[Tania]

Hi Everyone,

I am a newly diagnosed T2 and am in desperate need of some advice.

Since being diagnosed I have been completely confused by all the products and accessories available and I was hoping you could give me some advice on what is useful to have handy.

Thank you
T

[matingara]

hi Tania and welcome.

the only supplies i have are:

• test strips and my meter
• my Bernstein book
• my Becker book
• and a prescription for Diamicron MR which i am still not convinced i need

what else are you considering?



-- Joel.

[xMenace]

• Good walking shoes
• A nice tomato knife
• A meat cleaver (for low carbing but also for all the idjuts you have to deal with)
• Glucose tabs if hypos are a concern
• A digital food scale
• A scale for you

[princesslinda]

Welcome Tania! Tell us a little more about yourself. Are you currently on medication for your diabetes?

I think the most important thing to have is a monitor so you can check your blood sugar often. Its the best way to achieve good control. If you check 2 hrs after your first bite of food, you'll see how different foods affect blood sugars and be able to make smarter food choices.

If you are on a medication that can cause your blood sugar to bottom out, make sure you keep some hard candies in your purse or desk for easy access should you feel low.

I second the recommendation for the books mentioned above.

As for special foods, there are lots out there marketed for diabetics, but many have found minimizing carbs (esp. breads, rice, potatoes and pasta--white foods) helps the most. I do drink diet sodas and eat s/f jellos and puddings.

[BrianSCohen]

Originally Posted by matingara

hi Tania and welcome.

the only supplies i have are:

• test strips and my meter
• my Bernstein book
• my Becker book
• and a prescription for Diamicron MR which i am still not convinced i need

what else are you considering?



-- Joel.

As long as you have Dr. B you won't need Diamicron (a Sulfonylurea)

Now, my challenge is when I go on business travel or on vacation, what should I bring. It used to be easier.

• Meter - of course, as well as my log
• Pills - although I've cut down on prescriptions, I still take 10-12 fish oil a day and other vitamins and supplements.
• Rations - Microwavable zero carb mostly indian meal in a bags, bags of nuts, jerky, flavored tuna in a bag
• Crystal light - to flavor my water
• Gym bag - shorts, lock, towel, log, gloves, straps, etc.

There are lots of products aimed at diabetics. My grocery store has dozens if not hundreds of products, almost none that I buy. I eat low carb and I do fine without prepared and processed foods that aren't really low carb anyway. I also don't need any diabetic nail clippers or bowie knives, I can use the regular kind.

[Debbie Sue]

Welcome Tania! The one most important tool that is in my arsenal for being a type 2 is this forum and all the knowledgeable people in it. I have been educated from top to bottom by these fine folks in here. When I was first dx'd, I was frantic! I found this forum and everyone was so helpful and helped me get my head on straight about this disease.

Please spend time in here reading everything you can. Ask tons of questions. The regs seem to like that. lol!

[patricia52]

I agree with the others. You might want to add a medic alert bracelet especially if you travel or are away from home a lot. I really used my carb counter( a book listing the carbohydrates in most foods) a lot at first, now I depend mostly on reading the labels on food packages. I tested a lot at first so now I usually know which foods cause my BG to spike. Keep visiting this forum and reading what the pros have to say. They have helped me so-o-o-o very much.
Keep us posted on your progress.

[EllieK]

What I can't live without for D
Meter
Food labels
Little baggies with good snacks - nuts, seeds
a comfy pair of shoes that I can put lots of miles on
Internet / books - all my knowledge came from these - not the docs.
Medical ID - don't like the thought of something happening and no one knowing to check for that

Certainly have not found the "diabetic" food to be of much use, and it is costly, much cheaper to buy celery and nut butter or cook.

[Petruchio]

Originally Posted by Tania

I was hoping you could give me some advice on what is useful to have handy.

My 2 cents:

1-Meter & plenty of test strips.
Whichever meter you choose. Keep it with you and test, test, test. There is only one way to find how your body reacts to any given food, and that is to test 2 hours after eating it.

2- Logbook+
The logbooks that come with a meter are ok, I guess, if that is all you have. Instead, I keep a little 3X5 spiral notebook with me. I can record everything I eat and my before meal and 2 hour after meal readings. Review of this data tells me what I can and can't safely eat.

3- The Gretchen Becker book
The First Year Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed Read it. Then read it again. It is that good.

4- Medication
Whatever medication your Dr. prescribed. Keep track of when you take a dose and how it effects your BS readings. That little notebook above sure is handy . . .

5- Some source of Glucose
As a Type 2 severe lows are remote, but still lows happen. Find what works for you and keep some on hand.

6- This web site
You can't beat it for knowledge, inspiration, support, and if needed, a safe place to blow off a bit of steam.

Those should help to start with. Your mileage may vary. Some assembly necessary. Batteries not included.

[matingara]

Originally Posted by BrianSCohen

As long as you have Dr. B you won't need Diamicron (a Sulfonylurea)

good point. however, my Doc will prescribe Diamicron MR. i am only on a low dose and as far as i know i am not insulin resistant.

i cannot think of another med that will be effective for me (except for insulin). my GP said he will prescribe insulin for me if i want him too.

BUT i seem to have all under control with lower carb eating.



-- Joel.

[Scrabblechick]

I heartily second all the above. I keep my meter with logbook with me most of the time. I also have a medical alert bracelet. A good set of digital scales is available for about US$20 and that will help you keep track of your weight loss.
Keep taking good care of yourself and checking in. Welcome!

[matingara]

Originally Posted by Scrabblechick

A good set of digital scales is available for about US$20 and that will help you keep track of your weight loss.

yeah. i actually went out and bought a new digital scale (Tanita) after Dx.

not only does it tell me my weight - it also tells me my fat % and water %.

my fat % runs between 18% and 21%.

my weight seems pretty stable these days.



-- Joel.