Diabetics Progress Reports

[NurseMonkee]

Does anyone experience higher levels when emotionally upset/stressed?

Originally Posted by GregsHoney

My morning readings were my highest of the day. I started taking 2 cinnamon capsules at night and immediately dropped 20 points or so. My levels were still higher than I was comfortable with. Due to menopause, I often wake up in the night, sometimes for a short while, sometimes for an hour or more. During that time, I have a small protein snack and my morning readings have gone to a much better level. You might want to try it.

Milk Thistle helps too.
I posted (on this thread) about an article I saw in Prevention magazine last year and have been taking MT since. It does make a difference, at least it has for me. Worth looking into.

[NCgrl]

Originally Posted by Cherylg

Amy, what kind of high numbers - I am also with this - this morning I was 132? I know it is high but my rest of the day is usually ok - is this something I should be really worried about?

My dp is usually 120 to 130,I know that's not as bad as some.After breakfast sometimes it'll go down and sometimes it goes up.This morning it went to 146 but we were having to remove a leaking toilet and everybody was upset and frustrated.

By lunch time it was 88.I think I'll give some cinnamon at night a whirl,I don't drink.Don't really care to start,alcoholic father issues.Might try the milk thistle,too.I've tried the cheese snack before bed,no difference really.It's finding that fine balance that makes it work.I've just got to keep trying.2 months is not long enough to find a balance.

BTW I got my blood sugar levels low enough to go back to the dentistI never thought that would be my reaction to the dentist chair

[txtapper]

As far as DP goes some wines work for me but it has to be really dry. The drier the better. And siliphos which is a form of milk thistle works too. Not as well as the wine but it works. Sometimes with the right wine I will wake up in the 70's and 80's depending on what I ate the previous day (I try very hard to keep low carb like Bernsteins low). With the siliphos it will be in the 90's but that's not bad. OH and exercise added to this mix helps. If I do the wine or siliphos with exercise then I usually don't have the DP.

[NCgrl]

Why is it that one day my blood sugar is great and the next day it is crap?I eat the same things,do the same exercises,everythings the same but my blood sugar hit 150 today and my blood pressure is sky high.This is the most frustrating thing ever

[NurseMonkee]

Originally Posted by NCgrl

Why is it that one day my blood sugar is great and the next day it is crap?I eat the same things,do the same exercises,everythings the same but my blood sugar hit 150 today and my blood pressure is sky high.This is the most frustrating thing ever

Tell me about it! I experience the same thing.
My numbers were being all crazy last week even w/similar meals & activity. It really gets discouraging sometimes when I am putting in the work and see negative results for no reason.

I know that it's frustrating, but hang in there.

[NurseMonkee]

Saw my doctor yesterday. I managed to squeeze myself in for an earlier appointment.
He put me on 500mg of metformin to start and said he will slowly increase my dosage as needed. I took my first pill last night (with food) and within an hour my stomach was rumbling. This morning I had (SORRY TMI) diarrhea. No stomach cramps, just all the noisy chaos in my belly.

[goheels]

Originally Posted by NCgrl

Why is it that one day my blood sugar is great and the next day it is crap?I eat the same things,do the same exercises,everythings the same but my blood sugar hit 150 today and my blood pressure is sky high.This is the most frustrating thing ever

Hang in there and keep eating low carb and exercising and it will eventuallly give you better numbers, or that is what happened to me. My numbers were all over the place for the first 6 months or so, and I stayed on course and they are much better(lower) now.

[NCgrl]

Thanks guys,it's just I'm trying so hard and when you see that 148 after breakfast,you just want to scream.I never vary my breakfast so I don't understand.I've got to stick with it there's no other choice.

[NurseMonkee]

What am I doing wrong?

Last year I found out that I am diabetic and started Atkins. At first it worked great as the numbers continued to go down. I was able to reduce my numbers by more than half, but even that wasn't enough. My levels pre/post meal were in the 120-130 and my morning readings between 140-160, but mostly 140. Finally, last week I decided that I needed more help and agreed to go on metformin. I've had 5 doses so far and every time I've shown higher morning numbers. This doesn't make any sense to me. I am doing everything that I've always done, so why do I suddenly have higher morning numbers? It just seems like a big jump overnight.

I stay below 20g carbs per day.
I exercise at least 30 minutes.
I choose low-glycemic veggies
I don't over consume protein at each meal and overall
I don't drink coffee anymore or alcohol
I drink 64-100 oz of water per day
I take my vitamins (biotin, ginkgo biloba, multi-vitamin, l-carnitine, milk thistle, cinnamon, probiotic)

These have been my morning readings after starting metformin:
04/10 -- 1st 500mg dose of metformin w/dinner
04/11 -- 149 (morning after 1st metformin dose)
04/12 -- 181 (morning after 2st metformin dose)
04/13 -- 173 (morning after 3nd metformin dose)
04/14 -- 178 (morning after 4rd metformin dose)
04/15 -- 181 (morning after 5th metformin dose)

[BrianSCohen]

Originally Posted by NurseMonkee

What am I doing wrong?

Last year I found out that I am diabetic and started Atkins. At first it worked great as the numbers continued to go down. I was able to reduce my numbers by more than half, but even that wasn't enough. My levels pre/post meal were in the 120-130 and my morning readings between 140-160, but mostly 140. Finally, last week I decided that I needed more help and agreed to go on metformin. I've had 5 doses so far and every time I've shown higher morning numbers. This doesn't make any sense to me. I am doing everything that I've always done, so why do I suddenly have higher morning numbers? It just seems like a big jump overnight.

I stay below 20g carbs per day.
I exercise at least 30 minutes.
I choose low-glycemic veggies
I don't over consume protein at each meal and overall
I don't drink coffee anymore or alcohol
I drink 64-100 oz of water per day
I take my vitamins (biotin, ginkgo biloba, multi-vitamin, l-carnitine, milk thistle, cinnamon, probiotic)

These have been my morning readings after starting metformin:
04/10 -- 1st 500mg dose of metformin w/dinner
04/11 -- 149 (morning after 1st metformin dose)
04/12 -- 181 (morning after 2st metformin dose)
04/13 -- 173 (morning after 3nd metformin dose)
04/14 -- 178 (morning after 4rd metformin dose)
04/15 -- 181 (morning after 5th metformin dose)

Stop. Take a deep breath. Repeat after me. "Metformin takes 6-8 weeks to reach effectiveness." See, the first five days are totally meaningless. And remember, a minimum effective dose of metformin is 1000 mg to 1500 mg. Many doctors start you off with 500 mg to get you used to it. It may do nothing for you at that level.

Give it some some time. It will be ok.

[Small_1]

Hello everyone!

I have managed to keep my bgl to 110 or below since I have been eliminating any and all foods which cause a reaction.

Extreme? Yes!

Worth it? Yes!

I've never eaten a lot of sweets anyway. I've always hated the taste of any foods which have to be seasoned to death in order to make them edible so not a problem for me. What is greater is that type 1 diabetes will not will, not if I can help it!

Even better news is that I AM gaining the weight back. It's a win-win!

Just curious Brian, have you ever read this article, The Cure for Diabetes by Adam Campbell?

I printed it out for my records as I found it very interesting. I am now trying the Dr. Mary Vernon method, except I have eliminated all plant matter/splenda/sweeteners from my diet for now anyway.

The Cure For Diabetes - Men's Health

Be Blessed, Y'all!
Paula

[NurseMonkee]

Originally Posted by BrianSCohen

Stop. Take a deep breath. Repeat after me. "Metformin takes 6-8 weeks to reach effectiveness." See, the first five days are totally meaningless. And remember, a minimum effective dose of metformin is 1000 mg to 1500 mg. Many doctors start you off with 500 mg to get you used to it. It may do nothing for you at that level.

Give it some some time. It will be ok.

Thanks, Brian.
I know that it will take time for the medication to work, but it just surprised me to suddenly see a jump in my morning numbers. Going from 140 to 180 is a big jump. Something had to trigger that. I don't think that it happens just because. I think that is what I am most bothered by. I don't expect miracles, but I also don't expect my morning numbers to be getting worse for no apparant reason.

I guess I'll be patient.
I am only on 500mg of metformin right now, but am supposed to increase to 1,000 after 2 weeks and then 1,500. My doctor thinks 1,500 is best since I also have PCOS.

[BrianSCohen]

Originally Posted by Small_1

...

Even better news is that I AM gaining the weight back. It's a win-win!

Just curious Brian, have you ever read this article, The Cure for Diabetes by Adam Campbell?

I printed it out for my records as I found it very interesting. I am now trying the Dr. Mary Vernon method, except I have eliminated all plant matter/splenda/sweeteners from my diet for now anyway.

The Cure For Diabetes - Men's Health

Be Blessed, Y'all!
Paula

I'm glad the weight is coming back. I have read the article you mentioned, and it is particularly thoughtful and well written. This article which came out more than a year ago has been widely cited on the internet/boards and it really stands out. Good eye. I certainly would recommend it to everyone.

Originally Posted by NurseMonkee

Thanks, Brian.
I know that it will take time for the medication to work, but it just surprised me to suddenly see a jump in my morning numbers. Going from 140 to 180 is a big jump. Something had to trigger that. I don't think that it happens just because. I think that is what I am most bothered by. I don't expect miracles, but I also don't expect my morning numbers to be getting worse for no apparant reason.

I guess I'll be patient.
I am only on 500mg of metformin right now, but am supposed to increase to 1,000 after 2 weeks and then 1,500. My doctor thinks 1,500 is best since I also have PCOS.

I know you are eager to get everything straightened out and to get your blood sugars down to levels that are safe. It will come. You levels will vary and can be affected by lots of things, spring pollen, TOM, stress. You are on track. You just need to remember, you are in this for the long term and in the long term you will get this sorted out.

[NurseMonkee]

Morning reading was 166. Higher than usual, but lower when compared to my spiked morning readings the last few days. My GI issues from Metformin also seem to have gone away.

I feel better.
Things are moving along.

Thanks for all the help.

[BrianSCohen]

Originally Posted by NurseMonkee

Morning reading was 166. Higher than usual, but lower when compared to my spiked morning readings the last few days. My GI issues from Metformin also seem to have gone away.

I feel better.
Things are moving along.

Thanks for all the help.

That is good news. Over time, you will have ups and downs. Like the scale, look for trends and don't fret over any one particular value.

[NurseMonkee]

Interesting findings…

Went to a concert and ended up getting the munchies late at night. Before getting home, I had two tacos worth roughly 20-25 net carbs. This morning I tested and the meter is showing a reading of 128!

This is my lowest morning reading since July 2008.
I always get higher (dawn phen) numbers in the morning.

I want to say that my lower morning number today is because I started metformin last week, but I do not think it is. I have had a few similar occasions in the past (prior to meds) and have generated similar morning results. I always thought it was a coincidence, but now I wonder if there is something to it.

Could eating carbs right before bed actually help with dawn phenomenon?

[txtapper]

I don't know nursemonkey. I've heard from other people that eating carbs right before bed helps with DP but it doesn't work for me. Maybe I didn't eat enough. I'm pretty paranoid about carbs and somewhat of a fanatic even when I'm eating out although I do cheat..........by my own standards.

[That Girl]

i just said to my sisters, when i had something carby at night, or cheated, my numbers were better in the morning...what the heck? when i am really strict, i am averaging (sp?)
130 in the morning. when i go off plan i get numbers in the 105's...any thoughts?

[NurseMonkee]

I tried it again.
I had carbs at night and sure enough in the morning my reading was 128, again. That is LOW for me.

Interesting.

Throughout the day I can't eat carbs without my numbers shooting up, but at night, before bed, it's totally different. My numbers go DOWN. I wonder why that is?

I would keep eating carbs at night, but it knocks me out of ketosis and I don't see a weight loss. I am actually showing a gain after 2 days of eating carbs at night.

[BrianSCohen]

Originally Posted by NurseMonkee

I tried it again.
I had carbs at night and sure enough in the morning my reading was 128, again. That is LOW for me.

Interesting.

Throughout the day I can't eat carbs without my numbers shooting up, but at night, before bed, it's totally different. My numbers go DOWN. I wonder why that is?

I would keep eating carbs at night, but it knocks me out of ketosis and I don't see a weight loss. I am actually showing a gain after 2 days of eating carbs at night.

Some people find that eating a late night snack of various forms helps. Some have had luck with protein or protein with fat, or as you have found just some carbs.

Perhaps eating carbs keeps your insulin levels up throughout the night and that suppresses the DP. Perhaps you had been going low at night (Somogyi effect) and your body was overreacting, and the carbs suppressed this. Perhaps it was just the aliens have take a break and we may never know.

If you find something that works, don't knock it, just enjoy it.

[ardawn]

I am fairly new to diabetes. (not formally diagnosed with full blown,but suspect I have it) I have been borderline type 2 for several years. I have tried to control it with a lc woe,but I can't seem to stay lc for long.
Anywho,for the last several weeks,I have not felt well.: dizzy,queasy,severe headaches,blurry vision,thirsty etc.... I began testing my BG again a few days ago. Morning fasting readings aren't bad at 105-126. Today however,I tested about an hour or so after eating beacuse I had symptoms and it was 269! So,I washed hands and tested again and got 264. I tested again an hour after that,and BG was 133.
Obvisously I have an issue. The problem is that I have been tested before by Doc and keep being told that I am only boderline. I was put on Metformin sustained release for several months,but it made me feel horrible.

I have had the blurry vision,fatigue etc... off and on for the last two years. I do not think I am just borderline anymore. I am making an appointment first thing in the morning with an edriconologist so I can get to the bottom of this ASAP. But,I was wondering if you all thought that this is something that I can overcome with diet/exercise alone? Any advice on what I should ask/tell the doctor? TIA!!!

[BrianSCohen]

Originally Posted by ardawn

I am fairly new to diabetes. (not formally diagnosed with full blown,but suspect I have it) I have been borderline type 2 for several years. I have tried to control it with a lc woe,but I can't seem to stay lc for long.
Anywho,for the last several weeks,I have not felt well.: dizzy,queasy,severe headaches,blurry vision,thirsty etc.... I began testing my BG again a few days ago. Morning fasting readings aren't bad at 105-126. Today however,I tested about an hour or so after eating beacuse I had symptoms and it was 269! So,I washed hands and tested again and got 264. I tested again an hour after that,and BG was 133.
Obvisously I have an issue. The problem is that I have been tested before by Doc and keep being told that I am only boderline. I was put on Metformin sustained release for several months,but it made me feel horrible.

I have had the blurry vision,fatigue etc... off and on for the last two years. I do not think I am just borderline anymore. I am making an appointment first thing in the morning with an edriconologist so I can get to the bottom of this ASAP. But,I was wondering if you all thought that this is something that I can overcome with diet/exercise alone? Any advice on what I should ask/tell the doctor? TIA!!!

The symptoms you describe are classic diabetes symptoms, but who knows. You will likely get a test called HbA1c which will give you an idea of your average bloood sugar. If it is high, that will be an indication of how pronounced your diabetes has become. Based on that, you can figure out what actions to take. Some people find that diet and exercise does work.

[NurseMonkee]

Update:


I stopped eating carbs at night. My experiment is over.
Eating carbs did help bring down my morning numbers A LOT, but it also came with a nasty little side effect. I started to crave way too many things and felt all desperate for carbs again. I have since stopped and am back to very low carb.

My morning numbers are back to the low 140's, but that is OK. At least the crazy sudden 180's are finally gone!

Re: Metformin
I am now on the full 1,500 dosage and am hoping that I finally start to see some changes. I have noticed that my 2-hour post readings have gotten a bit lower. My lowest was 110.

My only complain about metformin is that it's killing my stomach. Some days everything is great. No side effects. But then other days the GI distress kicks in and it feels so aggressive. What I've noticed is that I have the worse GI distress when I eat high fat.

So now, my issue is....

Do I wait and see if my body adjusts to the meds on its own (its been a little under 1 month)

OR

Do I start to lower my fat intake?
Right now I consume roughly 5% carbs, and 60-70% fat.

Any thoughts?

[ardawn]

The symptoms you describe are classic diabetes symptoms, but who knows. You will likely get a test called HbA1c which will give you an idea of your average bloood sugar. If it is high, that will be an indication of how pronounced your diabetes has become. Based on that, you can figure out what actions to take. Some people find that diet and exercise does work.
04-26-2009 01:20 PM


Thanks again,Brian. I am going to get aggressive with diet and exercise. I just feel that based on my symptoms and numbers,I should get it put on record.The constant blurry vision is frightening me!

I wanted to see an endriconologist right away,but he requires a referral from my PCP. So I am set up to see him Thursday morning. I am sure that he will put me back on the Met. Perhaps a lower dosage will yield satisfactory results since I am combining it with diet and exercise. I did not have the severe gastric side effects while taking the lower dosages.

I will keep you posted. Thanks again so much for your insight and support!

Dawn

[BrianSCohen]

Originally Posted by NurseMonkee

Update:


I stopped eating carbs at night. My experiment is over.
Eating carbs did help bring down my morning numbers A LOT, but it also came with a nasty little side effect. I started to crave way too many things and felt all desperate for carbs again. I have since stopped and am back to very low carb.

My morning numbers are back to the low 140's, but that is OK. At least the crazy sudden 180's are finally gone!

Re: Metformin
I am now on the full 1,500 dosage and am hoping that I finally start to see some changes. I have noticed that my 2-hour post readings have gotten a bit lower. My lowest was 110.

My only complain about metformin is that it's killing my stomach. Some days everything is great. No side effects. But then other days the GI distress kicks in and it feels so aggressive. What I've noticed is that I have the worse GI distress when I eat high fat.

So now, my issue is....

Do I wait and see if my body adjusts to the meds on its own (its been a little under 1 month)

OR

Do I start to lower my fat intake?
Right now I consume roughly 5% carbs, and 60-70% fat.

Any thoughts?

Many people find that they adjust to metformin over time. I always felt that metformin gave me distress with carbs. Maybe for you, it is fat. Why don't you try taking your dose without fat and see if that helps. Some people find that getting it all in at once in a good window helps, or you could spread it out over the day, ie. morning and evening. What may help is if you keep a diet journal and write down what you eat and how you react. If you can adjust to metformin it can be very helpful to you.

[BrianSCohen]

Originally Posted by ardawn

Thanks again,Brian. I am going to get aggressive with diet and exercise. I just feel that based on my symptoms and numbers,I should get it put on record.The constant blurry vision is frightening me!

I wanted to see an endriconologist right away,but he requires a referral from my PCP. So I am set up to see him Thursday morning. I am sure that he will put me back on the Met. Perhaps a lower dosage will yield satisfactory results since I am combining it with diet and exercise. I did not have the severe gastric side effects while taking the lower dosages.

I will keep you posted. Thanks again so much for your insight and support!

Dawn

You know, there are relatively very few endos for the huge number of diabetics. It will be good to see an endo, but you can get good basic advice and prescriptions from your PCP. Be patient with your eyesight. Changes in your blood sugar definitely affect your eyesight, but they should clear after a few weeks. It will be ok.

[NurseMonkee]

Originally Posted by BrianSCohen

Many people find that they adjust to metformin over time. I always felt that metformin gave me distress with carbs. Maybe for you, it is fat. Why don't you try taking your dose without fat and see if that helps. Some people find that getting it all in at once in a good window helps, or you could spread it out over the day, ie. morning and evening. What may help is if you keep a diet journal and write down what you eat and how you react. If you can adjust to metformin it can be very helpful to you.

I tried reducing the fat and it COMPLETELY made a huge difference. I am still using fat, but not as much as before. My GI distress is gone, for now. Lets hope it stays away!

Right now I take my metformin in the morning and at night with meals as per my doctor. Would it be safe to take all 1,500 at the same time? For example, at dinner? I am not on the extended release, they are just the regular ones.

I am just trying to find a way to be able to have fat w/out getting GI distress. On a low-carb diet I need fat, otherwise I will be hungry all the time.

[Small_1]

NurseMonkee,

I am eating only:

~ fatty red meat (pork and chicken cause me to bloat and gut pain for hours, which in turn raises my blood sugar level),

~ eggs (mostly fried with a runny yolks, it's fried in coconut oil or 100% homemade lard that I get at the meat farm) and

~ 100% whole fat red rind cheddar cheese.

I am drinking lots of water.

I do drink coffee in the morning and in the evening with one/two necta sweet tablet(s).
Because necta sweet contains sodium bicarb which is good for candida overgrowth.

I still occasionally drink diet mountain dew.

I know that Dr. Bernstein recommends that persons with type 2 diabetes wait for 3 hours and type 1 diabetes wait for 5 hours before eating another meal/snack, however, that doesn't work for me.

I eat toddler sized portions several times a day/whenever I am hungry. I keep a glad container in my refrigerator with cubed cheese and cooked fatty meat, whenever I am hungry I just pull it out and eat a few bites. It doesn't require heating, fatty meat is very good cold. Ask your grandma. LOL

That's it!

My blood sugars morning-noon and night have been between 90-105mg/dl.

But last week I received a call saying Father in-law was on his way from Indiana. Instantly my blood sugar shot up to 133mg/dl.
No matter how much insulin I took or how little/much I ate my blood sugar was between 120-135mg/dl.

Once he left. I still had to deal with some very stressful events. By Wednesday my blood sugar levels were back at the 90-105mg/dl mark.

I had to have dental surgery on Wednesday.

Normally I walk in the dentist office at 105mg/dl (which is exactly what happened) and normally I walk out and check my bgl before driving it's always 124-126mg/dl.

Not this week, I keep repeating a calming phrase and was surprised by my low blood sugar level before leaving.

Also I noticed last night that I ate pulled pork (unseasoned boston butt cooked in my crock-pot). I became bloated (allergic reaction???) and my blood sugar level went up to 133mg/dl and just hung there.

Before bed (hours after eating) and it was 132mg/dl.

I woke up this morning with a reading of 107mg/dl. Not that bad, but not in my target area either.

I am a work in progress...so I am living and learning what causes "allergic" reactions which causes me to bloat and raises my blood sugar levels.

Looking back in my journal I realized the same thing happened a few weeks ago when I ate grilled (unseasoned) pork chops.

I thought at that time it was the pork fat.

I eat no plant matter at all. No nuts. No veggies. No fruits. If it grows from the soil, I don't eat it. Not yet anyway, until I can get this thing figured out.

Anyway...

Now I know...

Fat lowers my blood sugar level.
Protein will raise it slightly.
Carbs are a killer for me. Again with the allergic reaction...bloating, higher blood sugar levels, which causes me to stress and no amount of insulin will bring it down again.

In order to get more fat in, I was frying fatback which I get at wal-mart (delish by the way), adding coconut oil/butter in my coffee, and dipping my meats in melted butter.

But I noticed that the more fat I added the more weight I was losing...not good!!!

So I cut all that extra fat, and eat (mostly) fatty ribeyes, fatty chuck roast...any fatty red meat will do. So Yumm-i-l-ious!!!

I've gone from a near vegetarian to a hard-core carnivore. LOL And I love it!!!

By the way, I am only taking 5 units of Lantus insulin injections in the morning around 9:30 -10:00.

I was dx type 1 diabetic on Oct. 24, 2008.

Also dx with hypothyroidism same date and take 75 mcg Levoxyl in the morning for that.

Good luck in your journey.

Paula

[NurseMonkee]

Thanks Paula.

Stress raises my numbers, too.

Fat has helped bring down my numbers, but I think it's mainly because I lower my carbs at the same time. I am not anti-fat in anyway and in general consume a good chunk of my calories from fat, but I am not big on fatty meats. I am more of an adder. I add olive oil to my foods a lot, either drizzled or in homemade salad dressings. I add it to my deviled eggs too. I do half mayo, half olive oil.

My only real complain about fat right now is just that it brings out my GI distress when I take my metformin. If I cut back on fat during meals where I take the meds, the GI distress vanishes, otherwise it returns.

[30something]

Metformin ER 1000 mg works for me, I am lucky and have never had GI upset with Meformin.

I keep my carbs at 22 carb gms/9 fat gms and 22 protein gms per meal x 5. Works for me. Once I switched to 3 meals, I didn't lose any wt. going to increease to 5 meals.

Denise