Newly diagnosed T2.. Some questions for the more experienced...

[jtomason]

Hi everyone.

My name is Joe, I'm 36 and from Tampa, FL. I was just diagnosed this week with T2 diabetes, and am now undergoing the educational and adjustment process as I begin to cope with what this means to my life.

I have a few questions to ask of everyone; hopefully I'm not covering too well-worn ground:


1. I've seen a few mentions on this site of Type 1.5 diabetes, but I cannot find any mention of it from the American Diabetes Association (website or book), nor did my doctor mention it, nor was it raised in a diabetes seminar I attended. Why? Is it too new? Not yet accepted? How was it determined that you had T1.5 vs 1/2?

2. ID bracelets/necklaces/etc. I've seen the typical necklaces and bracelets, and have read on here about what many of you (don't) wear. I've found a few oddballs amongst the choices and wanted to see what people thought of them:

* Products that seem like little more than a USB flashdrive. (Examples: http://dx-prn.com/Medical_Alert_Bracelets_Comparison.htm, http://www.medictag.com/) Do emergency personnel really either notice this or have a laptop and the training/experience to read it?

* A necklace that uses microfilm to record lots of data: http://www.safetyproductsunlimited.com/medscope.html - does anyone have any experience with these? They seem like they have a lot of extraneous data to me.


3. Lancets and airlines. I travel extensively for business. I understand that the TSA will allow lancets, but has anyone run into any hassles? What happened?

4. Laser lancets: Anyone tried/have one? Anyone?

5. Besides the usual stuff that you get told (diet, exercise, monitor, etc) - any real-life practical tips?

6. Diabetic parents: When did you have your children first screened?

7. Weight loss: Since finding out that I had a high blood glucose level during unrelated blood testing (and being told to come in for a fasting test to screen for diabetes), I immediately made diet changes to low-fat, low-sodium, low-sugar foods and have begun an exercise routine. In that 1.5 weeks, I've lost around 5 lbs. Is this normal? Obviously if it continues or I start experiencing dizzyness or fatugue or the like I will consult my doctor, but I would still like to hear what you folks might have to say.

8. Lancet reuse: Anyone?

9. Eating out: Any practical advice beyond the usual? Favorite types of restaurants, good chains, etc?

10. Elbow/arm pain: I found out I had diabetes as a result of bloodwork my doctor ordered to diagnose pain in my elbows and arms that is somewhat mysterious - it comes and goes, and is related to motion and lifting - in other words, it doesn't hurt when I either touch it or am not lifting something. We still have not determined the cause for this, and the doctor is willing right now to write it off as possibly related to the diabetes. I can't find anything listing this as a possible symtom or result of diabetes. Anyone experience it, or anything else out of the ordinary?

11. Artificial Sweetners: I have seen some horror stories about sucralose (Splenda) and aspartame (NutraSweet) - stating that now, after some long-term use of these products, that health issues are starting to emerge. Others say there's no problem with them. Some people say that saccharin is now OK - the lab rat tests didn't emulate the human experience. Anyone done any research in this area? Since essentially everything "sugar free" seems to have these products, it is a matter of concern to me. What I have read causes me to want to eliminate them from my diet - but are they the product of some "real sugar" lobby?!


Thanks for indulging a somewhat overwhelmed newbie amongst you.


- Joe

[Harold]

Hi everyone.

My name is Joe, I'm 36 and from Tampa, FL. I was just diagnosed this week with T2 diabetes, and am now undergoing the educational and adjustment process as I begin to cope with what this means to my life.

I have a few questions to ask of everyone; hopefully I'm not covering too well-worn ground:


1. I've seen a few mentions on this site of Type 1.5 diabetes, but I cannot find any mention of it from the American Diabetes Association (website or book), nor did my doctor mention it, nor was it raised in a diabetes seminar I attended. Why? Is it too new? Not yet accepted? How was it determined that you had T1.5 vs 1/2?
Type 1.5 or LADA; Same thing as Type 1, an autoimmune response that destroys beta islet cells, but at a later age. Type 1 is determined by the lack of insulin production and the strong presence of antibodies to beta cells. Type 2 or insulin resistance has normal levels of insulin, but may also have some beta cell antibodies.

2. ID bracelets/necklaces/etc. I've seen the typical necklaces and bracelets, and have read on here about what many of you (don't) wear. I've found a few oddballs amongst the choices and wanted to see what people thought of them:
Unless your taking insulin or one of the oral meds that may cause hypoglycemia they are not necessary. However if you are and especially if your experiencing lows then by all means get one. A word of advice, EMS people ignore jewelry so always get the ugliest one you can find.

* Products that seem like little more than a USB flashdrive. (Examples: http://dx-prn.com/Medical_Alert_Bracelets_Comparison.htm, http://www.medictag.com/) Do emergency personnel really either notice this or have a laptop and the training/experience to read it?
When you go see the doctor do they pull your recods up on a PC or do they have them in a manilla folder? Then have you ever tried to get copies of your records when your moving out of town? Good Luck!


* A necklace that uses microfilm to record lots of data: http://www.safetyproductsunlimited.com/medscope.html - does anyone have any experience with these? They seem like they have a lot of extraneous data to me.
Who caries a microfilm reader? Not EMS, and you still have the problem of getting copies of your medical records.


3. Lancets and airlines. I travel extensively for business. I understand that the TSA will allow lancets, but has anyone run into any hassles? What happened?
Most of the screeners are indoctrinated, but the more you travel you will increase your chances of meeting the ignorant. Just keep your cool and explain while your showing your prescriptions.

4. Laser lancets: Anyone tried/have one? Anyone?
There is an old thread about them and I believe at least one member has one. I don't think it's something you would want to cary with you.

5. Besides the usual stuff that you get told (diet, exercise, monitor, etc) - any real-life practical tips?
Yes do all of it including experiment and manage your diabetes. Then do some more exercise.


6. Diabetic parents: When did you have your children first screened?
Are you kidding? Is this about you or are you taking a disguised survey? Kids are not likely to have type 2 unless they are obese or very sedentary.


7. Weight loss: Since finding out that I had a high blood glucose level during unrelated blood testing (and being told to come in for a fasting test to screen for diabetes), I immediately made diet changes to low-fat, low-sodium, low-sugar foods and have begun an exercise routine. In that 1.5 weeks, I've lost around 5 lbs. Is this normal? Obviously if it continues or I start experiencing dizzyness or fatugue or the like I will consult my doctor, but I would still like to hear what you folks might have to say.
A slow loss is a sustainable loss. A pound a week on average is normal and a resonable goal.


8. Lancet reuse: Anyone?
YMMV Some people change with every use and some use them for weeks months etc.

9. Eating out: Any practical advice beyond the usual? Favorite types of restaurants, good chains, etc?
Learn to carb count along with portion sizes. You are allowed to clean your plate off any more.

10. Elbow/arm pain: I found out I had diabetes as a result of bloodwork my doctor ordered to diagnose pain in my elbows and arms that is somewhat mysterious - it comes and goes, and is related to motion and lifting - in other words, it doesn't hurt when I either touch it or am not lifting something. We still have not determined the cause for this, and the doctor is willing right now to write it off as possibly related to the diabetes. I can't find anything listing this as a possible symtom or result of diabetes. Anyone experience it, or anything else out of the ordinary?
Inflamation goes along with having diabetes so take an anti-inflamatory daily if your having joint pains.


11. Artificial Sweetners: I have seen some horror stories about sucralose (Splenda) and aspartame (NutraSweet) - stating that now, after some long-term use of these products, that health issues are starting to emerge. Others say there's no problem with them. Some people say that saccharin is now OK - the lab rat tests didn't emulate the human experience. Anyone done any research in this area? Since essentially everything "sugar free" seems to have these products, it is a matter of concern to me. What I have read causes me to want to eliminate them from my diet - but are they the product of some "real sugar" lobby?!
You can find horror stories about everything. Take them in moderation unless you find one that bothers you. The alcohol sweetners will probably bother you more than any of the others.

[liz32]

Welcom to the club. Sorry that it's all so overwhelmimg but that will soon go away as you become more educated about the ins and outs of diabetes. Lots of things are trial and error as each body is different. Take advantage of everyone's experiences cause there's probably at least a few people here who react the same way that you do to foods, meds excersize etc. The biggest thing I find is having a great support system in place. Eventually the newness of it all passes and the reality of living with this for the rest of you life kicks in. I was great at first and then about 9 months into it I hit a bumpy patch in the road and then rebelled for about two months and have now gotten back on the waggon (diabetically speaking). I've been diagnosed for 11 months now and take metformin 2x daily and 23 units of lantus at night. It works pretty good for me. Hope this helps and from one T2 to another...all the best in your journey.
liz :captain:

[valc3]

Joe, welcome to the forum. As Liz said, this is overwhelming at first. The more you educate yourself, the easier it will become to make the necessary changes in your life. Read everything you can and ask questions. Hope to see you visiting here.

[Peter Lee]

Yeh, welcome :hello: . There's a lot of experience and information here. Harold has given you the quick replies to your list of questions. Most of these are already covered in past threads and if you play with the Search tab you will find them.

I wear an SOS Talisman bracelet which contains a paper strip and it is quite well known in the UK. I started wearing this after my first (and only) full blown hypoglycemic attack - the gliclazide I take can cause this under certain circumstances as can the combination of Metformin with a beta blocker I take (Celiprolol).

[jtomason]

1. I've seen a few mentions on this site of Type 1.5 diabetes, but I cannot find any mention of it from the American Diabetes Association (website or book), nor did my doctor mention it, nor was it raised in a diabetes seminar I attended. Why? Is it too new? Not yet accepted? How was it determined that you had T1.5 vs 1/2?
Type 1.5 or LADA; Same thing as Type 1, an autoimmune response that destroys beta islet cells, but at a later age. Type 1 is determined by the lack of insulin production and the strong presence of antibodies to beta cells. Type 2 or insulin resistance has normal levels of insulin, but may also have some beta cell antibodies.



I understand what it is (now), but how come there's no info about it from ADA, the physicians I've talked to, etc?




When you go see the doctor do they pull your recods up on a PC or do they have them in a manilla folder? Then have you ever tried to get copies of your records when your moving out of town? Good Luck!




Both, actually. I think the idea is that you can put a lot more info (emergency contacts, doctor's info, etc) on them instead of 2 or 3 lines. I don't know why anyone would want to get their records to put on there, it's not like EMS would need that anyway. But my thought here was to duplicate what you'd put on a wallet card in case I'm seperated from my wallet (say I have an issue while working out when my wallet is in a locker). Just thought of a downside - you can't wear these while swimming.



* A necklace that uses microfilm to record lots of data: http://www.safetyproductsunlimited.com/medscope.html - does anyone have any experience with these? They seem like they have a lot of extraneous data to me.
Who caries a microfilm reader? Not EMS, and you still have the problem of getting copies of your medical records.




You don't need a reader - you look into it like you would with a kaleidescope. Check out the site.



6. Diabetic parents: When did you have your children first screened?
Are you kidding? Is this about you or are you taking a disguised survey? Kids are not likely to have type 2 unless they are obese or very sedentary.




I'm asking since everything I'm reading says that having a family member with diabetes is a risk factor. Well, I'm the first one in my family (that we know of), and I have two kids. I've already told the other members of my family so that they are aware of it (and can get checked out as they see fit), but my kids are my responsibility and I'm just looking for guidance. What is appropriate screening (every year by the doctor?) or what is paranoid (checking them with a glucose meter every month?). I have no idea how long I have been diabetic since I found it by accident - I don't want to let my kids go undetected. I'm lucky - no complications (yet). But it scares me to think of how I *might* have discovered it 5 or 10 years down the line. The parent in me is being overprotective here.



- Joe

[Harold]

http://www.diabetes.org/other-types.jsp
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetesdictionary.jsp?pageID=3&exitDictionaryTo=

Thumb drive for the info you want on hand would be overkill. A laminated or plastic card the size of a credit card could be carried will swimming on a lanyard or clipped to the inside of trunks.

I'll check out the site latter when I have more time. Are they water proof?

Insulin Resistance normally increases with age and has been considered part of the aging process in the past. Children of mothers with GD have shown insulin resistance after birth which usually disapears after a short time. However they are more likely to develope it later in life. Yes T2 has a genetic makeup and the best thing you can do for your children would be to make sure they eat right and stay away from junk food. Give them the tools to avoid it and let them know they are suseptible to developing it. Personally I suspect there is something acting on children to accelerate the onset at such an early age. Keep your eyes open and look for them getting sleepy after eating, urinating a lot, and unusual thirst. Then monitor them with a meter and untill then do it once a year after two or three helpings of a holiday meal.

[am1977]

Just wanted to say Hi and Welcome :hello:...

Harold gave you some excellent information, don't think I can really add anything. Please feel free to pop in and ask questions anytime.

see you around! :smile:

[jtomason]

Thanks for the info and support, folks, I appreciate it. This first week has been a little shaky - the last two days I've felt pretty blah and haven't wanted to do too much. I'm not sure how much of this is related to the abrupt diet, exercise, and medication adjustments, and how much of it is my psychological pity party for myself ("Why MEEEEE?"). BGLs are ranging from 150-170 on average. I'm tired a lot of the time too; I think I may have jumped a little too far off the sugar wagon. I decided to try an experiment and have a regular coke instead of unsweet tea with dinner tonight and I do feel a lot better. Think it might be smarter to trend down instead of going more cold turkey?

Harold: Those USB ID things - I'm almost positive you can't get them wet, but I haven't looked. I've never seen any USB device that could tolerate being submerged.

Now - off to hack a data cable for my OneTouches. $30.00? Pfffft.


- Joe

[Peter Lee]

Keep your eyes open and look for them getting sleepy after eating,
Harold, I'm interested in this because that's what happens to me after my evening meal. I don't eat a lot a one go, so it's not overeating and my sugar is well under control - 30 day average is 6.2 (111.6). The sleepiness usually hits about 30 minutes after finishing eating but then goes again after about an hour or so. Sometimes, if I'm watching TV I actually fall asleep.

Please don't tell me it's old age :confused: !!

What do you think?

[Penny]

Please don't tell me it's old age :confused: !!

What do you think?

Peter,
Seems like just a few short years ago, I was teasing my husband, who is older than I am, about falling asleep after eating. Now if I let myself sit down after supper, I am nodding off in just a few minutes! Diabetes is a much better excuse than "old age"! :T

[Harold]

Harold: Those USB ID things - I'm almost positive you can't get them wet, but I haven't looked. I've never seen any USB device that could tolerate being submerged.

Now - off to hack a data cable for my OneTouches. $30.00? Pfffft.
- JoeChecked out the Medscope site. Which was the one I was asking about being water proof and they are supposed to be.

Bought a cable for my Ultra 4 years ago for I think $9. It ended in a 25 pin D connector and I bought a adaptor to take it down to 9 pins for another $3. $30 is kind of steep. Tried ringing out the cable with my Fluke 87, but they have done something to the cable to prevent it from ringing out. It's only three wires to a seril port, and the serial port is pretty standard stuff. Suppose one could just try different three wire combinations on the meter end until you hit the right one.

[Harold]

Harold, I'm interested in this because that's what happens to me after my evening meal. I don't eat a lot a one go, so it's not overeating and my sugar is well under control - 30 day average is 6.2 (111.6). The sleepiness usually hits about 30 minutes after finishing eating but then goes again after about an hour or so. Sometimes, if I'm watching TV I actually fall asleep.

Please don't tell me it's old age :confused: !!

What do you think?This happens to me sometimes even when eating light and not having a particular high bg. So I think it's a matter of how fast the glucose level is changing in both directions, up or down. Watching TV by itself always makes me sleepy. Practically impossible to sit down and watch a show anymore.

[Peter Lee]

Peter,
Seems like just a few short years ago, I was teasing my husband, who is older than I am, about falling asleep after eating. Now if I let myself sit down after supper, I am nodding off in just a few minutes! Diabetes is a much better excuse than "old age"! :T
No doubt about it, it can't be old age and has to be the diabetes.

Harold has given a perfectly reasonable explanation regarding the change in sugar levels. Sugar goes up - you feel sleepy. Sugar goes down - you feel sleepy. What could be more logical?

What a wonderful condition we share -- :eating: then :nurse: then if you're on Metformin :toilet: then after all that, your sugar is still too high :banghead:

[sydneya]

No doubt about it, it can't be old age and has to be the diabetes.

Harold has given a perfectly reasonable explanation regarding the change in sugar levels. Sugar goes up - you feel sleepy. Sugar goes down - you feel sleepy. What could be more logical?

What a wonderful condition we share -- :eating: then :nurse: then if you're on Metformin :toilet: then after all that, your sugar is still too high :banghead:

I wasn't even going to get into this--mentioning us wiser (older) people. Yes, Harold's explanation makes perfect sense. But, Peter, I don't know if you should include yourself in this era. After all, I hear about your fiddlin'. That takes energy. I very seldom see the end of a show any more. And in the middle of the afternoon, I very seldom see the beginning--but I don't take naps. Just relax in the recliner. ;) In fact I've wondered about hypothyroidism. Tiredness, body aches, etc. It's on my lab slip for next time.
When looking at those icons I wondered how I would ever use the toilet one. Now I know it is usable. You teach me so much. :cool:

[sydneya]

Good grief, it's getting toO close to Thanksgiving. The thought of that big turkey has made me scatter brain.

The above post from me was suppose to say:
WELCOME TO THE FORUM, JOE!! iF YOU GET HALF AS MUCH OUT OF THE POSTINGS AS I DO, IT WILL BE WORTH YOUR TIME.

HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU OFTEN. THOSE TIREDS AND ADJUSTMENTS THAT YOU HAVE BEEN FEELING IS PRETTY NORMAL FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND. FROM YOU QUESTIONS THOUGH YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK.

HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING.

[Peter Lee]

But, Peter, I don't know if you should include yourself in this era. After all, I hear about your fiddlin'. That takes energy.
Your so kind :five: But you should go to one of the Canadian fiddle contests. :musicus: There you will see in the over 60s classes, 70 and 80 year olds who knock spots of this 62 year old :thrasher: