Another new guy

[MickeyLane]

Hi,

My name's Mickey and I live in central Florida.

I went to the Doc in February to deal with a nasty cold and had a routine blood test. I was asked to do another one (apparently for the Aic) and was told I was 'officially' diabetic since the result was 7.1.

I was not put on any diabetes meds (*) but was given a glucose meter told to start eating right and get off my hind parts and get some exercise.

I did all sorts of things to my food and fluid intake and started walking. Somewhat.

Morning glucose measurements were all over the place (highest was 150something) but they eventually settled down to the 120 region.

2nd Aic was 6.something. 3rd was yesterday but no results yet. I've managed to loose 25-28 pounds (about 8-9%).

I've never had anything resembling a symptom.

I seem to have reached a plateau in my number reduction efforts and have come to the conclusion that my do-it-yourself plan might need a little work. I'm hoping that some on-line contact/reading/etc might help.

I've already done a little reading and it didn't take me long to discover that I have nothing whatsoever to complain about. Some of y'all are putting up with some serious stuff!

(*) I was given some "Be on the safe side" things (cholesterol, etc.) but they caused all sorts of problems. I'm revisiting the subject next week.

[princesslinda]

Welcome Mickey, glad you found the forums! Congrats on the weight loss, I know how difficult that can be.

Do you limit your carbs (esp white foods like bread,pasta, rice and potatoes)? Many here watch their carbs and find it helps keep things more stable.

Hope you're testing often, as this is the best way to find how various foods affect your blood sugar and to be able to make smarter food choices. I was given a goal of 140 or less 2 hrs after first bite of meal...and 110 or less fasting.

There's a great book i'd like to recommend, "The First Year, Type 2 Diabetes," by Gretchen Becker. She's T2 and the book is easy to read and full of great information.

Look around, ask lots of questions. Sounds like you've made a lot of good changes already.

[volleyball]

Welcome Mickey,
You've seem to take your diagnosis head on. As a non medicated person, you numbers will be a bit higher. Don't worry about it, it is about averages and you're not taking medicine which will drive you low.
My cholesterol dropped when I went good carbs, lower glycemic so that may work for you

[MickeyLane]

Do you limit your carbs (esp white foods like bread,pasta, rice and potatoes)? Many here watch their carbs and find it helps keep things more stable.

Well, I quit drinking Newcastle Brown Ale. [grumble]

I quit drinking anything with corn syrup in it. I'm not much of a cola fan anyway.

I went from 2% to 1% milk.

I haven't tried a lot of experiments but it looks like potatos are really bad, sandwiches w/low carb bread are OK and spagetti w/low-fat sauce has no impact at all. Jury's still out on rice.

[adiantum]

G'day Mickey, It sounds like you are doing really well with taking control of this D.
Congrats on the weight loss & lower A1C.
My doctor & I regularly debate the meds for lowering cholesterol & I still refrain from taking any.
My levels have reduced since diagnosis & I'm sure thats from the diet & exercise & the recent addition of fish oil capsules

[rayrontgen]

Hi Mickey,
If I were you I would stay as far away from cholesterol lowering drugs as possible. My doctor immediately put me on 40mg. of a statin tablet. It took my cholesterol away down but it also gave me very painful leg muscles. Since I was told to stop taking it by another doctor my legs are getting better and I have also managed to keep my cholesterol under control by more natural means.
Best wishes RR

[xMenace]

Welcome.

Great job so far. Really!

---------------------------

"low carb and slow carb" IMO carbs are the fat culprit. I don't buy into low-fat diets. Avoid trans-fats though.

"Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants." <<-- watch my videos.

Get moving!

I take a statin with no problems at all. Work with your doctor.

[MickeyLane]

If I were you I would stay as far away from cholesterol lowering drugs as possible

Amen to that! I had some heart issues a couple of years ago and the chemical soup they put me on was amazing. I've been sensitive to all sorts of stuff ever since. Either that or I'm now a hypochondriac or a worry-wart or a something.

The one in question here was Lipitor.

I've developed the opinion that there are way too many drugs available these days. No human can keep track of all the different interactions.

[davef]

Welcome Mickey, sounds like you have got a grip on your management routine. Keep on keeping on, get the becker book Linda suggested and watch the carbs.

Ask any question you need to, visit and post often,

[notme]

Welcome Mickey. I like your attitude. Congratulations on your weight loss and the search for better health. You will find a wealth of information on this site that will help you with a better A1c.

Keep up with the walking and find some other activity that you like to do that feels like play. As adults we forget about playing. Ride a bike, play a game of basketball. Something that makes you breath hard and is fun. Most of all, check out the diet and nutrition thread on this board. It will help you make decisions about foods you should be eating.

Welcome! :wavey:

[catatonic]

Welcome Mickey!

You seem to be doing things right, congratulations! I'm also of the opinion that a figure-it-out-for-yourself approach is what works best to manage diabetes. Of course, one should always consult and meet with a professional regularly, but overall ownership of the management program should be in your own hands.

Just like you, I was diagnosed as a result of a routine checkup. I didn't have so much as a cold, let alone any symptoms!

[MickeyLane]

Thank you all for the warm welcome

I've already learned a lot of new things

[kgm0612]

HI Mickey & Welcome. Nice folks and plenty of valuable information to be found here!

Karen