New to the Group? Introduce yourself here.
Replies
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Welcome Joey! I'm glad you are here!0
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Hey everyone,
Diagnosed with Type 2 last October and am on Metformin 500mg twice daily, my numbers keep coming down so I take that as a good sign.
Just joined up a few days ago and am positive that I am going to do it this time.
Love all the posts I have read so far, great group!!
Good luck everyone0 -
Hi Caniwi78!
Congrats on improving your numbers. Good for you!
The myfitnesspal program is a powerful tracking tool, that really does work when applied correctly. By working this program since my join date, I've managed to achieve tighter blood sugar control, adopt healthier eating and lifestyle habits that resulted in my ability to meet my weight loss goals too.
Wishing you the same success I've enjoyed.
Welcome, and good luck!0 -
Hi my name is Aleda I am new to the group. I have Type 2 Diabetes I currently take 2000mg of metformin a day. I took the drug Qsymia that was released for people with Type 2 Diabetes it worked for me and I lost 40 lbs. It is so expensive and I have not taken it for 2 months. As soon as it was out of my system I started craving carbs again and that is my downfall with this disease. I need help and support with a meal plan because I can't seem to do it by myself. any help would be great
Thanks0 -
Hi Aleda, Welcome to T2D Community Support Group!
One of the most frustrating issues managing this chronic condition is, that each of us is individually unique in how our bodies react to the different foods we eat. Unfortunately one size doesn't fit all, and as T2D's we're carbohydrate intolerant. Meaning the carbohydrates we eat from potatoes, rice, cereals, pastas, breads spike our blood sugars-for most of us.
Many people find by eating to their meter provides them the opportunity to make an educated decision whether or not to reduce portion sizes or eliminate that food choice altogether depending on their blood sugar target goals. There is also a great number of individuals that have found good success managing their blood sugars by following a ketogenic diet plan.
I would encourage you to seek out the help of a registered dietitian specializing in diabetes nutrition from your healthcare provider for a consult in your area. Many people have found these sessions to be very helpful.
Good luck!0 -
Welcome to the Type 2 Diabetes Support Group!
Hi, my name is Bob. I'm living a happy, healthy and complication free lifestyle since my T2 diagnosis in 1982.
I'm treating my T2D condition with Lantus long acting insulin, Metformin 2x/day, along with Novolog mealtime insulin to cover my mealtime carbohydrates. It's also important for me to incorporate a weekly exercise routine whenever possible-to help me reduce the insulin resistance issues associated with having Type 2 diabetes.
Have a look around the various thread topics within this group, and ask questions when you feel comfortable. There are many kind, supportive and knowledgeable members of this group eager to share their experiences with you on what works for them-and what hasn't worked for them too.
Sharing your contributions and experiences with this very supportive community is strongly encouraged and warmly welcomed.
One of the foremost frustrating issues living with a condition of diabetes is, each of us is unique in how we approach the management of this condition. From the medications we take, our food choices, blood sugar management goals each of us has-and how the food and exercise choices we make effect our individualistic blood sugar target and management goals-just to name a few.
The good news is, the myftinesspal program, when applied honestly and correctly is a powerful tool, to help you reach for your goals, by tracking the food choices you make and how those choices effect your blood sugar testing results.
If you're newly diagnosed-I strongly encourage you to seek out the recommendation of a diabetes education course in your area-from your healthcare provider, as many newly diagnosed with this condition find them to be very beneficial.
Best wishes for your good health and success!0 -
Thank you
I will. Its nice to meet people who are in the same place I am. I am going to do this
I just need people to talk to.0 -
T2 diabetic diagnosed in 2009 .....It's been a struggle with ups and downs....but right now feeling better about getting healthy and taking each day one at a time. Diabetes and stress eating don't mix....but I am sure most of you all know that!!! I have been ending my workday with a walk and home for a healthy meal. My husband and I 's schedule isn't exactly ideal for doing this together... But we are getting better. However now his doctors are concerned he may be pre-diabetic or otherwise!!! It's time we do this together!!!! Support appreciated!!!0
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Hey I'm new to the group and new diagnosed type 2 diabetic. Im currently trying to lose 150+ pounds .0
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Greetings to the new people from a very slightly less new person. You can find some good information, encouragement and advice in this group. Welcome!0
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OMG... if I had known this was here a year ago...
diagnosed as t2d on aug 22 2013 a1c 8.3% blood sugar almost 500 at the er.
latest blood work showed vast improvements! a1c 4.7% off all meds, using diet and exercise to control it.0 -
Welcome blackmax78!
I''m glad you've found our community. Congratulations on the improvements you've made towards living a healthier lifestyle.
Wow!..Your A1c improvement-along with your weight loss progress, and determination to live a healthier lifestyle is very commendable. Well done. :drinker:
Cheers to your continued success and good health.0 -
Hi Everyone!
My name is Nannez and I started out with gestational diabetes in 1987. I became full fledge insulin dependent in 1995. I am married and have 3 wonderful daughters. I live in Kentucky. I struggle constantly with controlling my diabetes. My weight is terrible and I'm always forgetting to take my meds. I know that sounds crazy...how can someone forget to take their insulin...but somehow I manage that quite often. I take 1000 mg of Metformin, Crestor, Plavix and 60 units of Novolog x2 daily. I've recently started working from home and that has helped me to be a little better about taking my meds. I also have trouble monitoring my blood sugars....getting better though. Got a FitBit recently and am trying to eat better, and exercise more. But getting in those steps when you literally go from bedroom to downstairs to work is a bit difficult. My daughter is helping by walking in the evenings with me, so hopefully I'll stick with this and see a big difference in my A1C by my next doctor's visit in 6 months. Latest A1C was 7.3. Looking forward to being a part of this group. Love the encouraging words I've read in previous post.0 -
Hi mzbiznez, welcome!
For many people managing this condition can be hard, frustrating and confusing with everything we need to do on a daily basis to stay within our blood sugar target goals. It requires a lot of patience, determination and 24/7 attention while knowing perfection doesn't exist.
While exercise is an important component to reduce any insulin resistance issues you might have along with your weight loss goals, focusing on better blood sugar management practices and habits along with taking your meds as directed should be first on your priority list. Making changes to your habits now will go along way towards avoiding the ugly complications associated with uncontrolled blood sugars down the road.
It's great you're making healthier food choices and getting in some exercise with your daughter in the evening, your lucky to have her help in your corner for support and encouragement.
This is a wonderful group, with many of us facing the same issues you're working through. Your latest A1c isn't terrible. With a little work and determination, I'm confident you'll see an improvement over your latest blood work, and an accomplishment you can be proud of.
bloodsugar101.com is a great site that might be of interest to you. It's packed with a lot of invaluable information designed to help manage this chronic condition, along with easing your frustrations and answering any questions you might have.
Glad you've found us. Wishing you success and good health on your journey!0 -
I am hoping to gain some motivation and support from this group. I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in Oct/Nov. I tracked my sugars daily for a while and was frustrated that diet changes seemed to have no effect. In January, I was at an up all night event with my girls scout troops. I did everything possibly wrong diet wise., from soda, to Auntie Ann's pretzels, to ice cream at 5am in the morning. To my surprise my blood sugars were the lowest I ever recorded. A frustrating meeting with dietician offered no explanations. I basically gave up. I hate to admit I have not checked my sugars since January. Yesterday I weighed myself and I am at my all time highest weight. I know I must make some changes in my life again. Two years ago I lost 40 rather quickly on MFP. Adding to this is a very busy schedule, requiring eating out a lot, and a food allergy that this common almost all foods. So my fall back is pastas (usually whole wheat), not the best for carbs. I have, not followed up with any doctor visits and other than my husband and one coworker I have not disclosed my diagnosis to family and friends. My family has a bad history with diabetes.0
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Hi,
I am a type 2 coming from a very wide ranging paternal family history. My aunts, grandfather, dad, brother, cousins and myself all have or had the condition. I developed gestational 23 years ago with my oldest and ended up on insulin (more on why in a minute) then was diagnosed type 2 in 2001 after receiving no appropriate advice or warnings from any doctors I had; just a "hey, you are diabetic" and that was it.
I have been on metformin for it ever since until the end of March when I got off my meds for good. You can see the whole story on my profile if interested. In a nutshell, during my pregnancy my dietitian told me to eat all the usual ADA nonsense of high "healthy" whole grains, etc...and my condition worsened to the point of needing insulin. Why? because I followed her advice to the letter; big mistake. Her dietary guidelines were to ensure both my and the baby's health by controlling my glucose but it had the opposite effect. I wish I had paid more attention to that advice because I could have saved myself years of misery by doing the exact opposite which is what I pretty much am doing now. I switched to low carb/high fat and have almost normal numbers without medication and they are still dropping. I am losing the stubborn pounds and have amazing energy. It has truly been a God send that I will for which I will forever be grateful. I am getting family on board and they are starting to see results, too.
I STRONGLY recommend Dr. Bernstein's Diabetic Solution to every diabetic, no matter the type. It is a great starting point then journey on. That is what I have done and my eyes have been opened wide.
Cheers!0 -
Greetings from the world of D2 in South Dakota. I've been a diabetic since 1998, and pretty much controlled by Janumet; amaryl and the occassional units of humalog.....but today after much begging, I get to start Lantus. A little scared, a little excited to be more controlled....and even more so to drop one pill from my assorted pill boxes.
I am married for 36 years to a wonderful newly diagnosed T2, also.....he is a chef/retired/ man-about-the=house guy. We have two grown sons, Chris and Mike, and Chris' wife Bethaney who is a nurse at a children's traumatic brain injury hospital. They are great kids....just don't make it home enough. We also have a wonderful beagle boy, Casie who is 6 and the joy of my life. We are in the process of finding him a baby bro ---- so if you have hound puppies, let me know:flowerforyou:
I love scrap booking, making cards, having coffee with friends, and knitting. I love music of all kinds (except rap), love to dance in the rain.....and right now feel like I am writing information to get a date, but no thank you.
I'm not a big fan of South Dakota, even tho' I was born and raised here. I long for a life in the mountains with nothing but sky, eagles and hawks to watch. Soon I hope.
Can't wait to get to know you all better. Stay safe and well.:smooched:0 -
Hi cobismom!
Taking injectable meds for the first time for many can be a scary experience. It was for me too. That was 30+ years ago. I now treat my T2D with Novolog (bolus) fast acting for mealtimes and Lantus (basal) background insulins daily with great results towards tighter blood sugar control. It won't be long before you adapt and feel more comfortable with using Lantus.
Congrats on your perseverance! This book by Dr Gary Scheiner MS, CDE linked below, has been an invaluable tool for me when setting proper basal and bolus calculations. It's an easy to understand and oftentimes humorous approach to insulin dosing therapies. A diabetic himself.
http://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Pancreas-Practical-Insulin-Completely/dp/0738215147
You describe a lovely, loving family, including cutie Casie too!..I've never visited SD. It's on my bucket list for places I want to visit though.
This is a great community eager to share their experience on what works and hasn't worked for them in the past along with sharing their frustrations managing this condition too. Any contributions you might have are encouraged and warmly welcomed
Best wishes and welcome!0 -
Hi,
I am a type 2 coming from a very wide ranging paternal family history. My aunts, grandfather, dad, brother, cousins and myself all have or had the condition. I developed gestational 23 years ago with my oldest and ended up on insulin (more on why in a minute) then was diagnosed type 2 in 2001 after receiving no appropriate advice or warnings from any doctors I had; just a "hey, you are diabetic" and that was it.
I have been on metformin for it ever since until the end of March when I got off my meds for good. You can see the whole story on my profile if interested. In a nutshell, during my pregnancy my dietitian told me to eat all the usual ADA nonsense of high "healthy" whole grains, etc...and my condition worsened to the point of needing insulin. Why? because I followed her advice to the letter; big mistake. Her dietary guidelines were to ensure both my and the baby's health by controlling my glucose but it had the opposite effect. I wish I had paid more attention to that advice because I could have saved myself years of misery by doing the exact opposite which is what I pretty much am doing now. I switched to low carb/high fat and have almost normal numbers without medication and they are still dropping. I am losing the stubborn pounds and have amazing energy. It has truly been a God send that I will for which I will forever be grateful. I am getting family on board and they are starting to see results, too.
I STRONGLY recommend Dr. Bernstein's Diabetic Solution to every diabetic, no matter the type. It is a great starting point then journey on. That is what I have done and my eyes have been opened wide.
Cheers!
Hi there Naughty,
Welcome!
There are some members of this group following Dr Bernsteins LCHF diet with great success. I'm glad you've found an eating plan that works for you. Congrats on eliminating your meds by following his approach.
Wishing you the continued success you deserve.0 -
Hi! My name is Crystal, 43 YO. I've been T2 since about 2000. I have been on insulin for about 5 years. I am currently taking 35 units of Lantus twice per day. 2 years ago, I had a major stroke due to complications from diabetes and smoking. At that time, I was at the same insulin I am at right now, with my A1C in the double digits. I quit smoking immediately. In December 2013, I had double digit A1C levels again, even with taking 70 units twice per day of Lantus. I started using Nutrisystem in January. My most recent A1C was 7.1. I have lost 30 pounds since January and have of course cut my insulin back in half. I'm looking forward to a better A1C level in September! I currently take 2500 MG of Metformin and use Novolog fast acting as needed. (Have only needed it twice in the past month!)0
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Hi Crystal,
Sorry to hear your suffered through a major stroke. I can empathize with your experience after having suffered through the same experience after having corrective brain stem surgery back in 1997.
It's my hope you haven't experienced any additional disabilities related to your major stroke event. Congrats on immediately kicking the smoking habit after your stroke along with your recent weight loss progress and reducing your injected insulin needs by half as a result of your hard work.
I'm also treating my T2D with Met, Lantus and Novolog at mealtimes when needed.
This is a great group, eager to support, encourage and share their experiences and knowledge.
Best wishes for your continued success and good health!
Welcome!:drinker:
~Bob0 -
I was just diagnosed with Diabetes on 7/14 with an a1c of 10.5. I am never sick (until this winter, which is what finally sent me to the md who finally in June did a lab panel of cbc, chem7, etc and finally called me with the results in July - diabetes), so this is a bit of a shock to me. Yes, I'm obese, but I'm not sick per se - no hypertension, etc. Being told I've probably been "sick" for years now (to get my a1c that high) was definitely not what I was expecting. I've been to doctors more in the last 2 months that I have been in the last 5 years. (my useless family md and the new endocrinologist who is amazing).
Started basal insulin (30 units Levemir) and oral meds (kombiglyzer xr 5/1000) on 7/15, and now typically have morning fasting glucose of 150-180, so heading in the right direction I am not going to be taking shots and pills for the estimated 45 years of my remaining life, so I'm pretty motivated to drop a 100-120 pounds and get off of the pharma train! I used MFP a year ago, and did drop 25-30 pounds (and kept it off!), so I'm back with the program with the added goal of getting normal glucose readings along with normal bodyweight!0 -
Hi nis75p06,
A new diagnosis of diabetes brings with it shock, and a wide range of emotions for many people that never saw this diagnosis coming, and may have not known they were T2D either, only to learn this information after routine blood testing. Some people even consider their diagnosis to be a blessing in disguise.
It's great you've found an endo you truly like to help you navigate through your diagnosis moving forward. You're already seeing positive results and improvement to your blood sugar numbers by following his/her recommendations. That's great!
It's very commendable you've maintained your weight loss. Not, an easy task.
Further online information living with this chronic condition can be found by reviewing bloodsugar101.com
A site designed to answer any questions you might have between your endo visits. Each of us is unique when it comes to managing this condition, our goals, along with our healthcare teams approach to managing this condition too.
This is a wonderful community eager to share their knowledge, support and experiences. Have a look at the various thread topics within this group, ask questions when you're feeling comfortable.
Wishing you the continued success you deserve!0 -
Metformin does have some side effects. :sad: When I started it I had diarrhea and really BAD gas. :blushing:
I think that was me too, but not sure, since other meds/lifestyle changes, um, treat people like that. It also causes some frustration, because, as I hope all of you know, Metformin is a "take with food" medicine, as are a lot of my others. Therefore, a majority of my calories come from my need to "pad" my guts so as not to literally get sick of my medicine. This is very frustrating for dieting, not to mention the fact that the food that often goes so well with medicine (crackers, bread, mini-meal) is so caloric/sugary/carby! :noway: :grumble:0 -
Hi. Recently diagnosed with T2, 16 hr fasting BG 313, A1C of 11.4. About 4 weeks into my diagnosis now, but looking back on symptoms, I've been symptomatic for more than a year. Currently on what was described as a max dose for Metformin, the extended release variety, along with a small dose of glyburide with my 'breakfast' (which is currently lunch; not waking up until 1030 makes lunch breakfast, or something like that).
Since that diagnosis, I've been following the recommendation from my dr, which has included basically eliminating as much sugars from my diet as possible (I went from 2L+ a day of soda, for example, to none - the caffeine withdrawal was awesome - second time in my life decaffeinating) along with massive reduction in carbs... currently around 15%. Been doing this for four weeks now - it sucks, but every time I'm tempted I just remind myself that I'll die if I break the diet.
Lead a pretty sedentary lifestyle... computers, from the time I wake up (email on phone, emergencies on laptop), to the time I get into the office, and then even once I get home. My favorite non-work activity is reading - but basically, fiction only. Primarily sci fi or fantasy, but do branch out into other areas. Well, fiction only or stuff related to computers, I guess. I'll read to enhance my knowledge or skillset.
As prescribed by my dr, currently walking a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Been fun rearranging things to make that work, but again, I tell myself if I don't, I die. (Side note: I oftentimes joke that I am a literal rules processing engine, and that I do that so I don't need to occupy headspace - calculate the rule, impute the rule, follow the rule. Therefore, both things listed above as 'I tell myself' have been imputed as absolute rules. I'm weird like that.)
I started weight tracking and activity tracking as an offshoot of this, the driver behind that being the dr's either assigned or implied need to lose weight. I think I'm down about 14lbs so far, some of which has to be water / liquid.
It's a little frustrating that no 2 services that I can use to try and track 'exercise' can agree on what the burn is. Strava's numbers always seem high, though, and just to be sure, I end up disregarding whatever they say. It's not like 30 (well, lately more like 40-45, as I've finally got some consistent courses worked out) minutes of walking will make that big of a difference anyways. Still not consistently reaching 10k steps, for example - those 30-40 minutes of walking are only 5-6k steps, depending on the activity tracker.
I'm back in to see the dr for a follow up in a week and a half, to see how the numbers are coming along. Was referred to a diabetes education thing, where I'll also get to talk to a RD about more specifics for meals, but that's not for another 2-3 weeks yet. Really looking forward to that, because one of my imputed rules from the dr is 'no fruit'. Well, it was actually given something like 'maybe a slice of an apple or a part of a banana, taken with a regular meal, maybe 1-2 times a week'. Since that rule is too complicated to be easily followed, it got boiled down to 'no fruit'. Especially since I'm at least somewhat allergic to bananas. I understand why the dr said what they said - trying to get BG under control as fast as possible, because it was so far out of whack.
Anyways, I've rambled on quite a bit here, but hello. I'm very not good at the whole 'social' thing. In fact, I have a very strong inherent distrust of all things social media, which is why it's taken me 3 weeks (since I started using MFP) to actually write a post. And another 30 minutes or so deciding if I actually want to click 'post reply'. In fact, this could very well be my only post, and if you're reading it... it means I did end up deciding to hit 'post reply' after all. Hnn.0 -
Hello. My name is Jerry and I had been “borderline” diabetic for years. A1C ranged from 5.9 to 7.2 and my fasting glucose level never tested above 150. With each visit, my doctor said, “just lose weight” and everything will be okay. I’m 72 years old, 5’11”, and up until two months ago, weighed just north of 220.
Last year, I began to get tingling and pain in my feet. My doctor prescribed Medformin, one pill per day for the first two weeks, then increases to two per day. I didn’t like the side effects of the drug, so I decided to lose the weight. I’m now down to 202 lbs. My blood sugar is between 88 and 128 and I have stopped taking the Metformin, and I feel great. Have not had my A1C tested since the weight loss but am confident it is lower too.0 -
Hello everyone-
I am a recently diagnosed T2 (April 2014). My father had T2 and lost both of his feet due to complications and went years before being diagnosed. Deep down inside I knew this was coming for me but living in denial seemed like a better fix than making changes.
I was diagnosed after my retirement discharge physical from the military. A1c was 7.0 and fasting glucose was 132- not as dire as compared to some but enough to turn my life around and make the changes I should've made years ago. My three month blood work follow up was: A1c 6.3 and fasting glucose 94 and 22lbs lost so I'm heading in the right direction and would like to lose an additional 30 more pounds. The medication I'm on is 500mg of Metformin twice a day. I bicycle 5 days a week for about an hour each day.
I have metabolic syndrome which terrifies me the most. My LDL is actually fantastic but my HDL is low (although raised since last labs) and my triglycerides were high (coming down slowly).
It has been an emotional struggle balancing a good diet while balancing the concerns for diabetes and cholesterol management.
Anyways, thanks for letting me go on and on. It gets lonely in the real world being a diabetic so it's nice to find a support group.0 -
Welcome everyone,
This is beyond a doubt the best place to come to if you have been diagnosed T2. Read many of the previous posts and you will learn a good deal about your disease. Every one here has been helpful and caring. Please continue to post updates on your progress as we all like to hear about those victories as they occur.
That said the one thing I did early on was test my Blood Glucose several times a day to figure what triggered my B/G spikes. Every one reacts a little differently to various foods.
Good Luck0 -
Welcome recent newcomers, to this T2D support community!
I second Alsvic's great post. Testing before meals and 2hrs after, you'll quickly learn how the food choices you've made effect your individual blood sugar target goals.
These links below are packed with a lot of invaluable information designed to help answer many of the questions you might have, easing some of the frustrations associated with managing this chronic condition.
www.bloodsugar101.com
http://www.diabetes-without-borders.org/FreeTiger.pdf
Best wishes on your journey!0 -
Hi, this is new to me as I've not been talking about my diabetes except with my doctor. I've just recently had my A1c jump from being pre-diabetic to diabetic. My doc has started me on metformin 500mg to see how I do. My next 3-month blood workup is tomorrow. I'm hoping it will go well and perhaps I'll be back to being pre-diabetic. He wants me to lose weight, but so far it seems only excess fat is disappearing as I've only lost a few pounds. Good luck to everybody!0