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Type 2 diabetic
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lillae
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Joined: 12 December 2005
Location: Pennsylvania USA
Posts: 47
 Posted: 15 December 2005 06:07 pm
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Hey everyone.  I am a type 2 diabetic.  I was diagnosed when i was pregnant 5 years ago.  It was too early to be just gestational.  After I had my daughter, my sugars went back to normal for a while.  I did not keep track of them and they really went out of control.  Within 1 year, my A1C was 12.2.  I was shocked.

After the last 4 years of ups and downs.  Mostly ups.  I have learned many things about foods and their nutritional value to a diabetic.  We are not normal people.  Our bodies do strange things with foods sometimes and we cannot control that.

It has taken me thru the low carb, low fat, low calorie, 6 week body makeover, weight watchers, etc.  I think I have tried them all at some point.  None of them were totally effective on their own.  The closest to effective was the 6 week body makeover.  That one really brought my numbers down in a hurry.  However, it is extremely restrictive in salt and oils (there is none and there is never any).  You are also given a strict regimen to follow.  Eat this at 7 am, this at 10 am, this at 1 etc.  throughout the day.  It is difficult to follow at best.

However, they have all taught me many things.  I feel that eating many times a day is better than just 3 meals.  My sugars have been in the normal range since starting this patter.  Even if I slip up and eat a cookie (did I say that?). 

The other things I have learned are moderation in everything.  Learning to transform some of your favorites into healthy versions, and exercise is the major key.  Besides the water intake, exercise is the most important feature.  My doctors have never stressed that issue.  Even if I just walk for 30 min, I have better control for at least 2 days.

These are some of the tips I have learned so far.  I will keep posting.  I sure hope to hear from others who have had successes and failures.  Remember we cannot learn unless we fail.

Good luck to all and happy health.

 

Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com


Joined: 24 May 2005
Location:  
Posts: 4179
 Posted: 15 December 2005 06:33 pm
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Yes, it's a learning process. Learning what's healthy, and what's right for you. Probably no one diet plan can be perfect... as written... for anyone.

I'm anxious to hear from someone in this particular forum who reads Eat to Live:

http://www.caloriesperhour.com/products_ETL.html

It's had the greatest influence on me (I don't have diabetes) and I pretty much follow the food suggestions.

From the above FAQ:

Many of the diseases that cause us to suffer and die prematurely are caused by the foods we eat. Following ETL can do a great deal towards reversing these diseases, and making it unnecessary to take the medications that merely attempt to control them. For example, most type 2 diabetics will be told by their doctors that they no longer need to take insulin.

Best wishes,

Peter:monkey:
caloriesperhour.com

lillae
New Member


Joined: 12 December 2005
Location: Pennsylvania USA
Posts: 47
 Posted: 15 December 2005 10:24 pm
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Peter,

you are right.  It is a learning process.  I am not on insulin yet.  My doctor has put me on Byetta.  That is an injection.  It is a hormonal secretion that normal people have in the stomach.  In diabetics it is lacking.  It helps a number of ways.  By telling the body how much insulin it will need and then shutting off the excess, by motivating the food to process, by telling the brain that you are full...etc.

That last one is my biggest problem.  I have been tracking my calories here and on fit day over the last few months and I rarely ever eat over 1200.  In fact many days it has been around 900.  I am seriously working on that right now.  I am trying to increase my calories in a healthy way.  My doctor is pretty firm about only one thing in my diet.  I must continue to eat my protein.  I think it is partly because of the Byetta and partly because he feels that I need to be able to build lean muscle mass that he is certain I have lost thru yo-yo dieting.  I have to agree with that.

I eat very lean protein most of the time.  Chicken, turkey breasts, fish, very lean ground beef and pork occasionally.  Much of my protein in the morning comes from egg whites.  I mix them in with my oatmeal and make a custard.  It is yummy.

I hope to hear from others who also take Byetta and other diabetic drugs and thier success/failures with them as well.

 

personsmom
Distinguished Member


Joined: 14 January 2006
Location: Lakeland, Florida USA
Posts: 288
 Posted: 15 January 2006 01:52 am
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HI :D  Thank you for starting this forum.  I too was diagnosed with type2, at the age of 45.  Our stats are similar, I had gestational diabetes at 30 while pregnant with my daughter.  If I knew then that it was a precursor to the remainder of my life I may have made better choices.  I have spent the last 3 years trying to beat the system.  How much can I eat of what I want and keep within "range".  A few months ago I had my "Light Bulb Moment".  I passed out, thankfully, for only a few minutes.  I immediately tested.  WOW.  My sugar was over 300.  That's what happens when you do as you please and don't test. Although I was taking medications as prescribed, that was all I was doing. 

I have been up and down the scale most of my life.  I am working on healthy now.  All the numbers matter, but they are all relevant to each other.  I am what they call the "triple threat".  My blood pressure, cholesterol, & sugar was up.  Needless to say so was my weight! I straighted my self up and began eating healthy, counting carbs, and exercising.  1 at a time, I began to make it work in my daily life.  My semi-annual Dr. visit including blood work was the week before Christmas.  If I can make it through all the holidays I can make it all year.  It was the best lab result I've had in a long time.  BP=normal, Cholesesterol 189, and A1C 5.4

I too have found small meals more often work for me.  I also read that eating protien with carbs is helpful.  I work at it daily.  The best thing I experienced to educate myself about this disease we live with, was a diabeties education class offered by our hospital in town.  Paid for by my insurance.  There were many things I learned along with affirming or denying the things I already knew.  There have been many people in my life that struggle(d) with diabetes.

I am searching for help.  Someone who understands "aww, just a little bit" will hurt.  Not just my weight, my health and my mindset.  Looking forward to sharing with other people like me! 


 

lillae
New Member


Joined: 12 December 2005
Location: Pennsylvania USA
Posts: 47
 Posted: 15 January 2006 07:11 pm
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You reall hit it right on with that statement.  I do believe it is a learning process that we need to try to implement each day.  If I can do this for today, then I can do this tomorrow.

There is no more eating what you want, when you want.  However, keep in mind that if you totally say no no no no no no no no to yourself, someday you may crack and end up just going crazy. 

I am trying every day to find that balance.  There are certain things I love that are so hard to give up.  What I am finding is that I can make substitutions within the recipe that make them healthier.  I am sort of re inventing my favorites to make them better and healthier.  Once again, baby steps.

It is important to get fiber into your body each and every day.  I found some ground flax seed that is easily added to oatmeal, or even pancakes.  It doesn't seem to add any extra flavor, just fiber.  Another trick I found is to have fresh fruit around every day.  I have a bowl of it on my dining room table.  I pass there many tiimes a day

The most helpful hint is to add a tossed salad with a vinegar based dressing to each dinner meal.

Hope that some of these tips call help you as well.

Lil

Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com


Joined: 24 May 2005
Location:  
Posts: 4179
 Posted: 15 January 2006 07:34 pm
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Breakfast:

1/2 cup oatmeal
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
1 tbsp or more raisins

Add water, microwave, eat while reading new forum posts.

Peter:monkey:

personsmom
Distinguished Member


Joined: 14 January 2006
Location: Lakeland, Florida USA
Posts: 288
 Posted: 16 January 2006 01:43 pm
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Thanks guys.  I will try the flax seed thing.  I have heard good things on flax seed.

My typical day...

Breakfast:  Instant regular oatmeal with cinnamon and sweetner, tea  OR Egg Beaters (sometimes real ones) with onions, peppers & mushrooms and light WW toast or WW english muffin, tea

Morning break: Dannon smoothie yogurt or apple sauce or Southbeach breakfast bar. (All about 15 carbs per serving but fat/cal varies)

Lunch: Salad with olive oil/wine vinegar dressing, low sodium turkey or top round beef (deli thin) on light wheat bread, small amount of "light" mayo.  Maybe Starkist tuna on the go in place of sandwich, without the relish.  If I'm going out its Wendy's Spring mix salad with vinegrette dressing or Mickey D's Grilled chicken ranch salad.  substitute Italian dressing.

Afternoon break: one of the above break snacks that I didn't have in the am.

Handfull of walnuts before/while making dinner.

Dinner: Some sort of protein, usually grilled on the george or baked and vege.  Possibly a diet entree, ie Lean Quisine, Smart ones etc.  Although that isn't often as they usually have mega sodium or fat when I can find one I'll eat with low carbs. The South beach Diet are lower in carbs but looking at the other stats I cringe. 

I try not to eat after dinner as I have a real problem with night eating.  I love to!!

Exercise is squeezed in during break times at work and lunch.  There are a few of us that walk in the business park during those times.  10 min in the am, 15-20 at lunch and 10 min in the pm. All this weather permitting.  Since I live in Florida it's usually good. I have been nudging my friends for a walk buddy in the evening as it is begining to be light out later. 

This has been working for me since the begining of November.  So Far.  Yes there have been slips off the "Wagon", but so far I have been ok and back to the usual the next day.  My difficulty is keeping things constant.  I have learned the better choices in food and know exercise is necessary.  Eating what I'd like and exercising it off is not good, although the weight may come off the sugar spikes and lows are not good.

I appreciate your listening/reading and welcome your input and ideas.  
  1. Age 48
  2. Height 5'5"
  3. Weight 150 (18lbs less than before)
  4. Goal 130
  5. BMI 25

lillae
New Member


Joined: 12 December 2005
Location: Pennsylvania USA
Posts: 47
 Posted: 18 January 2006 05:09 pm
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Wow, it sounds like you are really organized.  I strive to be that organized.

I am a stay at home mom of a 4 year old (soon to be 5).  I do my customer service work from home, so I really do live, work, and all right here in our house.  My hubby is a shift worker and is also going to school full time.  This creates very tricky and changing eating patterns in our home.

I am striving to have normal meal times for everyone, it is very tough.  Lately, I have been paying more attention to myself and what my needs are.  I have been eating 5-6 meals a day.  More like 3 meals and 3 satisfying snacks in between.  I am trying to include low fat and low calorie but still nutritious.  Less junky foods and more whole natrual foods.

For me that part isn't difficult.  I love fruits and veggies.  HOwever, other memebers of the family are more tricky.  This new lifestyle is really a switch for me.  For the last 3 years, I have been lo carbing it.  So I am now lowering my protein and upping the carbs (including whole wheat breads and multi grain breads)  I even make my own breads using a combination of soy and wheat, and glueten flours.  Adding in extra flax seed, etc.

In any case, I feel that all the postive moves we make will all add up to good health one of these days.

Exercise is the key.  I have been trying to incorporate at least 1/2 hour in each day.  Even if I just get my little girl up and we walk around the house and sing.  It does take away from some of the chores, but oh well.  They will be there later as well.

Lets all work towards our main goal, that is HEALTH.  Because without that, we really don't have anything.

Lil

personsmom
Distinguished Member


Joined: 14 January 2006
Location: Lakeland, Florida USA
Posts: 288
 Posted: 21 January 2006 03:09 pm
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"Lets all work towards our main goal, that is HEALTH.  Because without that, we really don't have anything."  AHMEN!!

Every day is another challenge.  Some times you win, sometimes not. I need to say that it does get better.  Not easier.  Now that my daughter is driving and nearing graduation, my life is more of my schedule and less hers.  I firmly believe in being an involved parent, therefore many of my decisions were based on her schedule.  Girl Scouts, Karate, and Music have kept us both running most of her life. I have really enjoyed her independence, although it does change the worry factor. My husband (now ex) was/is a Truck Driver. There isn't much of a schedule there. You go when and where the next load is. I soon learned to keep our schedule as close to normal as possible and work his in when possible. Although the exercise was nearly non-existent! I have always battled the weight war. My family history is the pits!! My future based on my family history was not all roses :rose: Now it is his turn to realize the facts, as he is now working on his health after a wake up call. I share with him what I know and learn, for him to make his choices. But I really want to say "It's payback time!" For all the times that my diets were sabotaged or my workout was scoffed!

How is the home renovations coming?  I think home keeping/repair is more work than a 9-5.  But the end results are so rewarding, every day.  Just think how nice it will look and how pleased you will feel to say I did it!  This week I was able to walk more. There is a lake between my work and home that many people use for exercise. Walk,run,bike,roller blade. It's measures at 2.85 mi.  I was there Sat,Mon,Wed,Fri.  Working on a 15 min mi. That means I get around in about 40min. I have to shave off about 6-7 min. and that's possible. Living in Fl. and the very mild winters are great. Please remind me when the temperature and humidity are both in the 90's. When D was younger we played soccer with a nerf ball in the house. Fun for both!  I worked out with real weights, she had her own set. Water bottles shaped like weights. No weight to it and she still was "Working out with mommy" She couldn't wait 'till her legs were long enough for the exercise bike, now I couldn't pay her to get on it!

My glucose readings have been "normal" both morning and after exercising. A definite HOORAY!  Now I just need to keep it up. Maybe next time the Dr. will lower my meds to 2X's a day.  That would be so nice. The longer I keep the meds low the longer it will take 'till I need insulin. :)  Wishing you good days!

Lee

lillae
New Member


Joined: 12 December 2005
Location: Pennsylvania USA
Posts: 47
 Posted: 22 January 2006 01:55 am
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That is so true.  It is very hard to keep to a schedule when there is noone else working on that same schedule.  My husband is a shift worker.  One week one shift, the next week, another shift.  Therefore, sometimes my big meal is at 1 in the afternoon, and sometimes it is at 5 at night.  It just depends.  Sometimes, it drives me nuts.  Not only that, he is in school as well.  So there goes 2 more days a week.  It has been challenging.

It is very true that to be an involved parent, you must spend a lot of time focusing in the kids and not so much on yourself.  For instance, I think of myself last.  I have been really working on that in the last few months.  I really have to put me first to be effective for the rest.  It has helped somewhat.

The kitchen renovations are coming along.  With the schedules above, it is amazing that we have accomplished as much as we have.  We have managed to widen the door and support the wall at the same time.  We are in the process of removing about a million plastic tiles from the walls and all the goo that remains.  It will be a long process.  However, I have noticed that most of the work is also good resistance training workouts as well.  There is a lot that can be accomplished doing these chores and knowing pilates and yoga.  It does help with the workouts when I am too tired to fit those in as well.

Today, I am just exhausted.  I have been nonstop for at least 7 days now.  Tomorrow, besides the 4 hours of work I have planned it will be a rest day for the most part.

My sugars are still not normal in the am.  I am having some concerns with that, however they seem to rebound really quick during the day.  Even after eating, I rarely have a reading over 140.  I consider that to be a good thing. 

I agree with you, if I can reduce the meds now, it will take longer till I need insulin as well.  I would like to try to go one further, and eliminate the meds now.  I have been on a variety since 2001 and would like to be free of them for a while.  The doctor feels that if I can manage  to lose about 25 lbs i would have a better chance at that.  I am working diligently on that.

Keep up the good work, Lee, you seem to have figured it out for yourself.

Lil

personsmom
Distinguished Member


Joined: 14 January 2006
Location: Lakeland, Florida USA
Posts: 288
 Posted: 22 January 2006 02:30 pm
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lillae wrote:
My sugars are still not normal in the am.  I am having some concerns with that, however they seem to rebound really quick during the day. 

That is one reason I walk in the evening.  I am not a morning person (is the other)even though I get up early I take a looong time to get it all in gear and do things. Exercise keeps your metabolism up for a while. I also eat lighter in the evenings most of the time. I know you said scheduling is difficult. Maybe he can eat the big meal and you eat only part of it. Have the protein & vege, leave the rest for him.  Then it's cooked ahead for your big meal time. Just measure and eat.

Putting myself first was the hardest thing to do, and something I failed miserably at. I find it impossible to say no to my family. Giving up something for myself for time with them is the easiest. Especially if it was workout time.  Go to the movies or work out....that's a no brainer. Not only did I not work out I had the popcorn too. As often as you can, try to think "it's for my life"!  "It's not a diet that I will EVER finish" "Goal is not the end of eating this way"  These are the things I am working on. I can do what I'm supposed to, hit the goal set, then slip..ooops, slip...oops!  Oh well, here we go again. Goal does not equal finish line now! I have MANY times set goals, weight, clothing, special event and now Dr. appts. Goals have always been the finish line. Now there is no finish line. The final line is the one I'm trying to push further away. This disease eats away at your body somewhere. Heart, kidneys, or limbs. I want to have the best "quality of life" in my later years. 

Thanks for the encouragement. I may know what to do, doing it is something else.

Lee

Last edited on 12 February 2006 05:30 pm by personsmom

lillae
New Member


Joined: 12 December 2005
Location: Pennsylvania USA
Posts: 47
 Posted: 23 January 2006 01:10 am
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You are right about the lifestyle.  I do not anticipate seeing the "finish line" anytime in the near future (God Willing).

I have tried just about every trick in the book for the am readings.   They are ranging between 130 and 165.  I would like them lower.  My doctor doesn't seem too concerned with this as my a1c is getting better over time.  We are working to get it to reach about 6.5  He is sure they will fall into place at that point.  I am currently at 7.5 as of October.

I have tried eating nothing in the evening.  To eating high protein to eating high carb.  It doesn't seem to matter what I eat during the evening.  I have exercised after dinner and before bed and nothing.  He says that sometimes this is just part of the problem and will be working itself out.

I am in the process of trying this new low fat diet that is supposed to be able to help the dawn phenom as it is called.

I appreciate your advice.  I will certainly give it a try.  Normally my sugars are staying between 80 and 135.  before and after i eat.  I have been focusing in on the morning because it is higher than I would like.

This is a tricky disease.  I have 4 brothers and sisters.  We know that 1 brother and 1 sister have this disease.  The other brother is borderline, and the other sister doesn't go to the doctor.  Our mother was diagnosed when she was about 60, after she had her first heart attack.  I think if she had been diagnosed earlier it would have been better for her and her heart.  Because of all that I learned when she was alive and suffering, I am more knowlegeable.  My mom was a great lady and I miss her.  I know she is out there helping me learn more about this disease so that my little girl won't have to suffer like she did and maybe I won't either.

I work each day and learn a little more.  The funny thing is, this disease seems to be different in each person.  It isn't the same in myself or in my siblings.  It is rather odd that way.  However, lifestyle does add to that as well.

Hope that we can all get rid of this disease, that is a good dream.

Take care.

personsmom
Distinguished Member


Joined: 14 January 2006
Location: Lakeland, Florida USA
Posts: 288
 Posted: 23 January 2006 05:14 am
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lillae wrote: dawn phenom as it is called.

Please explain.  Never heard that phrase.

Thanks

lillae
New Member


Joined: 12 December 2005
Location: Pennsylvania USA
Posts: 47
 Posted: 23 January 2006 05:18 pm
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The dawn phenom is very common among diabetics.  For many different reasons.  Like I was saying earlier, each person with diabetes is different.  What may effect me, may not effect you and vice versa.

One theory is that during the night, my system crashes (I may have a horrible dream, or get the feeling of panic) and I awaken sweaty and scared.  This causes a few internal things to occur (if they occur as a result or as the cause, i don't know) first, my body's adrenelin rush will cause my liver to believe that there is not enough glucose running thru my system, so it will over produce more and shoot it out to combat the adrenelin or fear rush.  second, my body doens't respond as well with the insulin, because I haven't eaten any food to raise the glucose level, and 3rd the blood sugar levels remain higher than they normally would.

Now, sometimes this can occur when I have a very bad dream.  I don't have any reasons in my life to be having bad dreams.  I have a wonderful husband and great kids and a good life.    To try to eliminate this from happening, I have eaten no carbs before bed, a few complex carbs before bed, and carb loaded before bed.  I have tried higher levels of protein, and also tried not eating before bed. 

When I do  not eat about an hour before bed, I have a higher blood sugar in the morning than if I  do eat.  I think it is because I have gone too many hours without food and my body is over compensating again.

When I do eat the carbs before bed, I have a reduced effect of the am high.  Such as closer to the 130 mark than the 170. 

It is a very strange thing and I am working with my doctor on this point.  He has seen this many times and has not been able to identify exactly what causes this problem.  However, it doesn't seem to be that much of an issue for him right now because, like I said the A1C is getting better.  All the tests indicate that my body is in pretty heatlhy shape.  I don't have any signs or symptons of heart disease yet, and I have been tested. 

I hope this helps to understand that better.  It is not the most common thing, however it does present a problem with many diabetics with type 2.\

Like I said, no two diabetics are the same.  We cannot be expected to react to the same treatments as everyone else. 

Thanks for listening.

Lil

Sallyc
New Member


Joined: 25 January 2006
Location:  
Posts: 2
 Posted: 25 January 2006 11:21 pm
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Hi everyone

I am new to this post and also have Type 2 diabetes. I was diagnosed about 3 years ago and had no idea what was going on with me. I had gained about 60 pounds in 3 years time and my doctor told me that the sudden weight gain was one of the key factors in me getting this disease. Up until 10 years ago I was an ideal weight of 130, to say the least all has changed. I never had to worry or concern myself with weight loss or eating right.

Since that time, it has been a struggle to get my weight down and my sugar levels under control. I was reading the post from lillae about your levels being higher in the morning, this happens to me all the time. My doctor explained to me that my body overcompensates and my liver produces sugar.

Back in Nov. of 2005, I received reports that my medication was becoming harmful to my health and that I needed to stop taking the medication - I was taking Avandia. My doctor told me that if I were to lose 25 lbs then I would be able to manage my sugars with diet.

So far I have lost 20 lbs through changing my eating habits and exercising everyday. I walk on my treadmill everyday sometimes twice a day. I try to walk at least 1.5 miles per day. So far my results have been positive, I have lost 20 lbs since Thanksgiving, but I still have so many more to go.

I have said all this to ask a question -- I notice that I have reached a plateau and can't seem to move. I am thinking that it is my calorie intake. Because I don't understand a whole lot about it, I don't want to hurt myself while trying to lose weight. I usually take in about 1000 calories per day at the most. While I have read that for my size and age, I should be eating at least 1600 calories per day, so now I am confused.

Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com


Joined: 24 May 2005
Location:  
Posts: 4179
 Posted: 25 January 2006 11:32 pm
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I'd suggest asking your doctor if you might be eating too few calories which can slow down your metabolism. There are lots of posts in the forums on that subject.

Also be sure to take a look at this book:

http://www.caloriesperhour.com/faqs_ETL.html

Welcome!

Peter:monkey:

personsmom
Distinguished Member


Joined: 14 January 2006
Location: Lakeland, Florida USA
Posts: 288
 Posted: 26 January 2006 04:12 am
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Hi Sally and welcome. You're at least on the right track, you're making a conscience effort. I might suggest you keep a food diary like mentioned many places here. Be honest! Track your carbs, calories and fiber, they all affect your test results. Also make a place to keep your glucose test numbers in relation to your meal and exercise. Take it with you to your next appointment. Ask if there is a diabetes dietitian in the area. Maybe if he prescribes it, your Insurance will pick up the cost.  See if there is a Diabetes Education Class, that was the BEST thing I did. Maybe a support group. You may even notice a pattern yourself when it's in black and white. As Lillae explained we're all different. I have been fortunate so far. A little medication, diet and exercise and I'm doing good. Just need to do it all the time, that's my problem. I'm working on that though. I've found eating every 3-5 hours and exercising daily works for me. Mini meals, sometimes just a snack. Consistency is the key. Keeping the metabolism going and sugars constant.  Like Peter said check with your Dr. and never forget to test.  Weight is just a number. It's all relative to the rest of the #'s. Weight, Glucose & Cholesterol. As long as you feel good and your tests are in range that is the most important part.  Healthy!

Keep posting, let us know how you're doing.

Lee

 

lillae
New Member


Joined: 12 December 2005
Location: Pennsylvania USA
Posts: 47
 Posted: 28 January 2006 05:46 pm
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Wow Sally, you have had some good success so far.  That is great news.

I have tried the 1000 calories and have actually gained weight.  My body, so my doctor explained, is not like that of a normal person.  The insulin, glucose and cortisol levels that flow around in a diabetic body are causing the metabolic problems.  That is why it is hard to lose weight.  I am, it seems, losing about 1 lb per week.  I try to eat about 1600-1800 calories a day and exercise at least 30 min a day.  It is not easy to keep this up, however, it seems to be working better.

I do think that if your body has become used to a certain amount of food and exercise (especially an unhealthy amount of either) it will take a while to retrain your body to the new lifestyle.  Therefore, steady and slow is the best way.  If you have lost 20 lbs since Thanksgiving that is great. 

In the summertime it is easier for me as well.  I am an avid gardener.  I love my veggies.  I can go to my garden and nibble as I get my work done.  It keeps my metabolism on fire.  However, in the winter, I feel more closed in and do not want to nibble on good things as much.  I have to work harder at it in the winter.

Good luck.  keep us posted. 

Lil

Happy
New Member


Joined: 2 February 2006
Location: Bothell, Washington USA
Posts: 3
 Posted: 2 February 2006 08:12 am
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 Wow!!  This is a fantastic thread!!  Thank You all for sharing your stories:)  Mind if a type 1 joins in!??  I have been a type 1 diabetic fot 38 years, luckily I was raised by a Pharmacist Dad and a Registered Nurse Mom!!  So I had all kinds of medical knowledge available to me!   I do get myself into trouble with my weight , and I do like to  cheat sometimes!!:dizzy:  But I get the dawn phenom sometimes too, but other times I get an insulin reaction in the early AM.  I believe my trouble is my schedule, or lack of!!  I work with several other family members and am the only car owner in the home so have to be available for taxi service when their schedule calls for it, it can be a very hectic schedule, and  some days I am lucky I wrote myself a note to remember how much insulin I took!!  LOL!!  In general, my diabetes is good- no complications really, other that  those highs and lows, so I am grateful for that!

  It is so difficult for me to try to explain to a non-diabetic person that I do not have reactions on purpose!!  Some people just don't get it, and  they just get a blank look on their face when I try to explain that I need a few minutes, and will be fine.  I suppose it's the same look I get when my blood sugar is low and I am not reacting when a person is speaking to me!!:shock:  But I am happy to have found some people who can relate to some of this stuff!!

               Happy:)

lillae
New Member


Joined: 12 December 2005
Location: Pennsylvania USA
Posts: 47
 Posted: 3 February 2006 05:19 pm
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Happy, welcome to the post.

Yes, we can relate.  I think anyone who has diabetes can understand that really awful low syndrome.  I do not like it myself.  I find that I notice it coming on earlier lately and that is good.  I tend to get pretty mean when my sugar drops too low.  That is when I know I need something fast.  I usually opt for a piece of fruit or a piece of bread.  I know that gets it back to normal pretty quick.

Good luck to you.  It is something we will all need to live with and will have to expect some bumps along the way.  I don't have any related complications either yet.  I am hoping to put those off for many years.

The only think I have noticed lately, is that I have been terribly cold.  It seems that I need a few blankets to keep warm whenever I do stop and relax for a bit.  I don't really understand that yet. 

 

Lil

personsmom
Distinguished Member


Joined: 14 January 2006
Location: Lakeland, Florida USA
Posts: 288
 Posted: 11 February 2006 02:45 pm
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Hi everyone and welcome HAPPY :D Yes we all can relate, weather you've begun early in life or come by it later it is still difficult to manage. I have found with the media and information available more people are tolerant and even curious about what we deal with. 

Just wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing? This past week has been good, both food and numbers. Yesterday I learned I MUST have something before I walk in the evenings. Work was busy and I neglected my afternoon snack. :shock: Amazing, I actually forgot to eat! Walked the lake anyway and did well. Getting closer to my 40min. goal. Reached it once but that was really pushing it and watching the time. 2.85 mi in 40 min should come near 4mph I use to do on the treadmill. Reading, after 1/2 hr drive home, 65. Lowest charted # so far. I wasn't weak but I don't want to press my luck. I walk alone, (no walk buddy yet) although many people use this area, especially after work. Note to self, small snack before exercise is a must! Have been journaling my food, readings, exercise and water intake. For myself and the Dr.  Will soon be creating a spreadsheet, mostly to make it easier to read and compare.

SO, how are all of you doing?  Wishing everyone GOOD days! ;)

Lee

urbandweller
New Member


Joined: 4 March 2006
Location:  
Posts: 1
 Posted: 5 March 2006 05:59 am
 Quote  Reply 
Hello everyone, what a terrific forum! Let me introduce me – I am a type II who has been outrageously unsuccessful at managing my weight/diet regimen with diet fads, denial, and poor meds management.  Finally, I have run out of excuses and reached a point where I think it may be time for me to direct my diet, exercise, school, jobs, start up business, and meds.  Your posts are great encouragement; hopefully I can add some success soon, too.

 

ud

 

PS: lillae, I’m a Byetta baby, too, thank goodness.

personsmom
Distinguished Member


Joined: 14 January 2006
Location: Lakeland, Florida USA
Posts: 288
 Posted: 11 March 2006 07:54 pm
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Hi and welcome urbandweller. Just now getting around to checking other forums besides diaries.  Congratulations on your realization about food.  As already stated we are all different. I feel the most important is reading labels, being informed about the choices we make and modifying them as needed. Knowing how those choices affect your body follows closely.  Keeping a food journal and testing are good tools. Posting both food and test results lets you see how something "works" for you.
As you can see this forumm is not as popular as some of the others. Check out the others and the great tools that are available here. They have helped me a lot.
Good luck


Lee:bear:

 


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