Hello from Ireland

[Cormac_Doyle]

A brief synopsis of my medical info is below, but it suffices to say that I am struggling (failing?) to keep a lid on my diabetes at the moment.

I am probably one of the most insulin-resistant individuals in the entire country of Ireland ...

Taking 900-1500 units of insulin per day is honestly PAINFULL ... since it is very difficult (sore) to take more than 50 units per injection site, this means that I currently have to take at least 7 injections before breakfast, and then yet more during the day :(

At least with a u500 solution, I can take the same amount of insulin with only 1 or 2 injections at a time ...

==============================================

Current* Medications:
Glucophage (Metformin) - 1500mg (before meals)
* Novorapid (flexpen) - 200 units (2.0 ml) before meals
* Lantus (solostar) - 150 units (1.5 ml) twice daily
Crestor (rosuvastatin) - 40mg (evenings)
Omacor - 4000mg (evenings)

* Due to switch to from Novorapid/Lantus combination to "Humulin R u500" as soon as it can be imported into Ireland. This should reduce the volume of insulin injected from 9.0 ml per day to 1.8 ml per day while maintaining the number of units injected at the same level.

Average fasting Blood Glucose:

13.5 mmol/dl (243 mg/dl):stickyman :puke: :embarasse

Triglicerides

9.5 mmol/dl (841 mg/dl) [from 12.2 mmol/dl (1080 mg/dl)]

Cholesterol -
LDLs too high (but coming down);
HDL unmeasurable (too low)

[Evermont]

http://www.limeylemon.com/images/XWelcometoDF.gif

I guess you're not the luckiest Irishman then - still, glad to have you here, welcome!

[xMenace]

Welcome from the other side of the pond Cormac.

That's a serious looking regimen. Wow. I think even Bill will be impressed ;) Do you have a plan for improvement? You don't mention weight, diet, nor exercise, but these are just as important if not more so than the meds.

[MJM]

Welcome Cormac from a fellow Irishman. Gee! you are on a tough regime. I sure hope you can get things sorted to a more tolerable regime real soon. I wish you well in your efforts.

[morrisma]

Welcome to the club.

Is exercise part of the equation? Whenever I'm active, I use less insulin.

[davef]

Hi Cormac,

Welcome from another Irishman (Bray), you seem to be having a rough time of it.

I reckon you will find the help you need on this forum, it's really great and the people here are always ready to lend a helping hand and support.

[princesslinda]

Welcome Cormac! Glad you found the forums. Lots of great people and good information to be found here.

[Cormac_Doyle]

Welcome to the club.

Is exercise part of the equation? Whenever I'm active, I use less insulin.

Unfortunately, I find it very difficult to do any real amount of exercise ... I live up beyond Kells, but work in Blanchardstown - the commute means that I spend an average of 2.5 hours per day in the car, and another 8.5 hours on my arse at work ... by the time I get home, I barely have the energy to cook dinner before collapsing in bed.

All stupid excuses ... I really should try to do some sort of exercise.

[morrisma]

Unfortunately, I find it very difficult to do any real amount of exercise ... I live up beyond Kells, but work in Blanchardstown - the commute means that I spend an average of 2.5 hours per day in the car, and another 8.5 hours on my arse at work ... by the time I get home, I barely have the energy to cook dinner before collapsing in bed.

All stupid excuses ... I really should try to do some sort of exercise.

Any nice spots to walk in at lunch time? A brisk walk is the best way to get started.

I have this really romantic view of Ireland that no matter where you are, it's beautiful and inspiring to be outside. Try no to kill my dream;)

[kgm0612]

Welcome to the forum!

Karen

[Cormac_Doyle]

Any nice spots to walk in at lunch time? A brisk walk is the best way to get started.

I have this really romantic view of Ireland that no matter where you are, it's beautiful and inspiring to be outside. Try no to kill my dream;)

The Boyne valley area where I live is really beautiful ... and looks absolutely magical with the light (freezing) mist that clings to it on winter mornings.

I'm just lazy :D

[fgummett]

Welcome to DF!

I also work in front of a computer screen all day. :) I try to take "smoke breaks" at work... I don't smoke, but instead go outside for a walk even if it is just around the block. If anyone complains I can just point out the time the smokers take and ask if they would rather I was smoking?

[davef]

Welcome to DF!

I also work in front of a computer screen all day. :) I try to take "smoke breaks" at work... I don't smoke, but instead go outside for a walk even if it is just around the block. If anyone complains I can just point out the time the smokers take and ask if they would rather I was smoking?

A bank in Ireland did a time and motion study some years ago and found that it takes 7 minutes to smoke a cigarette. The idea of a "walking break" is a good one and one I will adopt, even though I do (for the moment) smoke, I can walk up the street while smoking, nice one Frank!

Cormac, just wondering, do you get that mist most winter mornings? I'm into photography and always looking for new shooting locations, the idea of a trip up to the Boyne valley some Sat/Sun morning sounds really tempting, I could be there in an hour from Bray (well on a Saturday/Sunday I could, before the M50 becomes a car park!)

[notme]

Welcome to Diabetes Forums Cormac Doyle! I am glad you found us and have decided to join.

The only way to lower your insulin resistance is to exercise and limit your carbs. I know that isn't what you want to hear. I didn't want to hear it either. You have to find a way to fit some heart pumping exercise into your regime. Get a bike in the town where you work and bike ride at lunch time, join a gym, walk...... anything.

You do take a lot of medications and insulin and it would be wonderful if you could lower it. Try to exercise tommorrow and see what happens. You may find yourself going low and needing to lower your insulin.

Find out how many carbohydrates you are consuming in a day. Lower that number and increase activity and you may find you are not as resistant as you thought.

Anyhow, welcome to Diabetes Forums!! I am glad you joined. I think you will find it to be a very helpful place.

I visted Ireland a few years ago and LOVED IT!

[Cormac_Doyle]

A bank in Ireland did a time and motion study some years ago and found that it takes 7 minutes to smoke a cigarette. The idea of a "walking break" is a good one and one I will adopt, even though I do (for the moment) smoke, I can walk up the street while smoking, nice one Frank!

Cormac, just wondering, do you get that mist most winter mornings? I'm into photography and always looking for new shooting locations, the idea of a trip up to the Boyne valley some Sat/Sun morning sounds really tempting, I could be there in an hour from Bray (well on a Saturday/Sunday I could, before the M50 becomes a car park!)

At least 30-40% of the time. Because it is a freezing mist, all of the trees/bushes and grass are white with Ice, and the effect is that you can see clearly down the road for a good distance, but you only see the tops the trees in the fields on either side of the road, seeming to magically float above this ghostly silent landscape ... their trunks shimmering into view as you get closer ...

Cormac

[Cormac_Doyle]

Welcome to Diabetes Forums Cormac Doyle! I am glad you found us and have decided to join.

The only way to lower your insulin resistance is to exercise and limit your carbs. I know that isn't what you want to hear. I didn't want to hear it either. You have to find a way to fit some heart pumping exercise into your regime. Get a bike in the town where you work and bike ride at lunch time, join a gym, walk...... anything.

You do take a lot of medications and insulin and it would be wonderful if you could lower it. Try to exercise tommorrow and see what happens. You may find yourself going low and needing to lower your insulin.

Find out how many carbohydrates you are consuming in a day. Lower that number and increase activity and you may find you are not as resistant as you thought.

Anyhow, welcome to Diabetes Forums!! I am glad you joined. I think you will find it to be a very helpful place.

I visted Ireland a few years ago and LOVED IT!

Only 10 years ago, I could run a 6-minute mile ... I doubt I can actually run a mile at this stage - Once you leave college and start driving, the rot sets in :D

I don't mind walking - I used to enjoy walking my dogs, but I don't have any in my new house ... I'm not there long enough each day to be fair to them :(

Weekends are actually harder than weekdays for exercise ... I have weekend custody of my kids, and since they are only just 5 & 6, they get tired after only 3 or 4 minutes walking ...

Heck - my employers will cover up to €225 of the cost of joining a gym (they typically cost around twice that) ... but I have a sneaking suspicion that I wouldn't use it :(

[fgummett]

Maybe you are not ready for the gym yet, or running a 6 minute mile, but taking walking breaks at work costs nothing and needs no equipment... don't let yourself get overwhelmed by feeling you can never get to the gym... just start something small and achievable. Park at the far-end of the car-park (usually easier to find a spot and less chance of door-dings)... walk up or down some stairs (my work is up 6 flights so I still ride the elevator/lift up but always walk down). Before you know it you will be taking advantage of that gym membership... if not for yourself, think of the examples you are setting for your children :)

[xMenace]

Heck - my employers will cover up to €225 of the cost of joining a gym (they typically cost around twice that) ... but I have a sneaking suspicion that I wouldn't use it :(

30 minutes of walking a day. We all have to make the time.

[judi t]

Cormac, you may be on heaps of medication, and yes, you should exercise and organise your diet, as everyone has already said. But apart from that, I could really see that misty scene. You have a way with words. Cheers.

[Cormac_Doyle]

LOL - I try my best ... my editor wouldn't be too happy if I came across like a Wikipaedia article!

[jacobsam622]

Only 10 years ago, I could run a 6-minute mile ... I doubt I can actually run a mile at this stage - Once you leave college and start driving, the rot sets in :D

I don't mind walking - I used to enjoy walking my dogs, but I don't have any in my new house ... I'm not there long enough each day to be fair to them :(

Weekends are actually harder than weekdays for exercise ... I have weekend custody of my kids, and since they are only just 5 & 6, they get tired after only 3 or 4 minutes walking ...

Heck - my employers will cover up to €225 of the cost of joining a gym (they typically cost around twice that) ... but I have a sneaking suspicion that I wouldn't use it :( Come on man I live 30 miles north of Philadelphia and work in Wilmington DE. When I get home I have two very active 3-year twin boys to keep me busy. Once the boys go to sleep I spend at least a 1/2-hour in my gym in the basement. I have about 4 machines and free weight all the equipment can be bought at Wal-mart or the equivalent in Iraland. Only you can decide to change. Good luck

[caswellhb]

With your way with words you should take up photography and capture all that beauty. Get some tips from David and go out on photgraphic walks. Ireland is so beautiful, capture it and post the pics for us. Whenever I am there I get lost in the beauty of the place.
Also pm Ghostryder, an amazing talent with a camera.
I'm not going to push you on the exercise part of your self care but I would suggest that you count your carbs to begin with. Could you post a typical days diet for us? Maybe we could help you out there.
Keep posting, there are some great people here.

Heather.

[Cormac_Doyle]

Come on man I live 30 miles north of Philadelphia and work in Wilmington DE. When I get home I have two very active 3-year twin boys to keep me busy. Once the boys go to sleep I spend at least a 1/2-hour in my gym in the basement. I have about 4 machines and free weight all the equipment can be bought at Wal-mart or the equivalent in Iraland. Only you can decide to change. Good luck

Aw man - now you are making me feel guilty :(

[judi t]

Hey, Cormac, don't worry about taking pics for me. Just write. I'm into visualising the word pictures!

[Cormac_Doyle]

With your way with words you should take up photography and capture all that beauty. Get some tips from David and go out on photgraphic walks. Ireland is so beautiful, capture it and post the pics for us. Whenever I am there I get lost in the beauty of the place.
Also pm Ghostryder, an amazing talent with a camera.
I'm not going to push you on the exercise part of your self care but I would suggest that you count your carbs to begin with. Could you post a typical days diet for us? Maybe we could help you out there.
Keep posting, there are some great people here.

Heather.

You don't want to know my typical diet ... but here goes

Monday - Friday

** While at work - will have c. 10-12 cups of half-milk, low-fat coffee

Breakfast (07.20)
(150 units Lantus; 200-300 units Novo; 1500 mg Glucophage)
3 Weetabix with a splash of milk
Glass of Water

Lunch (13:00)
(Novo as required to keep glucose under 10mmol/dl - generally another 200 units)
Zip

Dinner (20:00)
(200-300 units Novo; 1500mg Glucophage)
Bowl of thick soup, 3 or 4 slices of wholemeal bread
2 cups tea with splash of milk

Bed
2 cups tea with splash of milk
150 units Lantus, Novo as required

*************

Weekends:

Breakfast as above

Lunch & Dinner:
Since my cooker is currently dead, I only have a grill, a microwave and a deep-fat fryer, so it's things like

Mashed Potatoes (not reconstituted) / Chips / Bread
Burgers / Sausages / Fish (Salmon/Cod)
Frozen Veg (Green Beans / Corn / Carrots / Broccolli)
Baked Beans
Scrambled Eggs (Eggs Benedict - put 'em in a bowl with some milk & season, microwave for 1 minute, stir vigorously & repeat until done).

My ex ended up with my camera ... and I'm kinda short on cash, so it will be a while before I get some shots up :(

[davef]

Cormac,

The Weetabix is fairly high in carbs, without milk the 3 you have are 32.85g carb. Just wonder if you would be better having a small breakfast and having something to eat for lunch rather than eating no lunch.

What brown bread are you eating for dinner? 3-4 slices could also be high in carbs, I have seen bread here that have 16-20g per slice so you could be eating 48g carbs (3 slices @ 16g). I also find I gave to be very careful even with "brown" bread as not all brands are created equal, I just cannot handle Hovis Wholemeal at all, it sent me sky high very quickly and then I plummet once and I'm not risking it again.

Your weekend lunch/dinner, the line "mashed potatoes/Chips/bread" sounds lovely to me but not something I could tolerate at all.

Okay, so I'm a T2 on met and not using insuling, so we are not in the same league, but that said, I would suggest lowering the carb intake for breakfast, have something for lunch and watch the bread at dinner. I know you have a long commute, but have you considered a quick stir fry for dinner, they are so easy to make, fast to prepare and filling too.

Just a few thought for what they are worth.

[judi t]

Jaysus, Cormac. I'm picturing Robbie Coltrane now!! Ever thought of consulting a dietitian??

[Cormac_Doyle]

The Dietician said I should be eating less ... without asking what I was eating! Then gave me a proposed diet sheet that included considerably more food than is listed above ... and a lot MORE refined carbs.

In my humble opision ... most dietitians are state-funded quacks

[Cormac_Doyle]

Cormac,

The Weetabix is fairly high in carbs, without milk the 3 you have are 32.85g carb. Just wonder if you would be better having a small breakfast and having something to eat for lunch rather than eating no lunch.

What brown bread are you eating for dinner? 3-4 slices could also be high in carbs, I have seen bread here that have 16-20g per slice so you could be eating 48g carbs (3 slices @ 16g). I also find I gave to be very careful even with "brown" bread as not all brands are created equal, I just cannot handle Hovis Wholemeal at all, it sent me sky high very quickly and then I plummet once and I'm not risking it again.

Your weekend lunch/dinner, the line "mashed potatoes/Chips/bread" sounds lovely to me but not something I could tolerate at all.

Okay, so I'm a T2 on met and not using insuling, so we are not in the same league, but that said, I would suggest lowering the carb intake for breakfast, have something for lunch and watch the bread at dinner. I know you have a long commute, but have you considered a quick stir fry for dinner, they are so easy to make, fast to prepare and filling too.

Just a few thought for what they are worth.

The weetabix are probably high carb ... I might look at that.

The bread is not "sliced bread" such as hovis ... it's the stone-ground wholemeal soda loaf. My ex used to refuse to eat it because she said that it was pure fibre ... but that's the way I like it :)

Either way - I've lost an average of 10lbs per month on the diet above since Christmas ... and any REPUTABLE dietician will say that you cannot safely lose more than that without causing damage ...

[davef]

The weetabix are probably high carb ... I might look at that.

The bread is not "sliced bread" such as hovis ... it's the stone-ground wholemeal soda loaf. My ex used to refuse to eat it because she said that it was pure fibre ... but that's the way I like it :)

Either way - I've lost an average of 10lbs per month on the diet above since Christmas ... and any REPUTABLE dietician will say that you cannot safely lose more than that without causing damage ...

I got the weetabix info from their site (.

If the bread is truly high fiber that will help with the carb content.

10lbs/month is a nice loss and as you say any reputable dietician would not like to see more than that.