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Post by rwethereyet on May 27, 2023 14:44:29 GMT -5
If you have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic, definitely take this seriously and do what you can do to start reversing the situation.
I didn't and just this week I was diagnosed as being diabetic. I am trying hard to understand this and figure out what I need to do or not do, but I have to admit that this is very scary. I have a Freestyle Libre2 monitor and reader but really do not understand just what the readings mean yet. I have also been started on Metformin, and so far it is not causing me any problems/issues. I am trying to figure out the do's and don't s of foods I should eat, but it is all very confusing at the moment.
I would love to hear any tips and/or suggestions any of you that are diabetic might have as far as food and beverage, or anything really. I know I am not alone in this, but it certainly feels like it. I have an appt. with a diabetic nutritionist this next Wednesday, and I hope to walk away with more knowledge than I have right now. I have been watching a lot of Youtubes, but it just isn't sticking with me yet as I dont understand a lot of the terminology used.
So, any words of wisdom would be welcome.
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Post by Eli's Nana on May 27, 2023 17:09:29 GMT -5
I don't have any words of wisdom regarding the diabetic diet and lifestyle, but I can offer a bit of encouragement. About 10 years ago I came down with something called Goodpasture's Disease that among other things left my kidneys badly damaged and I was placed on a very strict CKD diet. It was a totally different way of eating and very foreign to me. I was terrified I was going to do it wrong, and my kidneys would stop working altogether. I remember it being so hard, and I was so confused, but little by little I learned, and adapted. After about 6 months I had it down enough to understand what I needed to do and as time went on I learned tricks to make it easier (like calling ahead at a restaurant to see if they could do certain things I needed before I went there, or which restaurants to stay away from, always carrying certain foods with me, etc). After all this time I do to even think about it, and it has become a way of life. I would encourage you to just take it one step at a time and don't be too hard on yourself. You WILL get it, it's just a lot to absorb all at once!
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Post by rwethereyet on May 27, 2023 18:49:43 GMT -5
Thank you for the words of encouragement. Good for you to have been living with this disease for so many years and too be managing it so well. I hope I can become as disciplined as you seem to be.
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Post by bakerworld on May 28, 2023 5:54:45 GMT -5
Diabetes is scary however I don't think you did anything wrong by not addressing your pre-diabetic diagnosis. From what my diabetes friends say it is your A1C you need to have under control. I am always amazed when I see them eating donuts and cake.
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Post by simbasmom on May 28, 2023 14:31:41 GMT -5
If you have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic, definitely take this seriously and do what you can do to start reversing the situation.
You have my attention. I've had a couple A1C tests, and the results came back just outside the "normal" range (5.8 or 5,9, I think). I'd like to see things more firmly in the normal area, but I don't know what to do. However, thanks to your warning, I am going to take things more seriously, and start looking into what I can do. Seriously, thanks. |
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Post by tink711 on May 28, 2023 16:15:54 GMT -5
My husband was diagnosed with diabetes a few years ago. To live with it, it's basically an experiment in what the right medications and triggers are for your body. It took a couple of years to get everything settled and well understood. Initially, he followed the directions from his nutritionist to the letter and I would advise doing the same. The first year was probably the toughest because his diet was rather boring and he was testing his blood sugar all the time and tweaking his meds. After his body had some time to reset, adapt to the meds, etc, he was able to slowly branch out on his foods until he figured out what and how he could eat to have a more normal diet without causing his blood sugar to get out of control. Now, as long as he stays on his meds, gets a moderate amount of exercise and doesn't go crazy on foods he shouldn't have, his life is very normal. He mostly eat what he wants, and he still gets good reports from his doctors.
Speaking of meds, you want to make sure that you have good insurance. If you have the option to by a higher level of insurance with your employer, take it. The newer diabetes meds are very expensive. We had a brief period of time (4 or 5 months) when he was on a plan with an employer that he was told was " great insurance" - and it was ok, but they ran us ragged with pre-approvals and other red tape trying to get his meds and he ended up being off of them for a few weeks because of all the back and forth. His blood sugar got dangerously high. I finally called them and told them to cut the crap and get his meds today or they were getting an ER bill because all their silly little games had sent his blood sugar over 400, so they could pay for him to get his meds at Walgreens or they could pay for him to get them from the ER. Needless to say, he got his meds. Then the next time he needed a refill, same garbage. I was on the phone pretty much every month just to keep him on his medication. The meds were covered, it's just like they had this gauntlet we had to go through monthly to get them. At the beginning of the year he went back on my insurance and everything is fine again. He had to do the prior authorization thing once and 6 months later we have had zero issues. The problem policy was a UHC mid-range policy. Mine is a UHC premium policy. That premium makes all the difference in the world in keeping him on his meds without a headache.
Another issue we have had is that one of his meds is regularly in short supply. A few times he has had to drive to a Walgreens about 45 minutes away to get it filled. So always put in for your re-fills early in case you ever need to get creative about finding them.
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Post by rwethereyet on May 28, 2023 17:13:51 GMT -5
If you have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic, definitely take this seriously and do what you can do to start reversing the situation.
You have my attention. I've had a couple A1C tests, and the results came back just outside the "normal" range (5.8 or 5,9, I think). I'd like to see things more firmly in the normal area, but I don't know what to do. However, thanks to your warning, I am going to take things more seriously, and start looking into what I can do. Seriously, thanks. I promise you that it will be easier to deal with this in a prediabetic stage than once you are full-blown diabetic. And something I was surprised to learn is that once you are diagnosed as diabetic, there is no going back. Lowering your A1C does not mean you are no longer diabetic. You have one chance at avoiding diabetes, take advantage of it.
There are lots of YouTubes with information (almost too many) that can help you figure things out. I don't have anyone specific to recommend at this point, but once you click on one Diabetic YouTube, several others will pop up.
Kudos to you for taking this seriously, and I wish you luck.
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Post by rwethereyet on May 28, 2023 17:34:19 GMT -5
SimbasMom, thanks for sharing your experience with me. I am meeting with the nutritionist this coming Wednesday and am looking forward to getting answers and learning more.
As far as the insurance is concerned, I guess I am lucky that I am on Medicare as of a couple of months ago (learning all about this, too) and Medicare is required to provide diabetic medications, but I will definitely do my refills as soon as I am eligible. I was only given enough Freestyle Libre sensors for a month, and I would like to get it changed to a 3-month prescription instead. I think Metformin is pretty widely available.
Thanks again for taking the time to share. 
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Post by WDWGoof on May 28, 2023 19:28:50 GMT -5
Keep in mind it’s not only diet that affects your numbers and how you feel. If you’re excited or nervous or emotional, that can affect your numbers. Too much exercise or too little will affect. Certain kinds of exercise (swimming for example) can affect you more than other types of exercise, etc. What I’m getting at is every person with diabetes, whether Type 2 (which is what you have) or Juvenile (Type 1), is affected differently even if you are doing the same exact thing as the other person. Keep meticulous records of what you eat, time of day you eat, how you feel emotionally and medically, how busy or lazy was your day, what kind of exercise, etc. That will help you with patterns and what works for you and what doesn’t. Don’t be hard on yourself for getting overwhelmed or if you haven’t figured it out for a while. You will continue to adjust until you know what works for your body and your lifestyle.
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Post by Eeyorelover22 on May 29, 2023 5:31:51 GMT -5
A very good friend of mine I’ve known for 37 years was on insulin and is now off insulin after changing her diet and dropping a lot of weight. She is still maintaining her weight loss and is still off of insulin. She is older than I am and probably late 70s now…her kids were HS age when I started teaching in 1986 at the age of 21. She is a tad younger than my own parents who are 85 & 88. She did this when she was older as well. My step father has reversed his journey towards diabetes as well. Both were diet and exercise. My step father has dropped 30 pounds and my mom has kept him on a good path. He’ll be 89 in July. My step dad was on metformin, but the intestinal issues were too much for him. I do believe he’s still on a pre diabetes drug, but I am not sure which one. I’m not sure he is either; it’s hard to keep up sometimes. Metformin is dirt cheap. My husband has helped him a lot with his diet hacks. He has maintained his weight loss. Metformin wasn’t doing it alone for him though, diet was the key along with exercise.
Thought I’d post 2 success stories for encouragement.
I should add too: Both were under the care of a doctor when they were doing this too. Obviously, it’s a serious health concern and a doctor’s care should be involved.
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Post by annamaria on May 29, 2023 7:17:24 GMT -5
Diabetes runs in my family. My mom and my sister (passed) were eventually put on insulin. They were not good with their diet. I hope I never get to that point. I do need to try harder myself before it's too late and get put on meds.
I have been pre-diabetic for a few years. I am on the border. My older sister has been on the meds the last few years. Hopefully I won't be next.
Food - I do know and remember - and I am sure you can google - any berry fruit (raspberry, strawberries, blueberries, etc.) cantaloupes, apples are some of the better fruits one can eat. It's all about the carbs - so we know many veggies are all carbs too.
Try to avoid any meal with sauces. If out, order the sauce/topping on the side. You can always add a drop to your meal but do not have your meat/fish smothered with the sauce. Need to watch salad dressings - use olive oil and vinegar. Just to give you an idea/some tips. Limit your sweets - period. Easier said than done if you like sweets.
I also can't stress enough - increase your daily activity level. Very important. Even if you are home and can't get out for whatever reason (weather, etc.) walk around your house. Do you read? Watch TV? Don't sit on the couch. Walk around your coffee table, your dining table as you read/watch tv. Make it a point every day, a few times a day to increase your steps.
You go out? Take the steps and avoid the escalator (as long as you have no issues with it). Parking in a lot? Park the furthest away from the entrance to a place/house, etc. Can you walk to any stores near you? You need one item that you can walk home with? Don't take the car.
Baby steps.......
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Post by brp on May 29, 2023 8:49:03 GMT -5
You have my attention. I've had a couple A1C tests, and the results came back just outside the "normal" range (5.8 or 5,9, I think). I'd like to see things more firmly in the normal area, but I don't know what to do. However, thanks to your warning, I am going to take things more seriously, and start looking into what I can do. Seriously, thanks. I promise you that it will be easier to deal with this in a prediabetic stage than once you are full-blown diabetic. And something I was surprised to learn is that once you are diagnosed as diabetic, there is no going back. Lowering your A1C does not mean you are no longer diabetic. You have one chance at avoiding diabetes, take advantage of it.
Thanks for this info. I had thought that Type 2 diabetes was reversible with proper diet and exercise (and meds). I had not realized that one the transition from pre-diabetic to diabetic is crossed, it's a management, but not a reversal issue.
Very good info.
Cheers.
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Post by FessParker1 on May 29, 2023 19:31:01 GMT -5
Watermelon and Pineapple are very bad. There sugar gets into you quickly and will spike. Drop the sugar snacks. Berries are your new friend. White potatoes are out, sweet potatoes are in. 100% whole wheat for bread an rolls when you have to have them. Same for pasta if you can take the texture. Watch out for the sugar free snacks especially the go lightly brand. Try them one at a time to see how much they bloat you and stomach aches. The go lightly brand will also make you have to go in a hurry. When you eat have some meat first before veggies and carbs. It seam to slow the spiking for some. Veggie soup is good. Homemade and easy on the noodles. Watch for crashing. Check your numbers when you get up. If you feel funny, dizzy or light headed you may need to get a burst of sugar. Oj or milk and a regular sugar cookie can put you back.
Disney used to be pretty good with the sugar free/no sugar added desserts. Raspberry sorbet is there go to at most places now even the Plaza Ice Cream Shop has gone to the sorbet. The Strawberry fruit bars at the cars used to be sugar free now they have sugar. Hollywood and Vine has a lemon dessert but very tart. Boma has the best sugar free cheesecake. It's plain and I get the fresh Strawberries and blueberries for a topping.
I started out at almost 7 on a1c. I cut out straight sugar stuff completely. No candy, soda or anything where you know it's sugary. I cut out alcohol too. I lost some weight but gained it back during covid work from home. My last number was 5.7 and my Dr said it was like I didn't even have it anymore. Well I still do. Atleast once a month I can feel the crash or difference when stressed. Toes are numb. Made it longer for that than how long my original Dr. said it would take. Runs in the family and I also know other who have had half of both feet cut off and and leg cut off at the knee. Oh if your a smoker time to quit. If I think of anything else I'll put another note. As has been said everyone is different. Good luck, it's not fun so do what you can to eliminate the risk.
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Post by WDWGoof on May 29, 2023 20:23:59 GMT -5
Nutritionist will tell you, but keep in mind, with the foods that have carbs, your body turns all carbs into sugar. Don’t follow the “sugar free” advertising. Look at the carbs listed on everything i.e. ice cream vs. sugar free ice cream. Look at the carbs. Regular will have 17 carbs for 1/2 cup, sugar free will have 14 carbs. So you’ll think you won’t be having sugar with the sugar free when actually your body will be converting those 14 carbs into sugar.
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Post by suz333 on May 30, 2023 21:32:17 GMT -5
Maybe do some reading about glycemic index before your appointment with the nutritionist? It’s been awhile since I’ve read about it, but here’s my spotty memory of what I understood:
The more easily your body can access the sugar in the foods you eat, the more your blood sugar spikes. Your body sees the sugar and thinks , “Yay! Easy energy! Do I need this right now? No? Well, let’s store it for later. Yo, insulin, get out there!” The insulin gobbles up the sugar and stores it as fat somewhere. Then your blood sugar drops. After years of these spikes and drops, some people develop insulin resistance.
Our bodies DO need energy, but it’s better if it’s not in quick spikes. So, eating protein and fat is good because it doesn’t spike the blood sugar. And when we do eat carbs, it’s good to have healthy fats to slow down the sugar spike, and it’s better to eat the things that don’t spike the sugar so quickly. And, getting vitamins with our carbs is a good idea, so veggies are better than, say, a 12 pack of croissants from Sam’s Club. (Sigh)
In broad categories, some foods will spike your blood sugar more than others. Berries are low on the scale (which is good) but pineapples are high. Spinach won’t spike your blood sugar as quickly as corn. Sweet potatoes won’t spike your blood sugar as quickly as white potatoes. Whole wheat bread is better than white bread.
Food labels are going to be important. There’s hidden sugar in almost EVERYTHING. I did the Whole30 diet several years ago, and even some chicken at the grocery store had sugar in it - raw chicken! (It was injected with broth, so I had to squint at the broth ingredients, and there was some sort of sugar in it.)
If you’re a person who does better full on diving into new things instead of gradually changing things, maybe read up on Whole30 and ask your nutritionist about it. It’s not designed for weight loss or diabetes but it’s to eliminate things that might aggravate our systems, and then gradually bring them back. For 30 days it doesn’t allow any sugars or artificial sweeteners, not even honey, no juices to drink, no dairy, no grains, no legumes, and no alcohol. It’s basically boot camp to get past your sugar cravings. I learned the hard way that the rush from my first coffee of the day was more from the sugar I had been putting in it than from the caffeine. That was a rough week. I’m not sure if it’s a good idea with the meds you’re taking, or with your diagnosis in general, but hopefully your doctor or nutritionist could provide some advice.
(I think I might try to do another one this summer. I was good about avoiding the things I wasn’t supposed to eat for 30 days, but I botched the reintroduction. I’ve been having some issues recently that might be related to food, but I’ve been eating lots of different things, so it’s hard to be sure. )
Thank you for the PSA… I haven’t been to the doctor in quite awhile and I need to get a physical so that I can find out if there’s anything of concern.
Good luck with your research and your health. When you get frustrated having to read and learn so many new things, just console yourself that you’re getting a two-fer … all that research and learning is a brain boost!
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