Taking the bull by the horns - November thread

[CookinsForMe]

Well, I kinda like the taking the bull by the horns concept so I thought I'd use it again. That really is what we have to do with our blood sugar and health in general, isn't it? I think so!

So, here's the November thread. Let's make this a great month!

[Desert Blossom]

I got back on Bernstein's program yesterday and had success. Yesterday my rising BS was 132 and this morning - 100! I'm aiming for 85 on a regular basis, but that will probably take a while.

[hpjrt]

Thanks CookinsForMe for starting this November thread!

I had the oddest thing happen yesterday ... in terms of my BGLs.

I was at my son's place yesterday evening ... cooking dinner for him and his lovely wife [who gave birth to my ADORABLE granddaughter last Sunday evening!] ... and to help hand out Halloween goodies.

Let's just say that I was a little naughty and ate a couple of Halloween treats before dinner was ready. My version of dinner was LC ... but I had forgotten to bring my Metformin with me.

At any rate, when we got home, I took my Metformin ... and around 10 pm, I took a BS reading ... expecting it to me high. It wasn't. It was 3.9 ... [70]. I was so surprised that I took readings twice more ... just to make sure that it was in fact, that low.

I took a little glucose and waited 30 minutes ... then took another reading. By then it was 4.4 [79]. I took another reading just before going to bed, and it had gone up to 4.7 [85].

This morning, my FBS was 5.9 [106].

So ... has anyone else had this happen? I hadn't ... and it was a little unsettling.

[shunsweets]

Thanks for the new thread Cookins!

Hi Dessert Blossum good job on getting back with Dr B - it's hard to stick with but it surely does work. Do you take meds as well or are you diet/exercise controlled?

hpjrt - Wow surprpise results with the candy. I swear sometimes eating extra carbs (when we've been VLC) prompts our pancreas into action. I ate a dish of regular icecream and felt awful an hour later assumed I must be very high so I tested - 72. I ate a few spoonfuls of yougurt and felt better 1/2 hour later still at 80. So strange. Other times a bite of high carb food will send bgl's soaring for hours. Oh well good you got a chance to enjoy a treat and congrats on the new grandchild. I have a new 5 month old granddaughter and a 3 and 7 yr olds. They are the joy of my life!

FBS today 90. Overate all day yesterday and weight is up a couple of pounds. Goal this week carbs< 10 daily, no nut butters, no dairy, and get rid of these few extra pounds. Heck the holidays are coming I'd better straighten up now!

B- 1 hardboiled egg, coffee
D- chicken + squash stirfry
Sn- SF jello

Be interesting to see what lower cals do to my BGL's this week.

No exercise this morning - lazy and pouring rain. Will try for a walk after work(yes I work on Sundays - my weekend is usually Fri/Sat).

Motivated for November! Lets get healthy!

[BillB]

A1c down to 5.8.



--bill

[chiody]

Congratulations Billb!!!! Welcome or great continuing on with the "5" club!!!!!!!!

[BillB]

Originally Posted by chiody

Congratulations Billb!!!! Welcome or great continuing on with the "5" club!!!!!!!!

Thank you....I am very pleased. I still want to see something more like 5.0-5.2...but I am down from 9.9 in August, so...I think it's good progress.

--bill

[2001MaryT]

Saw my doctor on Friday, after meeting with the dietitian. Doctor was very pleased. In two months I've gone from 9.6 to 8.2. I've lost 6 pounds now. This weekend I also nibbled some candy and found out that I just can't do that. BS soared to 330! Today it's around 150. I am a bit frightened when I see the postings for such low numbers for everyone. I know that under 6 is good for us, but when my readings get around 90, I don't feel well. Maybe it's normal for me to feel that way since my body is used to too much glucose. Maybe I'd feel better when it's that range all the time. Glad they explained my high rising blood sugar -- the liver doesn't do a good job of regulating the glucose it gives the body. They suggested a tiny bit more insulin at night, and that seems to be helping. This is a lot of work, you know...but the bottom line is I am feeling better!!!

Good job, Bill! This thread is sure helpful Thanks, everyone!

[hpjrt]

Shunsweets: Thanks for the congratulations re my beautiful granddaughter. It's only been a week ... but so far I love being a grandmother! I just can't get enough of seeing her. Fortunately, she lives not far from us ... so I get to feast my eyes on her at least daily!

Also, I'm glad to know that my drop in BGLs isn't isolated. I can't explain it better than you did ... but it's always nice to know one isn't the only one this happens to!

Bill: Congratulations on the great A1C!

Things are back to "normal" for me in terms of FBS readings. This morning, it was 5.8 [104]. Gradually, my readings are getting closer and closer to "normal". Since being diagnosed, my bs readings have been getting consistently lower ... which is very encouraging as it tells me that I'm on the right track. Yes I'm taking Metformin ... and exercising ... along with doing LC. I'm actually feeling good ... and while I've only lost 24 lbs since May, at least I'm losing. I have a way to go with the weight loss ... but hopefully the rest will "drop" with consistency.

[CookinsForMe]

Way to go, Bill! That's outstanding.

>>I know that under 6 is good for us, but when my readings get around 90, I don't feel well. Maybe it's normal for me to feel that way since my body is used to too much glucose. Maybe I'd feel better when it's that range all the time.<<

Mary, that's what it is - you're so used to higher readings that the body doesn't handle normal ones well. It will in time. Remember, do not treat a low that isn't a low. If your BG is 80, don't treat it as a low. Most things I've read say that under 70 should be treated but my Dr wants me to treat only under 60 so if your Dr has given you a particular number under which to treat, consider that but do what your body needs. If I wait til its under 60, before long it will be under 30 and that's too risky so I treat at 65 to 70. It took awhile for my body to adjust to normal levels, though, and a lot of us experience that.

[2001MaryT]

About 6 months ago I had a reading of 40 and could barely function. My hubby had to find me some milk and glucose tablets. At 65 once I could barely walk down the hall to the kitchen. These two incidents have made me afraid of lower blood sugars. My doctor said she'd rather see me a touch on the higher side that get into risky numbers. I sound like such a chicken here, but what's the point of this good thread if we don't share the good/bad stuff that's going on? CookinsForMe, you are so helpful. I do listen and apply this stuff, so I'll work on getting to those lower readings and at the same time not go into a panic.

[Desert Blossom]

shunsweets: At this point, no meds or exercise. I need to lose more weight so that these 60 year-old knees don't give out entirely before I begin walking. I was keeping track of morning BS occasionally over the past few years because I knew that it was a real possibility for me, so I caught it right when my numbers rose over 100 - they shot up from the 90s to 168! I've had no symptoms - yet. Anyway, I'm hoping that I'll be able to control it quickly and without meds. If I need meds then I'll use them. I'm not against medication, but would rather do without.

Yesterday's food and BS readings:
Rising BS - 100
Breakfast - 4 eggs, 1T butter
BS 2 hrs later - 94
Lunch - pork chop, salad w/avocado and Ranch dressing
BS 2 hrs later - 106
Dinner - London Broil, green beans, 1T butter
BS 2 hrs later - 109
Bedtime BS - 119
Total carbs - 22.1 (according to FitDay.com)

I've noticed that my BS always seems to rise in the evenings. Anyone else? Should I cut back on dinner carbs? I understand why BS is higher in the morning, but I thought it would be lower at night.

I think I might have eaten too much protein, so I'll try replacing some of the protein with more fat. (I NEVER thought I heard myself say I was going to eat more fat )

[shunsweets]

Wow so glad everyone is posting. I need all the inspiration I can get!

Bill Great job. It must be so rewarding to see those numbers come down!

Mary2001 - Cookings is absolutely right - you will feel better as your body gets used to normal numbers. Dr B says to try for the 80's. If you feel rotten in the 70's you might want to try just 2gms of glucose and see if it helps without driving you high but ofcourse go with whatever level your Dr reccomends - we are all different.

hpjrt - 24 pounds and "feeling good" is excellent! I feel your joy in the grandchild - there is truly nothing better.

Dessert Blossum - how great that you caught it early. I'll bet the LC diet will be very effective but I'm with you if you need meds then use them. Metformin and insulin are the two safest options from what I've read - some of the others seem to have multiple adverse effects. But diet and exercise are definitely key with or without meds. I suspect you may be right that protein may be causing elevated BGL. It sure does for me. Keep testing and you'll find the levels that work (most of the time - there's always an occasional surprise just to keep things exciting!).

FBS this a.m. 82! Wow lower cal really brought down my fasting but I was hungry! Surprised I didn't get a liver dump - time change helping?

B-1 hard boiled egg, coffee
D-4oz filet mignon, turnips
Sn- 2 slices bologna

Weight down .5 this morning. Hopefully 2 weeks of low cal will be enough to get weight in line and cravings gone.

Jogged 2 miles at dawn. Will power walk 2 miles after work.

Have a great day everyone.

[amyAZ]

I currently take 3x 500mg Metformin XR daily. About two weeks ago, I changed my pill schedule:
from: 1 before breakfast, 2 before dinner
to: 1 before breakfast, 1 before dinner, 1 bedtime

Just that small change of splitting the evening dose such that I have a pill right before bed seems to have made a nice difference in my FBG. Before, I was generally between 112 - 120; now with one pill before bed, I'm generally between 97 - 110.

I read somewhere that the XR metformin "peaks" at about 7 hours after taking it - thus, my experiment in splitting the pm dose. My thought was that maybe I'd get some "slow-that-liver-from-creating-glucose" effect in the last hours of sleep that I wasn't getting from taking 2 pills at dinner.

Yippee! Better morning numbers!

Amy

[jem51]

shunsweets that just looks like so little food! i understand the hunger since w small meal/snack, i am often hungry....i'll be paying attention 'cause i'm losing my patience.

sounds like a lot of you are really having some good results. mine are still in okay range but i'm feeling like i am not satisfied so will tweak...i seem to be very good at that.

[BABSY]

Originally Posted by 2001MaryT

About 6 months ago I had a reading of 40 and could barely function. My hubby had to find me some milk and glucose tablets. At 65 once I could barely walk down the hall to the kitchen. These two incidents have made me afraid of lower blood sugars. My doctor said she'd rather see me a touch on the higher side that get into risky numbers. I sound like such a chicken here, but what's the point of this good thread if we don't share the good/bad stuff that's going on? CookinsForMe, you are so helpful. I do listen and apply this stuff, so I'll work on getting to those lower readings and at the same time not go into a panic.

I know what you mean, I have the same fear.

[2001MaryT]

Babsy, nice to know that there are others out there who share that fear. That fear is what's making me do this very slowly. I'm okay right now with readings around 120 to 140, and will slowly work those down. No one said we had to go from highs to lows rapidly, and maybe that's where the problems come from. I'm giving my body time to adjust. We can do this!

[BlingDangie]

I, too, am taking November to focus fully on eating appropriately and having diabetes rather than it having me. My last A1c was 6.1, which was an improvement for me. My cholesterol numbers were great. I've been coming here and reading, and getting some ideas for foods. I don't want to become obsessed with food, but I need to become more aware and mindful, and honest. I'm in with you on the taking the bull by the horns for sure.

[shunsweets]

Jem51 You were absolutely right - not enough food! Last night I was 88 before dinner - great for me. Had my small dinner and 2 hours later 141, 3 hours later 157! I only had 7 carbs so I guess my liver decided I needed more. Plus I went to bed hungry again. That's it for me. Today I'll keep <10 carbs but I'm upping the cals back to my usual 1800-2000. I don't like feeling hungry and weak nor do I like completely unpredictable BGL's when my body starts to do its own thing. If my weight keeps going up I'll cut cals slightly. I never had this problem before used to be able to fast and feel fine, skip meals - no problem, change schedules ect. Don't know why my body is becoming so hard to manage guess it's just the diabetes and I have to accept what once worked is no longer viable.

Anyone else having problems getting diet right for best BGL control?

Welcome BlingDangie. Please share what works and what doesn't. We have some real pros here and some diabetic newbies too.

You know Mary and Babsy I think fear of lows is one of the reasons I'm putting off starting insulin as long as I can. I know I'll be very conservative and use VLC as much as possible to keep med use as low as possible.

Walked 2 miles this a.m. Will do 2 more after work.

FBS 92 Hey what happened to the 80's? 2hrpp after 4 carb breakfast 139.

B-2eggs, 2oz cr cheese, 2 sausage, coffee 4 carbs
D-Plan 2 eggs, squash, water 3 carbs
Sn-back to celery and almond butter 3carbs

Beginning to suspect that my peak BGL is 3 hours after meals. Going to start testing at 3 hours when I can and see whats what.

A little discouraged today.

[CookinsForMe]

I'm here but tomorrow is a big day (not in a good way) for the man person and I. He goes into the hospital for a heart cath, probable stent placement, and perhaps open heart surgery if a stent won't work. Please keep us in your prayers. My nerves are pretty ragged.

On the BG front, mine's been pretty good. His not so much but he eats more carbs than I do and doesn't check his BG as often. *sigh*

Welcome to the new folks and to the rest of you, bear with me. I'll be more active very soon, I hope.

[2001MaryT]

It's hard to have to watch those we love go through things like that. I'll certainly have you in my prayers. I enjoy your posts -- a voice of reason.

[shunsweets]

CookinsForMe Sending prayers and strength to you are your guy.

[hpjrt]

Cookingsforme: Sending you and your "man person" positive vibes!

Today's BGLs are a tad higher than I'd like ... my latest taken 10 minutes ago, was 6.5 [117]. I hope that my levels will be back in the 5s by tomorrow.

However, yesterday, was another story! While I was at the grocery store, I purchased some dinner buns ... and in a total brain fart, I got 3, two for DH and 1 for me. If that wasn't stupid enough, the brain fart was a long one ... and I actually ate it! Naturally my blood glucose shot up and when I did my before bed reading, it was 7.4!

When I saw that higher than normal number, I, at first, couldn't understand it. Then it hit me ... I'd eaten that bun! I figure that little [and very tasty] bun added 45 g of carbs to my day ...

I really don't know what I was thinking ...

Hopefully that won't happen to me again. I really hate being stupid! *sigh*

Please comfort me by telling me that some of the rest of you have had this happen to you too ... puhleeeeze?

[CookinsForMe]

The procedure went well, y'all! He got two stents implanted and the surgeon told me "He's going to have to have a better diet." DH and I talked recently about him using South Beach and I think he's ready to at least try it. His diet isn't horrendous, believe it or not, but it could use improvement. Anyway, he should be out of the hospital sometime tomorrow. I've had a very long day and my brain is tired but I wanted to let y'all know he's okay. Thanks for the prayers and good thoughts.

And hpjrt, yep I've done similar things. LOL

Oh, I wanted to add this. DH couldn't have any food or drink after midnight last night so by the time 4 PM today rolled around he was starved. The nurse kept telling him she'd bring him food but said it would probably be just a sandwich. He was so ready to eat just that but finally after the promised food still hadn't arrived, he sent me to the cafeteria to get him something. I needed to eat too so I found a lovely grilled chicken breast with grilled vegetables and a small garden salad for the two of us to share. It wasn't a lot of food and would be just right for two people. About the time I got it to his room she arrived with his "healthy" meal of a white bread turkey ham sandwich (white bread!!!!), baked lays chips, and an apple! She wasn't happy about the chicken, veggies, and salad, and told me it had too much fat. Oh please!!! He ate it, anyway. Jiminy Christmas, feeding white bread, chips, and apples to diabetics!!!

[BlingDangie]

Originally Posted by CookinsForMe

I'm here but tomorrow is a big day (not in a good way) for the man person and I. He goes into the hospital for a heart cath, probable stent placement, and perhaps open heart surgery if a stent won't work. Please keep us in your prayers. My nerves are pretty ragged.
.

Healing and healthful beams to you and your mister. I betcha he flies right through whatever procedure he ends up having. Plus, he's got you on his side

[2001MaryT]

So glad that all went well! I couldn't believe the "healthy meal" for him. Good grief! That's the kind of thinking I find out there in the big world -- especially if you take insulin. So weird.

[shunsweets]

Wonderful news Cookins! Wow that hospital diet is practically malpractice! Thank goodness he has you to look out for him.

[chiody]

Typical "mainstream" nonsense....you know better. Best to the 2 of you!

[2001MaryT]

Chiody,

I read your link -- wow! You're certainly walking your talk. I had my left foot pretty much rebuilt to create an arch, and so exercise is something I'm going to have to work up to. Admire how you just went for it. Inspirational! Thanks.

[chiody]

Mary,

Thanks for the support and compliment. About 5 yrs. ago I remember vividly sitting on the tarmac in Midway airport waiting for departure when a passenger had a sudden attack sending him into viscious spasms. Needless to say, the departure was delayed till the paramedics arrived to address the issue. Amazingly, his traveling companion didn't know what to do even though he was aware of his medical condition.

Fortunately a onboard GP was willing to lend a hand. He secured the testing kit from the companion but didn't know how to use the lancet....go figure? I quickly volunteered and found his level to be in the 40's.....!!!!!! OJ was ordered, and 30 minutes later he stabilized enough to be removed from the plane.

Point is, I've always been very proactive with obstacles encountered in my life be it diabetes/high BP/cholesterol, etc. The GP sat next to me and we had a enlightening discussion regarding his practice and diabetic patients on the 4.5 hour flight to L.A. I asked him how many has been able to control T2 with diet/exercise only. He replied NONE in his 35 yrs. of practice. To make a long story short, after he found out I was able to control it for over 15 yrs. in that manner, he was going to use my story as inspiration for his current and future patients.

It is a joy to hear all the successful VLC/LC T2 diabetics able to get off meds and control this debilitating disease on these forums. Now if only the mainstream media/ADA/establishment would heed some of the advice presented we'd see some real progress!