Newbie with questions

[tcpandi]

Hi..
I'm new to this forum and also new to having this disease.

I was diagnosed on Jan 8th after going to the doctor for bronchitis. He took blood work and since I was fasting, he also checked my sugar levels. On that date, my fasting BG was 170. He called me Tuesday evening to tell me to restrict my diet and come back Friday morning for a recheck. I stayed very low carb for Wed and Thurs and Friday morning I was quite confident it would be lower. On Saturday my doctor tracked me down at work to tell me my fasting BG this time was 220. I was completely in shock. He started telling me about being on medication and checking my sugar levels and how he was ordering me an ACCU Chek and lancets (what is that?!) and strips and pills. Imagine my shock when I got to the pharmacy and discovered all of that was going to cost $135!!

And so my journey begins.... Since my diagnosis, I've been doing a lot of reading on line. A good friend referred me to this website and my search for understanding continues.

So far... I have chosen NOT to take the Glucophage. I have been monitoring my BG levels about 6 or 7 times a day... and I have many questions about what my body seems to be doing. I've written down questions I plan on asking my doctor, but I would like the opinions of those that have 'been there'.

Monitoring: I'm monitoring when I wake up, before lunch, 2 hrs after lunch, before dinner, 2 hrs after dinner and before bed. Does this sound correct? or am I going overboard??

BG LEVELS: My doctor had mentioned that normal people (non-diabetics) blood sugar levels will get high after they eat and then naturally come down again. Does anyone know what that "high" number for a normal person is??

What levels should I be shooting for when I wake up in the morning?? ... after I eat?? ... When I go to bed at night??

Current levels: Over the last 5 days... the highest I've gotten was 300 (once - after a very bad choice at dinner time).... the average 'high' is 190 to 220. My lowest I've gotten is 112 (which was before dinner yesterday and about 6 hrs after lunch.) My average low seems to be around 150.


One last thing... I've noticed that each morning, my reading is higher than what it was right before bed the night before. What in the world is happening in my body that is making my BG levels rise while I'm sleeping?? And what can I do to stop it?

Okay, that's it.. Thank you so much for your opinions... I appreciate it.
Traci

[ladytaz]

Hi Traci! Firstly, Welcome to DF! Glad to have you with us! You've definitely come to the right place! DF is FULL of good information and very kind, supportive and helpful people!!

I can completely understand your shock at the amount of money you had to put out! I do not have insurance and foot ALL my own medical bills! It's NOT fun at all!!

Ok ....

Monitoring: You're doing exactly what you should be! Good Job!! Not going overboard at all!! This is exactly how you will learn how different foods affect your Blood Glucose Levels (BGL) and you'll learn what foods are "safe" for you to consume. This will also allow you to keep a close watch on your BGL throughout the day.

BGL's: Different docs say different things but in genral "normal" is between 70 and 120. This is the range to strive for in the mornings, as well as before meals. After meals, again, differing opinions but for a general idea, below 180, most prefer below 140 though. At 140, damage begins on your body. (There's more on this in the forums, do a search) As for bedtime, I'd strive for between 70 and 120 as well.

Higher Morning Levels: this is VERY common, it's called the dawn phenomenon ... Basically, overnight, your body produces hormones that tell your liver to put out more glucose, kind of like a "jump start to get your going" in the morning, which in turn makes your BGL rise. I know I didn't put that very well, I know what it is, but explaining it is harder for me to do ;) You can read more about it here and some solutions they suggest: Dawn Phenomenon (http://www.diabetic-talk.org/dp.htm)

Seems for most people, me included, getting this morning number down to where it should be is the MOST difficult thing of all! I've been trying for about a year and half now and have YET to get it into good range, except for maybe a coupe/few days out of the month! How that happens? I have NO clue! I dont do anything different ... just most days it's high and then bam out of the blue it's right where it should be! It will drive anyone insane!!

I'm guessing you're gonna try the diet/exercise route first, correct? That's fine, I hope and pray you can do it!! But, if after a month or so you aren't seeing a drastic improvement in your numbers, please do not be afraid to take the meds! Some of us just aren't able to get those numbers down with diet and exercise alone! And even some, like me, can't even do it with the meds added into the mix! I'll most likely be starting on insulin next month.

Good Luck!

[Cyborg]

Ditto What she says...

And welcome aboard :wavey:

[ProudNanaof5]

It seems Lady covered it completely. Welcome to our family...:wavey: Glad you joined us...

[kgm0612]

Hi & Welcome. Yes, Lady summed it up perfectly!

I might add.........You can ask for the generic brand of Glucophage which is Metformin. Both Target & Walmart offer it under their new Rx plan for only $4.00, regardless of insurance coverage. Both also sell their brand of meter & strips that are a lot less costly than the others.

Good luck!

Karen

[fizzgig_sh]

ditto, from me too. Ditto
nice to have you dancing along with our sweet crowd. :dancing2:

Plus, I monitor before driving, too. It seems that BSL's too high or too low can affect decision making. Other road users like us to make correct decisions while driving. I don't know why?

Cheers

[fizzgig_sh]

Higher Morning Levels: this is VERY common, it's called the dawn phenomenon ... Basically, overnight, your body produces hormones that tell your liver to put out more glucose, kind of like a "jump start to get your going" in the morning, which in turn makes your BGL rise. I know I didn't put that very well, I know what it is, but explaining it is harder for me to do ;) You can read more about it here and some solutions they suggest: Dawn Phenomenon (http://www.diabetic-talk.org/dp.htm)


Great link. :five: It explains the Dawn Phenomenon very well.
I will spend some time browsing that site.

Cheers

[MJB]

Hi Traci.

My CDE told us these targets to shoot for:

Under 160 2hrs after your largest meal of the day.
Under 130 fasting.

I'm not a doctor and I don't want to alarm you, but I would not be happy with your numbers and neither would my doctor. Calm now, that's just me and my doc and YMMV.

You may want to reconsider your choice not to medicate at this time.

Do you know your A1C? If you're not familiar with that, talk with your doc.

You know meds are much cheaper and more pleasant to deal with than complications of this disease. Your doctor had a reason to want you to take them.

Welcome to the forum, again, I don't want to scare you but I do want you, and everyone here, to take care of themselves. :hello:

[DonnieD]

Hi Traci,

Testing is helpful to localize the problem areas ... Testing before and 2 hrs after meals is a great way determine how specific foods affect your blood glucose ...

Testing at bedtime and when you awaken, gives an indication that your liver is producing glucose overnight ... Dawn syndrome or night panics will do that ... My highest fasting morning numbers are always after a rough night's sleep ...

Personally, I think the medication (I'm on Metformin) is a great helper, especially in the first 3-6 months, when you can get discouraged by erratic high numbers ... otherwise a holistic approach of healthy diet, excercise, and relaxation techniques will usually yield quick improvement ..

The most important thing is to be knowledgable and motivated ... if your health coverage allows, a nutritionist can be very helpful. I get 2 hours of valuable information, and personal counselling for only a $25 co-pay. I love my nutritionist !!

It's a long journey ... but it can be very satisfying to stay on top of it ...

Good Luck and welcome,

Donnie

[jeggeman31]

Traci

Glad to see you posted. Now beware of the young Jedi as he is a fellow Buckeye.

Te people are great on here and can probably give you better advice than I gave you last week.

[rwmetcalf]

Here is a link that gives normal and diabetic ranges of BG:

IOH Diabetes - What are normal and target blood glucose ranges? (http://www.isletsofhope.com/diabetes/symptoms/normoglycemia_1.html#normal)

Here is a link that gives the hb-A1c to glucose conversion table from Bernstein. The chart givesrather conservative valuations for good/bad, but the values are correct and fairly granular.

The Bernstein Hb-A1c to Average Blood Glucose Conversion Table, in mg/dl and mmol/l (http://www.rajeun.net/HbA1c_glucose.html)

I always have to go looking for these, at least now there is another post with them in it, hope this helps. That was one of the biggest things for me when first diagnosed, what is normal, what do I have and how do they compare.

Regards,
Roger

[tcpandi]

Here is a link that gives normal and diabetic ranges of BG:

IOH Diabetes - What are normal and target blood glucose ranges? (http://www.isletsofhope.com/diabetes/symptoms/normoglycemia_1.html#normal)

Here is a link that gives the hb-A1c to glucose conversion table from Bernstein. The chart givesrather conservative valuations for good/bad, but the values are correct and fairly granular.

The Bernstein Hb-A1c to Average Blood Glucose Conversion Table, in mg/dl and mmol/l (http://www.rajeun.net/HbA1c_glucose.html)

I always have to go looking for these, at least now there is another post with them in it, hope this helps. That was one of the biggest things for me when first diagnosed, what is normal, what do I have and how do they compare.

Regards,
Roger

...................Roger, thank you so much.. I saved those websites and will be going through them...
Traci

[tcpandi]

Thanks Jim!! I appreciate your advice!! and friendship! ...hahaha, and I already noticed the other buckeye on this list! hee... there's just no escapin' is there!?! :o)
Traci

[tcpandi]

Hi Traci,

Testing is helpful to localize the problem areas ... Testing before and 2 hrs after meals is a great way determine how specific foods affect your blood glucose ...

I'm learning this... I've noticed a few food items I've had to move from my good list to my bad list due to the readings after 2hrs...

Testing at bedtime and when you awaken, gives an indication that your liver is producing glucose overnight ... Dawn syndrome or night panics will do that ... My highest fasting morning numbers are always after a rough night's sleep ...
Interesting.. I haven't been sleeping well.. I wonder if this is why... I just thought it was STRESS! haa... Anyway, its something to consider..

Personally, I think the medication (I'm on Metformin) is a great helper, especially in the first 3-6 months, when you can get discouraged by erratic high numbers ... otherwise a holistic approach of healthy diet, excercise, and relaxation techniques will usually yield quick improvement ..

The most important thing is to be knowledgable and motivated ... if your health coverage allows, a nutritionist can be very helpful. I get 2 hours of valuable information, and personal counselling for only a $25 co-pay. I love my nutritionist !!



It's a long journey ... but it can be very satisfying to stay on top of it ...

Good Luck and welcome,

Donnie

Thanks Donnie.. I appreciate the advice.

[tcpandi]

Hi Traci.

My CDE told us these targets to shoot for:
Hi... What's "CDE"??

Under 160 2hrs after your largest meal of the day.
Under 130 fasting.

I'm not a doctor and I don't want to alarm you, but I would not be happy with your numbers and neither would my doctor. Calm now, that's just me and my doc and YMMV.
What's YMMV?

You may want to reconsider your choice not to medicate at this time.

Do you know your A1C? If you're not familiar with that, talk with your doc.
My A1C was an 8.0.. I found a conversion chart that said my average BG level would be 220 with that.

You know meds are much cheaper and more pleasant to deal with than complications of this disease. Your doctor had a reason to want you to take them.
Good point and certainly something to consider.. I just don't want to be on meds (if i don't have to be) just yet... this will be with me for the rest of my life... I can't imagine doing this for another 40 years... but... I'm resiliant, I'll get through this.... I just need to educate myself first.

Welcome to the forum, again, I don't want to scare you but I do want you, and everyone here, to take care of themselves. :hello:


Thanks again, I do appreciate it.. and its all very scary, but I think I have it in perspective... at least I hope so!!
Traci

[tcpandi]

ditto, from me too. Ditto
nice to have you dancing along with our sweet crowd. :dancing2:

Plus, I monitor before driving, too. It seems that BSL's too high or too low can affect decision making. Other road users like us to make correct decisions while driving. I don't know why?

Cheers

haha, imagine.. wanting good decision making while driving..heee, gee, what a concept!! hahaha, thanks for the chuckle!! :)

[tcpandi]

Hi Traci! Firstly, Welcome to DF! Glad to have you with us! You've definitely come to the right place! DF is FULL of good information and very kind, supportive and helpful people!!

I can completely understand your shock at the amount of money you had to put out! I do not have insurance and foot ALL my own medical bills! It's NOT fun at all!!

Ok ....

Monitoring: You're doing exactly what you should be! Good Job!! Not going overboard at all!! This is exactly how you will learn how different foods affect your Blood Glucose Levels (BGL) and you'll learn what foods are "safe" for you to consume. This will also allow you to keep a close watch on your BGL throughout the day.

BGL's: Different docs say different things but in genral "normal" is between 70 and 120. This is the range to strive for in the mornings, as well as before meals. After meals, again, differing opinions but for a general idea, below 180, most prefer below 140 though. At 140, damage begins on your body. (There's more on this in the forums, do a search) As for bedtime, I'd strive for between 70 and 120 as well.

Higher Morning Levels: this is VERY common, it's called the dawn phenomenon ... Basically, overnight, your body produces hormones that tell your liver to put out more glucose, kind of like a "jump start to get your going" in the morning, which in turn makes your BGL rise. I know I didn't put that very well, I know what it is, but explaining it is harder for me to do ;) You can read more about it here and some solutions they suggest: Dawn Phenomenon (http://www.diabetic-talk.org/dp.htm)

Seems for most people, me included, getting this morning number down to where it should be is the MOST difficult thing of all! I've been trying for about a year and half now and have YET to get it into good range, except for maybe a coupe/few days out of the month! How that happens? I have NO clue! I dont do anything different ... just most days it's high and then bam out of the blue it's right where it should be! It will drive anyone insane!!

I'm guessing you're gonna try the diet/exercise route first, correct? That's fine, I hope and pray you can do it!! But, if after a month or so you aren't seeing a drastic improvement in your numbers, please do not be afraid to take the meds! Some of us just aren't able to get those numbers down with diet and exercise alone! And even some, like me, can't even do it with the meds added into the mix! I'll most likely be starting on insulin next month.

Good Luck!

Melissa, thank you so much... the website on Dawn Phenom was good.. I plan to try that protein snack tonight before I go to bed to see if it helps.. I'm slowly gaining more education and I'm discovering what foods work with my BG leves and what foods don't. Today has beena good day... I woke up a little high (183 - was 166 at bedtime the night before)... but my readings through out today have been 149-153-144... which is much lower than the 170 to 190 range I've been in the last 6 days.

As for my plans.. at this point, I plan on the diet/exercise route..and pray that works... I know this sounds silly.. but I'm afraid to take the meds because I don't want my BG to go low or bottom out to the point where I may be very sick or pass out. I live alone and to be honest, if this where to happen, no one would miss me until I didn't show up for work. I know.. sounds unreasonable and even irrational, but...

Anyway, thank you for all the help!! Traci

[tcpandi]

It seems Lady covered it completely. Welcome to our family...:wavey: Glad you joined us...


Love your quotes!!

[tcpandi]

Hi & Welcome. Yes, Lady summed it up perfectly!

I might add.........You can ask for the generic brand of Glucophage which is Metformin. Both Target & Walmart offer it under their new Rx plan for only $4.00, regardless of insurance coverage. Both also sell their brand of meter & strips that are a lot less costly than the others.

Good luck!

Karen

I didn't know this... good to know... of course my doctor already ordered me (and I bought) the accu-chek machine.. i have machine questions too,, but I'll make that a different post.. thanks Karen!! Traci

[ladytaz]

Melissa, thank you so much... the website on Dawn Phenom was good.. I plan to try that protein snack tonight before I go to bed to see if it helps.. I'm slowly gaining more education and I'm discovering what foods work with my BG leves and what foods don't. Today has beena good day... I woke up a little high (183 - was 166 at bedtime the night before)... but my readings through out today have been 149-153-144... which is much lower than the 170 to 190 range I've been in the last 6 days.

As for my plans.. at this point, I plan on the diet/exercise route..and pray that works... I know this sounds silly.. but I'm afraid to take the meds because I don't want my BG to go low or bottom out to the point where I may be very sick or pass out. I live alone and to be honest, if this where to happen, no one would miss me until I didn't show up for work. I know.. sounds unreasonable and even irrational, but...

Anyway, thank you for all the help!! Traci

You're welcome! Metformin (Glucophage) shouldn't make you go low by it's self. Now if you're taking something like Glipizide (Glucotrol) or Glyburide as well, then there is a possibility there!

I understand your fear, I'm often alone and I have gone low and it scares the bajeezes outta me!! Thankfully I've never passed out, but have been close. Hopefully you'll be one of the lucky ones who can do it with diet/exercise alone :D Great job on the numbers coming down! Keep up the good work!!

[labob]

A "CDE" is a certified diabetes educator. Not a doctor, but someone who is focused on diabetes and is typically authorized to write prescriptions. I rely mostly on my CDE for my care.

"YMMV" stands for "your mileage may vary" -- meaning that what works for one of us might not work for everyone.

[ladytaz]

"YMMV" stands for "your mileage may vary" -- meaning that what works for one of us might not work for everyone.

Thanks for the clarification labob! I've been wondering myself what that stood for! LOL

[MJB]

Hi again Traci.

CDE is Certified Diabetes Educator. This may include nurses, dieticians, social workers etc. that have been trained in Diabetes education. The CDE I was referring to is a registered nurse and a T2 diabetic.

YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary

A throwback to auto advertising giving you mileage rates for their vehicles. Just another way of saying we are all different.

None of us want to be on meds, I have another thread going about coming off of them as I might be able to do that soon. But the important thing is to get your blood glucose levels as close to normal as you can and if meds are needed to get you there you should probably start there and work with your diet and exercise to try and get off of them.

Keep a close watch on your levels and if you are consistently out of range you need to do more. It's all about your health.:smile: