Hello

[AaronB.]

My name is Aaron. I have had blood work in the last year and it came back with high bloodsugar levels. I was in severe diabetic denial until about a month ago. Now I am in regular diabetic denial.

[Penny]

Hello Aaron and welcome. Tell us more about yourself.

[tanyatype1]

Hi Aaron! Welcome!

[chinku]

Hey Aaron,

I understand ur frustration as I am newly diagnosed with diabetes too.
(Diagnosed on 1/1/2007 Type1 at age 26)

Well I was admitted to ER,becoz I was not able to breathe and chest pain and unconciousness.

Well after spending two days in ER and regaining strength and when Dr told me that I was Diabetic (T1), I was thinking it was a bad dream...... THAT IT CANT BE TRUE becoz I never know abt the type 1 diabetes and it can occur at the age of 26 (I mean in children and young adults).

I always thought Diabetes is related to elderly people... well I was wrong and was in state of SHOCK for abt 2 more days ... then what...? life does not stop .

As I learnt from this forum and other resourses that carefully monitoring BG levels, Controlling CARBS and regular exercise can prevent any complications assoicated with diabetes.

Now I am confident, If one can achieve healthy life after being diabetic I CAN TOO (Read this forum ... there r lot of our friends here who r doing just great).

Any way to make sure, test ur BG levels regularly and u can see if ur Diabetic or not.

All the best and Nice meeting u.

-CHINKU

[AaronB.]

What would you like to know? Where should I start?

[AaronB.]

I have been testing three or four times a day. Always high.

I have also been reading up on diabetes for nearly a year since the bloodwork. I have been exercising regularly, avoiding most all carbs, and taking herbal supplements.

Now I have read that exercise is supposed to help, but my bg goes up when I exercise...:(

DO you guys know how hard it is to get health or life insurance being diabetic? J/K I am sure you all know.

[Penny]

Aaron, are you seeing a doctor? What was your A1C? Do you take any medications? I think most of us get elevated BS when we exercise. Mine goes up, but comes down quickly and stays down longer. In the long run exercise helps.

[ladytaz]

Hi Aaron! :hello: Welcome to DF! Glad you've joined us!

Sounds like you're starting out in the right direction! You might want to test before and after meals to see how the foods you're eating are affecting your BGL's (test just before eating and then two hours after your first bite).

What diabetes meds and dosages of those meds are you taking (if any) ? If you aren't taking any meds, you may very well need to! Unfortunately, some of us just can't do it with diet and exercise alone! Are you even under a doctors care? If not, it would be wise to get yourself to a doctor, preferably an Endocrinologist!

And yes, I DO know all about not having any insurance! So I have to foot all my own bills! And NO it ain't cheap either!! I just had to foot $200 to see an Endo for the first time! Took me two months to save it up! But, I did it! ;)

As far as meds go, Walmart (and Target too from what I hear) are now offering some of the diabetic meds (generics) for $4 per 30 day prescription, and this is a big help. I've also found a place online that I can get my strips cheaper than anywhere else! Some even purchase theirs off eBay! There are also the prescription help programs out there, even some directly through the pharmaceutical companies! ;) So there IS help out there!

My husband's employer is supposed to be attaining Health Insurance for the employee's ... but I already know, I'm not eligible because of my pre-existing diabetes! So I STILL have a good ammount of time (most are a year wait) till I will be eligible for coverage :( It sux big time!

So ... give us a lil bit more info, and we'll all here will inform you the best we can! With a little guidance, you should be getting things under control sooner than you think!! :)

[AaronB.]

If your hubby's employer gets insurance as part of a group, then you should be eligible. I currently have insurance through my wife's work. Like I said, I am in denial...I dont want to have diabetes....but I do have it.

Readings in the am are 150-175
2 hours after eating are 185-225

I dont seem to get out of that range no matter what I do. Even after exercise, my bg doesnt drop very much. Maybe a point or three, but not a significant change.

I am going to be seeing the doctor. I dont know when. I havent made an appointment.

My mother is type 2 and takes Diatroxal and she says she has never been in such control like she is since she's been taking it. Do any of you here take this stuff? Her endo said to just keep doing what shes doing. She is in a wheel chair due to amputation, gets no exercise, and is 115 after eating with that stuff. She is down to 4 units of insulin a day now.

[pinkytricia]

Wow...Whoa...!!!
I didn't know there were different levels of denial...lol
Honey... You are the one making the choices... You are the one in control don't let this @#$% disease take over...
Aaron ... I know you don't want to have matching wheelchairs like your mother...
I take it that diet doesn't work for you... More water... Less stress
Maybe..Protein at night , 3 oz of wine at night... change it around and document everything....
Honey....Believe me none us wants Diabetes....!!!...:nurse: :evil:
But We have it...
Good Luck... One day at a time,....

[ladytaz]

If your hubby's employer gets insurance as part of a group, then you should be eligible. I currently have insurance through my wife's work. Like I said, I am in denial...I dont want to have diabetes....but I do have it.

Readings in the am are 150-175
2 hours after eating are 185-225

I dont seem to get out of that range no matter what I do. Even after exercise, my bg doesnt drop very much. Maybe a point or three, but not a significant change.

I am going to be seeing the doctor. I dont know when. I havent made an appointment.

My mother is type 2 and takes Diatroxal and she says she has never been in such control like she is since she's been taking it. Do any of you here take this stuff? Her endo said to just keep doing what shes doing. She is in a wheel chair due to amputation, gets no exercise, and is 115 after eating with that stuff. She is down to 4 units of insulin a day now.

Morning Aaron :)

Well, I certainly hope that's the case with the insurance! I'm praying for that anyway!! ;)

Ok, your numbers are just about where mine have been the past couple months ... and I AM taking meds, and haven't changed a thing otherwise. It's on the high side, but not outrageously high! ;) Example: Last night at 11:30 pm I was at 128, lowest I've been in days! This morning 10:am I'm at 163! I haven't eaten a thing since before 9 pm last night :( I'm upset, more so irritated at my numbers, but not freaked out by them, and something is going to be done about them very soon here ;)

I'm not able to exercise as I should, due to back and neck problems, but I've heard quite a few say that exercising raises their BGL too, as well as the other way. Again, it's a person by person thing it seems. Ask questions about that here, search and read here on the fourms, there is probably someone else who has a suggestion(s) for ya!

I've never heard of Diatroxal, but just looked it up, it's a herbal suppliment. If it's working for your mom, YaY!! She's doing super it sounds! Just remember, that what specifically works for one, may not work for another. Be open to what your doctor suggests.

My thinking is that when you go see the doctor, he'll probably put you on a or a combination of meds. This will probably help you lots! :) Depending upon your diet already, (which you said you've already cut down on the carbs) you may or may not need to change anything else! :)

This disease is one of the most frustrating out there, we all here know and understand that, and how you're feeling right now! But please don't give up, or stay in denial! That will only hurt you more in the longrun.

Try to look at diabetes like this ... Once you get your numbers in a better/healthier range, you'll feel better, and probably be healthier than you've EVER been in your life! :) It's not always easy, nor fun, but it IS worth it in the end!

You've got LOADS of support here at DF!! We'll be rooting for you, giving you guidance, friendship, a place to share and vent too!! ;) Nobody understands a diabetic like another diabetic!! ;)

[AaronB.]

Morning Aaron :)

My thinking is that when you go see the doctor, he'll probably put you on a or a combination of meds. This will probably help you lots! :) Depending upon your diet already, (which you said you've already cut down on the carbs) you may or may not need to change anything else! :)

This disease is one of the most frustrating out there, we all here know and understand that, and how you're feeling right now! But please don't give up, or stay in denial! That will only hurt you more in the longrun.

;)

Well, that's the thing...I do not want loads of synthetic "medicines" being pumped into my cells. I am an herbal type of guy. The type to take a bull by the horns, but in this case, I do not feel I am doing all that needs to be done.

I do not know how bad these numbers are, but I am finding it hard to go below 150, and that is supposed to be high on the fasting test.

[tanyatype1]

That's funny Aaron, because most people here would probably call themselves "the type to take the bull by the horns!" But, sometimes things come up in life that we can't control. Being an herbal type of guy is great, if it's working. If it isn't then you need to smack yourself out of the denial state, and REALLY take the bull by the horns, and do whatever needs to be done to get your numbers down. Every day that ticks by is another day that could be doing damage, that scares the heck out of me. I hope that I'm not coming across as harsh because I don't want to, I'm just......I don't know. Cheers.

[ladytaz]

Well, that's the thing...I do not want loads of synthetic "medicines" being pumped into my cells. I am an herbal type of guy. The type to take a bull by the horns, but in this case, I do not feel I am doing all that needs to be done.

I do not know how bad these numbers are, but I am finding it hard to go below 150, and that is supposed to be high on the fasting test.

Before meals and fasting (upon waking in the morning - at least 8 hours with no food/carbs) the standard BGL is between 70 and 120. After meals the standard BGL is below 180, some prefer you to be below 140.

At a BGL of 140 damage begins to occur to your body. (This is why most of us like to be under 140.) Damage occurs to your eyes, heart, kidneys, pancreas, liver, nerves (neuropathy) and who knows what else! It's not a load of damage all at once, but little by little, chipping away at your health bit by bit. The longer you stay above 140, the more damage that is being done.

I'm VERY lucky that I've had no complications! I was running 200 -300+ for at least 3 years previous to being diagnosed! (3 years previous is when I bought myself a meter and started randomly checking my BGL) If I knew then what I know now about the damage that was causing, I'd have gone to the doctor and done whatever I needed to do to get my BGL's under control! But, hind sight is always 20/20 and I didn't know then, what I know now!

Have you tried the Diatroxal? If so and it's not working, well, there's your answer! The herbal way isn't working for you! Sorry to say, but herbs are not the be all end all of fixing things! Yes they work for some things and some people, but not everything nor all people. We are all different, and different things affect each of us different ways. If you haven't tried it, well then give it a shot! But if in a months time, you aren't seeing an improvement, and a drastic one at that, then it isn't working as well for you, as it is your mother, and it's time to try oral meds!

Just a little FYI here, Metformin is derived from the French Lilac plant, that was used centruries ago to treat Diabetes! Metformin is the oldest and most prescribed med for Type 2 diabetics, and works wonders for most people!

If you can go the natrual route GREAT! If not, please don't disreguard the oral meds route! The end result is NOT a good one! If worse comes to worse and neither the natural, nor oral meds route work, there is always insulin.

This is the stage I am at. Oral meds along with diet aren't doing the job for me anymore, so, I will be starting on insulin probably next month! Do I like taking meds? No, I don't! Do I want to stick myself with a needle multiple times a day? No, I don't! But, I will do whatever it takes to keep myself alive and as healthy as I can be, for a good long time! I've been lucky enough to see my chldren grow up and I really want to be around to see my grandchildren! ;)

Your diabetes is not going to just go away! You'll have it for the rest of your life! So, you need to decide what you want to do! Do you want to get yourself healthy and live a long life, or, just keep on the way you are now, and cut your life short?

I don't want to sound mean or anything! I'm just telling you the truth of the matter here! If you keep on the way you are now, you're going to have complications up the ying yang and it won't be pretty!

[kgm0612]

Hi Aaron & Welcome to the forum.

Are you limiting your carbohydrate intake at meal time? If you're not, this could be one reason your numbers are high.

Karen

[princesslinda]

Hi Aaron: Welcome to the "big-D" club.

I know how it feels to watch your mom have all kinds of problems and then YOU end up with the disease as well. My mom died at 54 after having an amputation, heart attack, retinopathy and finally renal failure. I was so freaked out when I got my diagnosis that I couldn't breathe! I didn't think I could handle things....BUT, we do what we have to do.

I think you shouldn't worry if you have to take medication, as long as it brings you into a normal blood sugar range. After you get this under control, you may be able to go off the medications, but the smart thing is to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to avoid the same problems you've seen your mom have.

One thing i've realized from my time in the forum, is that diabetes doesn't have to be like I saw it with my mom.

I take metformin 500 mg 2 times a day. Was diagnosed in Aug 06. Since then, I have avoided breads, pasta, rice, potatoes and sweets and tried to eat more lean proteins and get regular exercise. I have lost 40 lbs and my A1C has gone from 9.6 to 6.2. If I had to take a couple of pills a day to achieve this, so be it. Yes, i'd rather control things with diet/exercise, and hopefully one day I can, but control (however the method) is most important.

You hang in there! Again, Welcome aboard.:wavey:

[paulT2]

Hi and welcome from one newbie to another.

This forum is a great place to learn how to cope with diabetes and all its 'faces'.

Denial is a nasty place to be. Try reading posts here and about how diabetes works in general.

There is no right or wrong with diabetes - just what works best for you. But don't go thinking there is some miracle cure ... there isn't.

No one wants to take medication ... sometimes it's the only way.

Before I was diagnosed my 'medicine cabinet' consisted of a pack of Tums and a bottle of Advil. I hate the idea of taking pills and will always look for an alternative where possible.

Interestingly, since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I have improved on my diet (less carbs and less processed foods) and I have taken up regular exercise (running and the gym) now I can't remember the last time I needed to take Tums or Advil!

Every day though, without question, I take my prescribed medication (1 x 500mg metformin) Do I want to take it? Heck no! Do I hope to not have to take it in the future? Heck yes!

Take control of diabetes ... don't let it control you - if that means medication so be it, the long term consequences of not controlling your diabetes are (IMHO) much, much worse.

[AaronB.]

Yeah, I do not want to end up like mom...I will be making an appointment with my doctor.

When I was using Diatroxal, my numbers were around 130-150 after eating. Even better in the morning.

The thing I cannot figure out is why my bg goes up when I exercise.:hmmmm2:

[paulT2]

Exercise is the gift that keeps on giving.

Quite often after I have exercised my BGLs increase (anything from 2 - 40 mg/dl) there are many possible resons for this, the most likely being I have pushed harder than my body was comfortable with and my liver has decided to 'contribute' additional glucose to my system in a misguided effort to help me.

Significantly, I find that 30 minutes after finishing though my BGL is decreasing and continues to decrease pretty much until I next eat.

I don't know if this makes sense or if it applies to you but you should consider testing 30 minutes, one hour and two hours after you stop your exercise and see if there is a decrease.

You should note though that exercising when your BGLs are too high to begin with can have a counterproductive effect.
Test before you exercise too and try and pick a time to exercise when your BGL is in a reasonable range.

[AaronB.]

THanks, everyone.

It is nice to know that I do not have to feel like some sort of weirdo cuz of this condition. NIce to know there are good folks to help a guy out.

You make me feel welcome, and I really appreciate that. I hope I can come to return the favor. :)

[orpy]

AaronB,

Good luck...denial is okay but, as everybody says, you still have to do what you got to do to lower those numbers. Like everybody else, I hate meds, and I grieve the loss of being able to eat the foods I love. It's been two years since diagnosis, and yes, I'm still in denial, but also working hard to control things. I think I'll always be in denial in some way. It's the lack of being able to control things that is hard; I have always been very disciplined and been able to control my life most of the time. This is the first time that I can't change something...every day, I say to myself, I can't believe I'm diabetic! Anyway, welcome...

[MJM]

I have been testing three or four times a day. Always high.

I have also been reading up on diabetes for nearly a year since the bloodwork. I have been exercising regularly, avoiding most all carbs, and taking herbal supplements.

Now I have read that exercise is supposed to help, but my bg goes up when I exercise...:(

DO you guys know how hard it is to get health or life insurance being diabetic? J/K I am sure you all know.

Hi AaronB, Welcome to the forum. If you start exercise with a high Blood Sugar it will only get higher. However if you start with a blood sugar that is normal or not too high, the exercise will reduce it. Exercise is very beneficial for everyone, whether diabetic or not and is particularly beneficial for diabetics. My advise, keep doing it, but don't start when blood sugar is high.

[princesslinda]

Hey Aaron:
I, too, notice that my blood sugar goes up immediately after exercise...but it comes down with 1/2 hr or so and then I usually have a great reading then next morning (unless I exercise late and night...then the a.m. reading is a little higher than usual that first morning). As someone else mentioned, avoid exercising if your levels are high (i've read somewhere that if you're over 200 you shouldn't exercise, I THINK because ketones will spill over into the urine and that's not good).

At any rate, sounds as if you'll do fine...you're taking the first step by being proactive and learning all you can. We're ALL still learning, will probably never stop learning new things to better improve our quality of life.

Hang in there!