New to this Group and I need help!
55doit
Posts: 2
Hi all
I am new to this group. I have had diabetes for many years and didn't really take care of myself. Often skipping my meds, consuming the contents of the fridge, cupboards, etc. One day my doctor said to me that if I had another horrible disease like cancer and she prescribed medication, would I take it as prescribed... of course the answer was YES!, then "why", she asked, "do I not take my diabetic medication religiously too?" Good question, and one that spurred me onto my first goal of taking my medication. I am on 1000 mg of Metformin twice a day, 60mg of Gliclazide twice a day, 10mg of Co-Rosuvastatin, 8 mg of Conversyl and Victoza 12mg injections. My blood sugar average has gone from 19 to 9 n the last year as I try to take care of myself and take all my medication (Canadian reading, not sure how it translates into the numbers most others are posting). I am now trying to focus on my food. I find my sugar intake still high, according to the food diary, though I am not eating much in the way of sugar or carbs. I would like to find out more about how to eat right and how to take care of myself. I do not know anyone that is in a similar situation as me and would love to have some friends to help...someday I would love to repay the good deed.
I am new to this group. I have had diabetes for many years and didn't really take care of myself. Often skipping my meds, consuming the contents of the fridge, cupboards, etc. One day my doctor said to me that if I had another horrible disease like cancer and she prescribed medication, would I take it as prescribed... of course the answer was YES!, then "why", she asked, "do I not take my diabetic medication religiously too?" Good question, and one that spurred me onto my first goal of taking my medication. I am on 1000 mg of Metformin twice a day, 60mg of Gliclazide twice a day, 10mg of Co-Rosuvastatin, 8 mg of Conversyl and Victoza 12mg injections. My blood sugar average has gone from 19 to 9 n the last year as I try to take care of myself and take all my medication (Canadian reading, not sure how it translates into the numbers most others are posting). I am now trying to focus on my food. I find my sugar intake still high, according to the food diary, though I am not eating much in the way of sugar or carbs. I would like to find out more about how to eat right and how to take care of myself. I do not know anyone that is in a similar situation as me and would love to have some friends to help...someday I would love to repay the good deed.
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Replies
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welcome to the struggle w. diabetes. I'm in Canada also, so I know what the readings mean. I'm fairly new diagnosed, so I'm still finding out stuff. There is lots of info on the Canadian and American Diabetes Associations websites. Some hospitals give courses on diets, etc. I hired a nutritionist who helped me w. the carb units. You have to do a lot of sleuthing yourself. Excercise is an important factor. I take it you use a glucose monitor. My pharmacist has been a great resource as well. You are not alone in this. I keep a diary (written) as well as the fitness pal. I aim for 1200 calories a day as I also have to loose weight. So, onwards and upwards - this can be managed,0
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@55doit, welcome to this support group. You have made a great decision in deciding to take responsibility for your own health. After all who else has a greater interest in being healthy and active than yourself. The good news is that the MFP programme, if correctly applied, reall does work. It is not quick fix. It is designed to enable us to adopt a different lifestyle. One which enables us to live healthy and active lives. It requires the HONEST recording of all our food intake, it needs persistence, patience and determination. If you are serious about this and can bring these qualities to the table then there is no reason why you should not succeed. This site has a wealth of posts setting out the experience of those who have adopted the MFP approach. Take your time to read over the vast number of topic boards on here and get a feel for the site. When you're ready to ask questions you will find lots of genuine people on here who are willing to share their personal experience and provide all the support and encouragement you need. I wish you well on your journey and will do anything I can to help and support you.0
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Get your doctor to refer you to a diabetes teaching program in your area. I think this should be automatic, but many doctors don't if you don't specifically ask. These programs are usually a group sit down learning session with diabetic educators (generally RN's) and dietitians. This is often paired in a clinic format with individual visits with an endocrinologist, a diabetic nurse who will answer questions as well as review your progress, weight and check your feet etc., and a dietitian who will work with you directly to build a menu plan and answer food and nutrition questions you may have.
I also suggest getting a book for a little personal research and quick reference. I love "Diabetes for Dummies". Be sure to get the Canadian version so all the blood work numbers will be in a familiar scale. No uninteligible medical jargon, just good, common sense information - and lots of it.
As you have obviously learned, you are your main care giver when it comes to diabetes. Your doctor only sees you once in a while, but you are in charge every single day. Make sure you are as well informed as you can be and you will find you can control the disease and live a healthy, complication free life with it.
Oh, and what Robert said with regard to using MFP as a tool and the community here as a support and a sounding board.
Good luck and good health to you.0 -
In Canada a doctor usually refers you to a dietician, who gives you advice straight from the Canada Food Guide.
The advice you receive will not be the best advice for controlling your blood glucose, I'm sorry to say.
If you have a moment, please take the time to read the information I've provided in this thread:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/946167-diabetics-and-daily-calories?hl=diabetes
It contains a tremendous amount of information and advice that may help you.0 -
For the first year I was diagnosed, I did the same thing you did....skipped my meds. ate pretty much what I wanted, because I felt fine. Last May I got serious and have been watching my carbs and sugar. At my last Dr.'s visit, I was told that if I keep losing weight and keep my BS readings where they are, I should live as long or longer than someone who doesn't have T2. That's the bottom line. I still take 1000 mg. of Metformin, twice a day but that's mainly to help me with my weight loss. I no longer take any other meds for my BS. IT can be done....and you can do it, too!
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