LOOKING FOR SUPPORT/ADVICE.
racheljeanvickers
Posts: 33
Hello.
I’ll try to make this brief because it's depressing and I hate feeling that way.
I’m 24 years old and I was diagnosed when I was seventeen.
The nurse who told me said these words:
“This disease will kill you.”
Period.
No explanation of it.
Nothing.
I’ve been ignoring my diagnosis since I was seventeen.
I have no insurance, limited funds but a glorious life filled with wonderful people.
So far, I feel fine and I don’t think I haven’t had many complications that I can tell.
It’s a miracle that I’m not dead or in a hospital.
I’ve started this low-carb diet to better myself and to stabilize my high blood sugar.
I have not been kind to my body – but no more.
I have no idea what my A1C is or blood sugar levels now.
Until I can figure out what to do next: I’m working out (three times a week for 60 mintutes) and eating very low carb.
Better than nothing, right?
HOWEVER,
this is not my sob story.
I believe that I can get a handle on this.
I’m looking for friends for support, advice, ideas and good conversations.
I’ll try to make this brief because it's depressing and I hate feeling that way.
I’m 24 years old and I was diagnosed when I was seventeen.
The nurse who told me said these words:
“This disease will kill you.”
Period.
No explanation of it.
Nothing.
I’ve been ignoring my diagnosis since I was seventeen.
I have no insurance, limited funds but a glorious life filled with wonderful people.
So far, I feel fine and I don’t think I haven’t had many complications that I can tell.
It’s a miracle that I’m not dead or in a hospital.
I’ve started this low-carb diet to better myself and to stabilize my high blood sugar.
I have not been kind to my body – but no more.
I have no idea what my A1C is or blood sugar levels now.
Until I can figure out what to do next: I’m working out (three times a week for 60 mintutes) and eating very low carb.
Better than nothing, right?
HOWEVER,
this is not my sob story.
I believe that I can get a handle on this.
I’m looking for friends for support, advice, ideas and good conversations.
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Replies
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If you can aford just under 30 dollars. You can by a meter at Walmart called the Relion prime for $16.98 and then you can get a box of 50 strips for $9.00. That way you can test your blood for 50 days for just under 30 dollars to get an idea of what your blood sugars are.0
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Good advice on the ReliOn meter and strips. I have that as my back up meter...although I'm actually using it more than my other one.
Check to see if your local hospital/medical center has a class on diabetes as they can give you some wonderful information and guidance. You're doing the two most important things already, exercise and watching those carbs, so congratulations on your taking control. It would help though to see how you react to different carbs by testing.
This is a great place to get support and find out what has helped some people, although we're each looking for our specific plan. If you have specific questions, the members here usually can give you some information or sources. Wishing you good health as you work on your diabetes.0 -
Hi Rachel;
It saddens me to know there are healthcare professionals offering the type of advise you describe. Additionally troubling is no help in what direction to move to next.
Diabetes is NOT a death sentence if properly managed. There are countless people all over the globe living healthy, productive and successful lives with diabetes with many people living well into their 70's and beyond. Diabetes is a very individual condition effecting each of us differently and does have the potential for progression and severe unpleasant complications, especially when left undiagnosed, untreated, or adopting poor blood sugar management practices.
I'm glad you've decided to take your diabetes condition seriously now, and I'm happy to know your surrounded by people in your life who can be supportive as you move forward.
There are many friendly, supportive and knowledgeable people in this group to help you along the way.
Being self-insured, I agree with Rainey's suggestion in seeking out Walmart's Relion Prime glucose meter and test strips.
In addition, I would encourage you to make and appointment with a free primary care facility in your area.
http://www.kccareclinic.org/services/general-medicine (816.753.5144)
Finally, have a look around the various threads in this support group if you haven't already and ask questions when you feel comfortable.
I'm confident others will be along to welcome you warmly and offer you any help they can in seeing you succeed.
Best Wishes and good health!
Bob0 -
Another good source for information is the American Diabetes Society ( or Foundation). Check to see if there is one in your area, they may be able to direct you to some free or low cost classes and/or medical facilities. If not, check on line there is a lot of information out there, although it can be a bit confusing. This is a great site for support and advice as well.0
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I too am saddened that your healthcare provider did not offer you any support or information. I have provided a link below to get a free glucometer from Bayer, but the strips could be expensive (I have never priced them out).
https://offers.bayerdiabetes.com/dc_printoffer_ez.aspx.
You could check it out. Rainey does offer the great suggestion of checking out the relion brand at Walmart.
The best way to control your diabetes is through diet and exercise. You should have success if you track your food and exercise and make healthier choices.
Send me a friend request, if you'd like. I am a type 2 diabetic and have been for 8 years. My blood sugars have been better under control now that I am eating better and getting in exercise.0 -
Thank you so much, guys!
You're all so supportive.
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Hi Rachel and welcome to this group. As others have said, Diabetes, for the vast majority of people, can be controlled, enabling those with the condition to live healthy and active lives. You have done exactly the right thing in joining this group. Information is power and as others have already suggested you will derive a lot of benefit from taking time to read over the various threads in this group. When you're ready to ask questions you will find lots of genuine people on here who will be willing to share their experience and to provide you with lots of support and encouragement. I wish you well on your journey to a healthy and active life and will certainly do anything I can to help and support you.0
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The nurse who told me said these words:
“This disease will kill you.”
My...how comforting of them.
I don't have insurance, either but a lot of companies will GIVE you a meter because they make their money off the strips.
I bought an at home, A1C test at Wal-Mart. You send your sample in to a lab through the mail, they test it and send you back the results. Its less than $10.
Diabetes is totally controllable. You are young and taking control now will go a long way to you having a relatively normal and healthy life. Good for you taking charge!0 -
REALLY!?
Oh my gosh.
I really need to do that!
Thank you so much!0 -
Hi Rachel-
It seems folks have said so much to offer support and direction, and I have little to add. However, we are here, glad you found us.
One thought: many local hospitals have free diabetes support groups or free diabetes "check ins", some are monthly, some are weekly. Since you don't have the advantage right now of insurance that will cover all you need, or ample funds for what insurance won't, that may be an option. Our local hospital has one run by the very same staff that charge $400/session for a diabetes nutrition course. Same stuff in both, same staff, but one is considered an insurance-reimbursed service and the other is a "public service" to the community.
Good luck!0 -
Thank you!
Send me an add if you'd like! 0
