Living With Diabetes Tips

[Ford Prefect]

I don't tend to ask advice on CP, but this seemed like maybe a good subject to seek wisdom from the great CP oracle.

I've been diagnosed with adult type 2 diabetes, and I'd like to hear any advice, stories, warnings, etc. that anyone might have as I suspect there are probably more than a few CPers with first hand experience.

I don't need any advice on the medical side ... my wife is an RN and I'll be getting clinical counseling. I'd love to hear advice and such from people on how to deal with the lifestyle end of things, medication side effects, special cautions ... that type of thing.

[Bobblehead]

I have a family history of it, but haven't developed it myself (crosses fingers).

But watching multiple members f my family with it for a long time (decades now, I guess) really they just watch their diet. And it isn't like they are picky eaters. More like they make sure they eat 3 balanced meals and while they do break their diet on occasion I've never seen them agonize over it. They just know that once in a while (on the hunting trip, Christmas dinner, etc) they enjoy what they want and then they resume their regular diet the next day. And that side of my family have all outlived my grandparents and are still going strong.

[Rerun]

Get used to going to the lab for blood tests and the doctor for check ups. Since Dec 2008 (when I was diagnosed a type 2 diabetic) I've seen my doctor more times and been for more lab tests than I have in the past 40 years. Frankly, I'm getting a little sick of it, but thats the way it will be till I croak I guess.

Take your pills (I assume you are on Metformin and perhaps other stuff) regularly and you should have no problems. Its ok to occasionally indulge yourself with sweets (you know, the occasional piece of pie or cake) but don't make a regular habit of it.

Other than that, my life really hasn't changed that much. Its pretty much carry on as usual other than I try to eat a little bit healthier (as in I used to go to McDonalds all the time, and now I don't... I usually brown bag my lunches now).

The only thing I really miss is not being able to spread honey on my toast in the morning. I love honey. Sure... they have no sugar added jams (which I now use) but they're not honey and they aren't as tasty as the regular jams (raspberry, strawberry) that I used to put on my toast.

If you like pancakes with syrup on them, ED Smith makes a NSA syrup. It ok. ... not as good as the real stuff... but its ok. I use it (we have pancakes every Sunday morning at my house).

If you have a sweet tooth, Russell Stovers (you can buy this at most Shoppers Drug Marts) makes some pretty good NSA candy/chocolates. Purdys also makes a pretty good NSA chocolate too.

Edit: I may have to see the doctor and go for lab tests more than most type 2 diabetics. I'm not sure. I was diagnosed with diabetes when I was admitted to the hospital with severe pancreatitis (up until then the last time I was ever admitted to a hospital was when I was 5 to have my tonsils removed) and its damaged now so my doctor has me on a few other medications (lipidil, pantoloc, which I started taking while in the hospital, as well as a couple of other meds to counteract my high blood pressure). Most of these meds, as my doctor explained, are as a result of my diabetes which makes me susceptable to having other internal organ failures and she wants to keep a tight control on anything that is slightly out of wack (thus the reason for all the regular blood tests and all the meds).

[REDVAN]

My dad has type 2. He takes the pill prescribed to him and thinks that'll be enough to save him. It worries me.

May I suggest altering your diet and exercising more (if you don't, start)? Generally, just follow the tips your wife and doctor suggest, as to avoid putting your family and friends though any worry.

Not trying to be funny: isn't eating alot of NSA stuff that is sweetened with aspartame tend to give people the farts?
Isn't Stevia supposed to be the healthiest natural sweetener?

[BuzzardsWife]

Originally Posted by Puxlut

Not trying to be funny: isn't eating alot of NSA stuff that is sweetened with aspartame tend to give people the farts?
Isn't Stevia supposed to be the healthiest natural sweetener?

I'm a type 1 diabetic so no advice really for type 2..I'm on the needle so don't know much about the other type, only that I do know following the diet EXACTLY is the most important thing you can do for type 2, and PUXLUT you are right in a way..alot of sugar free foods with a substance called malitol is really bad! especially things like sugar free chocolate and ice cream...they not only give you the farts but severe diahrrea

[NoWorries]

Originally Posted by Ford Prefect

I don't tend to ask advice on CP, but this seemed like maybe a good subject to seek wisdom from the great CP oracle.

I've been diagnosed with adult type 2 diabetes, and I'd like to hear any advice, stories, warnings, etc. that anyone might have as I suspect there are probably more than a few CPers with first hand experience.

I don't need any advice on the medical side ... my wife is an RN and I'll be getting clinical counseling. I'd love to hear advice and such from people on how to deal with the lifestyle end of things, medication side effects, special cautions ... that type of thing.

Here is a story of a guy who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and changed his lifestyle/eating habits to a paleo/primal approach and no longer has type 2 diabetes (I have seen a few stories like this on this site and others):

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/the-l...was-priceless/

Some information on type 1 as well for those that are interested:

http://robbwolf.com/?s=diabetes

[annasuave]

I would say take it seriously, but don't let it take over your whole life.

I was diagnosed just over 3 months ago. I've always known my risk factors were high, but having the actual diagnosis made me turn on a dime. I've altered my diet and started exercising 50-60 minutes daily. I also started taking Metformin.

3 months in, I've lost 3 kilos, my lipids are good and my sugars are consistently in the 4.0 to 6.0 sweet spot. Doc says she can no longer see direct evidence of diabetes in my lab results. Which is not to say I'm cured or anything, just that things are under control. I was able to get the situation under control very quickly and side step the serious health consequences.

The single most effective thing I've done is consistent, daily exercise of 50 minutes or more. Its more helpful, more effective and faster-acting than any drug-treatment available. Funny thing is - prior to the diagnosis - I always struggled with finding time to exercise. Hearing the diagnosis showed me my priorities. For me, when I realized I might go blind or lose a foot if I didn't put my health first suddenly made LOTS of time for exercise appear in my day.

For the eating portion of it - I joined Weightwatchers. Its pretty much normal foods - with portion control applied. The positive to that is, if I keep up the good work, I won't need to fuss with carb and sugar grams. (and Buzzard's Wife, I'm sorry to hear that's something you deal with daily.)

My life is actually better now than it was before the diagnosis. I'm healthier, I'm fitter, I weigh less and I get out more and I do more fun things. My clothes fit better, and I feel better about myself all 'round. The diabetes diagnosis scared the crap out of me and lit a fire under my ass to finally take my health seriously.

"Do what it takes to be healthy", would sum up my advice.

Oh. And you can attend a free educational class about managing diabetes (health, exercise and diet choices) through the Calgary Health Region. Here's a link. (click on the "living well" icon with the picture of the chunk of ice.) http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/pr.../education.htm

[Azure]

You work at home, right?

Stay away from refined carbs, which includes junk food, fast food, and certain processed foods.

Its harder for people to manage when they're always on the go. You can't NOT eat, and its tough finding fast food to eat that doesn't create a problem with diabetes.

Exercise has been known to actually get rid of it, or at least minimize it to the point where you're not so concerned about it anymore. As in you don't have to carry a monitor or do tests twice a day.

If you're overweight, your first priority should be to lose the excess fat. At least to the point where it doesn't create a problem.

It is entirely possible to completely stay away from any carb, and all sugar. Just depends how much motivation you have to do it. And not only will THAT help with your diabetes, but it will also help with your overall health.

Oh, and take Omega3s. Absolutely, absolutely take Omega3s.

[NoWorries]

Originally Posted by Azure

Oh, and take Omega3s. Absolutely, absolutely take Omega3s.

Just to expand a little, you want DHA and EPA - the best source is fish oil.

Some people think when they are taking flaxseed oil they are getting omega 3s - and they are - but they are getting ALA, which the body has to convert to DHA/EPA and it is very inefficient at doing so(something like 3 % or something).

[Ford Prefect]

Originally Posted by Azure

You work at home, right?

Stay away from refined carbs, which includes junk food, fast food, and certain processed foods.

Its harder for people to manage when they're always on the go. You can't NOT eat, and its tough finding fast food to eat that doesn't create a problem with diabetes.

Exercise has been known to actually get rid of it, or at least minimize it to the point where you're not so concerned about it anymore. As in you don't have to carry a monitor or do tests twice a day.

If you're overweight, your first priority should be to lose the excess fat. At least to the point where it doesn't create a problem.

It is entirely possible to completely stay away from any carb, and all sugar. Just depends how much motivation you have to do it. And not only will THAT help with your diabetes, but it will also help with your overall health.

Oh, and take Omega3s. Absolutely, absolutely take Omega3s.

Working at home certainly helps me eat healthier. I can snack on fruit instead of junk food, eat a healthy lunch, etc.

I'm a Coke addict, and rather fond of rum and Coke as a drink. That's probably the single biggest thing that I have to give up. Next biggest thing will be to get some exercise. Exercise has always bored me so I've never been able to stick with it. Summer won't be bad ... I like hiking and biking. It's going to be a challenge to get into some kind of exercise routine during the winter though. We have an elliptical walker in the basement ... maybe I'll watch all the movies we own over the course of the winter, a half hour at a time.

Thanks for all the feedback and advice everyone ...