I'm New and Have some questions

[Kris]

Hi folks...new to this board...been Type 2 Diabetic for several years. Was on glycophage for several years then on Humalog 25/75 when my sugars got out of hand (my own doing). 3 months ago I made a decision to that I wanted to get off of insulin so I got a work out partner, joined weight watchers, started reading Dr. Phil's book (which is awesome), started working out 1.5 hours 4 to 5 times a week. I also started writing down goals. My sugars had been around 250 (due to this past summer being on a steriod for asma) and I was taking 80 units a day..but once I started exercising my sugars dropped dramatically. As of today my sugars are around 122-135 after I exercise in the morning (I take anywhere from 10 units to 15 as needed) and I usually get too low to take anymore for the rest of the day. I have not been eating breakfast till after I exercise. When I go to eat lunch I am usually too low to take any insulin...and depending on what I eat I am sometimes too low to take anymore insulin.

Finally, my questions:
1) Should I take insulin when I am around 100 or lower
2) What type of food is best to eat at night in order to get my levels even lower (they are low during the rest of the day but still seem high in the morning despite the fact they are low when I go to bed)
3) Should I exercise longer or more strenuous to help lower my sugars

I have lost 12lbs...not wonderful but still success. I am mostly happy with my sugars going from 250 to 130 and my insulin intake from 80 units to 12 (I did this on my own without my doctors knowledge).

Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Thanks

[Shalyndria]

Hi Kris and welcome! It's great to have you here; you are achieving so many successes in your life right now I'm sure you'll have many great posts in the future, and I look forward to reading all about it.

Some answers:
1. Are you counting carbs when eating/injecting? Because if so, you can compensate for a lower number by factoring in your target bg and insulin sensitivity to cover a meal. In which case, yes you should bolus for a reading of 100 or lower, although you may want to avoid bolusing if you're experiencing a hypo.
2. What you are probably experiencing is Dawn Phenomenon. Your body produces hormones while you sleep and particularily in order to wake up, which causes an unexplained rise in BG's. You may be able to fine tune this depending on the insulin you take overnight; I suggest talking to your Dr. about that.
3. What can I say; I think that's your call.

Great to see your successes; I think 12 lbs in fantastic, so don't sell yourself short! Good for you, you're an inspiration to us all!

Shy

[HeatherP]

Hi Kris, and Welcome, it's nice to meet you.

Shalyndria's right, counting carbs is the way to go - more flexibility. I'd also suggest you talk to your dr about getting off the mix, and start custom mixing two different insulins. The most popular is Lantus as long acting - one shot in the evening does it for most people, and then Humalog before meals. However, I am T1, and so you should see your doctor, and a CDE will be a big help. Heck, 130's are great - it sounds like you just need to make a few adjustments so you have fewer lows. .

Keep up the good work!
HeatherP

p.s. One more thing, if you drink alchohol, that can dramatically lower your b/s's for the next 24 hours, so take that into consideration if it applys to you

[Kris]

Hi, its Kris again, thanks so much for your answers. Presently I am counting carbs...meaning, that I don't eat that many with the exception of fruit.....I don't eat a ton but I try to have at least 2 pieces of it a day as well as an increase in veggies. I only eat wheat products whenever possible. I don't eat pasta hardly ever. I have not had any sugar (cakes, soda, candy) since October, 2003. I am really serious this time. It just seemed that I couldn't get lower than 122 in the am and I wasn't sure why. I am fearful to take too much insulin in the evening. I have a doct appt on Monday in which I am excited to share with my doct all of my changes. I have not seen him in over 6 months. If you are not sick he doesn't ask to see you...meaning, if my sugars seem under control he doesn't require you to see him. I am also going to ask about changing my insulin OR being taken off it all together. However, I have noticed that even the slightest change in my diet can shoot me back up to 175 or so. This past week I didn't check my sugars in the evening on two days. I just went ahead and gave myself 12 units each morming...assuming it was probably the same number as always. Well, 2 days ago I decided to check it and wow, it was 175. I thought back to what I had ate and the only thing different was I had a dinner roll. I am thinking...gosh...so I know that my body is still reacting to the slightest food and or exercise change....so my doct may not take me off insulin right now, however, I do hope he lowers it to one shot or sure....anyway thanks, I will let you guys know when I get results next week. I am also looking forward to him checking my A1C...(is that right)...to see how much it is below 7...

[TAutry]

Hi Kris,

Welcome to the forums!:)

It appears that you have begun a routine that works for you. Some folks have touted similar programs as a 'diabetes cure', when instead they have just achieved exceptional control. As you have seen, without attention, your blood sugar can go from about normal to high in no time. I would advise against trying to get completely off your insulin. It may be possible at some point, but until you get your new lifestyle firmly established I believe you would be better served by working with your doctor to adjust your amount of insulin.

I don't think you need to increase the amount of exercise you are getting. I'm not sure you will be able to maintain 1.5 hours 4-5 days per week for the long term. LIfe has a tendency to mess with our plans and schedules, they have to be adaptable. I began with 30 minutes per day, which would normally stretch to nearly an hour on resistance training days. When my wife became pregnant and with the arrival of the baby, I have been lucky recently to get an hour of dedicated exercise each week. I have compensated by watching my carbs even more closely and trying to simply 'move' more during each day. They key is to develop a system that not only works now, but will work for you in the future. Sadly, diabetes doesn't go away over time. Make sure that your management system doesn't either!

Congratulations on all you have achieved. You should take great pride in the fact that YOU have taken control of your diabetes. Keep up the good work and keep us posted!!!

Travis Autry

[Kris]

Thanks Travis for you advise. I have gotten off of insulin 3 other times only to mess up and stop exercising....for the first time in my life I have a work out partner, specific goals, and lots of prayer. I believe I can get off of it again...now will I ever be able to say I don't have it...not sure and to be honest don't care...right now the only thing that is important is control (like you said)...I know control only comes from healthy diet, water and exercise....reducing stress etc....hey, I do have another question....do you take or know of others who take vitamin supplements...I am going to ask my doct on Monday about taking them..I am taking a multi-vitamen now but was wanting to try some others...to help in the fight. Thanks for your time. Kris

[rzrbks]

Hello Kris.

Taking the supplements is a good thing. According to research at reputable institutions, anything that that helps our bodies be more healthy helps us absorb/use the insulin more effeciently.

a good source of info about the efficacy of vitamin supplements for Diabetics is

http://www.mendosa.com/search.htm

keep up the good work:thumbsup:

[mg_2204]

Hello Kris and welcome! You will find that this forum is great.

You have a goal (getting off of insulin) which is great. By having a goal, you're taking good care of yourself and that is what matters. Be proud of yourself! :)

I came this close to be put on meds again. Losing weight, getting enough exercice were key factors in me regaining control of my sugars. I'm still just diet controlled. I was 'officially' diagnosed T2 in 94. But even if I do have to be put on meds at some point (the disease will never stop progressing) I will always take good care of myself. It's a must. On insulin, pills, or diet controlled, if a person takes good care it will determine how many years you will have and, more importantly, how much quality there will be to those years. In my mind, quality if what matters.

Good luck!

Marie
:)

[Kris]

Thanks Maria, I agree...I believe my diabetes is my daily reminder of taking care of myself. It can be looked at as a curse or a blessing. I take it as a blessing that God allowed to happen to start putting my health first. Thanks for your kinds words. Kris

[mg_2204]

... You are quite right Kris, diabetes is a paradox; a curse and a blessing all in one. Ever since I started to focus on the latter one though it has helped me a great deal. It's not where you're going that really matters, it's the journey.

Hang in there!!!!!

Marie
:)