Diabetes Support Group~~~Part 1

CALIECAT

It was suggested we have a support group . This is not to take the place of your Doctor but just a place to talk about our problems Everyone welcome to take part in our talks of this hrrible disease . The Doctors can take care of our medications but we have to control our eating.

I am Caliecat and I hae been a diabetic for 20 years. I found there is little support for us. O h yeah the docors can put us on medications and then tell us to lose weight and exercise. But they can't tell you how to live with it day in and day out. This site has help me more than anything By keeping up with my calories and my carbs. This is a journey we will be on for the rest of our lives. So sure hope MFP is around a long time. Just this past year I have gone to a diabetics speclist and she has help me so much by getting my med adjusted, so if you don;t have a speclist get your Doctor to recomend one.

I have had all the bad effect of being a diabetic A stoke, A light heart attack, No feelings in my feet or legs and the pain that goes with it. It has affected my eyes And heavens knowss what else Every since they put me on insulin I have started gaining more weiht and so hard to get it of. I have lost 6 lbs since i join MFP.

Let us hear from you. I am sure we can help one and another

CALIECAT

It was suggested we have a support group . This is not to take the place of your Doctor but just a place to talk about our problems Everyone welcome to take part in our talks of this hrrible disease . The Doctors can take care of our medications but we have to control our eating.

I am Caliecat and I hae been a diabetic for 20 years. I found there is little support for us. O h yeah the docors can put us on medications and then tell us to lose weight and exercise. But they can't tell you how to live with it day in and day out. This site has help me more than anything By keeping up with my calories and my carbs. This is a journey we will be on for the rest of our lives. So sure hope MFP is around a long time. Just this past year I have gone to a diabetics speclist and she has help me so much by getting my med adjusted, so if you don;t have a speclist get your Doctor to recomend one.

I have had all the bad effect of being a diabetic A stoke, A light heart attack, No feelings in my feet or legs and the pain that goes with it. It has affected my eyes And heavens knowss what else Every since they put me on insulin I have started gaining more weiht and so hard to get it of. I have lost 6 lbs since i join MFP.

Let us hear from you. I am sure we can help one and another

txladybug41

I just visited with a chronic disease specialist at my hospital recently and she is helping me get a better control of my glucose levels and adjusting my insulin/humalog. I was in total denial for about ten years, but in December , after a month being without insulin due to money/insurance issues, I had a bad scare with it. Now that this is a resolved issue, I'm doing all I can to be on track, with eating, exercising, and monitoring. Granted, my body being on insulin doesn't like to drop off weight, but atleast its not climbing up the scale anymore. I'm stuck at 193-to 196, but the weather is getting nicer and I just started a membership at the gym again. This week I've gone every day for an hour at a time, just to get my mile to 2 mile walk in. Trying to bump up what I do without killing myself.

Can I say the epilitcal makes me sweat like a pig!! My t-shirt gets soaked! I can only do 10-15 minutes at a time, but I'm trying.. and that's what counts. I'd love to drop another ten pounds by summer, but I have to get my carbs/calorie/fat content under better control, and I love to eat. I have switched to better nonfat/low fat foods and I don't like salads, but know I must make better selection for a lifestyle change. This website really makes me aware where I goof up on most days. It's great.

So count me in on the support group. I need someone to vent to who can understand my dilemna.

angelinaz

Ph Miracle for Diabetes by Dr. Robert O. Young . A book all diabetics should own. Amazon.com or phmiracleliving.com I will check in with you all

dadslittlegirl

I was diagnosed April 24, 2007 with type 2 diabetes, and I thought this really sucks! My whole family on my mom's side is diabetic. I told myself I not going to live with it. So, I got on meds early, started walking with my dog ALOT and really watching what I ate, how much, and when. I was able to to lose 22 lbs. in 9 months and got off the meds. Another 12 pounds later I got my A1C test and they told me I beat it. I finally was able to meet a goal. One year and a day later, (April 25, 2008) I was finally not diabetic. The doctor said I still have to check my sugars 3 days a week, keep up with my diet and walking, and I could beat for life. I was lucky I caught soon, and really did something about it.

I just wanted to tell my success story.:happy:

CALIECAT

I just visited with a chronic disease specialist at my hospital recently and she is helping me get a better control of my glucose levels and adjusting my insulin/humalog. I was in total denial for about ten years, but in December , after a month being without insulin due to money/insurance issues, I had a bad scare with it. Now that this is a resolved issue, I'm doing all I can to be on track, with eating, exercising, and monitoring. Granted, my body being on insulin doesn't like to drop off weight, but atleast its not climbing up the scale anymore. I'm stuck at 193-to 196, but the weather is getting nicer and I just started a membership at the gym again. This week I've gone every day for an hour at a time, just to get my mile to 2 mile walk in. Trying to bump up what I do without killing myself.

Can I say the epilitcal makes me sweat like a pig!! My t-shirt gets soaked! I can only do 10-15 minutes at a time, but I'm trying.. and that's what counts. I'd love to drop another ten pounds by summer, but I have to get my carbs/calorie/fat content under better control, and I love to eat. I have switched to better nonfat/low fat foods and I don't like salads, but know I must make better selection for a lifestyle change. This website really makes me aware where I goof up on most days. It's great.

So count me in on the support group. I need someone to vent to who can understand my dilemna.

I think I was in total denial for 20 years.
welcome on board. I think we can help each other
My doctor has me on
2 carbs for breakfast
2 carbs for lunch
3carbs for supper And I my carbs.

I see you are from Texas. Me too, I live In the Dallas area.

Have a great day

__________________
Caliecat

happygirl518

CalieCat, so glad we talked and you are making way for so many of us to have a place to call our own and discuss our concerns and experiences with coping with this lifestyle change. A change we did not ask for, had no idea packing on the pounds could set us up for, disruption of routine to finger stick, check and track foods intake and the effect it has on our overall well-being. Only those with the disease or in the daily life of someone that lives with diabetes can truly understand the emotional roller coaster.

I was told last year I had predetermined type 2 diabetes. I thought, "predetermined", you either have it or you don't . What if we were told we have predetermined obesity, your either fat or your not, right?
I found what it meant was I was showing signs of the disease, elevated blood sugar before or after meals but it wasn't consistant, as some days were in the normal range, but not all the time. As more testing was done, and I attended classes to learn what to do and why...at first I took it seriously, but like with any illness comes a sea of emotions. Denial, Guilt, Anger, and later more than sooner, Exceptance. So I followed true for awhile, then said, I'm not doing this and stopped checking my sugar, ate what I wanted when I wanted. I didn't care for awhile. I realize I was lucky....lucky that I didn't suffer for my ignorance and absence of taking care of ME> so now that I have seen the height of my weight and decided its time I really do something about it, I want to do it the right way. Clearly I know the weight loss will not be as easy with having diabetes, but nor do I want it to be my excuse for not giving it my all and accepting the woo hoos of a few pounds or inches gone from diet and exercise.

Change takes time. I realize I am more fortunate than some who find themselves insulin dependant, but we are all in this together and having the support and place to come and ask questions and learn and gain support can also aid in preventing the stroke, heart attack, blindness, diabetic coma, that we know are all prevalent with the disease.

I thank you all for sharing, I thank you all for turning your experiences into learning tools, life's lessons that can enpower us, and make a difference and perhaps safe a life. As many of you know you can manage it, and live a happy, active lifestyle and that's the hope that inspires me, thanks for your gift!!!
Your friend, Debbie

CALIECAT

Ph Miracle for Diabetes by Dr. Robert O. Young . A book all diabetics should own. Amazon.com or phmiracleliving.com I will check in with you all

Hi angel

Tell me more about this book by Dr. Robert O. Young. Sounds interesting
Caliecat

CALIECAT

Hi Debbie, Yes I am glad we got this topic going. It should be a great help just knowing other people has the same problems, all these years I have had no one to talk to except my Doctors and with only fifteen minuets there is not much you can learn from them. And some of the doctors I have had thruout the years, I don't think they knew anymore than I did. But I have a group of good doctors now and MfP A better outlook now.

thanks everyone for responing to this topic. I will be posting my Menu here as soon as I get it work up.And My blood sugar readings. I test 6 times a day.

Good luck to all
Caliecat
.

CALIECAT

I was diagnosed April 24, 2007 with type 2 diabetes, and I thought this really sucks! My whole family on my mom's side is diabetic. I told myself I not going to live with it. So, I got on meds early, started walking with my dog ALOT and really watching what I ate, how much, and when. I was able to to lose 22 lbs. in 9 months and got off the meds. Another 12 pounds later I got my A1C test and they told me I beat it. I finally was able to meet a goal. One year and a day later, (April 25, 2008) I was finally not diabetic. The doctor said I still have to check my sugars 3 days a week, keep up with my diet and walking, and I could beat for life. I was lucky I caught soon, and really did something about it.

I just wanted to tell my success story.:happy:

What a wonderful success story. And I have been told thruout the years there was no cure. If only we had your doctor and your determation to beat this monster. and do keep in touch with us.
Caliecat

CALIECAT

this is my before picture. I don't eat like this anymore.

happygirl518

Calicat, thank you for sharing, caring enough to start this, and good to know your taking better care of yourself. I have often heard that "Knowledge is Power", and creating awareness can and will touch so many lives.
Its nice to have a common place to come and support and share. The more we learn the more we are inspired to change for the better. Granted its all individual. Nobody has the same story to tell, the same numbers, the same diet, but we can still learn and support and contribute to the discussions that transpire.

So I have a related question?
If you are on a 1,500 calorie diet, I have read you should have 60 % Carbs, 20% Fat and 20 % Protein. Seems though that the carbs should be less since it breaks down into sugar? Seems when I load up on carbs I tend to have less weight loss, then if I have more lean protein and fewer carbs. What do you all think? I read also that we should have 12 servings of carbs per day, that seems like a lot, and I suppose if you eat 60% carbs, throughout the day it would equal 12 servings.

Honestly I would prefer to eat 40% carbs, 25 % Fat and 35% lean protein, as I have read that protein an carbs work together best when combined or eaten together. Just curious.

Debbie

CALIECAT

O boy did I goof. One of the girls on another thread was taking about Chic A Fill Charbroiled chicken Salad with fuits. I look it up on the internet and just paid attention to the calories and as I was adding it to my food chart I notice the sodium 860 per serving. So I had to rivise my evening meal and just have some yogurt and fruit. That will teach me to eat and fix my meals at home. Fresh fruit don't have any sodium and my yogurt only 90. Hopefully that will make it up. If I gain in the morning I will know why. I will take the time to post my food dairy early in the morning so I will know what I am doing.

thanks for listening
caliecat

chipper15173

So I have a related question?
If you are on a 1,500 calorie diet, I have read you should have 60 % Carbs, 20% Fat and 20 % Protein. Seems though that the carbs should be less since it breaks down into sugar? Seems when I load up on carbs I tend to have less weight loss, then if I have more lean protein and fewer carbs. What do you all think? I read also that we should have 12 servings of carbs per day, that seems like a lot, and I suppose if you eat 60% carbs, throughout the day it would equal 12 servings.

Honestly I would prefer to eat 40% carbs, 25 % Fat and 35% lean protein, as I have read that protein an carbs work together best when combined or eaten together. Just curious.

Debbie

you can change your goals for what you want it to be. i don't remember what i have mine set at. i go by what i was told to have at each meal.
i might be getting confused, but, when you say 12 servings. you aren't talking about (for example) like 12 slices of bread, or 6 slices bread, 1 fruit. when they say 12 carbs they are talking about the amount of carbs on the label. i learned just use the standard: fruit is 15, bread/pasta 15, milk 15. that all the carb food groups are 15 carbs per serving. so when my plan says 45 per meal it would be something like this. 2 slices bread (30), lunch meat w/mayo (0) fruit (15). there is my 45 for lunch.
yes, a carb and protein go good together. i have to eat that for my night snack to keep levels even through the night.

my backround is on my blog.....

have a good night

CALIECAT

Hi chipper, nice to hear from you.I used the 15 gram for 1 carb too. Or did but now I depend on MFP. for my count. Wish I was into this along time ago. But on the other hand it wasn't around when I was younger.

Had a good day eatin wise goof up at lunch but I think I made up for it tonight. I had a fiber bar and a yogurt. Not exaactly a good diabetic choice but better than what I had planned. tomorrow will be better. Will do my food chart early in the morning for the whole day and make adjustment before i have my meals. At least I kept my sodium and calories down and my carbs Those are only 3 that i really keep an eye on. I just need to check before I eat not afterwards.

I am so glad to have you nice ladies to vent to. We should have had this a long time ago.

Have a good night everyone. See you tomorrow.

caliecat

happygirl518

Good Morning All, its friday and another weekend is upon us. Suppose to be pleasantly nice here in the buckeye state so plan on getting some exercise and outdoor activites in this weekend.

Have been doing some reading and wanted to share some facts that I found that apply to us and may help.

Did you all know? Fiber slows down the absorption of blood sugar keeping blood sugar levels steady. Your energy stays UP and ou don't give in to low-sugar level cravings, Plus less sugar is stores as fat and more is burned for Energy. More easily said, Fiber foods Flip Off the body's hunger switch. You fill full sooner and longer. Fiber has the ability to cancel out calories before they are absorbed. Scientist estimate you can lose up to 18 lbs. per year eating high fiber foods

Here are some great food sources of Fiber
Strawberries, oranges, bananas, apples, apricots, sunflower seeds, cauliflower, celery, green beans, popcorn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, swiss chard, peas, onions, broccoli, brussel sprouts, beets, avocados, cabbage, kale, to name a few. It is recommended one strive for 30-40 gms of fiber per day

Also Vitamin E exerts a number of beneficial effects that aid in the preventing of long term complications of diabetes especially cardiovascular disease, studies show it improves insulin action.
It also aids in the healing process especially burns when applied topically. Prevents and dissolves blood clots, strengthens the immune system, slows progression of Alzheimers Disease, treats circulatory problems, improves muscle strength, aids in preventing cataracts, relieves leg cramps, promotes healthy skin and hair and prevents age spots.

Vitamin E is referred to as the "super antioxidant" and it is recommended one have 400-800 IU daily

Just some good news for Our Health.....
bbl Debbie

CALIECAT

Just a fly bye---Hubby is ready to go to the store so will talk to you guys later when we get back.

Caliecat

happygirl518

For those of you that are Pasta Lovers, here is a great high fiber recipe

Pasta Fagioli
2 slices center cut (30% less fat) bacon, such as osca mayer, chopped
1 onion chopped about 1 cup
4 cloves of garlic, minced
3 ribs of celery chopped 1/2 cup
4 cups of low sodium fat free chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) salt free diced tomatoes
6 oz. whole wheat healthy harvest ronzoni
1 can of dark red kidney beans rinsed and drained about (15 oz)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/8 tsp. ground blk pepper
Heat lrg. saucepan over medium heat, add the bacon and cook until just strting to brown, 5-6 min. Add the onion, garlic, celery and carrots cook til starting to soften 2-3 mins.
Pour in chicken broth, tomatoes, pasta (ronzoni) and beans cook 12-15 min and pasta will get tender. Remove from heat and stir in basil, parsley and pepper.
Makes 6 servings
Per serving
Calories 210, 10 gms. protein, 33 gms. carbohydrate, 4 gms. total fat, 1 gm saturated fat, 3 mg. cholesterol, 9 gms. of fiber, 490 mg. sodium
Enjoy, Debbie

CALIECAT

I'm bzck

---

Debbie enjoy reading you nice article and the a great sounding recipes. I'm not much on cooking a lot. for my hubby do not eat what I eat. So I keep it pretty simple for me. He mostly eat TV dinners and they jusst have too much sodium for me.

Blood sugar this morning 123 my doctor want me to keep it under 140 so I am Ok there.

breakfast /2 c egg veater ooked with butter spray. 1 sl whole wheat toast and bowl of doles mixed frozen fruit.

lunch---taco bean salad, 1 sl of toast , fruit

Supper have not decided yet.

I am having more trouble with keeping my sodium down more than anything. It is everywhere. guess I will need to cook my own so I can control my salt.

Hey guys I am looking forward on hearing from you folks again

I post on the Seniors Golden Sneakers Club also. We have a nice group there and so supported.

happygirl518

Hi Calie, blood sugar this morning was 130 before breakfast. Going to have lunch and will check it 2 hrs. after lunch and see where we are. Trying to take all advise and see what foods inspire positive results, or need to watch more closely. Little by little I will get the hang of this. Persistance and tracking is key. :flowerforyou:

bbl Debbie
have a wonderful afternoon everyone.

CALIECAT

Hi Debbie I check my blood sugar before meals so I will know how much insulin to take.

Marie

happygirl518

Hey there Caliecat and all that follow........well picked up my daughter from school and we got our walk in early, did 2, 630 steps, just over a mile with my stride and it had been about 2 hrs. after I had lunch and checked and my blood sugar was 165, so not bad, doc said to keep it below 180 so we're on track.

How is everyone doing today? Anyone got big plans for this weekend? Tomorrow it is suppose to rain here about all day. Guess we need the rain for the grass to grow and the flowers and all that good stuff. Hubby said he dreads beginning the mowing season, but the yard here is rather flat and its good exercise, I really don't mind doing it. We are going to try to get a space tilled up to do some gardening. Mostly commonly used veggies that I fear will be out of sight is $$$ this summer, so be nice to have them on hand right in my own backyard. Want to get some flowers planted but I always wait til memorial day weekend, less threat of a frost. I can not believe this month is almost gone, and Easter will be here before we know it.

Well hope you all have a wonderful nite, its family fun night at our house, we pop some popcorn, watch movies and play cards or board games!!!!!

Debbie

CALIECAT

Sounds like you have a nice family night planned. My husband and i will just watch TV and off to bed early.

I had a really good eating day today. I don't do much exercise on account of bad legs and a bad back.. tomorrow is my WI day Or should I say my recoded WI. I have to wiegh every monrning and night on my heart monitor scales so they can keep an eye on my fluild retentions. Which last week end I gain 6 lbs. But I have lost all of it + 2 lbs more. but who knows what it will be tomorrow. I just do what my doc tells me. As I lose more maybe I will be up to some exercise. I do some chair exercise sbut I feel that is not enough I guess anything is better than nothing

Sweet dream all caliecat

CALIECAT

Well I did it. I lost all that water weight plus 3 more lbs. I am so happy I could:explode:
Looking forward to another good week. Will cut my water pills back today.:happy: :happy: :happy: :
It turn quite chilly here in Texas this morning. But will warm up later this week. I imagine we will have a long hot summer here as usally. I'm glad we didn;t get our tomatoes in yet for it is surpose to get close to freezing tonight.

Have a good day everybody.
Caliecat

happygirl518

:flowerforyou: Way To Go CalieCAT, Great Job on the weight loss!!!!! You Rock!!!!!:drinker: :drinker:

I am so proud of you. I got on the scales this morning and I am down another pound!!! Went ahead and updated my ticker, actual weigh in day is monday's but I think the last time I noted anything was thursday, what the heck I'll take it anyway and anyday I can .....we are losers here and getting healthy!!!

Rain here today in the buckeye state, not doing anything right now so might get that walk in early and if its nice try again for a walk this evening.

Glad your having a great Positive Day Calie Debbie

CALIECAT

And off we go.
I had a wonderful breakfast o 1 c greek yogurt,1 cup fresh strawberries, sl. of whole wheat toast

On the news last night they said greek yogurt was really a good food. Low in carbs, areally good protein and I didn't pay any attention to calcium but it should be good. Will go back and check my food chart and see about that. Be Back calicum is not listed on my food chart. This is what the container say.
1 cup oikos greek yougurt
Calories ----80
fat---0
sodium---60
carbs---6
sugar----6 g
protein 15 g

no fiber but the bread and strawberries gave me plentyy of fiber for one meal.
I would indeed say it is a miracle food.

CALIECAT

Good Morning. Off to a oood start this morning, I am still 9 lbs down this morning. I am so happy for usally I go up and down.2 mornings in a row.My blood sugar was 119. Life is good. Now just to keep it up. My daughter Alice is coming out and we will go out to eat. Hopeful we can find some decent food. I would love to have Mexican food today being that it is rather chilly down here in Texas.

Have a wonderful day everybody

Caliecat

happygirl518

Hi CalieCat, hope you and Alice have a wonderful time going out to eat today. It is a lazy day for me and mine. We are just taking it easy doing as we please, as its been raining much of the day off and on.
Just took my sugar after eating an hour ago and it was 185, guess okay as long as its under 200, but I think they prefer it be under 180. Didn't get my walking in today, so will get some stationary bike in yet tonight for a bit of exercise though that thing really gets the better of me, LOL

Well hope everyone is having a good sunday, and looking forward to the new week ahead as we roll into April. Easter is just around the corner, how is everyone anticipating the holiday and can we keep it healthy? Something to plan an give thought to soon.

God Bless you all,
Debbie

CALIECAT

Debbie, I used to test my sugar 2 hours after I ate when I was on oral medications but now that I am on insulin I have to check it before I eat so I will know how much insulin to take.
Alice and I had a good lunch. We went to Texas Roadhouse and I had a sirlion chopped steak with grilled onions, Sweet potatoes and no honey butter. on it. They are so moist and sweet you really don't need anything else on it. I only had 1/2 of my lunch and box the rest of it up for my supper toniht.
Kind od ansious to get on the scales in the morning to see the damage control.

Sound like you had a enjoyable day. Talk to you later. Caliecat

happygirl518

CalieCat you did so well at the Roadhouse and I am so proud of you. Nice selections and smart putting some of it in a box for another meal. Seems in today's society and at all our restaurants these days the larger the meal the better. And that is why too we avoid buffets as much as possible. They really do encourage people to overeat, and the majority of the people that go to them do. My folks when they were alive went to one that advertised having over 200 items to choice from, and you would literally be there 2 hours, eating time, and people would go back to the selections 5-6 times and I would think to myself, where are they putting it. The place would let you eat all you wanted only policy was you could not share with another, and you could not take anything home with you.

We are very picky about where we go when we dine out, the hubby is sure to take me where I can eat guilt free and have control over my choices and no buffets to tempt the overeating. I like to go places where their are steamed or broiled or grilled selections as I personally think they are better for us. I love the roadhouse, applebees, tumbleweed, bob evans, to name a few. I have no problem being assertive when ordering will ask for a to go box before the meal arrives, take out the oversized portions and put them out of sight to take home later, and I will ask for butter on the side, no bread basket or chips while waiting on the food, no salt, (as people are more into healthy eating, places are use to it), so I feel no need to explain. So we can be in control and enjoy the atmosphere and time out with the family.

Have a great night, see you tomorrow,
Debbie

txladybug41

Hi Ladies, so sorry I have not posted. I just got caught on some of the great advice and feedback here and I think this group is great. I must say, I just had one of those "I give up" weekends, as I weighed in on Friday morning and had crept up to 197 lbs. WAH! I was so totally frustrated as I had just started going to the gym and trying to beef up my walking. I thought for five days of doing it, it would show, but not yet.

But it's Monday now. So, even though I gave up, I must had subconsciously kept up with my regime of eating right over the weekend, even though I did not exercise. I weighed in this morning and I was down to 196.5. My body is weird! But this morning, my mindset was better and I will go to the gym this afternoon and for the rest of the week too. I know it helps my glucose readings overall.

I'll see where I'll be by the time Friday rolls around, and I'll also watch my diet. I'm doing this from work right now- was peaking on the site. I have a couple of great recipes that I'll share with you all later. Keep up the fantastic job you are doing, with your weight loss and sticking to your regime. It's hard. We got to stay motivated as much as we can and with each other's support here, I know we can do well. Have a great Monday!