Testing your levels is not bad once you get used to it. How often you need to test depends on the individual (and their physician).

The more information you have, the better you can control your levels.

MrsD,

It IS maddening. I did not know A1c could be affected by a meal spike, but this is never the case for me. I always have my bloods taken between 9 and 10am - for anything - and I never eat in the morning - nausea issues, I just cannot stomach it. So last food intake was a small snack with meds 10pm the night before - 3 hours before sleep

I will ask my GP for another test in a few months, whether he prescribes meds or not, to see where I'm going.

Hopeless,

We really are fighting the same battle. Before I was rxed Diltiazem last year I had near-constant heart pains from microvascular disease over the angina attacks. It really does hurt more (as does an actual heart attack) when you have Hypersensitivity/Neuropathy.

If my GP goes down the meds track I will ask about extended release Metformin. I suffer constant nausea for which I take Metoclopramide 3 times a day and Lansoprazole - now THAT is a horse tranquiliser sized cap.

As for fruit and veg, cabbage etc… Diabetes.co.uk recommends eating all of them as it is unlikely they are the cause of a person's high blood sugar, and the vitamin/mineral benefits far outweigh the potential negatives.

I have cut nothing out of my diet except the junk. I weigh everything and now stick to proper recommended portions instead of 2-3 times the amount. Doing this allows me to count calories and target 1200-1400kCals per day, which my GP is happy with. I am already finding I would rather have a nectarine at 44kCals mid afternoon than 6 biscuits I used to have at 70kCals EACH - 420kCals total.

I am doing well on this diet, still a long way to go, and this Community is so supportive and encouraging it makes me feel I am not alone, even in this. Why not think about joining us when you are ready?

Dave.

Hope you can decipher my responses. I noted your comments in RED, and my responses in BLUE. Hope they actually show up that way when I hit submit.

Sent you a PM, too.

Hi Dave & Hopeless
Congrats on the weight loss Dave - commiseration on the dx.
Just a wee tip on swallowing large pills - my father had sjogrens for years and had difficulty swallowing - he found that by having a spoonful of lite plain yoghurt just before taking the pill it coated his dry throat and then he would place the pill in another spoonful of yoghurt to take it. Then he would wash the lot down with water.

Thanks bluesfan,

I now have a fat free yoghurt a day, I will swap my Lansoprazole and my last Metoclopramide and give that tip a try.

Dave.

I had my Diabetes Review today. HbA1c 41 or 5.9 in old money. My Diabetes Nurse is overjoyed that my weight loss and calorie counting has made such a marked difference in my numbers. It is unbelievably hard work, but to see results in 2 sets of meaningful numbers - glucose and scales - makes me re-invigorated to continue and cut another 18lbs.

Even my feet being a mess didn't dampen the glimmer of elation I felt this morning.

Dave.

WOW !!!

Fantastic !!!

And thanks for putting it in "old money" for all of us to comprehend.

I am so excited for you. That is absolutely GREAT.

As I battle diabetes, occassionally going Wilford. Brimley and calling it diabeetus, I tried to go off metformin after I lost 40 pounds. Within a month, despite insane control and documenting my blood sugar started to fluctuate I went back on metformin and expect it is life long.


I am close to 80 pounds down, though I have to find a way to maintain soon. I am 6'2" 220 or so. My goal is 215, 210. It is extremely frustrating to put so much work in with issues continuing, though I suggest you switch lenses and think of how much worse ut coukd be without the changes you have made.

For instance, when I had shingles I can guarentee 2 years ago Jon is hospitalized instead of walking around like an extra from Saving Private Ryan on Omaha Beach.

If you want some simple recipes, let me know. They will be vegan (at the 20 month mark) but I assure you they are loaded with flavor.

When I was first diagnosed all I dud was occassionally take my meds but still consumed poison.

Hopeless, you are in my mind and heart. Dave, stay strong. Know that real world Jon Snow is pullling for you.

Be well all.

My best,
Jon

Thanks Jon,

With a Depressive Personality Disorder, positive thinking and optimism are not my strong points. Everyone here has been keeping me on my weight loss diet, and Hopeless is keeping my mood up and educating me regarding the Diabetes.

Just when I begin to get a grip on all of this I get a worry concerning my liver!

Why is life never plain sailing? Within 6 months of quitting smoking I was diagnosed with Diabetes and Cancer on the same day!

Dave.

and being as strong as you are, whether you recognize it or not, has aided you in your fight.

Anytime you need to talk, I will do my best to be there. Like me you are great at pumping up others, but I bet even in a hall of mirrors you might not see how amazing you are.

and you are.

March on my brother.

You are not alone.

jon