First Time User

[dfbarker59]

I have been monitoring my BG twice a day for the last couple of weeks and have some questions that I am sure have been answered before. I have been able to lower my levels with diet alone at this point. My doctor wants me to to be <125 in the morning and <165 after dinner. I have been reading around 120-130 after dinner but mornings have been 130-140. Is it common for BG to rise over night? I also have been having odd random aches and pains off and on during the day with BG during the day below what the doctor wants, is that common? I am sure I will have a million other questions as I try to figure the normal day to day life with diabetes.

Thanks
Darrell

[princesslinda]

Hi Darrell:

Welcome to the forum. Are you T1 or T2? (giggle...makes me think of the wizard of oz quote "..are you a good witch, or a bad witch?")

To answer your question, many of us struggle with higher morning numbers. Read up on the Dawn Phenomenon and see if you think it pertains to you. It says that often levels drop in the wee morning hours and your body overcompensates, thereby making fasting levels higher. If this is what's happening with you, try eating a high protein snack just before bedtime (handful of almonds or some cheese or a spoonful of peanut butter) and see if this makes a difference.

Also, i'm T2, and it seems that if I eat higher carb in the evenings, i'll have higher morning readings, even if the 2 hr after dinner level is in line. If i'm going to have more carbs, I try to have that for lunch and be low carb for dinner.

I'm on metformin 500 mg 2 times daily, diagnosed 8/31/06 . I am getting good control with the meds, low carb diet and exercise. I've lost over 40 lbs so far doing this. You sound like you've done well so far on your regimen.

You're in excellent company here, just look around and ask questions.

[kgm0612]

Hi Darrell & Welcome to the forum. Nice people and a ton of information to be found here.

Karen

[notme]

Hi Darrell, Welcome to the forums. Search the archives, ask questions and just jump in and share! Glad you found us.

[KickStart101]

Hi Darrell: :) I'm glad that you found us. You have much
to learn. Take it slow so you will not be overwhelmed. It
will get better, don't give up. Welcome and enjoy Tony's :hello:
Forums.

[MJM]

Hi Darrell, welcome to the forums. I'd give an arm and a leg for figures like yours. It's not easy getting perfect results, in fact in my case it verges on the impossible. I'm a type 1 and on insulin. Needless to say the better your BS readings the better things will be overall for you. With a little experience you should be able to get the figures your doctor prefers and like KickStart says take it easy starting off. Read all you can about diabetes and familiarise yourself with the pros and cons of the disease. Whatever you do, don't worry about your current readings, they are not at all bad and when you are familiar with everything you can start to get them down to whatever is requested.

[ladytaz]

Hi Darrell! :wavey: Welcome to DF! :)