Out of lurkdom

[shaza]

Hi everyone,

I've been reading this forum for a few days, making ample use of the search function. :-)

I am T2 (I hate even saying the D word). My A1c number (taken last week) is 12.2. The first thing I did was search this forum to see how bad that is. I asked my doctor to phone in a prescription for a monitor and I've been using it for the last couple of days. I am frustrated because I've been walking 30-60 minutes a day since then (I plan to add some weights when I know what the heck I'm doing) and I'm trying to eat very carefully. Very low carb. No matter what I do I can't get my numbers below 150. They range from 153 to 294. (I've only been using the monitor a couple of days.)

I see my doctor tomorrow and I'm sure he will prescribe meds. I have no idea what I'm in for. I hope these numbers don't mean insulin. (I'm a needle phobe.)

Thanks for all your information and sharing. I'm sure you all know what I mean when I say it sucks to be here. ;-)

Sharon

[Penny]

Hi Sharon and welcome. The needles aren't so bad, really they don't hurt, and you get used to it. But, if you aren't taking any medications, that may be first.

[tanyatype1]

Hi Sharon! I absolutely could NOT believe it when the doctor in the ER told me that I'd have to start giving myself needles everyday! I actually laughed and thought he was kidding! NOPE! Not kidding. But, Penny is right. The tiny needles that are used REALLY are usually painless. Not to be too harsh, but I'd be more scared of the complications that will come with the high blood sugars over the long term, than I'd be of the needles. Good luck at the doc's tomorrow!

[Klososky]

yeah, i'm pretty sur my jaw dropped to the floor when the er doctor told me, its not that bad after a while, a pump helps as well.

[KickStart101]

Hello Sharon: :hello: I'm glad that you found us. Sorry you're
here...yup you know what I mean. ;) Yes, 12 is way too high.
The A1c should be below 7.0. The lower the better. The Dr.
will probably put you on pills first, plus exercise and diet.Try
your Best and hopefully you won't need shots. I've had shots
since I was 3, so I'm used to them. They are an instrument that
helped save my Life, so I'm okay with them. They're much shorter
and thinner now, so even better.

If your sugars get too high and you exercise it can put your sugars
up higher. I hope that you drink your 8 glasses of water a day.

Good Luck to you in getting your sugars under control and hopefully
NO Needles for you. :)

[soso]

Hi Shaza
Given that it's only been a week, it may take a while longer to see an improvement in your numbers...indeed 150prolly is an improvement with a high A1c....
I realize you may already know this, so excuse me if you do .. no white food cept cauliflower...for myself i would eat no grains until my numbers dropped or I was on a therapy that dropped them. Remember, even though it's good and good for us, fruit is just veggies with sugar added...I find 2 oz apple or orange or berries to be the best portion and effect. Try to stick with green veg til you have things under control..
I am now on insulin and it's no worse than my life trying to control my bg without it...I do have a bit more choice now.....however, as a T2 that is not necessarily on the cards for you....it took a while to get that way and it may take a while to go back in the other direction
good luck
ss

[princesslinda]

Hi Sharon:
Welcome. I hope you'll find lots of support, information and friendship on this forum....It has been a lifesaver for me.

I was diagnosed in Aug 06 and my A1c was 9.6. I was immediately started on metformin 500 mg 2 times a day. This, with lifestyle modifications (exercise and limiting carbs) has brought my A1c in Nov. down to 6.2. If you read a lot of the T2 posts, you'll see most start on metformin initially. More meds can be added if this doesn't show good results.

I encourage you to test your blood sugars 2 hrs after you start eating, so that you can see how certain foods affect your levels and therefore know what foods to enjoy often and what should be limited. After you do this for awhile, you'll know feel more in control of things.

It is difficult when we have to adjust our lifestyles because of diabetes, but the payoffs are worth it. The lower you can keep your blood sugars, the longer you can put off diabetic complications.

Remember, you are not alone in this...I've found there's ALWAYS someone on this forum who has experienced what I have and is willing to share and support you. Hang in there. Let us know what treatment you doc recommends.

Again, Welcome!

[kgm0612]

HI Sharon & Welcome to DF. Nice people and a ton of information to be found here.

Karen

[shaza]

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone. I just returned from the doctor's office. He prescribed Metformin (sp?) twice a day and he wants me to get on insulin right away, though he wants me to meet with a doctor who specializes in diabetes and to have her prescribe the exact regimen. Then he wants me back in his office 6 weeks to check status.

I think I'm in shock at the moment.

Sharon

[Simon]

Don't worry we've all been through it and it's nowhere near as bad as you think it will be. My biggest problem is convincing everyone else of that.

[princesslinda]

Sharon:
You hang in there...just resolve to do whatever it takes to be healthy. I hate that you'll have to be on insulin, but after reading all the posts from those who do it all the time, it's probably not going to be as bad as we who've never done it before think it will be. Just hang in there. We're all pulling for you!
Linda

[Stuboy]

I would say sorry to hear it, but to be honest, im not, you know why? Because it will make you feel better!! And honestly... it really isn't bad at all! The needles are painless, and after the first couple of goes injecting yourself, you'll be like..."pfft, what was all the fuss about!?"

Good luck with it though! Welcome to the club! :D