My Diabetes Misconception

One of the biggest misconceptions I've had about diabetes before my diagnosis was not eating at all when my glucose was high. I started testing 3 times a day ,12 days before diagnosis. I suspected I had diabetes and most likely have had it for aleast a year. I automatically gave up sugar and starchy foods but still had outrageous glucose readings. The numbers were staggering. So I would not eat the next meal but my readings remained high. Once I was officially diagnosed I started participating on the ADA website and learned so much. All the Biology or Anatomy & Physiology I've taken in High School & College were useless. I researched any advice given to verify the validity of it.

The liver dump and Dawn Phenomon were interesting concepts but not as far fetched as you would think. The liver is a vital organ that has multiple functions.

"This organ plays a major role in metabolism and has a number of functions in the body, including glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells, plasma protein synthesis, hormone production, and detoxification. It lies below the diaphragm in the abdominal-pelvic region of the abdomen. It produces bile, an alkaline compound which aids in digestion via the emulsification of lipids. The liver's highly specialized tissues regulate a wide variety of high-volume biochemical reactions, including the synthesis and breakdown of small and complex molecules, many of which are necessary for normal vital functions."  ( quote taken from Wikipedia)

Even though the Pancreas produces the Peptide Hormone Insulin, the liver plays It's part also in the storage of glycogen.

Glucose and Glycogen is an energy source for the cells and organs. Even during the night our bodies need an energy source to function. Glycogen is released into the blood from the liver. Insulin is secreted from the pancrease . But with inadequate insulin or insulin resistance the body cannot use the glucose.

So skipping a meal or extreme dieting can be detrimental to a diabetic because the liver will still release glucose to provide energy to the cells, if inadequate food is taken in.

Another misconception I learned the hard way, not everything with the label sugarfree is good for a diabetic because of large amounts of carbohydrates. How carbohydrates affect me might be different for someone else. Some people with a Type 2 diagnosis might be able to eat more carbohydrates than others. Unfortunately my carbohydrates need to be kept at a minimum to maintain normal glucose.

My biggest misconception was because I didn't fall into the obese category I didn't need to worry. Yes I was overweight but not obese. And yes I do have alot of relatives with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes on my Mom's side. But most are obese.

Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight won't change my diagnosis. I will still have type 2 diabetes. It might put me in better control of the diabetes and keep me off insulin but it will always be lurking.

Why is my damn glucose high in the morning?

Why is my damn glucose high in the morning?

For the third morning out of 50 it wasn't this time. But normally is and it can be frustrating. Unfortunately that's also a question we all ask at some time. When I asked on the ADA (American Diabetes Association) website , I was told about the liver dump and release of glycogen when we sleep. I have a healthcare background so I  researched the subject and had been told correctly. On a whim I tested my glucose when I woke up at 2 am (more than 8 hours since I had ate) and it had raised slightly but not to bad. I went back to sleep for 5 hours and it raised considerably more to the point of hyperglycemia. It's sometimes called "Dawn Phenomenon", everyone experiences it but for diabetics it can be frustrating and troublesome.

This morning when I looked at some of the new topics asked in the Type 2 forum on the ADA's website the question was asked again. This time a second but very plausible explanation was given. In the morning when our body prepares to wake up and it requires energy the liver releases glucose in our bodies while the pancreas releases insulin to allow the cells to use the glucose. The article I read about "Dawn Phenomenon" on www.lizzysdlounge.com was very informative and made sense.

If you have diabetes your body doesn't produce adequate insulin or the Insulin receptors is defective causing insulin resistance. Even if you have adequate insulin but you develop insulin resistance the cells can't use the glucose. Type 2 diabetes can be the result of insulin resistance or inadequate insulin or both.

Diabetes is more than about food ,and digestion. It can affect any system in the body, any organ and how it functions. Insulin is part of the endocrine system. Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by beta cells in the pancrease, you never think about until it stops functioning. 

Ugh I need a degree in molecular biology to fully understand how everything works.

Cheese Burger Omelet Part 2

Dinner was interesting but good. And dinner had the desired results a glucose reading of 116. We added a small amount of chopped tomato to the cheeseburger omelet. And we used a lean (97/3) ground beef and Mexican cheese instead of plain shredded cheddar. We also used a 1/4 onion for 2 omelets.

CHEESEBURGER OMELET
____________________________
1/4 SMALL ONION
3-4 OZ COOKED GROUND BEEF
3 EGGS
SEA SALT & PEPPER TO TASTE
CHEDDAR CHEESE

Preheat 10-12 " skillet
Sautee onions for 4-5 minutes, add whisk eggs.
When egg is done add beef & cheese to half of egg. Fold over remaining egg. Cover skillet to allow cheese to melt.

I browned the meat with the onion in one skillet , while the egg cooked In another. When we added the beef & cheese we also added a small amount of diced fresh tomato.  We had some onion and tomato leftover from yesterday, so we used what was on hand.

To reduce the fat you can always remove an egg yolk or two. Ground Turkey can substitute the beef if you don't eat red meat.

I used the recipe From fitnessturtles...enjoy

Cheeseburger Omelet

When I was visiting with my sister-in-law (S-i-L) and M-I-L on Memorial Day we were talking about Omelets. My S-I-L Amy and I during our scrapbooking marathons would stop to make omelets. Yes I do scrapbook occassionly! The omelets broke the monotony of constant scrapbooking. Omelets are an excellent food item to keep the carbohydrates and sugar to a minimum. You can pretty much put any meat and vegetable in omelets.My S-I-L is vegetarian but will still eat eggs, cheese and other milk products. During our marathon weekends our omelets were made vegetarian, usually with Bell peppers, onion and cheese. At home she would normally add mushrooms also, I don't like mushrooms.

When we were discussing omelet ingredients , I casually mentioned using ground beef as an omelet filler. After I got home that day I typed "cheeseburger Omelet" in Google Search. Sure enough there's a recipe for it. After my reaction (259 blood sugar spike) when I ate a hamburger bun on Memorial Day the recipe seems very appealing. Eating a regular cheeseburger on a bun is not in my immediate future.

The best thing about Omelets the recipe can be tweaked to individual taste or for health reasons.  Rachael Ray's recipe calls for 3 eggs, to lower the cholesterol and fat , you can always remove a yolk or two.  You can also substitute ground beef for ground chicken or turkey to lower the fat content. Regardless of the ground meat you use the excess grease can be drained. Any cheese will do but I prefer cheddar. To eliminate fats and calories use 1-2 less yolks, ground turkey, reduced fat cheese and veggies (onions, tomatoes).

Since my diagnosis I look at food differently on how it can nourish my body instead of jeopardizing my overall health. I have type 2 diabetes but don't want to add too many bad fats to my diet. So finding a balance in meals is crucial.

If I make this recipe tonight I will post a picture and the recipe I used if it's actually edible.

Yes Diabetes Still Sucks

I survived the first holiday since my diagnosis fairly well. It was hard to not indulge in favorite picnic foods this year as I used to. Like fresh fruit, corn or potatoes on the grill. Super Sweet and rich desserts . Cups of sweet lemonade and iced tea. I miss sugar but I know it will continue to damage my organs if I indulge. My glucose readings most days are between 100-150 sometimes lower and sadly higher. Some type 2 diabetics spend months and years getting the diabetes under control while some struggle all their lives.  Diabetes sucks!

I still have good days and bad days, more good if I can keep carbohydrates down and avoid sugar.  As a result I've lost 7 lbs since my diagnosis, 11 lbs to go. I decided 140 (10 stone) would be a good weight and put me in a size 6. I don't want to look skeletal. I'm hoping the bloated look goes down in my gut. I don't want to lose anymore wait from my already bony hips and legs. I only want the last 11lbs to come from the abdominal region. Just eliminating carbs, sugar and starchy foods helped lose weight. I'm grateful to diabetes for the loss but it still sucks.

Finding moderation is the hardest part for me as some foods are all or nothing. I allowed myself to eat junk on Memorial day but ate a lesser amount too. When I say junk I'm referring to a hamburger bun that had 30 grams of carbs. That was enough to double my bs level and will be my last indulgence until July. My life depends on resisting temptations and not eating like this daily. Giving up cigarettes is my next goal. Besides the obvious damage of tobacco, Is the decrease in circulation and it's crucial to keep blood circulating to the lower extremities especially with a diabetic.

Diabetes Sucks.

Diabetes Sucks Mountain Oysters

Yes it does! Not exactly the chosen title of this blog but was advised by hubby to change my wording. I was afraid of the censure fairy.

The reason why diabetes sucks mountain oysters is the following...( if your an international reader check Google or Wikipedia for the definition.)

My glucose was 103 at 11:00 last night and 149 at  7:00 this morning took Metaforim and ate breakfast (1/2 hash Brown and 1 egg). Around 11:30 rechecked glucose it was 113. Headed to Walmart to pick up groceries for cookout , sugarfree snacks, almonds and some glucose testing strips for ReliOn meter.

Hubby fired up the charcoal grill fixed hamburgers (1/3 lb black Angus), hotdogs and bratwurst. I also bought Lays Stax .

I ate 3 sugarfree wafers, a hamburger with tomato and onion on a bun , a bratwurst on a bun with mustard and 2 strawberries. Not a large amount of food. Almost 2 hours later I tested my glucose it was 259. I just took my Metaforim but can guarantee its still too high. A little bit ago I was seeing stars.

My friend who's also diabetic ate a hotdog, bratwurst, and hamburger all on a bun. Plus 2 hotdogs without bread. Potato chips and 1/2 pint of fresh strawberries. Her glucose raised to 160. She ate more bread, fruit and chips than I did plus hotdogs and didn't see drastic spike.

I'm in no way bitching about the amount of anyone ate. I'm bitching about how unfair diabetes is. Maybe I'm more medically fragile than my friend, and food affects me differently. The strange thing is we both have type 2 diabetes.

It sucks...

Food - Friend or Foe?

I realize my diagnosis of type 2 comes down to Genetics, my love of food and extra weight. It doesn't seem right to blame the diabetes to weight. I have relatives with the same faulty genes who weigh much more than I ever have and they do not have diabetes. Or they do have diabetes and the are oblivious to it. I figured out a year ago that there was something more to the cyst and the cellulitis. The Comblete Blood Test after the cellulitis stated the obvious and the elevated glucose was a big indicator (kick in the head) something was up. It's like this heinous cyst was pulsating on my chest, saying wake up dingbat, you have diabetes. The cyst took months to heal after lancing. The cellulitis was the result of the lancing.

I knew I possibly had diabetes but soon turned back to food after getting Bikini ready. Yes had to wear a bikini last year, with a small weightloss I had a healthy BMI. I walked and diet got me Bikini ready. I looked and felt great. By August I was back to eating junk and I did gain over the holidays.

I spent months eating whatever I wanted and drinking MT Dew, Coke or whatever I wanted to. I don't drink alcohol but food was my poison. The last dessert I ate that was full sugar was lemon meringue. Incidentally the next day was the life changing glucose reading 407.

On the day of my diagnosis my Dr called me fat (he technically said I am overweight), I was less than 8 lbs from a year ago.  What the hell?? I briefly fell in the obese category 6 years ago , I admit that. I lost 40 lbs and was in a size 10 again. Last  summer I wore a size 6 to 8 in jeans depending how they are made. I'm back in an 8 as I've lost weight not eating sugar and limited carbohydrates. The weightloss has been in my hips and around ribcage. My legs are like twigs as are my arms.  I decided 135-140 lbs would be idea and not becoming a stick insect again.

It's so difficult not caving to food cravings but I haven't yet. I would love one carbohydrate fest but I can't. Food needs to nourish my body so It's a friend but can quickly become an enemy if I allow it to. If I get the diabetes under control and lose a few pounds I can perhaps take less medicine but the type 2 will always be there waiting for me to mess up. And I would mess up. I'm not perfect, who is?

Diabetes and me

Hi I'm Angel and I'm glucose challenged or insulin impaired, my diabetes is a small part of my life . But sadly being early in my diagnosis it controls me and it f_________ sucks. Don't get me wrong it's almost under control, almost is almost there but not quite. A small mistake in food can send me back to the state of hyperglycemia.

I consumed around 750 calories today. Yes I know I'm supposed to eat double that. It gets old being clueless what to eat.  And the available sugarfree foods are packed full of carbohydrates, duh carbohydrates are as bad as sugar.  Even veggies are full of natural sugar. Once I'm in complete control I should be able to eat more and a better variety.

Type 2 diabetes is so unfair but at the same time finding balance to avoid the need for vials and hypodermics full of insulin.

I so miss Hershey Bars with almonds....

When did I sign up for this?

I realize my genetics made my membership in this club happen and no pun intended, I was grandfathered in. But isn't there a way to quit this club I didn't want to join in the first place?  Isn't there a trial membership I can opt out of without being penalized? Isn't there fabulous door prizes that doesn't include trips to the ER, pharmacy or lab? I never wanted to join this club of limiting carbohydrates, sugar and the mandatory finger pokes. I never wanted to join this world I knew so much about but yet I'm clueless about so much. I'm new to a diagnosis I never wanted and I'm forced to quickly make food choices I pray won't disrupt my health.  I pray my liver doesn't betray me by releasing extra stored glycogen. I pray alot these days and celebrate each accomplishment.

These days I celebrate the days I resist the foods that can disrupt a shaky system. I celebrate successful finger pokes that yield enough blood so I don't need to poke myself again. I celebrate monitor readings that indicate the hyperglycemia is gone, for now and hopefully forever. I celebrate little things that I would overlook before. I celebrate earlier control of this monster that could very well control my health if I allow it.

I hope ..celebrate and start new everyday appreciating each new day I can try to win a battle I never wanted to fight.

Stress and Diabetes

I don't know if It's been the emotional stress of the last two days but my glucose returned to OMG 197 again. I ate healthy and resisted the urge to snack or eat relentlessly. I woke up this morning with that familiar fuzziness in my head. I lost that feeling for a week but it returned with a vengeance and I knew my glucose was elevated. Thankfully it has came down some. I haven't ate anything that would increase my glucose or even a larger amount. When the fuzziness happens I get super sleepy and my energy level in non-existent. You would think with the extra glucose floating around in my bloodstream I would be bouncing off the walls.

With Type 2 Diabetes that's not the case. If there's not enough insulin or the cells can't use the glucose because the receptors are faulty then the cells don't have fuel. Glucose is the brains fuel but with faulty receptors or not enough insulin the brain becomes sluggish especially if hyperglycemia is allowed to go on too long. Hence the fuzziness I'm experiencing.

Today I started with higher glucose and it rose during the day. I ate 0 sugar and minimal carbohydrates but it went up even with medication. Very frustrating!!!! I almost said screw it but I resisted.

The emotional stress about my M-I-L's health I was told could cause glucose to raise or stress in general. I thought they were full of s*** but it might be true.

I'm proud of the fact I was able to resist temptation. But the diabetes reminded me several ways, not to push my luck.

Oh friggen well.......

He knows...:-(

Last night was difficult, seeing my strong husband break down. I insisted that he call his mom and the conversation was hard for them both. She told him every thing she had been told, perhaps she thought I had already told him. Out of respect for her, I didn't say a word. It wasn't my news to tell or my health to talk about. Cancer is serious, especially when nothing can be done.  There won't be a biopsy, nor can it be removed because she can't have anesthesia. Her lung capacity is diminished from Emphysema and COPD. What time she has left is now up to her and God, there will be no medical intervention. Just Comfort measures.

It seems strange that our family will be going on the same journey we've already been walking with our friend T over the last few months. His body is weakening but he finds joy in the small things most of us take for granted. He still gets out of the house and goes to town.

It almost seems surreal that everything seems to be happening at once again and that 2013 may very well be a repeat of 2011. In 2011 my husband and I lost 8 family members from April 8 to December 21. All died unexpectedly except my step-mother who died on December 21, at the age of 81.

Sometimes I think when you're younger the losses seem few and far between. It might be years between loss and funerals. The grief was quite real but you had time to grieve between losses. In April 2011 in a matter of a few days we lost 4 family member. In July my husband's 14 year old cousin was killed on a 4-Wheeler, less than 2 months later another cousin was murdered. My Aunt went into Renal Failure and died in September and my step-mom in December.

Perhaps the earlier trials of grief when we were younger prepared us for what we faced in 2011 and what we will face this year. It's going to be hard and my husband will need my strength & love now. It just seems like the older we get the more family we lose. My Faith in God will give me strength and compassion when I need it the most.

Lord Give Me Strength

I received a call earlier from my sister-in-law asking if our niece posted a medical update on Facebook about my mother-in-law. I haven't paid attention to Facebook lately other than a quick scan of status updates occassionly. After weeding through tons of game updates there isn't much left on Facebook.

A few days ago when the Dr was speaking to my Mother-in-Law before her discharge from the hospital our niece was there and overheard a possible diagnosis. My Mother-in-Law asked her grand daughter (our niece) not to post anything on Facebook about her before she has a chance to speak to her Doctors and her kids.

My Mother-in-law has had a spot on her lung for several years, it has never changed or grew until now. The Dr suspects it's lung cancer. Because of her advanced Emphysema and COPD she is a poor surgical candidate to do a biopsy and would not be able to be put to sleep with anesthesia. So if it is cancer nothing can be done to help her. She has approximately 17-18% of her lung capacity left. It's heartwrenching knowing and keeping silent to not alarm my husband before she has had a chance to confirm the diagnosis.

A plan of care is being put in place to allow better observation when she's feeling the worst. My Mother-In-Law will be spending time at her Daughter's house. My Sister-In-Law has worked in healthcare and will be able to monitor her vital signs. The chihuahua collection (yes living breathing Chihuahua)  at my mother-in-law's home will be thinned out. From 12 to 5, especially if she goes on hospice care. A few are known to bite.

My Mother-in-Law wants to spend as much time with her children as possible. I'm going to pray that God gives me the strength to comfort my husband during this time of not knowing without alarming him before she knows for sure. I've never withheld anything from him for 22 years. We've always been honest with eachother. Honesty, Love and Trust has been the strength of our marriage, so I am torn.  Do I tell him or respect her wishes to wait until the diagnosis is confirmed?

Still learning about Diabetes

Diabetes appears to be very straight forward but yet it's a complicated disease when all the factors come into play.

For example high glucose can be the result of two different things. The most obvious one is the pancreas produces inadequate insulin. Without adequate insulin the body is unable to use to glucose as energy. In order for the cells to operate effectively the cells need glucose. The brain needs glucose to properly function, without its energy the brain becomes sluggish and the person stays tired. This is one of the issues I have dealt with for at least 6 months. I blamed the "laziness" on my pain medicine even though I been on it long before the sluggish brain. The strength and dosage has not changed in 4 years.

If the brain doesn't get adequate fuel, it messages the liver to release more glycogen into the blood stream and the pancreas to release insulin. Because of the increased glucose in the blood the body signals extreme thirst and frequent urination as the body tries to rid itself of the excessive glucose through the kidneys. If the glucose has remained high too long the urine takes on a fruity odor. 

The second is insulin resistance because the insulin receptors no longer work properly the body is no longer able to use the fuel (glucose). It's like a combustion engine misfiring (my hubby is a mechanic and this is how I would explain it to him). It's like having enough fuel but because the spark plugs are misfiring the fuel isn't used. The oral medicine, in my case Metaforim, helps the body to rid itself of excessive glucose. Metaforim isn't a quick fix but takes weeks to reach its full potential. In a way It's like replacing the misfiring plugs with new plugs not properly gapped. Each day small adjustments are made but until each spark plug is gapped the engine will continue to misfire. And then one day the engine stops misfiring and is able to run smoothly as it does for the Metaforim to be effective. With diet and Metaforim, the glucose will decrease in the blood but it doesn't happen overnight.

Sorry for the car analogy but It's in terms I would explain it to hubby.

Not enough insulin or insulin receptors not working properly are the factors behind Type 2 diabetes. It could be either or both.

A few weeks ago I was living in fear that the medication and diet would not be enough. That I would need insulin. Now I have hope, that I can do this. My body is still sluggish and  I'm constantly tired, but each day I continue to move forward because if I don't fight for me who will?

Finally

I'm finally seeing consistent glucose levels with the help of diet and Metaforim. It's mind-blowing to actually see the numbers start to go down after weeks of struggling. It has been a long 5 1/2 weeks and 4 weeks since diagnosis. I regret foolishly ignoring the symptoms over a year ago and pray I did not permanently damage my organs during the year of hyperglycemia. A year! The experts say a blood glucose above 140 start the damage for every hour it's above 140.  It was elevated since April 2012 and I'm just seeing a healthy glucose level now.

I'm glad I decided to seek help last month. To be honest had my meter not flashed 454 that day I would still be an untreated and undiagnosed diabetic. I would of still watched my diet and tested occassionly but I would not of sought medical help. Perhaps the 454 was the final wake up call my diet and the Type 2 diabetes was killing me.

Even though my numbers are healthier I will still need to pay attention to the food going into my body and further weightloss to stay in control of the glucose in my body. I still don't have adequate insulin to use the glucose so one slip up with my diet can send me spinning out of control. I know this and I also know it will be with me the rest of my life.

But I've got hope now since it's more in control. Hope I can continue to control a diagnosis I didn't want in the first place. Hope I will live longer because it is in control. Hope I can remain on an oral medicine and not end up on insulin. I have hope....

Live life like today's your last day

Today I was reminded again to appreciate each day and to live each day to the fullest. Because today might be your last. It might be the last sunrise you ever see. The last time you smell honeysuckle or hear a bird happily singing and rejoicing a light rain. The last time the sun warms your tired and aching bones. The last time you're able to visit with friends knowing each day is a gift. Tomorrow isn't promised to us.

Today I was reminded how fragile life really is and how quickly life can change. Every Sunday our friends from just a few miles away come to spend the day with us. And when they left this evening, I wondered if this was the last Sunday we would all be together.One of my husband's closest friend has Stage 4 lung cancer, he's terminal. He's been under Hospice care since January.But he refuses to stay at home, waiting to die. So T , his wife and step-daughter come to visit each Sunday.

A few years ago our friends moved here from a neighboring county because of his disabilities to be closer to the hospital.  Our friend has emphysema, crippling arthritis and Parkinson's Disease besides cancer. He was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer last year and stopped treatment in November. There has never been a more honorary soul ever but a sweet man. He would do anything for my husband and I. His friendship is more than enough though. Each Sunday I quietly give thanks to God for allowing T to have one more week.

It's heartwrenching watching him slowly waste away and weaken from the cancer. His overall health made a drastic decline this last few weeks. The end is fast approaching, my husband and I both see it. He still finds joy in life and appreciates the small things. Just letting the sun warm his face, while the birds sing gives him peace. Or watching my husband plant flowers gives him joy. It's the simple things I'm learning to appreciate more because of him.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned since meeting T is not to sit back and wait for life to happen. Get out there and live it.

Living in a numbered world

This morning I tested my glucose and almost jumped out of my skin when I seen 126. After having huge morning numbers in the morning since 2 weeks before diagnosis a 126 is almost there. A 126 means the medicine is working as well as the diet. The 126 also represents the organs aren't being damaged at that moment. The 126 means so much to me, it gives me hope that I will be able to control my diabetes.

It gives me hope for the future that not getting in control would of denied me. It gives me hope to see my Great Nephew Levi grow up, he won't be born until August. It gives me hope for the future I may not have had.

Our life is full of meaning and meaningful numbers. Each milestone is remembered by a number. 42 is the number of weeks Mom carried me, 15 minutes is how long it took me to enter this world . I started school at the age of 5. Lost Mom when she was 42 and I was 42 when I was diagnosed with diabetes. There has been a lot of good that has happened between the first and last 42 in my life. Too many to list, this is a blog not a novel. :-)

My favorite number today is 126, hopefully tomorrow it might be lower and I will have a new favorite....

Have I reached a turning point?

Not getting control of the diabetes has been my biggest fear since my diagnosis. My day to day readings have been so erratic these last few weeks, I was beginning to think it would take months to return to a somewhat normal (healthy) range.

I've accepted that because of the liver dumping glycogen into my blood stream my morning numbers are above normal. I have also accepted that my breakfast have very few carbohydrates and 100% sugar free to help the medication bring my glucose down. Whatever I'm doing seems to be working. I tested at 148 before eating and medication but I have tested consistently much lower the rest of the day. 123 and then 119.

I know not to get my confidence too high because I can eat the same thing tomorrow and test high again, even though I was in a normal range the day before. That's what is so frustrating about type 2 diabetes. The Metaforim is getting to be more effective but even the simplest foods can cause glucose spikes.

One thing I've noticed is my body's reactions to carbohydrates. I purchased sugarfree candy shortly after I was diagnosed and the carbohydrates in the sugarfree  candies cause major spikes . My friend who is also has Type 2 diabetes can eat the same candy and it doesn't affect her blood sugar at all.  She's also able to eat some of the things I avoid because it causes major spikes. It almost seems unfair that my diet is so limited and she can eat differently. I take Metaforim and she's on a different oral medicine.

I guess it can take weeks or months to level out glucose with diet and medication. And some people struggle every day for years. I just need to be more patient. But I am starting to positive results in my blood glucose tests, It's a start.

Diabetes Is Not For The Weak of Heart

I'm still struggling and learning to live as a person with Type 2 Diabetes. I'm still a person regardless of my diagnosis, a 42 year old woman who happens to have diabetes. There is nothing great or special about me. I'm perfectly imperfect, not destined for greatness.I'm just trying to learn to eat in a way that is not destructive to my body that is obviously insulin impaired. I'm still learning the foods that cause large spikes in my blood sugar and try to avoid that particular food. I'm trying to unlearn the bad habits of 41 years. I knew if I didn't change my eating habits it would become detrimental to my overall health. A disease that can easily be controlled with diet and medication could become deadly if I continued to eat crap. Working in Nursing for 12 years I seen the results of uncontrolled Diabetes, I don't want to end up like that. I changed the food I eat and amount I eat for one reason. To save my own life.

Food was meant to nourish the body. Not as a means to deal with stress or as a form of comfort. Extra carbohydrates, sugar and starchy foods put the extra weight on me. Reducing the amount of caloric intake by eliminating starchy foods, carbs and sugar should allow weightloss to happen more easily. One pound a week or a five pound weight loss in a month is realistic and can easily be done. Weighing less can help me control the diabetes easier and as an added benefit it might help to decrease the pain in an already deteriorating back & left hip. I just hope the pounds disappear from the gut and no where else. My arms and legs remind me as a stick person. I have no hips , you can clearly feel the bones through my skin. I have no ass, my husband calls it a Hank Hill butt (it's flat as a pancake) . My tailbone is visable under the skin because of the lack of padding. My rib cage has no padding!

Even though I was diagnosed almost a month ago, I'm at the beginning of a journey I never asked to travel....

Minus Two Boobs Part 2

There's a line from the movie ERIN BROCKOVICH that rings true after hearing about Jolie's double mastectomy.

"If a woman loses her breasts and uterus is she still a woman?"

Erin (played by Julia Roberts) responds by saying "yes but a happier woman. You don't have to worry about maxi pads and underwires". (Not an exact quote from the movie, but you get my point)

I'm sure  Angelina Jolie had adequate time to think about having the mastectomy and probably was less traumatic because of the breast reconstruction. There was alot of criticism about the mastectomy In the comment section of People's online magazine. The comments bashed Angelina's decision claiming it was an excuse to have a "boob job" or a publicity stunt. Don't get me wrong she had a lot of comments supporting her decision also but some of the comments were cruel and ridiculous.

Angelina Jolie is an established "A" list actress who can pretty much pick and choose what movies to star in. Yes her career has slowed by choice since becoming a parent through adoption and biological children. Being proactive with her health is because of her and Pitt's children.  Jolie is planning to have her ovaries removed later on. I wonder if she will try to have another child before the ovaries are removed?

Had she had a cancer diagnosis before her mastectomy like Guiliana Rancic , people would be more sympathetic. Guiliana was having fertility issues and found out she had breast cancer after having a mammogram. She also had a double mastectomy.  Her eggs was harvested and she became a parent using a surrogate. Had Guiliana not been having fertility issues her cancer might of gotten worse before being found. She wasn't 40 yet so she would not have been offered a mammogram had her Dr not suggested it.

As women we need to be proactive with our own health because if we aren't who will ? Prevention and early detection is the best way to fight cancer.

Minus Two Boobs

A couple days ago it was announced Angelina Jolie chose to have a double mastectomy because she was at risk for developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. She was the mutated gene which meant she had an 87% chance of developing breast cancer. She chose to come forward , to tell the public of her decision to have a double mastectomy and why. Her decision has been both applauded and criticized by the media. Angelina Jolie's mother passed away at the age of 56 from Ovarian cancer, and her Maternal grandmother died at the age of 45 from Ovarian Cancer.  Angelina was already an adult when her her mom died but Angelina has 6 young children. Her decision was her decision. A way to be proactive with her own health and not leave her children without a mother because of breast or ovarian cancer. Losing a parent when the child is young or any age is traumatic. Hopefully Angelina's decision spared her children the trauma for many years to come.

Angelina had the double mastectomy and breast reconstruction before publicly announcing what she had just went through. She's planning to also have her ovaries removed. Once the surgery is completed her breast/ ovarian cancer risk will be 5%. Much better odds than 87% of getting breast or ovarian cancer. Oddly if she would of just had a boob job nobody would of thought anything about it.

Plastic Surgery is a normal day to day thing for those living and working in Hollywood. It's almost expected in the entertainment community. Her surgery and reconstruction of the breasts was not for vanity.

She did not have to publicly announce what she had done medically to potentially save her own life. But she did. She didn't announce her surgery to be declared a saint or to be more popular. She did announce it to show women , we have a choice and another way we can fight if a woman  is more predisposed to breast or ovarian cancer. Before the genetic testing to check for mutant genes a mammogram was our first line of defense after monthly self examination of our own breast to check for lumps.

And let's be honest unless a woman has had family history of breast cancer , mammograms aren't done until a woman is 40.  I think more insurance companies should be more willing to pay for the genetic testing and mastectomy/ reconstruction because in the long run it would save them money . Instead of paying for cancer treatment for years. But then I'm afraid insurance companies would push for the mastectomies when that particular gene is present, to save money. It's actually can be a double edge sword.

Dr Oz even expressed his criticism by saying "Jolie sent the wrong message to other women by making this choice."  What's the wrong message Dr Oz, that women should not be proactive with their own health?

Choosing a mastectomy and breast reconstruction I'm sure was a difficult choice until she imagined having to lose her breast to cancer and fighting to live. Was it the right choice? It wasn't mine or anyone else's decision to make. If I had the money for the genetic testing and to pay for a mastectomy & breast reconstruction, I would do the same thing if I was at risk.

I'm sure most people would agree if you could get a procedure done now to prevent a traumatic or terminal illness later on , they would do it. It's called being proactive and taking care of issues before they become untreatable.

Losing her breasts and ovaries doesn't make her less of a woman.

This is just my random thoughts on this issue.

I'm at a loss

Getting my glucose under control right now is my biggest concern. Somedays I eat so little. I know I'm not getting enough calories and adequate nutrition. Each bite is closely scrutinized and makes me wonder if that little bit of food will make my glucose spike. And most likely it does spike. My numbers during week 2 of taking Metaforim were decreasing but week 3 are slowly starting to creep back up. It truly is frustrating knowing the longer my glucose stays above 140, the more damage is being done.

I've come to the conclusion that the 500mg of Metaforim I take twice a day isn't enough. Once further testing is done my Dr may need to increase the dosage and/or add a second medication. I was really hopeful the Metaforim would be enough but it's becoming more obvious it isn't. I think my Dr will need to do a GTT (glucose tolerance test) to get a better picture of what's going on with me. A GTT being done could very well change my my medication to insulin, I know this. The GTT is done in 2 parts.  The first part being a 12-14 hour fast after the fasting blood sugar test is done oral glucose is given and I would be re-tested  in 2 hours. My body isn't getting rid of glucose fast enough.

The sad reality is the last few days I have been waking up with a 12-14 fasting blood sugar over 140.  Before medicine and during the night my numbers would drop 5-10 points an hour. That might seem like alot but before diagnosis I was staying between 270 to 400.  Now since I been on medication it's going down 2 points an hour during the day. And it comes up at night. My glucose was 156 last night at 9 and it's 183 now.

High Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is caused by two different things. The pancreas produces inadequate insulin to use the glucose in the bloodstream or the insulin receptors are not functioning enough to allow the cells to use the glucose. Sometimes it can be both in Type 2 diabetes. I am beginning to think the insulin my body produces is very minimal if I have any at all and my body's cells can't use the glucose anymore.

I'm just so frustrated right now.

I did retest 2 hours later its 114

Diabetic Testing Supplies

Restocked both of my glucose monitoring kits with more lancets, alcohol preps, and strips. The price of the Contour Next EZ strips increased BTW. Last week 50 strips were 25.61 at CVS, this week I only got 25 for the same 25.61. The 50 strips now cost around 38.00. Quite an increase from the week before.  Testing 3-4 times a day I would use between 93-120 strips a month. Being self pay this is coming out of my pocket.  I don't have insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Any diagnostic testing or medicine comes out of my pocket.

Financially just buying Contour strips is unrealistic when I can purchase 150 ReliOn strips for 2.00 more than 25 Contour Next Strips. I don't mean to sound petty about money but it's ridiculous the price difference especially for others with diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome who need to monitor their glucose but can't afford to. I have the resources to buy what I need but others don't. I have a friend in the northern part of my state who can't get what she needs. She has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and needs to monitor her glucose but financially she can't afford too. After seeing the prices for testing supplies I can understand why.

The Contour Next EZ monitor is my backup and plan to not use the strips daily. Unless my friends are around who bought the meter for me. I plan to use a couple strips here and there but not daily. I will also be testing less.

Not all diabetic testing supplies are equal

Disclaimer: In order to keep my exact state or location private, some names of businesses have been changed or just indicated by single letters instead if using the full name .

Yesterday when I was out picking up my pain medication at "F" I decided to go ahead and pick up test strips for the Contour Next EZ glucose monitor. My friends bought me the monitor because I needed a lancing device and it could not be purchased by itself. So they bought me the Contour Meter at CVS  for $10.00 and the first 50 testing strips. So I asked the pharmacy cashier for the price  and for a box of 100 it was around 84.00 including tax. Ummm no thanks. So after picking up medicine and alcohol prep pads at "F" we headed to Walmart. I had purchased my ReliON Prime meter there weeks ago for 16.88 and the strips for it are 9.00 for 50. So I picked up a box of 50 for the ReliOn meter. I also priced the Contour Next strips while I was there 38.88 plus tax for a box of 50. No thanks, CVS has the strips for 25.61 (including tax). I thought Walmart was supposed to be more reasonable than other places? I should of demanded a price match with CVS price. The friend who was with me was the one who bought me the Contour Next EZ so I gave her the money to pick me the strips from CVS also.  Her husband and T had got me the Contour and I felt I would come across as ungrateful if I didnt use it. I think because of the price of the strips the Contour Next EZ will be my backup monitor and travel meter.

When I updated my Facebook about these obscene prices a good friend privately messaged me. Telling me she received free meters and strips directly from the manufacturer of the meters. She gave me some links and sure enough Contour is sending me another meter free of charge in 10-14 days. Bayer (manufacturer of Contour Next EZ) like many others want you to use their products. So they send out the meters and even strips for the new meter ,so you eventually have to purchase the strips. They get their money back especially if it's your only meter.

My friend has multiple meters (most free) and uses whatever cost less that particular month in strips. She sometimes buys strips on Amazon.

My friend is like me she's self pay or uninsured.  And like me she's testing 3-4 times a day. I use around 120 strips per month, 150 this last 5 weeks.  I don't have an insurance company providing testing supplies . I'm self pay.

Hyperglycemia and Me

My journey with high blood sugar began around December 2011 and reared it's ugly head in April 2012 with a trip to the emergency room. I had a horrible cyst come up on my chest  and cellulitis, it took months to heal. During the second trip to the ER a complete blood test was done, my glucose was 276. The Dr on duty failed to notice this high number. 80-120 is normal, mine was more than twice that. The number did not skip my attention. After reading and learning more about diabetes I know now elevated blood sugars delay healing.

During the next few months I did eat healthier and then returned to my old sugar fest. The hyperglycemia became less obvious until the holidays. Shortly after Christmas the thirst became insatiable. I quadrupled the amount I was drinking each day. My husband noticed this also. I had a small razor cut on my ankle that took 3 weeks to heal. The day after Easter I seen I had cut the bottom of my left foot, plus I had an infected cuticle on my right middle finger that has yet to heal. The following Sunday my friend checked my glucose, 407. Once that number flashed my life changed.

I started reading more about diabetes and hyperglycemia. Even though I have been diagnosed with Diabetes Type 2 and currently on Metaforim plus diet, I still have elevated blood sugars 90% of the time.

Once I started learning more about hyperglycemia and diabetes, I was shocked I had ignored the obvious. Working in nursing and caring for diabetics I knew these symptoms well.  But yet I ignored the red flags. My last 5 months has been living with hyperglycemia, it may be closer to 1 1/2 years.

Interesting fact elevated blood sugar above 140 can start destroying organs every hour It's above 140. I wonder how much damage I did ignoring the obvious, time will tell.

If you're new to my journey, let me introduce myself

My name is Angel, I'm a 42 year old and happily married.  I've been married since 1991, literally every day of my adult life. I worked in nursing from '89-2001 as a Nursing Assistant. I was injured in '98 but with help of medical science , therapy and being naive , I was able to remain at my job 28 months after a bad back injury. My injury is worthy of a few entries by itself and is not my biggest struggle, I was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

My genetics and poor diet guaranteed my diagnosis. But at the same time I also know not everyone who is overweight with family history of diabetes will end up with diabetes. I'm less than 20 lbs from my ideal weight. I'm not obese. I didn't gorge myself relentlessly on sugary foods and I wasn't lazy.

People has such a misconception when it comes to diabetes especially type 2. That type 2 isn't as bad as Type 1.  Diabetes can be a devastating illness if It's not controlled regardless of the type. The best way to control diabetes is diet, exercise and medication. I'm in the early stage of my diagnosis and even I know that. When it became clear what was going on with me physically and medically I changed my food choices.

I know so many diabetics who continue to eat as they always did. To me its like playing Russian Roulette. Each bad carbohydrates or sugar loaded food is like spinning the gun barrel.  "Spin that gun barrel and have a big bowl of pasta". Or "for one easy spin you can have the fries." I think since I hate guns and value my life I won't spin that gun barrel. I want to live my life not die from complications from diabetes. I'm 42 and know I could live 30 or more years. Why waste it consuming junk that will kill me?

Some of my friends are spinning that wheel, assuming there won't be repercussion from their bad choices. One of these times the gun will go bang. Bang Bang Your Dead!!!

To me it's not worth it.  On my next entry journey with me though 15 months of Hyperglycemia.

What are the odds?

Was talking to my niece last night about the upcoming baby shower. She was happily rattling off the food that will be served. Most of the food mentioned is loaded with carbohydrates and sugar. Not exactly the food for a diabetic. There was a couple things that I can eat and will drink water instead of punch. I will go to the shower and enjoy the company. And mingle with those swimming in the same gene pool as I do. Some are tall and skinny as I was. Others were small until a certain age. A few that have struggled with extra pounds their whole lives.

I wonder who's next to join the club of diabetes? My eldest brother perhaps ? Before he got sick last month his blood work showed an elevated blood sugar. Right now he's in the denial phase we all go through. He's got a few other issues going on also. He has diverticulitis that's causing issues. He was supposed to have a lower GI 2 years ago but ignored the problem. He also has a large hernia that needs repaired, he's had it close to 10 years. Because of a heart attack years ago and that he has 1 1/2 Lungs , he needs to see specialist before any surgery.

He needs to see a cardiologist and have a stress test to make sure his heart is able to handle surgery plus a sleep study to make sure he wakes up afterwards. So he will have alot of blood drawn in the coming weeks. Diabetes may still rear its ugly head.

Perhaps his younger daughter? She currently has a low glucose, when I was her age so did I. She is around 150lbs right now, after 3 pregnancies, which is overweight for her height. I wonder what her odds are that she won't develop diabetes? There is diabetes on both sides of her family. There's diabetes on both sides of all of my nieces and nephews family.

With the genetic factor, the more you weigh the better the odds of developing Type 2 Diabetes. If that's true I might be the exception. I am carrying around less than 20 lbs over my recommended weight. So I'm not technically in the obese category. Most of my extra pounds is in the midsection and no where else.

I don't wish Diabetes on my loved ones, or any person. I just hope some of the younger ones can shed the pounds now and beat the odds of developing Diabetes. I know with diet, exercise and medication I can get my glucose under control. The diagnosis won't go completely away but it can be controlled. I just don't want them to go through this.

I just pray ignoring it as long as I did I didn't do permanent damage.

Happy Mother's Day Mom

My mom was barely 42 when she left this world unexpectly. I was 12. The picture was take late '43 or '44 of my mom, Ella Kay. This song reminds me of mom.

Sissy's Song  By Alan Jackson

Why did she have go
So young I just don't know why
Things happen half the time
Without reason without rhyme
Lovely, sweet young woman
Daughter, wife and mother
Makes no sense to me
I just have to believe

She flew up to heaven on the wings of Angels
By the clouds, and stars ,and passed where no one sees
She walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry about me

Loved ones she left behind
Just trying to survive
And understand the why
Feeling so lost inside
Anger shot straight at god
Then asking for his love
Empty with disbelief
Just hoping that maybe

She flew up to heaven on the wings of Angels
By the clouds, and stars ,and passed where no one sees
She walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry about me

Rest in peace, I love and Miss you Mom

Ella Kay 7/14/41- 7/18/83

The damn liver dumps glucose

My final test yesterday put my glucose at 133 and this morning it was back up to 151 after a 12 hour fast. Yes a 12 hour fast, the liver stockpile of glucose was released back into my blood. After some diet DR Pepper and a handful of almonds, along with the Metaforim my glucose is now 120. Which is normal. Don't judge my almonds, before this started eating breakfast didn't appeal to me except brunch on Sunday mornings with my husband. Because of the Metaforim I have to eat.

Tomorrow marks one month since I had normal things to eat.  Since the problem became front and center. My life has changed considering I eat less junk. I eat less processed foods. I am down to 8-12 ounces of Diet DR Pepper a day, I'm trying to limit the aspartame I'm consuming. I drink water instead,  or lemon water. If I need a sweetener I use STEVIA which is an all natural sweetener. Finding balance and a meal we can both eat is a challenge. I don't want to deprive my husband of great tasting food because I can't eat it. I think tonight's meal will satisfy us both without wrecking havoc on my glucose.

I'm trying a new recipe this evening , "unstuffed cabbage rolls" . I researched the ingredients and I don't think there's enough natural sugar and carbs to cause major spikes. We shall see. My husband is shopping after work and I did ask him to see if one of the ingredients has a "no added sugar option" .  Cabbage, Tomatoes, onions and ground beef are generally low sugar & carbohydrates.

My friends on Facebook post or tag a lot of recipes and generally most are packed full of sugar. So I was pleasantly surprised to see a few I can eat.  Some of the offenders posting sugar drenched foods are insulin dependent diabetics. And sadly some will fix these recipes for themselves. A relative posted the unstuffed cabbage roll recipe. Here's a picture borrowed from Facebook.

Bon Appetit

What's your number?

Finding things I can safely eat is a chore in itself. Everything raises my glucose including lettuce with the nutritional value of cardboard. I'm not joking. I could eat dirt and grass but it would cause spikes. I'm pretty certain it would! My readings have been crazy today even though I'm quite vigilant with watching what I eat. As a result my caloric intake is around 1100 calories a day, sometimes less than 1000. It's hard eating right to avoid the spikes.  Even after medicine I spiked to 190 hours after eating. I started the day at 173.  But instead of coming down it went up.

I started adding lemon slices to my water as a liver detox. I'm trying to cleanse the bad things out including the aspartame I've consumed for 5 weeks. Either the lemon released more sugar in my blood or the liver did. Extra glucose is stored in the liver and released. I took an extra Metaforim today and had severe stomach cramps but it brought it down. The cramps is a side effect of Metaforim that should reside soon.

I won't take an extra Metaforim ever again , but I did today. I'm at the beginning of my diagnosis so playing around with medicine is not a smart move. Playing around with medicine regardless of diagnosis is not wise or recommended. I see my Dr again in 2 weeks and will have the A1c afterwards. Any adjustment to medication will happen then. The A1C will give a bigger picture why i'm still experiencing hyperglycemia, even with medicine.

My last glucose reading before dinner and 2 hours after the extra Metaforim.

In a constant state of Hyperglycemia

The ugly symptoms of hyperglycemia has reared its ugly head again. But if I think about it the hyperglycemia never really went away....

According to the A.M.A hyperglycemia is the increased glucose reading of 126 or more. The longer it stays up organ damage can occur. Scary thought considering my glucose has been up for 4 weeks even with medicine and diet. I've been in the normal range 4 times out of testing 120 times.  My number aren't in the danger range anymore but I'm afraid. High blood sugar is frightening knowing the damage it can do. All the symptoms of hyperglycemia are back...

Increased Thirst- I drank 1 1/2 gallon yesterday (over 4500 cc) , frequent urination, hungry but losing weight
Phantom itch , sleepiness. slow healing wounds.

Other than erectile dysfunction (I'm a girl so no ED for me) I'm a poster child for hyperglycemia.

I tested 160 this morning after not eating 10 hours. I'm praying the Metaforim Can bring it down. And keep it down.

North America Obesity and Beyond

I do believe as our culture and technology evolved, the rise in obesity happened. It's not just on American soil, Canada has it's share of obesity also. North America is a continent of convenience and excess. If It's not grown or raised here, it can be easily trucked in. Foods not available in alot of places in the world is available here.

According to the CDC 35.7% of Adults are obese and 17% of American kids. America has the highest obesity in the world.

Not something to shout from the roof tops or even to be proud of. And not to leave our neighbors out , Canada's Obesity rates are  23% Canadians are overweight and 18% are in the obese category.

Obesity seems to be a trend in the English speaking countries. Even across the pond the UK has seen a rise in obesity and is slightly higher than Canada.

Even Australia, New Zealand and Ireland has seen a rise in Obesity. Obesity causes a rise in heart disease , stroke and my new enemy DIABETES. I knew the risk because of my genes what extra weight would mean but yet ignored the belly fat that started to appear. I've lost around 3 lbs since my diagnosis. So I'm approximately 155 now, I'm not technically obese.

I think with my extra pounds the gain happened slowly, A pound here and a pound there. The convenience of restaurants closeby contributed to me being overweight. I could walk to get a burger or taco but never walk for my health, and most of the time we drove instead.

After years of therapy, the gift of ambulance was a gift that most facing a disability dreams of but we drove. After physical therapy I became less active and I gained.

Would I have developed Diabetes if I wasn't overweight? I will never know.

Americans need to walk more.

It's been 15 days since Diagnosis Day

It's been 15 days since my diagnosis and 14 since I started Metaforim. My numbers have reduced greatly but I still experience large spikes in glucose occassionly but it will eventually drop.

Since diagnosis I thoroughly scrutinize product labels, and realized not all products claiming to be "sugar free" are "sugar free", because the carbohydrates are higher. That the products claiming to be "no added sugar" still contain sugar, sugar alcohol and carbs. The amounts can greatly increase the glucose someone trying to stay in a safe range.

I'm still avoiding starchy foods, sugar ,most carbohydrates, milk and pretty much anything that can cause my glucose to spike. I do eat 2-3 slices of whole wheat bread for the whole week. Or when I have soup I limit myself to 4 crackers. I gave up 95% of the junk food and snacks. And the 5% is ate in moderation as a treat. It's normally sugar free.

I been getting ideals from you all on what to eat and not yet but I still need help. I really need help.

Me in 88, don't judge

Disclaimer:  In the middle to late '80s big hair was in. The bigger and higher the hair the better. The skinny girl in the middle is a 17 year old me. This picture was taken late '88 or early '89.

It's hard to believe this was me almost 25 years ago. I think these jeans were size 2, button fly what was I thinking?

25 years later I'm 40 lbs heavier , then I was 20 lbs underweight and could eat anything. Now I have to watch every bite I eat and avoid carbs/sugar because of diabetes. My hair is the same color with random silver strands of hair.  I don't color my hair, the sun will lighten it this summer.

Where has the years gone?

Diabetes in the 21st Century

As much as I hate diabetes I'm fortunate I didn't live during an earlier time . If you were diagnosed with diabetes 100 years ago, it could be a death sentence.  Until the first meter was marketed for home use in 1981, most people were clueless on their actual numbers and faced challenges daily when it came to giving themselves shots. Too much insulin in the blood can lead to hypoglycemia & coma and too little insulin to high blood sugar or hyperglycemia.  A lot of diabetics learned to recognize the symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, without testing. In the early 80s one of my Mom's friends would give herself insulin  3 times a day without the knowing her blood sugar level.  A few years after my mom died, her friend Chloe  lost both legs and then her life to diabetes.

Most people today wouldn't attempt insulin injections without testing these days. In the early 80's Chloe had no choice.

In the early years of my marriage my husband's Uncle Harley stayed with us, Harley had diabetes. He was on insulin and had the testing strips that didn't require the meter. Once the blood was put on the strip it would change color and you had to match the color to the grid on the bottle to get an approximate glucose level. It was a pain in the ass testing like this.

The earlier meters marketed for home use were often expensive and required a prescription. Alot of times insurance would not pay for testing supplies or meters for home use. Once glucose monitors became more readily available  and affordable did testing happen more. Now anyone can buy monitors, Lancets and testing strips right off the shelf without a prescription.

Even though I'm early in my diagnosis I have 3 meters. My first meter I bought used without finding out how expensive the strips were. The strips are too much so I bought a meter (ReliOn meter) at Walmart. The meter was reasonable and strips were cheaper than the first. I needed a better Lancet holder so in order to get the lancing device my friends bought me a Contour Next EZ monitor and 50 strips. The strips for the Contour Next is expensive compared to the ReliOn. Put it this way I can purchase 150 strips for the ReliOn meter vs 50 strips for the Contour Next. The Contour Next EZ meter cost less than the ReliOn meter.

I am buying strips for the ReliOn ( keeping as the backup meter) and Contour Next EZ  next Monday.  Love the Contour Next it's super easy to use and it's fast.  When I travel this summer I'm taking the Contour because it would be less to replace than the others if I lose it. And it's good to always have a backup and strips.

If you're Diabetic what kind of monitor do you use?

'Nuff Said....Diabetes Sucks

Diabetes Sucks , it really does! I hate watching every bite I eat. I hate checking labels and ingredients. I no longer count just calories and fat grams. I look for items with no sugar and low carbohydrates.

I've learned a few valuable lessons. If a package says Sugarfree, check out the carbohydrates in the nutrition panel. Most sugarfree foods are loaded with carbohydrates, which can be just as bad as Sugar for diabetics. Some diabetics can handle more carbohydrates than others. My body can no longer handle carbohydrates. Most of my major spikes in glucose happened with carbohydrates and no sugar.

I have a friend who is a diabetic but constantly eats sugar free candy & cookies. She doesn't have major spikes like I do ,when I eat SugarFree candy.

I have learned in the ingredients listed on a label, sugar is listed under multiple names besides sugar. Dextrose, Fructose, just to name two. Sometimes you might see multiple instances of sugar in the same food.

I've learned if an item says No Added Sugar, it is not always sugarfree. My husband bought me a quart of Breyers Smooth and Dreamy No Added Sugar Ice Cream.  One might assume looking on the label it is Sugarfree. It has  4g sugar and 15g of carbohydrates. (See images). It also contains 5g of sugar alcohol, which can also affect glucose levels in the blood. After looking at the label and finding out what sugar alcohol is, I won't be allowing myself this treat anytime soon.

No wonder there is so many uncontrolled diabetics in the United States. With products like this floating around , its hard to eat right without scrutinizing each label.

Diabetes 101

Everyday is a struggle for me since the diagnosis of diabetes was imminent and the symptoms were not going away in this lifetime. The fact is earlier symptoms were IGNORED. I ignored a high glucose reading (276) a year ago. I ignored the excessive thirst but drank close to 2 gallons a day. I ignored the 20-30 trips to the bathroom a day. I thought perhaps I was just on the borderline and could correct things, I WAS SO WRONG! When my friend Tina tested me and her monitor flashed 407, I knew the diagnosis would be diabetes. I gave up sugar, carbohydrates and starchy foods. Said goodbye to Coca Cola and Mountain Dew. Said goodbye to Hershey's Almond candy bar. I said goodbye to Big Mac and Fries, I eat Salad instead. I search for protein rich foods and drink Diet Dr Pepper or ice water.

I researched diabetes especially symptoms of hyperglycemia and it was like looking at a checklist of the symptoms I experienced for at least 2 years.  I purchased a glucose meter and started monitoring my glucose. I put off getting help even after testing at 407 for 10 days. On April 25 I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

So far I'm only on Metaforim for the diabetes. The next time I go back I will most likely have the A1C test  and my medicine may need to be adjusted. I just dread the thought of insulin. Sometimes I think my body produces a fraction of the insulin it needs, thus the higher numbers. And other times the Metaforim is adequate to control the diabetes.

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If your new to my blog or followers . Leave a comment and say hello but feel free to browse my blog. I'm a newly diagnosed diabetic so will not offer suggestions. If you have diabetes and you struggled early in your diagnosis let me know, so I don't feel so alone. Any recipe or advice is welcome.

My name is Angel. I'm happily married to J and have been since '91. I'm currently 42 years old , 10-15 lbs overweight and a diabetic.

The Damn Liver Dump and Me

My waking blood sugar is typically high every morning. 148 before food or medicine. Actually higher than the night before. Higher after sleeping all night , so I obviously had not consumed food while I slept. I did dream of cake last night, but my dreams can't raise my glucose.

I noticed a trend in how I tested before I was diagnosed, and it frustrated me. It still frustrates me! Why was my glucose so high? Before I started on Metaforim my morning glucose was always between 270-320.  My glucose reading was out of control before eating any food. Once I was officially diagnosed, this was one of the first questions I asked on the ADA (American Diabetes Association) website. One of members of the ADA explained about the "liver dump."

The liver like other organs has multiple functions. The liver helps cleanse the blood and with metabolism. The liver helps with the decomposition of red blood cells. The liver stores glycogen and releases it back into the blood as glucose for energy. Even though I'm asleep my body still needs energy to function, so the liver dumps glucose back into the bloodstream. And because I don't have adequate insulin I continue to have too much glucose in my blood. The liver has other functions too but wanted to explain how it affects diabetes.

That actually makes sense and easily answered my question. During the day with the right food and medication it can stay in a more normal range.

What the fudge?? Did I jinx myself?

After having some normal readings my glucose spiked yet again an hour & 15 minutes after taking medicine and eating it spiked to 316. Did I jinx myself bragging about my earlier reading?

For dinner I had a 6 inch steak & cheese sub on whole wheat. The topping was cucumber. The sauce was sweet onion. Perhaps the sauce did it. Apparently that will go in my ever growing list of forbidden food items too.

After dinner and Metaforim I thought to myself, "if my glucose behaves I might have Sugar Free ice cream for dessert." Needless to say after testing 316 dessert was a handful of almonds.

Almonds and other nuts take awhile to digest and satisfy hunger pains. Nuts are low carb and sugar plus a great source of proteins. An ounce of almonds contain 1g of sugar and 1g of carbohydrates.

I would be lying if I said I discovered the benefits of almonds by myself. I read and follow a blog about Prader Willi Syndrome. Adults and Children with PWS are missing the off switch to tell them to stop eating when they are full. People with PWS can literally eat until their stomach burst. At a very young age alternatives to sugary foods and carbs are given to combat weight gain. Gluten rich foods are avoided. Nuts particularly almonds are given as snacks.  Parents of kids with PWS research foods to see the health benefit of what their child eats. Like Diabetes food can be an ongoing battle. Food can be the child's best friend and worst enemy. I could learn alot about food this way, and already have.

Recheck @ 8:25 141

Medic Alert Emblem

I'm still debating whether or not I need a medical alert Emblem on jewelry because I have type 2 diabetes. The whole purpose of the emblem is to alert medics if I'm not able to. The problem is I don't go many places without my husband, friends or family. Most are already aware I have diabetes. Is it important to label my diagnosis for all to see? Does anyone still use medic alerts?

If I'm home a medic would not find me unless I call myself. If I'm able to call for help and give my address, then I should say I'm diabetic. Hubby is gone 11-12 hours a day, 6 days a week. He knows I'm diabetic.

If you didn't know me and seen me in public, you would never know I have diabetes. It's a terrible diagnosis with no cure but can be controlled with diet and medicine. It's not a diagnosis visable from the outside as some conditions are.

I think if I eventually need insulin shots , I would consider a medical alert emblem on my wrist. Right now I'm finally getting to a normal glucose level as far as testing goes. The Metaforim is finally helping. I tested at 143 this morning and my second test was 108. Quite a difference from ten days ago. I tested 453 on the day of diagnosis. My third test today was 171, so I still have some spikes.

Right now I don't worry about the glucose bottoming out unless I'm sick, just spiking too high. If I had to have insulin I would worry more about going too low.

Death brings life.

Years ago when I was old enough I started donating blood to the Red Cross. I gave several times and because of some of the prescribed medications I was taking, I stopped donating . I also chose to be organ donor as It's indicated on my identification card. Ultimately the final say so would come down to what my husband wants if I happen to pass away first. And it depends alot on my general health at that time because of the diabetes. Let's face it I'm not 20 and healthy anymore, I'm a diabetic 42 year old. I made the decision to be an organ donor when I was 18. It was my choice then and I still wish to donate if anything still works. A simple donation can save many lives. Even if it only gives someone one more day then they would of had. It's worth it. 

I don't consider this a selfless act because once my brain stops functioning I would be an empty vessel.  A mere shell of who I was. My soul or spirit would of already left my body. I believe in the afterlife and God.

I also realize because of religion or culture , organ donation is never considered because a body must be buried whole. And normally those who don't donate won't accept blood, blood products or organs either. Religion plays a big part in how we approach tragedy and organ donation.

I think the real heroes are the ones who make the last minute choice to donate in the amidst of a tragedy. Parents quickly saying goodbye their child to give someone else's child a chance in life. The parent's selfless act gives another family hope. And hope is a powerful thing.

I've read alot of blogs about different birth defects, medical diagnosis that will end in death like ALS and others like myself, who struggle with a disease such as diabetes. I am in no way comparing Diabetes to terminal illness or losing a child. Diabetes can be controlled as long as I follow a diet and medical advice. If I don't follow the Dr's advice in regards to nutrition and medication, diabetes could be fatal.

I'm talking about conditions such as anencephaly, a condition diagnosed prenatally that has 0% chance of survival. Anencephaly occurs 1 out of 10,000 live births. Anencephaly is a NTD ( Neural Tube Defect). The neural tube fails to close during the 23-26 day of fetal development. Babies with anencephaly are missing large parts of their brain, scalp and skull. Often leaving the brainstem exposed to amniotic fluid. A child with anencephaly is thought to be deaf, blind ,unable to feel emotions or pain. Any movement in inutero is instinct. The mother's body is an incubator providing warmth and nutrients. And like many diagnosis considered "incompatible with life" , the child can only live inutero but not long outside of the womb.

I can't imagine being told the child I was carrying will die shortly after birth if he/she makes it during the pregnancy or delivery. Normally the parents are given two options, they can try to carry to term allowing the infant to die on his/her own . Or they can end the pregnancy. Most choose to terminate during this emotionally fragile time. Of those who choose to carry to term, some actually express an interest in donating their baby's organs after death. The donation depends on meeting certain criteria and the child must be free of genetic or chromosome issues. Their gift during this time of grief gives hope to other families.

Hope....

Small Victory...well almost a victory.

The Metaforim with the help of a low carb and low sugar diet I'm seeing real progress. 128 is my current glucose reading . A tad high but I'm almost there. It's much better than readings a week ago . I may need to adjust my diet or just tweek it a little because It's working. But need to reintroduce some foods back to my diet. Like dairy, potatoes and grains. Small amounts here and there won't hurt.

When I started have significant spikes in blood glucose I banned a lot from my diet. Now since the medication is working I feel more stable. A lot more willing to eat more foods but only in moderation.

This weekend we will fire up the grill. I'm mentally planning the menu.  I found a recipe for a cucumber, tomato and onion salad that would make a good side. But it has 1/4 cup of sugar in it. I wonder if I can swap the sugar for splenda? And how much to use. The recipe also has vinegar, water and cracked black pepper.

I'm also thinking about grilled eggplant. My husband finds it repulsive but I like it. It has Alot of nutrients I'm missing. And because I'm married to a carnivore, hubby will grill Brat Worst, Hot Dogs and Cube Steak. He loves meat, Alot of meat. We been known to grill 4-5 different meats for a meal.  Of course I will most likely eat just cube steak as a sandwich if we can find the thin , whole wheat hamburger buns that is low in carbohydrates.

A meal of a hamburger (cube steak), eggplant and cucumber/tomato/onion salad sounds very good to me. Grilled meat also has less fat, which makes it healthier and helps with weight loss.

Losing weight is more than fitting in my bikini this year.It's for my health and to get the diabetes under control. It's about trying to stay healthy so I don't need insulin shots in the future.

I'm a 42 year old great aunt and grandmother. I want to see them all grow up and graduate ,even Levi Dylan who won't arrive until August. A girl can only dream and hope.........

Westboro Baptist Church and Hate

Today is the funeral of country legend George Jones and Westboro Baptist Church is planning to picket the funeral. Yes picket the funeral of our beloved Mr Jones. If the WBC were actual Christians I would be ashamed to admit I was. But I am a Christian. The lessons taught by Jesus were about love, joy compassion and forgiveness. The bible tells us to not judge others, "judge not lest you be judged." Basically it said unless you're willing to be judged, don't judge others. Apparently that's one lesson not taught at the WBC.  Another lesson not taught is love for their fellow man. The WBC hates everyone who doesn't agree with their teachings.

The WBC has picketed outside of Hospices, Schools, Hospitals, other churches and funerals. Often chanting, "GOD HATES FAGS". I thought God loved everyone, including sinners and we are all sinners. We are all children of God, even nonbelievers are children of God. Homosexuals are children of God and he loves "fags" too. I am not homophobic and believe In marriage equality. I used the word "fag" to illustrate a point not to be derogatory.

I have a nephew who was viciously attacked in the classroom , while others stood back and watched but did nothing. His classmates watched him get beat down into the tiles of the classroom and one used a camera phone to post it online.  It was considered a "Hate Crime" my nephew is openly gay. Did the WBC applaud this act of violence on a 15 year old kid? Regardless of my nephew's sexual orientation, he did not deserve this.

They picket soldiers funerals claiming the soldier deserved to die because "America supports homosexuals" They hide behind the Bill Of Rights especially the first Amendment.  Freedom of Speech. They hate their country and the soldiers who defend the Constitution but use Freedom of Speech to spew hate. The WBC is a hate group and nothing more. Calling themselves a church or even religious is almost sacrilegious.

It's no surprise the WBC wants to picket George Jones funeral. It's just another way for them to draw attention to themselves and because of his celebrity status, the media will be there. The WBC called Jones a drunkard and adulterer. If I recall he's been clean and sober over 30 years. Again the  "church" judge him. He admitted he made mistakes that almost destroyed his career but he got help. And It's not up to any of us to forgive or judge him.

I hope the WBC doesn't picket and allows his family, friends and fans to grieve in peace today. That's something decent people would do but I'm talking about the Westboro Baptist Church and decency isn't in their vocabulary.

In A Club I Didn't Ask To Join

Have you ever noticed in the real world when you have similar interest as other people you join up.Whether It's sports, dancing, crafts, scrapbooking and other interests. You becomes friends with others that share your interests. During college you may join a fraternity or sorority for socializing and friendship.

Online we search out for support forums, groups, chats or blogs if we are facing a life changing and possible life threatening illness. We choose to surround ourselves with others experiencing the same things we are. It's easier sometimes than talking face-to-face with our families and friends. An anonymous screen name will tell you the truth without the sugar coating, whether you want to hear it or not.

Take each bit of advice with a grain of salt and find the answers yourself. I've been getting good advice on the ADA (American Diabetes Association) website and in the Type2 forum plus I've been directed to read blogs. I'm new to this club , so other than my diagnosis it's all good.

I just don't remember asking to join this "club"! If I don't pay the membership dues can I be kicked out? Please.

Maybe eating what I want  and as much as I wanted for 40 years was paying my dues.

It's just hard to change my ways. If I don't , I could die sooner.  That's reality without the sugar coating.