New Diabetic

[HDrider]

Hello..I was recently (on 12/19/07) diagnosed with Type II. I'm taking 500 MG Metformin twice a day. My wife and I have been to Diabetes class. I'm trying to do the diet plan than has been suggested for me. My question is this: My sugar levels still average around 280. Shouldn't I see it starting to go down?

[xMenace]

Welcome.

Metformin can take a few weekes to kick in, but ya you should be dropping. WHat were you at diagnosis? I hope you have some follow-up appointments to get the dosages right.

[princesslinda]

Welcome Hdrider! Glad you found the forums. Metformin generally takes about 3 weeks to reach optimal levels in your body, so if you started it immediately at diagnosis you should be seeing some results. It may be that you will need a medicine adjustment. This may be something to discuss with your doctor.

Are you watching your carbs? For me, if I eat breads, pasta, potatoes, rice...that type of food, I have difficulty maintaining good blood sugars. For the most part, I eat lots of salads, green veggies and lean proteins, choosing s/f pudding and jello when I need a sweet fix. Also, exercise is important, so if you are able, implement this into your day as often as possible.

Do you test your blood sugar regularly? Different foods affect each of us differently. If you test 2 hrs after your first bite of food, you'll see how foods affect your blood sugar and be able to make smarter food choices.

A great book for newly diagnosed T2s is "Type II Diabetes, The First Year," by Gretchen Becker....she herself is a diabetic and the book is full of information on diabetes, treatment, diets, all sorts of interesting information.

You've found a great place for support. I hope you post often, ask lots of questions. You're not alone, we're here to help.

[caswellhb]

Linda hit it on the head! Carb count!
Really this is the only way to go.

Heather.

[Jan B]

Welcome HDrider,

I used to ride Harleys too! Even had one of my own. I'm assuming here . . . . maybe that's not what HDrider stands for! Glad you joined.

[ladytaz]

Yes, you should have seen a drop by now, IF you've been doing all the right things .... those things being what Linda expressed! Watch that carb intake! If the Diabetes classes have been teaching you what they're supposed to have been [some are still back in the dark ages!] You should know this already. If you are doing all that is necessary, you may need an adjustment in your medications. Not all of us need/take the same amount or kind of meds to treat our Diabetes! You may need your Metformin dose upped, and/or you may need another medication added to the mix. Your doctor will determine this. But, he can't know what's going on with you, unless you tell him/her. Be vocal. Relay your concerns. Be pro-active. Make sure your concerns/questions are answered. If they aren't, then be on the hunt for a doctor that cares about your health as much as you do!

Oh, and welcome to DF! :)

[Evermont]

Welcome to DF. I'm waiting for the snow to melt before I dust of my '90 XL 1200, meantime I'm riding a '00 Burton Rush 162.

[mho357]

Hello HDrider and welcome to the forum.

Mark

[HDrider]

Thanks for all of the advice. A few responses:

I do have a followup visit with my doctor.

I've been loggin my suger levels and most of my meals.

I do ride a Harley...actually I own two: '84 FXWG (Shovelhead Wideglide) and a 2000 FLHTCUI (Ultra Classic). My wife and I are very active in our local Harley Owner's Group and enjoy our motorcycling friends and lifestyle immensely.

Thanks Again!

[kgm0612]

HI & Welcome to the forum.

Keep an eye on your carbohydrate intake.........too many carbs will keep your blood sugar up!

Karen

[mike-munich]

Welcome Harley !

Had a '90 HD 883 Sportster until last year, ride a BMW R1200GS around Europe now.

Good luck with your T2 ! Keep up the good work.

[ShadowMom]

Welcome HDRIder!

I am also newly diagnosed, (12-21-07), I also take Metformin 500 mg twice a day. My BS levels will fluctuate depending on what I eat, I am still learning what foods will spike my blood sugar. So far I have identified rice and potatoes.

I ride a Honda Shadow, but my hubby has an '04 Dyna WideGlide, and an '07 UltraClassic. We are active in our local HOG chapter and CMA.