Introduction

BarbeDwnKris

Hello, my name is Barbe, although my name on this site is BarbeDwnKris. I am 57 years old and was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes on August 9th. I have a wonderful hubby named Robert who has Type 1 Diabetes and Epilepsy. Both diseases are basically uncontrolled with him. I have been his caregiver for over 30 years. I am also a caregiver for my Mom who has Alzheimers. Between the two of them I stay pretty busy.

I asked my doctor and recieved permission to attempt to control my Diabetes with diet and exercise only. Because I have a heart condition and have had 2 heart attacks and bypass surgery, and also have lost a kidney to cancer, I have to watch out for a lot more than sugars and carbs. In fact, It seems to me like I'm having to monitor just about everything. Calories (since I need to lose weight), Carbs, Sugar, Potassium, Sodium, Cholesterol and Fiber. I feel like I'm logging every morsel that goes into my mouth.

I seem to have a lot of trouble controlling my diet. Some days I'm below in a lot of the things I have to watch, and other days I go above my limits. I'm finding this incredibly frustrating. And I also have to be very careful about how I exercise to to other physical problems.

I'm REALLY hoping that I can find some support in this group, since I'm not getting any at home. Even Bob is not supportive of my dietary changes. He wears an insulin pump, eats whatever he wants, and takes a bolus. I can't do that! And I don't want to end up going on insulin! However, 2 doctors have told me that because of my multitude of health problems, I won't be able to take any of the oral medications, so if I can't get this under control with diet and exercise, insulin is my only alternative.

And....I've found out the hard way that stress drives my blood sugar way up! Is this normal? My life being caregiver for 2 people can be VERY stressful at times. Today something happened with my mother that required me to call police, and had me in tears almost all day. And tonight, when I checked my sugar levels, my blood glucose level was 252! Does this kind of thing happen with other Type 2 Diabetics?

Anyway, I'm glad to have found this group on here, and hope I can get the help and support that I need here. If you folks want to have me in your group.

Cyngen

Hi Barbe,

Welcome aboard. I'm Kurt, and a Type 2 diabetic. I'm well controlled right now with some meds but am working to get off them as soon as I can with good eating, exercise and weight loss.

When I started out on MFP about mid February, I was thinking this wasn't going to work. I love to cook and eat. I still love to cook and eat, but the cooking is cleaner and healthier and the eating is done with good portion control and I'm very happy.

Waves hello.

BigG59

Hi Barbe,

I was diagnosed with T2 about the same time as you. I have been reading everything I can get my hands on to understand this disease.

One of the things I have read is that stress of all types does cause blood sugars to increase. Apparently intense emotional stress triggers the release of adrenalin which will even increase the BG levels of a non diabetic, with a T2 like us your BG levels can soar. I am no expert but that is what I think has happened. So in answer to your question "is this normal", I am afraid it is.

Infections and trauma as a result of surgery also have a similar affect.

Hope this helps.
BigG

deeschange

So if you suffer anxiety or panic attacks does that mean that you'll have spikes?

BigG59

So if you suffer anxiety or panic attacks does that mean that you'll have spikes?

I'm no expert but as I understand it from the reading I've done, its similar. With a panic attack you are getting the secretion of adrenaline and its this adrenaline that is causing the sugars to rise.

Is it the excess adrenaline that causes the panic attack or vice versa, I don't know - end result is a spike in blood sugars.

This article says a bit more

http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/Blog/Joe-Nelson/struggles_with_panic_attacks/

A quote from that:

"A recent study showed that people with diabetes who have panic disorder have higher HbA1c levels (a measure of blood glucose control over time) than people who don’t. This indicates that panic attacks may interfere with people’s ability to manage their diabetes. "

robert65ferguson

Hi Barbe and welcome to the group. Being a carer is an extremely stressful situation so its little wonder that your hormone levels are all over the place. I've no specific knowledge about the impact of stress on BG levels but I'm sure that others will fill in the gaps in my knowledge. You mention in your introduction that you seem to be struggling with your daily allowance, being either over or under your targets. The approach I have used is based on a tip given to me by Chipper. The idea was to preplan each days meals and then to stick like glue to that plan. It may seem a bit onerous at first but you will be suprised just how quickly you adapt. Using this approach helps to smooth out fluctuations. You will find that the people in this group are very encouraging, supportivet and understanding. Take your time to read around the various boards and when you're ready to ask questions you will find lots of people here willing to share their experience. I wish you well for the future. Feel free to send me a friend request if you think I might be able to help.

BarbeDwnKris

Thanks everyone for answering my post! You are all so kind! I liked the questions about panic disorder, because I'm dealing with several mental/emotional problems myself, as well as the physical ones. I know that my blood pressure seems to stay perpetually high, even though I'm on 3 meds for it. Of course, I'm hoping that losing weight will help that! I've got a lot to lose, but I'm setting mini goals to help me get to my main goal. Losing the first 10 pounds was a fantastic feeling! Now......just gotta work on that next 10.

But...hopefully with the grace of God and help and support from you folks, I'm gonna make it!

Thanks again, sooooooo much!

deeschange

Thanks for the article reference. Very information while addtionally providing some additional resources.

I had been wondeirng how "left unchecked" prolonged attacks impacted the "emergence" of T2.

Sharonks

Hi Barbe,

Glad you found us. Everyone here is very supportive and you will find that people are very knowledgeable too.

Stress seems to increase BG for most people. Even good stresses can do it. When I really push my body in exercise it will cause my BG to go up for a bit even though the long term effect is for it to go down.

I have also been a caretaker and it is a very stressful job. Dementia is very difficult and it is hard to watch our loved ones lose much of what makes them them. I cared for my ex husband and his mom for 6 years.

I find that yoga really soothes my nerves. Perhaps taking a gentle yoga class will help with your stress levels. I found that when I was caretaking I often didn't take enough time for myself so this would be a great way to have a little me time.

Setting smaller goals is a great idea. Every 10 lbs will really make a difference in your health and yet is reasonably attainable so you don't feel like you are flogging away forever.

Please feel free to ask questions or let us know if you need support.