose any weight. Sorry, no rudeness is intended, but I beg to differ. 5'2" 166 is BMI 30.4 which isn't fine, 5'7" 175 is 27.4 which isn't either
http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/.

Everything seems to indicate that we diabetics (type 1 or 2) should aim for the lowest body fat that's healthy. For males that's around 10%, not sure for females (but it's a fair bit higher). BMI should be at the lower end of the 'normal' scale, say 19.

Note: this does not apply to some athletes. Bodybuilders with 2% fat (!) can have BMI over 30 because of vast muscles.

[Cyborg]

Note: this does not apply to some athletes. Bodybuilders with 2% fat (!) can have BMI over 30 because of vast muscles.

So what if you are semi-athletic (lots of muscle, but overweight also)? Does the index take that into account? I"m sure it doesn't so is there a more accurate way to properly determine your BMI? Perhaps one of those underwater scales?

[gettingby]

Past couple days my sugar had been really good, right around 100, without dropping or shooting up... but I've had a migraine to end all migraines!

I've been watching very carefully what I eat, and exercising... doing the calorie counting thing as well as watching the carbs and sugar intake.
Great job. It takes alot of small steps but the end result is worth it. Keep it up !!!!!!

[Roy Gardiner]

So what if you are semi-athletic (lots of muscle, but overweight also)? Does the index take that into account? I"m sure it doesn't so is there a more accurate way to properly determine your BMI? Perhaps one of those underwater scales?
BMI is a standard formula, of limited value. A weightlifter, as opposed to a bodybuilder, could be both fat and very muscled.

For ordinary folk, 90% of us perhaps, it's not so bad.

Personally I think Body Fat Index, for which one can buy scales that measure it, is maybe better.

But the bottom line is that we really need to be pretty skinny :)

[Cyborg]

But the bottom line is that we really need to be pretty skinny :)

No kidding!

[Nejeda]

Sorry, no rudeness is intended, but I beg to differ. 5'2" 166 is BMI 30.4 which isn't fine, 5'7" 175 is 27.4 which isn't either
http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/.

Everything seems to indicate that we diabetics (type 1 or 2) should aim for the lowest body fat that's healthy. For males that's around 10%, not sure for females (but it's a fair bit higher). BMI should be at the lower end of the 'normal' scale, say 19.

Note: this does not apply to some athletes. Bodybuilders with 2% fat (!) can have BMI over 30 because of vast muscles.

You must also take into consideration that I am 16, I need that extra body fat... I'm still growing... according to the doctors...

[Roy Gardiner]

But the bottom line is that we really need to be pretty skinny :) No kidding! No, Watson, I'm quite serious here. :)You must also take into consideration that I am 16, I need that extra body fat... I'm still growing... according to the doctors... I beg your pardon, you are quite correct.

[Nejeda]

Either way comes down to body fat still sucks... and I think that there is too much pressure put on people to be skinny. But that's another topic....


I have a question back on the topic of high A1C's... is there any link to this and sleep problems? :hmmmm2:

[JediSkipdogg]

Either way comes down to body fat still sucks... and I think that there is too much pressure put on people to be skinny. But that's another topic....


I have a question back on the topic of high A1C's... is there any link to this and sleep problems? :hmmmm2:

I don't think too much pressure is put on people not being skinny but there is good pressure on people not being overweight. The heart has a hard time pumping blood through all that extra fat. So less fat = less work on the heart = longer life span. Although we are all bound to die, what's the difference in dieing at 80 vs. 90 years old?

[lottadata]

Is it possible the doctor was refering to Levemir? It's being marketed as prevening weight gain in type 1s and causing only mild weight gain in type 2s.

It is also being marketed as a 24 hour basal, which it most definitely is not, though I know some people who like it, using 2 injections a day.

I couldn't use it as it had a nasty effect on raising my blood pressure.

[Roy Gardiner]

So less fat = less work on the heart = longer life span. Although we are all bound to die, what's the difference in dieing at 80 vs. 90 years old? I'd bet the answer varies a lot between someone of 29 and 79.

But then someone 79 and unwell might throw the towel in I guess.

[JediSkipdogg]

I'd bet the answer varies a lot between someone of 29 and 79.

But then someone 79 and unwell might throw the towel in I guess.

That's very true, but I don't think a BMI of 29 is going to cause anyone to die at a young age. A BMI of say 40 might. That's just my own opinion though. Last time I had mine done I was 24% and I weighed about 5 lbs less than I do now. Using the charts and such it shows for my weight and height a BMI of 27.1. Taking 5 lbs off still only gives me a 26.4 BMI reading. Without a machine giving the reading, I think those charts are useless. I know guys that are 6 feet weighing 200 lbs with a BMI of 10. Muscle mass throws EVERYTHING off.

But it is being more accepted in the US that people are overweight and less are complaining about it.

[Nejeda]

Is it possible the doctor was refering to Levemir? It's being marketed as prevening weight gain in type 1s and causing only mild weight gain in type 2s.

It is also being marketed as a 24 hour basal, which it most definitely is not, though I know some people who like it, using 2 injections a day.

I couldn't use it as it had a nasty effect on raising my blood pressure.


Already on it. I do only one injection a day.

[lgvincent]

On top of this he told me that he is very happy with my weight loss, and that after me being on Humalog for 10 years, he's going to switch me to an insulin that will help me lose more weight!



What kind of insulin will help you lose weight?

[Nejeda]

Tis what I am trying to figure out... my doctor says it's a brand new kind.

[lgvincent]

I guess injecting saline solution will help you lose weight. I lost weight when I developed diabetes and my blood sugar ran so high. Been thinking of cutting the insulin back and letting it run high until I get back to the weight I had before my thyroid was murdered by a doctor. Of course, it was trying to kill me at the time.

[Nejeda]

My doctor puts so much pressure on me losing weight, he says; "you're a 16 year old girl, you should want you lose weight and look good, like all the other girls." And, honestly my biggest concern is my A1C.

[4519]

Doesn't this approach just burn your ***..... weight loss may be medically important and maybe you would feel better about yourself,but putting that slant on it is just hurtful. In the end you will be the one that makes the decisions on what is important in your life. Hang in there.

[am1977]

My doctor puts so much pressure on me losing weight, he says; "you're a 16 year old girl, you should want you lose weight and look good, like all the other girls." And, honestly my biggest concern is my A1C.
I'm sorry, but this type of approach really bothers me :mad:. Yes, I understand that carrying too much weight can lead to insulin resistance, but I think that only becomes an issue if you become severly overweight... and it doesn't sound like that's your case right now.

The fact that he suggested that you lose weight to look "good" has nothing to do with your health. The primary reason for why you should lose weight is for health reasons, everything else should be a by-product of that. And to add fuel to my fire, he shouldn't be comparing you to other girls... you are not in competition with these girls to win some beauty pagent.

If you want to lose weight to improve your control or what have you that's doing it for the right reasons. And if that's what you want, I'm sure you will do that when you are ready to, but the whole pressure to lose weight, be thin, & compete with other girls is ridiculous . Then we wonder why there are so many young girls with eating disorders, when he's contributing to the pressure in society for girls to look a certain way.

I would strongly suggest that you find a DIFFERENT doctor.... one who will put your health first above these other things.

Good luck!

[duck]

Doesn't this approach just burn your ***..... weight loss may be medically important and maybe you would feel better about yourself,but putting that slant on it is just hurtful. In the end you will be the one that makes the decisions on what is important in your life. Hang in there.

You know what really burns my ***? A flame about *this* tall...






(Nejeda, I hope that made you laugh)

[Roy Gardiner]

That's very true, but I don't think a BMI of 29 is going to cause anyone to die at a young age. A BMI of say 40 might. That's just my own opinion though. Last time I had mine done I was 24% and I weighed about 5 lbs less than I do now. Using the charts and such it shows for my weight and height a BMI of 27.1. Taking 5 lbs off still only gives me a 26.4 BMI reading. Without a machine giving the reading, I think those charts are useless. I know guys that are 6 feet weighing 200 lbs with a BMI of 10. Muscle mass throws EVERYTHING off.I think you may be confusing BMI and BFI. 6' amd 200lbs is BMI 27.1, whatever the muscle composition. But I agree that it's body fat that's important, and a measure of about 10% (for men) 20% (for women) is ideal. But it is being more accepted in the US that people are overweight and less are complaining about it.I agree; I think there's a cultural difference between the US and the UK; 29 here is regarded as dangerously high in an adult and would be quite likely to cause health problems - heart disease for instance - in middle age.

[Keezheekoni]

My doctor puts so much pressure on me losing weight, he says; "you're a 16 year old girl, you should want you lose weight and look good, like all the other girls." And, honestly my biggest concern is my A1C.
I'm the mom of a 14 year-old girl, three other girls coming up after her too... I would *absolutely* fire that doctor of yours! There is no excuse for a doctor telling a teenage girl that, for *any* reason! Who cares what "all the other girls" look like? As long as you are health and happy, it doesn't matter what weight you are! You're still growing for Pete's sake!!!

Very good on you for your biggest concern being your A1c. :) Talk to your mom about switching doctors. I don't know where you live, but there's got to be more than just the one you're going to in your area!

Rikki

[HelenM]

Nejeda
At 16 the most important thing for you Nejeda is as you say to get control of your BS. Perhaps when you next see your doctor you can discuss some of the suggestions about carb counting that people have made and perhaps you might also be able to talk with a dietician who could help you with a healthy but realistic diet (and I don't necessarily mean a weight losss diet) which would help you achieve this.
It really is worth bothering with and you know that or you wouldn't have posted in the first place.

Originally Posted by Roy Gardiner But I agree that it's body fat that's important, and a measure of about 10% (for men) 20% (for women) is ideal.
That seems too low, the charts I have say : healthy body fat is
for males:
age 20-39 8-20%
40-59 11-22%
60- 79 13-25%
for females:
age 20-39 21-33%
40-59 23-34%
60-79 24-36%
( my body fat is between 27% and 29%{depending on machine} and I wear size 10-12 clothes so I'm definitely not overfat)

[TxTechKimmy]

I did the whole let my blood sugars run high so I could fit back into a size 4 thing and yes, I lost weight, but the price I am paying. Neuropathy, retinopathy, gastroparesis...not sure it was worth it.

[Nejeda]

Thanks duck, that did make me laugh....

But in Butler, there aren't any other doctors that will take me on as a patient because of my age and because my control isn't as tight as they would like it. The only place I can go is back to children's hospital in Pittsburgh, which isn't a long drive, but I'm getting too old go there.

Remember that chips-ahoy comerial? "squeezed in the middle, smack dab in the middle..." yeah... that's about how I feel there.

But I whole like to change doctors... but until then :bebored: