Hello from TN

[roastedpeanut]

Hi everyone! I'm Lisa, and I'm from MT, but live in TN. I was just diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes a few weeks ago. I found out that I was diabetic after a routine visit to my OBGYN for my annual checkup. The doctor found excess iron in my urin, so she had blood drawn to see what my BS was. When they put the strip into their meter, it wouldn't register what my BS was. The nurse then took it and put it in another machine, but it too failed to read. After that the doctor came out, and told me that she was very worried about me because their meters wouldn't read above 300. She knew it was either 300 or higher, and instructed me to go to the ER, which I thought was just crazy. I also thought that would be terribly expensive, and I felt just fine. When my husband got home, we went to Walgreens and bought a meter. My BS was 567. At that point, I knew I had a problem. Long story short, I went to the ER, and their reading was 330. I was then admitted to the hospital where I stayed for two days. :( I got some information from a diatician in the hospital, but I know I need to get more educated. I'm currently taking Jamelet 1000mg 1 morning only and Amaryl 4mg morning only. My sugar is dipping too low though. At lunch it hits around mid 60's. Anyways, I guess a phone call to the doctor's office is in order. I was told during my follow up visit that I need to lose some weight- around 25 pounds. I'm watching what I'm eating, and walking every night for about 45 minutes.

[mzteacher]

hi lisa,
sorry about your recent diagnosis...but very glad you found us...this forum has been an incredible source of insiration and information....stick around and i am sure you will learn alot to cope with all of this!
welcome!
susan

[jacobsam622]

Hi everyone! I'm Lisa, and I'm from MT, but live in TN. I was just diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes a few weeks ago. I found out that I was diabetic after a routine visit to my OBGYN for my annual checkup. The doctor found excess iron in my urin, so she had blood drawn to see what my BS was. When they put the strip into their meter, it wouldn't register what my BS was. The nurse then took it and put it in another machine, but it too failed to read. After that the doctor came out, and told me that she was very worried about me because their meters wouldn't read above 300. She knew it was either 300 or higher, and instructed me to go to the ER, which I thought was just crazy. I also thought that would be terribly expensive, and I felt just fine. When my husband got home, we went to Walgreens and bought a meter. My BS was 567. At that point, I knew I had a problem. Long story short, I went to the ER, and their reading was 330. I was then admitted to the hospital where I stayed for two days. :( I got some information from a diatician in the hospital, but I know I need to get more educated. I'm currently taking Jamelet 1000mg 1 morning only and Amaryl 4mg morning only. My sugar is dipping too low though. At lunch it hits around mid 60's. Anyways, I guess a phone call to the doctor's office is in order. I was told during my follow up visit that I need to lose some weight- around 25 pounds. I'm watching what I'm eating, and walking every night for about 45 minutes.Sounds like you are not getting enough carbs or I should say the right kind of carbs. Here are a few tips about eating with diabetes.
To determine carbs subtract fiber from the total carbs. You can also subtract artificial sweeteners.

Traditional wisdom says = Portion control is a must and do not get seconds. I like my way better get small portions that way you can get seconds It is an old Jedi Mind trick

Foods you can eat:

Meat = Beef well trimmed, chicken, fish broiled or baked, eggs, Ham(for Non Jews) , hotdogs without bun.

Nuts - most nuts are low in carbs, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, any that have total carbs of less then 10g

spreads buy no sugar added jelly or try one of several reduced sugar brands , no sugar added Peanut butter – good for cholesterol

vegetables = almost anything but corn If you eat corn stick
with the small kernel corn on the cob. Eat lots of Green beans it raises good cholesterol

Sugar free ice cream or no sugar added, sugar free jell-o

Chocolate that has a cocoa % >= 60% or low carb chocolate

Breads = whole grain or low carb whole grain.

Pasta = whole grain: Dreamfields, Wal-Mart has good brand

rice = brown rice, wild rice

sodas = diet only

Alcohol = Low carb beer, brands like Michelob ultra, Miller-Lite, there is at least two others. Red wine or wine that is at least 13% alcohol
tequila, Vodka I Like the four wise man myself: Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, Jose Cuervo, Johnny Walker

avoid high carb food any anything with a lot of refined sugar or white flour

Fruit = try different ones to see how they effect your BS

if you have acid reflux avoid eating fruit at meal time.

General rule if it’s brown then its OK for diabetes

[adiantum]

G'day Lisa, Welcome to Df. I'm glad you found us here, where you will get great advice & support.
Your 45min evening walk is excellent. Well Done !!!

[Evermont]

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

You've come to the right place. Ask lots of questions. We'll have you fixed up in no time!

[bkburns]

Hello RoastedPeanut! Welcome to the forum. It is a very helpful corner of the net.

I am also a recently diagnosed Type2 in Memphis. There is a local pharmacy called The Diabetes Store. They offer education classes with a Certified Diabetes Educator almost weekly weekly at different times, and you can take them as often as you like. I found mine really helpful, and after you take the basic one they offer an Advanced Meal Planning class as well.

My Dr also prescribed me sessions with a dietician at the diabetes center at Baptist East, they were also helpful. The dietitian helped me learn to read and understand labels, and helped me build a meal plan. That gave me the confidence to modify the meal plan myself and take control of my diet. (I will say the meal plan was too high on carbs, I think they follow a strict ADA plan - I have modified it based on what I have learned here).

As for your sugar dipping to low at lunch, what are you eating for breakfast? Are you feeling low as well as testing low?

[fgummett]

Hi RP and welcome to DF... so glad you found us! Sounds like you are off to a great start already... Good for you! Lots of great advice to be had here so ask anything don't even hesitate if you think it might be a newbie or a stupid question.. there really is no such thing... if you are wondering it I guarantee there are many many others with the same question :)

[morrisma]

Welcome to the club Lisa.

You've gotten some really good advice already. Walk, watch what you eat (Jacob's list is great), and, of course, test.

If you can get into those classes, you will learn a lot in a short time. Take your hubby so he can help. :D

[princesslinda]

Welcome "almost" neighbor!:D Glad you found the forum. Sounds like you've been given some great advice already.

I'd also like to recommend a great book "The First Year, Type II Diabetes," by Gretchen Becker. Full of great information.

[kgm0612]

Hi Lisa & Welcome. Nice people and plenty of info to be found here.

To determine carbs subtract fiber from the total carbs. You can also subtract artificial sweeteners.

I do not follow the above quote. In fact, the ADA recommends subtracting the fiber from the total carbohydrate count ONLY if it has 5g or MORE. Artificial sweeteners raise my blood sugar as well.

Test often, keep a log of what you're eating so you'll know which foods you do well with and which foods you need to cut back on or avoid altogether, limit your carbohydrate intake and keep up the exercising (walking).

Karen

[roastedpeanut]

BK-
It's great to have a neighbor on here! I'm going to check into the classes you mentioned. I have felt tired during the day. Sunday and yesterday were the worst. I ate more for breakfast today, so I'm hoping to see a higher number at lunch time. My husband agreed that I needed to eat more at breakfast before calling my doctor's office. He thinks that is the solution as well.Thanks everyone for all your replies. It's been fun and educational reading all the info.