Newbie on the block

catmom · #1 (**permalink**) 01-30-2008, 06:41 PM

I do not have diabetes but my husband does, so I'm looking around for some tips and pointers. He does not use insulin, and has begun an exercise program (last sugar report was bad - 361)! So, the long and short of it is that I'll need to keep him motivated. Been cooking with Splenda but mostly he eats what he wants anyway - sooooooo, if anyone has a magic wand I'd like to borrow it for a day or two!

beau91 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-30-2008, 07:12 PM

Hi Catmom , welcome to DF ,there's not many ways to have somebody to take care for himself. But you're on the good track .Some people need to be kick around .At least he started an exercise program. Look at some discussion on the forum .You will find some answers.Good luck ,Bye Ricky

Evermont · #3 (**permalink**) 01-30-2008, 07:19 PM

Hi there. Welcome to DF! I'm sure we have a magician around here somewhere...

Exercise is so important. Having high numbers like those, and no meds, and eating a "less than ideal" diet - all magnify the need for exercise. Doing enough exercise to compensate for all that will require better fuel (improved diet) too. Just a thought.

So this is a great place to learn about all these things. You'll be hearing about carbs and cutting back on them, especially refined carbs like breads, white rice, potatoes and such. Does any of this sound familiar or is it all new for you?

Jan B · #4 (**permalink**) 01-30-2008, 07:43 PM

I want to use that magic wand on some people -- where is it?

Welcome to DF. It's nice you are looking around for hints for your husband. All kinds of little troubles will pile on if he doesn't start trying harder to live a healthy lifestyle. Nagging doesn't usually work too well though . . . you are doing a great thing coming here. I wish I could lend your husband a little of my obsession with eating properly! The best advice for your husband may be coming from the Type 2s on here. And a couple have already chimed in.

Glad you joined Catmom!

matingara · #5 (**permalink**) 01-30-2008, 08:02 PM

my best advice is to get on to amazon and order two books for him. links below.

Amazon.com: The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (First Year, The): Books: Gretchen Becker,Allison B. Goldfine

and

Amazon.com: Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars: Books: Richard K. Bernstein

he needs to understand that unless he is seeing a diabetes specialist that it is unlikely that the doctors are going to be the best person to tell him what to do.

he needs to get a meter and measure his blood sugars upon waking and before and after meals.

he should be aiming to get a waking number between about 70 and 100 and after meals (two hours after) he should be below 130-140.

the complications that high blood sugars cause are all nasty.

so he needs to read the books.

-- Joel.

princesslinda · #6 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 05:22 AM

Hi Catmom, welcome! You've been given some great advice already. Your husband is lucky to have you on his team! I know I wouldn't have done nearly as well without my husband's support.

Unfortunately, there's only so much YOU can do. HE has to care enough about himself (and his family) to take control and do what he has to do to keep his blood sugars under control. It is hard at times, it does get frustrating, but keeping the complications of uncontrolled diabetes away is very important.

It might help if you get him involved in the forum....I remember feeling so alone, like no one else really understood...then I found this site and all of these great people who are encouraging, understanding and supportive...it made all the difference in the world.

Another thing that helped me food-wise....when I was diagnosed, we stocked our cupboards with foods I could eat. No more "Little Debbie Cakes" and "Doritoes" at our house. It makes it much easier to have home a "temptation-free" zone. Do I EVER eat badly?...of course, but I "plan" for my treats, and really watch my portions.

Hope you post often....information is power, BOTH of you should learn all you can about dealing with diabetes. Glad you found the forums!

Cyborg · #7 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 10:08 AM

Eating low carb or lower carb meals will greatly help to control his bg. Exercise is generally not recommended if your bg is above 250. Tell hubby about this forum when he's ready to take control...

Welcome aboard

Evermont · #8 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyborg

Eating low carb or lower carb meals will greatly help to control his bg. Exercise is generally not recommended if your bg is above 250. Tell hubby about this forum when he's ready to take control...

Welcome aboard

You're right of course, I keep forgetting about that because I never been quite that high.

So get the numbers lower, then exercise!

morrisma · #9 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 10:23 AM

Welcome hubby to the club.

Make sure he's testing his blood sugars regularly so he can get a feel for what foods elevate them and how much. Might help motivate eating better to prevent the doc from putting him on insulin.

The list of things that can go a-kilter from extended periods of high sugar is long and, to most, frightening enough to take action. Hope he heeds the warnings.
Mike