I'm tired of being out of WHACK!

[Respectisthekey]

Ok, so I'm 31..mother of 2 daughters...will be married next year...and I'm way out of whack! My A1C is NEVER good. My sugar is ALWAYS high....and I seem to not be able to get myself together. I try for a few days to take my blood sugar..but then I get tired of doing it. I ALWAYS take my shots....but I eat what I want. ...which is usually bread:eek: . I don't like being told what to do, but that doesnt' help me any. I know I can live long this way...fortunately, I have no side affects YET. I will if I don't get myself together. My fiance and I would like to have a baby next year, but that won't be a good idea unless I get my health under control.
Whew..I'm not venting, am I? LOL. Sorry...well, any suggestions? Has anyone had diabetes since 1994 and STILL think it's going to "be ok"....with the minimal work? :eek:
I'm not sure how many carbs I "can" eat a day..or not. What can I snack on that won't affect my sugar?
Anywho...any advice or words of wisdom (without the lectures, PLEASE, I'm AWARE of all the things that could go wrong)...is welcome.

[inkvisitor]

Hey there,

I was in your shoes until a few months ago. I finally saw a doctor I liked, joined this forum, and I have more motivation than ever now.

I used to eat what I wanted, not test often enough, and just "glide by." Now I test 6-10 times/day and watch what I eat with an extremely close eye.

It's great coming here and reading folks' stories, sharing my own, and learning a whole lot in the process. I think that has contributed a lot to my diabetic self-awareness :)

[Respectisthekey]

Thank you :) I'm hoping this forum will inspire me as well. I have a great doctor...I just have no motivation. I see the high readings and don't like it..so I quit testing.

[rock star]

you sound just like me a few weeks ago. but because I didnt follow direction I am wearing a pace maker, feels like I am walking on rocks cant see the tv without being arms length away.I hated taking shots, testing levels 8 time a day and thinking about every meal. I was taking 50 units of insulin a meal and levels still read 400. But 3 weeks ago I was put on the pump I think it has saved my life. I still count carbs but eat what I want portion control. My levels are down under 200 so I am motivated to stick to the plan,test eat count test again deliver insulin easy

[sugardumplin]

Hi Krissy! Welcome to the Diabetes forum. You are gonna get so much help and motivation here.

I am 30 and have 3 children and I know how it can be hard to eat right with kids in the house. I exercise regularly now and I try to watch what I eat. Its hard to say no. But you have been at it for a few years now so I can see how this could get tiresome at some point in life.

I bet you are really tired with high numbers. i wonder if you even know what life feels like with lower BG. I know I do actually feel like a million bucks now that I am on insulin and trying to eat better and exercising. before I was sleep and grumpy all the time.

I think you and I could really relate in a lot of ways.... private message me if you wanna compare life more :D

[Veektor]

If you don't do it, nobody will, and you will be the one to suffer. So love yourself enough to take control. Yeah its a pain in the *** when you first start but it becomes second nature. I hate to tell ya but all those people that neglect their condition pay for it in the end and that is a sad fact.

I hope your doctor doesn't let you glide on by, if he does, then you have the wrong doctor. I've been T1 diabetic for 7 yrs and I eat what I want in moderation. I do not drink alchohol anymore but I don't miss it. I test 8 times a day. Its not hard.

put your big girl pants on...

[jenb]

I'm not sure how many carbs I "can" eat a day..or not. What can I snack on that won't affect my sugar?

I find that keeping my carb intake around 20 grams per meal works pretty well. I've cut out the starchy carbs like rice, potatoes, beets, etc. and try to concentrate on salad veggies like tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, peppers. You can eat a ton of this stuff! I also always have hummus in the fridge - a little goes a long way and it's great with those veggies. lackberries and strawberries are a part of my daily breakfast, and also dessert when I'm out for dinner. As for snacks, I love a little roast turkey breast and some toasted soy beans and almonds. Other protein and fat combos, like smoked fish with some cream cheese are good too. Of course, I do fall off the wagon periodically - Bread is totally my downfall...but I really do limit it - boo hoo!

Good luck - let us know how you do.

Jen

[lorilei]

even with kids in the house, i just don't buy that many sweets and we frequently run out of bread...i keep lots of nuts and cheese sticks on hand and drink a cup of tea or eat peanutbutter right off the spoon if I am feeling carb seeking...

i am in more danger outside of home when i am hungry than in it, so i keep protein bars and nuts handy in my car and purse as well..i have become better at taking the small set acarb mount to treat a low or curtail the munchies before i cross my threshold..

good luck...much inspiration to be had here..

[Respectisthekey]

Are nuts a "free food"...if I could find things to each when I have the "munchies" that wouldn't affect my sugar, I would do much better!

[lorilei]

Are nuts a "free food"...if I could find things to each when I have the "munchies" that wouldn't affect my sugar, I would do much better!

do you own calorie king? if not, grab a book and it might help you identify some low carb foods that you like...nuts are not necessarily free, depending on which type though, they are a lower carb food...plus have protein and fat to get more bang for your buck so to speak than bread or cookies...

[patricia52]

I am a T2 but I can tell you the first few weeks of counting carbs is the hardest. After a few weeks you learn how certain food affect you BG and you don't have to read so much.
Nuts are not really a free food, they are high in calories and fat, but they are great for balancing you sugar levels so you do not get hungry all the time and don't go hypo so much.
I was dignoised about 1 1/2 years ago and found this site almost immediately. With the help of the wonderful people here I have learned how to manage my sugar levels and I feel so much better.
You need to start by making small changes. Buy whole wheat bread instead of white bread. Use brown rice instead of white rice. Pass on the potatoes if you can or if you have a choice chose sweet potatoes. But remember a carb is a carb so you still have to count them. Eat smaller meals even if it means you have to eat an extra meal everyday. Make yourself a promise that you will try for one month. You will see so much improvement in how yo feel that I believe you will never go back to your old ways.