Blood glucose readings

Starbrite1961 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-28-2008, 02:30 AM

I don't know if I should be reading here. I'm starting to panic a bit. I have an average blood glucose of about 160ish right now. I thought that I was doing well, since it used to be 200 less than a month ago. I was diagnosed in late April. I have lost 16 lbs., but I do need to exercise more. I am a kindergarten teacher, so I am pretty wiped when I get home. The beginning of the year is the roughest. The reason I am panicking is that I thought it would take 1-2 months to bring my levels down. Then I read on here, it's way too high for someone who has been diagnosed for a week. I am taking Janumet. I will see my Dr. at the end of this month. She would like to see my A1C below 7. My diabetes book says that you will see that when your ranges are between 140 and 170. I would like to get it down to less than 120, but I assumed that would take time. I also got a blister on my toe from my shoes. It did look infected when I saw it, but it is much better now. How do I know when to worry about that? This is so overwhelming.
I'm sorry to keep asking for advice when I can't really offer any.

winemaker · #2 (**permalink**) 09-28-2008, 03:15 AM

I have been on Janumet for 6 months. It did lower my BG quickly. I added 500 mg Metformin for about a month and then added another 500 mg after that. My BG went from 173 average to 118. I do exercise and watch my carbs ( though less than a few months ago) I still enjoy my wine everyday.
Give your meds time to work. Try to exercise as much as you can. 20 minutes a day is better than none.
You BG will come down, just give it a little time.

shutterbug · #3 (**permalink**) 09-28-2008, 05:12 AM

Starbrite,
Your levels should be back to normal or near normal if you are taking janumet since diagnosis. But if you have started recently, give it some time.

In order to keep blood sugar levels down, you can try low carb food. How is your diet like? Have you made big changes in your diet after diagnosis? What is your a1c at diagnosis?

Starbrite1961 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-28-2008, 07:33 AM

My A1C was 14. I don't even want to type it here, it sounds so awful. I have made huge changes in my diet. I barely ever stray. It's very low carb. I started on Janumet on Aug. 20th, with one per day, then Aug. 27th, twice/day, so it's been a month. I have really noticed a change this week, it's been averaging around 145 the past few days. I will definitely start walking more and see how it affects my bg levels. I don't see my Dr. until the 28th of October.
Thank you for your responses.

yannah · #5 (**permalink**) 09-28-2008, 09:10 AM

hi. i understand how you feel. Let me tell you what has happened to me. I started out with an average glucose of 350
1st month it came down to averaging under 200, second month averaging 140, started met. so it is taking me a little while and I was very upset about it. but it keeps coming down and it will be allright, it takes a few months sometimes.

the blister, I totally unerstand the freaking out, I am totally afraid of my feet. I had to have toenail surgery leat weekm they had to remove part of my toenail and I have open sores there, scared to death. I keep them covered with bandaids and clean socks. they are healing okay so far. If you ever have a question call your doctor.

notme · #6 (**permalink**) 09-28-2008, 09:27 AM

Hi Starbrite, Don't ever feel awful about typing your A1c here. We aren't here to judge you, but we are here to help you. Your numbers are still a bit high and your doctor my prescribe other medications. In the meantime, you need to watch carefully the carbohydrates your are consuming. Steer clear of breads, potatoes and watch milk products for a spike in your blood sugar. Any foods with processed flours will make your blood sugar rise. Fatty foods will rebound on you several hours after you eat, especially if it is combined with carbohydrates (like french fries).

More exercise is always good, but be careful of those toes while you are walking. If your feet have blisters, consider bike riding. Find some shoes that are easier on your feet.

Welcome to Diabetes Forums. I am glad you found us!

Starbrite1961 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-28-2008, 09:40 AM

Thanks. I'm glad I found you, too, but some of the posts do scare me. My blister is healing fine. I can still wear flip-flops, so that helps so that it won't get irritated by the shoes. I am barely eating carbs. I have whole wheat toast sometimes in the a.m. and other than that it's just a bite or two of something, so I won't feel deprived, and I don't have to worry about hidden carbs that I don't realize are there in certain veggies or sugar free products. I think I am doing well and I actually feel great. I have needed to lose this weight for years now, and I'm finally doing it. Unfortunately, it came with diabetes, but que será, será. Take care all and enjoy your Sunday. =)

Pdljmpr · #8 (**permalink**) 09-28-2008, 09:50 AM

It took about 2 months for my bs to go to an "acceptable" range and about 4 months to be "normal"oh and normal means something different to everyone. Dont' worry about it your doing ok, just keep working on it. Make sure you eat balanced....this includes eating carbs. Experiment on foods and how many you can eat. I eat about 100 a day sometimes more sometimes less.

slipperyelm · #9 (**permalink**) 09-28-2008, 11:27 AM

Do you know how you got the blister? I'm guessing it was from certain shoes or even certain socks with a seam that rubbed. Whatever it was, do not try to use those again.

I think you are making good progress.

Are you eating enough breakfast? Even people who need to lose a lot of weight should probably not restrict calories down to a starvation level. You have probably heard that causes your system to slow metabolism further in effort to save you from death. and afterward it becomes harder and harder to lose weight--not to mention easier to gain weight if you do increase your calorie intake. I think that I personally have experienced that.

Now I think the slowly, but surely method of gradually cutting back calories is better. Plus, it really does make improved eating a habit rather than a give-it-your-all project. Projects come to an end. Appropriate eating will need to continue forever.

Starbrite1961 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-28-2008, 07:54 PM

I got the blister because I didn't wear socks with my clogs. As I said before, I am a kindergarten teacher and that was an exceptionally long day. Bad idea to not wear socks. It's much better now though.
I think I was starving myself in the beginning, but now I am losing about 1-2 lbs/week. I know this is a lifestyle change. I am terrified to eat sweets. Don't tell me it's OK to eat sweets sometimes, though. I really do have a sweet tooth and I am much better off without them.
Thanks for all the advice.