I'm New

[SuzabelleD]

Hi, I'm new here, have a lot of questions about diabetes and Atkins.

I've lost 53 lbs. since June, but I'm stuck.

A dietician told me to eat something before bed. Is that true? If so, what kind of snack?

Thanks!

[ravenrose]

congratulations on the weight loss!

generally speaking we don't think very highly of most dieticians' recommendations for diabetics around here...

why? what problem is that supposed to solve? is your blood sugar too low when you wake up?

without knowing more about your diabetes, age, weight, and meds, it's hard to know what the dietician was thinking

[SuzabelleD]

Hi, thanks for your response

In June, my blood glucose was 220, my a1c was 8. This week, my fasting blood glucose was 107, my a1c was 5.9. I'm not on any pills. I'm 55 years old.

I have lost over 50 lbs. on Atkins, but only 7 lbs. in the last two months. My diet hasn't changed, but it's winter here, I'm not nearly as active. I'm not too worried about being stuck, it will pick up again when it gets warmer and I can get outside to do things.

I did speak to a dietician who was open to Atkins, she told me to eat something within 30 minutes of waking up. I didn't ask her what exactly I should eat, I didn't think about it.

I guess my question is, is she right? If so, what do I eat?

This week, I have been eating 6 oz. of low carb (4 carbs) raspberry yogurt in the morning, followed by a lunch of 4 scrambled eggs with butter. Dinner consist of salads with vinegar and oil, with some type of lean cooked meat. Snacks are cashews or cheese. My treat before bed consists of 3 T. heavy cream whipped with 1 t. unsweetened cocoa and 1 pkg. of sweetener. I'm not hungry at all and I'm not craving anything.

I don't know what my levels are because I don't test. Long story. Let's just call it irrational fear. It's why it's so important to me to lose the rest of the weight, hoping my levels go back to normal and stay there.

I stop by my doctor's office once a month and have them do a finger stick. I'm not fasting, and it's always around 105 in the afternoon.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by ravenrose

congratulations on the weight loss!

generally speaking we don't think very highly of most dieticians' recommendations for diabetics around here...

why? what problem is that supposed to solve? is your blood sugar too low when you wake up?

without knowing more about your diabetes, age, weight, and meds, it's hard to know what the dietician was thinking

[E.W.]

You might want to pick up a glucose meter to play with. Although your readings at
your Dr.'s office look good some of us have a rather high reading first thing in the morning. This is ofton refered to as the dawn effect. If you had your own meter you
could check this and here things realy get interesting. For some of us who are bothered by this dawn effect eating something right before bed helps. Some of us use a couple
of tablespoons of vinegar, a small green apple, a couple of oz of cheese, slow startch
or a SMALL glass or dry wine. But wether you suffer from the dawn effect or if one of
these snacks will help you would require a meter. And what helps one person may not
help another. In my case about the only thing that helps me is the vinegar.

[SuzabelleD]

Thanks for your reply

That's my problem, I can't stick my own finger. I don't know anyone else with diabetes that can help me.

I've talked to a therapist about my pain issues, but I'm still not able to do it. I also require anti-anxiety drugs to visit the dentist twice/year. I'm a mess. I didn't have children because of the fear of pain. It's a real problem.

I do eat a snack before bed, and my level is higher at the Dr.'s office at 10AM than at 4PM. The last time they checked it at 4PM, my level was 43, because I hadn't eaten since noon. I have a snack in the afternoon now.

I feel so much better since being on a low carb diet, I just wish the weight loss was quicker. I feel I can live on a low carb diet for the rest of my life and not feel like I'm being deprived.

Originally Posted by E.W.

You might want to pick up a glucose meter to play with. Although your readings at
your Dr.'s office look good some of us have a rather high reading first thing in the morning. This is ofton refered to as the dawn effect. If you had your own meter you
could check this and here things realy get interesting. For some of us who are bothered by this dawn effect eating something right before bed helps. Some of us use a couple
of tablespoons of vinegar, a small green apple, a couple of oz of cheese, slow startch
or a SMALL glass or dry wine. But wether you suffer from the dawn effect or if one of
these snacks will help you would require a meter. And what helps one person may not
help another. In my case about the only thing that helps me is the vinegar.

[E.W.]

You might talk to your theripiest about systimatiac desintizing. This is sometimes used
to treat phobias. It takes a while but it ofton proves verry effective. If there was just a quick cure for my spelling problem ....

[Vilya]

I agree with getting treatment for your phobia. You can't truly manage your diabetes unless you test several times a day. Luckily, the behavorial therapies for phobias are extremely effective, from everything I've ever seen/read about it.

As far as eating a snack before bed, is there any particular reason the dietician wants you to do that?

I know that some diabetics who experience Dawn Phenomenon say that eating a snack before bed helps with lower morning numbers. Others say it doesn't help them at all. Again, you have to be testing to know what's going on with your BG.

You sound like you're doing great, though! 50 lbs. gone is awesome, as is your A1C of 5.9.

[E.W.]

Some of us do need to use injections and this scares some people to but I wanted
to tell you something about that you might not know. Some of the pin needles now
used are a lot smaller than the blood stick lancet. Not only smaller but you can use them
in your stomach which has fewer pain nerves. What this means is that when I use one of
these to give myself Byetta I ofton feel nothing at all. And I am not just saying it doesn't
hurt much I am realy saying that if I don't look at the tiny needle going in it is easy to
think that I have forgoten to put the needle in. And at the verry worst it may feel about
1/10 as bad as the finger blood prick.

[diwitch]

I agree with everyone else, one other option might be the meters that let you test on the arm, which is supposed to be 'painless'. It sounds like you are doing as well as you can without testing, but everyone is right, you can't really manage your diabetes without testing. It's kind of like driving a car with side blinders on, you can see what is right in front of you, but those things you can't see can be just as dangerous.

That yogurt, is it "carbmaster" ? From Kroger?

Di

[SuzabelleD]

Your advice is just as good whether it's spelled correctly or not

My therapist is more concerned about why I ate myself to 286 lbs. rather than my fear of pain. I need to change the focus of my therapy, because I will not eat bad foods as long as I don't have to traumatize myself with needles. And I really mean it. I'm doing just fine without bad food.

I do miss wedding cake, but I've decided to allow myself a bite if and when I'm at a wedding. Thanks so much for your response.

Originally Posted by E.W.

You might talk to your theripiest about systimatiac desintizing. This is sometimes used
to treat phobias. It takes a while but it ofton proves verry effective. If there was just a quick cure for my spelling problem ....

[SuzabelleD]

Hi there, the dietician said I need to eat something before bed so I don't wake up in the middle of the night. She was concerned that I don't eat enough carbs to get me through the night, and should I be hypo at that time, it would wake me up. I seldom sleep more than 5 hours whether I eat something at bed time or not.

Thanks, I already know what I should be doing, I was just hoping there was some other way. My doctor has me using urine glucose dip sticks, but by the time it shows up in my urine, it could be too late, so it's probably a waste of time.

Originally Posted by Vilya

I agree with getting treatment for your phobia. You can't truly manage your diabetes unless you test several times a day. Luckily, the behavorial therapies for phobias are extremely effective, from everything I've ever seen/read about it.

As far as eating a snack before bed, is there any particular reason the dietician wants you to do that?

I know that some diabetics who experience Dawn Phenomenon say that eating a snack before bed helps with lower morning numbers. Others say it doesn't help them at all. Again, you have to be testing to know what's going on with your BG.

You sound like you're doing great, though! 50 lbs. gone is awesome, as is your A1C of 5.9.

[SuzabelleD]

I will discuss this with my doctor at my appointment on Monday. I have enough belly fat that I'm sure I wouldn't feel it at all.

I was given an injection in my rather large hip area for pneumonia several years ago that was supposed to really burn and be sore for a week after. I didn't feel a thing. The needle wasn't long enough to reach my muscle through the fat on my hip. So testing on my stomach just might work.

Thanks so much.

Originally Posted by E.W.

Some of us do need to use injections and this scares some people to but I wanted
to tell you something about that you might not know. Some of the pin needles now
used are a lot smaller than the blood stick lancet. Not only smaller but you can use them
in your stomach which has fewer pain nerves. What this means is that when I use one of
these to give myself Byetta I ofton feel nothing at all. And I am not just saying it doesn't
hurt much I am realy saying that if I don't look at the tiny needle going in it is easy to
think that I have forgoten to put the needle in. And at the verry worst it may feel about
1/10 as bad as the finger blood prick.

[SuzabelleD]

That's the perfect analogy

Yes, it's Carbmaster raspberry yogurt from Kroger. Is it something I shouldn't eat, or is it acceptable? My foot doctor recommended it, he lost over 200 lbs. over 3 years on Atkins.

I get my protein and fat partially from dairy rather than meat, and I like yogurt. If I never had to eat another piece of meat again, I'd be completely happy. That is the only thing about low carb that I really don't want to eat, is the meat. I'm fine with eggs, I eat eggs 3 or 4 times/week. I really have to disguise the meat with cheese, spices or mustard.

Thanks for your response.

Originally Posted by diwitch

I agree with everyone else, one other option might be the meters that let you test on the arm, which is supposed to be 'painless'. It sounds like you are doing as well as you can without testing, but everyone is right, you can't really manage your diabetes without testing. It's kind of like driving a car with side blinders on, you can see what is right in front of you, but those things you can't see can be just as dangerous.

That yogurt, is it "carbmaster" ? From Kroger?

Di

[diwitch]

Oh no, the yogurt is great I have it every morning (strawberry) in my smoothie, my meter agrees with the carb count on the label.

Mustard, lol, I put that on everything..I even make my own sometimes.

I eat a fair amount of dairy myself, but I am okay with meat, although I have to 'dress' it up with something, never did like it plain either. Well except for seafood, that just requires butter.

Di

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by SuzabelleD

Thanks, I already know what I should be doing, I was just hoping there was some other way.

My apologies if I came off like I didn't think you knew what you should be doing. That was not my intention at all.

[SuzabelleD]

Oh no, I didn't take it that way I apologize if I came across that way ((hug))

Originally Posted by Vilya

My apologies if I came off like I didn't think you knew what you should be doing. That was not my intention at all.

[MisticalMisty]

There are alternative test sites now to use for checking your bs numbers. I use my forearms and I hardly ever feel it.

Believe me, I feel you. The first time I went to test I cried for 2 hours because I just couldn't bring myself to do it..same thing happened the first time I had to give myself an injection.

It hurt loads less than I ever imagined it would and now I test up to 12 times a day just because I want to know what's going on with my body.

My nutrition suggested eating right before bed...my endo was pretty upset when I told him. He basically said that was an old school piece of advice that rarely works for anyone. So, if you're not hungry....well don't eat.

[E.W.]

I don't know if anyone else does this but I prick my finger with a bare lancet. That is
I do not place it in the holder I just do it my self I think it hurts less that way. I give
blood at the Red Cross and one thing I hate about doing that is having them prick my finger the way they do it hurts 4 or 5 times more than me doing it myself so if I rember
I bring my own lancet.

[artsy897]

Good afternoon everyone...I hope you are having a good day!

Hi Suzabelle...I just found out last August that I too have Diabetes.
I just about fell apart. I also started a LC woe and have to date now lost 56pds.
It is nice to meet you. I check my bg pretty often, as I want to know what my body is doing. I was upset at first about sticking myself as I have a pretty low pain tolerance...but now I am used to it. I would rather know what certain foods are doing to my sugar than to guess because then I have a better idea of what is ok for me to eat. I don't focus on having to lose all this weight...which I do, but I just focus on eating enough to satisfy me and keep me happy and control my bg. And in doing so...the weight is coming off as a big plus...which makes me very happy as I have never been able to diet or lose weight.

I also have a pretty big phobia about going to Doctors and Dentists. I also know that I probably hurt myself by not going to them when I should have. I think that having these phobias contributes to my being overweight.

I love this site and these ladies seem really sweet and always willing to help. I am looking forward to using their knowledge as I travel this journey...that I didnt choose. I am thankful that this site is here to help me on that journey.

[SuzabelleD]

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

The nutritionist said I would sleep better if I ate something before bed. Realistically, the only way I sleep well is with plenty of exercise. I've tested my theory on days with similar activity, and eating before bed doesn't make much difference in how long I sleep.

Originally Posted by MisticalMisty

My nutrition suggested eating right before bed...my endo was pretty upset when I told him. He basically said that was an old school piece of advice that rarely works for anyone. So, if you're not hungry....well don't eat.

[SuzabelleD]

My doctor's nurse stabs me with the corner of a small razor blade. It's pretty painful, and I would never be able to do it by myself.

I probably wouldn't be able to draw blood on myself even if it didn't hurt at all.

Thanks for taking the time to reply

Originally Posted by E.W.

I don't know if anyone else does this but I prick my finger with a bare lancet. That is
I do not place it in the holder I just do it my self I think it hurts less that way. I give
blood at the Red Cross and one thing I hate about doing that is having them prick my finger the way they do it hurts 4 or 5 times more than me doing it myself so if I rember
I bring my own lancet.

[SuzabelleD]

A pleasure to meet you too!

Congrats on the weight loss, I know how difficult it is. My phobias are completely irrational, but still cause major distress and physical symptoms. I really prefer not to be touched at all. Massage is the only human touch I can tolerate.

I've tried other boards, but met with a lot of disapproval. I hope I can fit in here, because I need all the help I can get

Thanks for your reply.

Originally Posted by artsy897

Good afternoon everyone...I hope you are having a good day!

Hi Suzabelle...I just found out last August that I too have Diabetes.
I just about fell apart. I also started a LC woe and have to date now lost 56pds.
It is nice to meet you. I check my bg pretty often, as I want to know what my body is doing. I was upset at first about sticking myself as I have a pretty low pain tolerance...but now I am used to it. I would rather know what certain foods are doing to my sugar than to guess because then I have a better idea of what is ok for me to eat. I don't focus on having to lose all this weight...which I do, but I just focus on eating enough to satisfy me and keep me happy and control my bg. And in doing so...the weight is coming off as a big plus...which makes me very happy as I have never been able to diet or lose weight.

I also have a pretty big phobia about going to Doctors and Dentists. I also know that I probably hurt myself by not going to them when I should have. I think that having these phobias contributes to my being overweight.

I love this site and these ladies seem really sweet and always willing to help. I am looking forward to using their knowledge as I travel this journey...that I didnt choose. I am thankful that this site is here to help me on that journey.

[MisticalMisty]

Originally Posted by SuzabelleD

My doctor's nurse stabs me with the corner of a small razor blade. It's pretty painful, and I would never be able to do it by myself.

I probably wouldn't be able to draw blood on myself even if it didn't hurt at all.

Thanks for taking the time to reply

Wait....What?!? Why isn't she using a lancet? I wouldn't let her come near me with a razor blade..no wonder it's too painful for you.

Just F.Y.I...that's not how it's supposed to be done.

[SuzabelleD]

Hi again,

I'm not sure what a lancet is??? The nurse uses what looks like a small razor blade with a point in the middle. They're inside of a paper wrapper. I've looked for a picture on the web, but can't seem to find one. These are type of blades used on my fingers ever since I can remember. I'm not familiar with any other kind of blade?

I've been tested for diabetes via finger stick with the type of blade I describe above all of my life, even as a small child. It's only recently that my blood sugar was abnormally high.

No one else in my family has diabetes, so I'm not sure why they were always testing me, may be because I've almost always been overweight.

Originally Posted by MisticalMisty

Wait....What?!? Why isn't she using a lancet? I wouldn't let her come near me with a razor blade..no wonder it's too painful for you.

Just F.Y.I...that's not how it's supposed to be done.

[MisticalMisty]

This is a lancet:

Needle-Blood-Lancet-For-Glucometer-.jpg

It's really tiny and shouldn't hurt much...

[Beezer Louisiana]

Originally Posted by MisticalMisty

This is a lancet:

Attachment 42959

It's really tiny and shouldn't hurt much...

Yes, and you can put them in a special 'pen' where you don't even see the needle. You put the 'pen' to your skin and press a button and it 'pops' you with the tiny needle that's inside. It's very fast and you don't have to look. You can do it on your forearm and it doesn't hurt as much as the side of your finger.

[diwitch]

Originally Posted by MisticalMisty

Wait....What?!? Why isn't she using a lancet? I wouldn't let her come near me with a razor blade..no wonder it's too painful for you.

Just F.Y.I...that's not how it's supposed to be done.

I wouldn't let them come near me with a razor blade either! And no thats not how it should be done.

A razor!

Di

[Jackwagon]

I've been using nothing but lancet pens for the purpose since at least 16 years ago. Didn't even occur to me that someone would be sticking their finger any other way. The big advantage now over then is the blood drop doesn't need to be anywhere near as big to get a reading.

As far as diet, I think to get the most out of low carb it has to be high fat and moderate protein. If you have a problem with binging, then eat something very high fat to suppress those urges. Even a pat of butter, straight, will do the trick.

[Beezer Louisiana]

Originally Posted by Jackwagon

I've been using nothing but lancet pens for the purpose since at least 16 years ago. Didn't even occur to me that someone would be sticking their finger any other way. The big advantage now over then is the blood drop doesn't need to be anywhere near as big to get a reading.

As far as diet, I think to get the most out of low carb it has to be high fat and moderate protein. If you have a problem with binging, then eat something very high fat to suppress those urges. Even a pat of butter, straight, will do the trick.