Blood Sugar still too high... HELP?!

[Domonee]

I'm really excited because for the first time in I don't know how long I got a morning reading of under 200... it was [COLOR=red]177[/COLOR]!!!!! Might not seem like a big deal and I know it's still way too high, especially since I am on oral meds, but at least it's progress.

I need to get it down significantly tho... any suggestions of something I can try would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Dottie]

I'm glancing through your fitday and I see the "miracle" noodles, low-carb tortillas, s/f candy bar, and strawberries over the past few days.
IMO only, I'd stick to lean meats and veggies only for several days and drop anything that may have that "stealth" attack on your blood sugar.
Also, try eating something light before bed like a little cheese or some olives or lean protein.
Some diabetics have posted that doing that helps with the "dawn phenomenon".

[Silver Spice]

This is what my Mom has to do:
Up the fats and lower proteins. Protein is converted to glucose if you eat too much at one sitting. Eat snack sized meals spaced no more than 3 hours apart. A small portion of carbs with each protein meal or snack.

It's not Induction, but this is the way they told her to eat.

1 oz full fat cheese with 1/2 cup grapes or 6 saltine crackers

She was told to always have a fat, and a protein with a carb. Good fats from avocado, olives, etc.

[nutcase]

Carbs will make a big difference! Dottie is very right. Take that stuff out of your way of eating, and you will be pleasantly surprised. My dad had to quit drinking milk, because it raised his levels too high. Some foods just react differently of folks... You can also try the trick of having a teaspoon of cinnamon with each meal.. maybe mix it into your coffee or a cup of hot tea. Are you walking? some people swear that a 30 minute a day walk got their levels in good shape. You are doing great though... time will make alot of difference!!

[Kath]

YAY for being under 200 !!!! I to know how that feels, but, hang on .. it gets better ...

I am type 2 Diabetic .. I have changed my way of eating this is day 21 I think ... and in those 21 days .. I have been taken off my insulin, avandia, and my glucovance dose was cut in half ...

yesterday I got my bloodwork results ..

A1c - 7.7 down from 9.9
cholesteral is 163
LDL is 95
Trigylicerides is 99 down from 239

and was taken off one of my blood pressure meds, Avapro

So don't give up ... it can and DOES happen!!!!!!

[dessbee]

Originally Posted by Domonee

I'm really excited because for the first time in I don't know how long I got a morning reading of under 200... it was [COLOR=red]177[/COLOR]!!!!! Might not seem like a big deal and I know it's still way too high, especially since I am on oral meds, but at least it's progress.

I need to get it down significantly tho... any suggestions of something I can try would be appreciated. Thanks!

Cut the carbs. Only use veggies with less than 4% carbs

[Yellobrix]

My opinion only -- think you should also talk with your doctor since you're on oral meds...

Do you do any type of exercise? Exercise can really help manage blood glucose levels by forcing your cells to use the excess glucose for energy. You don't need some fancy "program" -- just walk for 30 minutes each day at a pace comfortable for you.

How much protein do you eat? If you are taking in a lot, you could be converting a significant about to glucose since you are already known to be insulin resistant -- I'm assuming your oral meds are to sensitize you to the insulin your body is able to produce, since you don't mention using injectable insulin. (Metformin, maybe?)

You might also discuss increasing the dosage of your oral medicine to further decrease insulin resistance. There's also another medicine on the market that can be used together with Metformin -- Byetta. Again, discuss w/your doc.

Here's an interesting article: http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniont...1c09qanda.html
One of the things discussed is the use of cinnamon together with Metformin -- basically, cinnamon is highly effective and so you should not take it unless you discuss it with your doctor in advance.

The other thing is to continue to monitor and record your glucose levels along side of what you eat so that you can identify any specific foods that make it go up or down.

[Domonee]

Thanks everyone for the advice. The last few days I've limited my carbs, gotten more exercise (gotta start adding that in Fitday) and tried to eat less protein. Yesterday I wasn't very hungry and hardly ate carbs at all and today my morning reading was 247... I don't get it, I think it should be lower according to what I'm eating, yet it's higher? I only ate the "miracle noodles" one day and that was the only thing that different in my WOE in a long time, but the morning after eating them I had the best morning number in months. I'm sticking to the mostly meat/eggs thingy thru the weekend, but if my number isn't down by Monday I'm going to experiment and try eating the noodles again to see what happens?

[JONAH'S GRANNY]

I have a very good friend who was just recenlty diagnosed as diabetic. His sugar readings were over 500. In just a month, with meds, exercise, and a lowcarb diet he is getting morning fasting readings of 80 - 100 and is really happy with that.

[SkeeterN]

Originally Posted by Silver Spice

This is what my Mom has to do:
Up the fats and lower proteins. Protein is converted to glucose if you eat too much at one sitting. Eat snack sized meals spaced no more than 3 hours apart. A small portion of carbs with each protein meal or snack.

It's not Induction, but this is the way they told her to eat.

1 oz full fat cheese with 1/2 cup grapes or 6 saltine crackers

She was told to always have a fat, and a protein with a carb. Good fats from avocado, olives, etc.

Watch the grapes they have a bunch of natural sugar.

[Yellobrix]

Seriously - in your place, I would be talking with my doctor. There is a possibility that your own natural production of insulin is dropping. If you're not eating many carbs, you're lowering protein in your diet and you numbers are still high, to me that is a red flag.

In order for your oral meds to assist in the action of insulin, there has to be insulin present. If you're doing all the right things and your glucose is still high, I'd ask for a full work-up in the lab. And one thing I'd include is looking for a hidden infection of some kind, as well as insulin levels and labs that include a peek at your long-term control of glucose. I have a feeling there's more than meets the eye going on for you.

[Strawberry]

Also remember that as you lose weight (and even better if you can do some exercise and possibly gain a tad of muscle) your body will become more sensitive to insulin. But this obviously takes time and wont happen as fast as the change after switching to low carb foods.

Definitely talk with your doctor and hopefully he or she is supportive of low carb eating. Depending on your body, you may not be able to eat super low carb while on metformin or it may make your blood sugar go to low at times and cause you to feel nauseated and lightheaded. You may need just a few more carbs than Induction levels. You also may not be able to increase your metformin dose without causing occasional drops in blood sugar. You will have to work with your doctor and figure out what works best with your body.

[crazyredhead]

Domonee: Do you always take your numbers in the mornings or at other times during the day? If you take it at different times and it's highest in the mornings you may have what Dottie mentioned as "dawn phenomenon" or it could also be something called "somogyi effect." My numbers are highest in the morning after I've been fasting all night (it's the opposite for most people). Make sure you take readings at a variety of times during the day, and talk with your Dr. about it, as others have suggested. Here is also some background info for you on the high morning readings: http://www.diabetic-talk.org/dp.htm

[Silver Spice]

Originally Posted by SkeeterN

Watch the grapes they have a bunch of natural sugar.

She can't eat NO carb.....in order to bring the numbers down there HAS to be carbs in some cases. Even Dr Atkins adds fruit to the plan after induction. Thus, that is the reason behind having only 1/2 cup. (She noticed the noodles helped her sugar reading in the morning, this is the same)

I don't think anyone understands unless you have diabeties that does not respond to strict low carb. Some people react to protein the same way they do to table sugar.

Grapes, oatmeal and other "carbs" can be good for diabetics to help their sugar stablize and keep them from having to eat every 1/2 hour to manage the sugar levels.

I have a friend who's sugars were over 500. He tried strict low carb and went into diabetic shock.

[Domonee]

I really do appreciate all the responses. I didn't give you much to go on tho and that is my fault. I had a complete blood work up done recently. My Dr is very supportive of not only my WOE, but in general. He wants me to begin taking insulin, but I'm resistant. I asked him for more time to try to control my diabetes with oral meds and diet. As I said, he's supportive and agreed. My morning readings are highest. I test at other times, but I'm not very consistant. Typically my readings are in the 150 - 180 range lately. That's higher than they used to be when I was eating more carbs. The reason I've cut back on the carbs is because I really need to get the weight off as Dr seems to think that is going to change the numbers a lot. So that's what I've been concentrating on. I'm not sure I'm losing better with the lack of carbs yet tho?
As for the oral meds... I was on actoplus which is 15 mg pioglitazone/850 mg metformin. He changed my medication to Prandin (.5 mg of repaglinide) and Avandaryl (4 mg rosiglitazone maleate/4 mg glimepiride). We are still trying to find the right med for my thyroid issue and I also take Vytorin (high cholesterol) but hey my blood pressure is EXCELLENT! Since he just changed all my meds, I have to play around with my diet to see what's going to work. I do drink at least a gallon of water everyday and try to walk or do some type of exercise for at least 30 minutes. Most of the time I'm pretty good at that meaning I don't exercise every day, but usually make it 4 or 5 times a week and if I can get motivated to exercise it's usually for more than 30 minutes. Dr is happy that it is a minimum of 30 minutes 3 days a week usually walking or riding my bike. I also strength train with free weights.
I think my Dr is the greatest because he works with me and is giving me a chance to try to do this without resorting to insulin. I know I've dropped the ball by not testing as much as I should. If I had, I'd have a better idea of how my body reacts to what I eat. I can't do anything about what I didn't do now.. I just have to really pay attention now and try different things to see what works best for me.
I am just feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment and not really sure what to try first?

[AllisonB]

Domonee, I.m Type 2 and I understand your reluctance to start taking insulin. You might want to read Dr. Bernestein's book, he is a Type 1 diabetic (an elderly Type 1, if that tells you anything!) who has made amazing progress in the education of diabetics. He says not to be afraid of taking insulin when your body tells you it's time - the alternatives are far worse. I highly recommend his book, you will learn a lot and it should calm some of your apprehension.

[WildflowerMama]

Have you tried taking/eating cinnamon? I know, sounds crazy but if you google diabetes and cinnamon you'll find there has been a whole bunch of research on the positive effects cinnamon has on controlling blood sugar.

When my dad was diagnosed a couple years ago, I went research crazy. Came across the cinnamon and he's been taking it ever since. Not only has his cholesterol lowered but his blood sugar has been under control and so steady that if his A1C comes down another point, he'll no longer be considered diabetic.

It doesn't take much - 1tsp a day or you can take a cinnamon capsule if you'd rather. The best part is that it can't hurt to try it.

[Domonee]

Originally Posted by WildflowerMama

Have you tried taking/eating cinnamon? I know, sounds crazy but if you google diabetes and cinnamon you'll find there has been a whole bunch of research on the positive effects cinnamon has on controlling blood sugar.

When my dad was diagnosed a couple years ago, I went research crazy. Came across the cinnamon and he's been taking it ever since. Not only has his cholesterol lowered but his blood sugar has been under control and so steady that if his A1C comes down another point, he'll no longer be considered diabetic.

It doesn't take much - 1tsp a day or you can take a cinnamon capsule if you'd rather. The best part is that it can't hurt to try it.

That is the one thing I started yesterday. I appreciate you telling me how it helped your dad. Thank you so much! I hope it works.

[PalmTreeGal]

Your doc sounds great, really working with you on lifestyle modifications. If you are type II he is probably right about the weight loss bringing your glucose right down. You are so motivated; keep up the great work!

[Domonee]

Originally Posted by PalmTreeGal

Your doc sounds great, really working with you on lifestyle modifications. If you are type II he is probably right about the weight loss bringing your glucose right down. You are so motivated; keep up the great work!

I am Type II and I will really miss himwhen I move next month. He's even told me that he will keep me as a patient and see me quarterly if I can manage the trip (it's about 1000 miles). I have his personal e-mail in case his office help gives me any trouble if I need to contact him. I don't think I'll ever get another doctor so cooperative. Last year I traveled a lot throughout the state and he went out of his way and made arrangements for me to have blood drawn where I was twice. He takes as much time with me as I need, never rushing. He is our family Dr. My daughter, 3 of her friends, and 2 of my aunts also see him. He spent 5 minutes searching thru his wallet during my last visit to find a picture he wanted me to see. The surprising thing is... you might expect this from an old physician who's been practicing for 40 years... but my doctor is only 36 and HAWT! lol

[diajoh]

Congrats on your lower numbers!
You really need to coordinate with your doctor about the cinnamon. It works very well, but your MD needs to know what you're doing "off the record" for two reasons: One, in case anything happens (interactions with other meds, who knows what). Two, he'll have some empirical evidence so he can recommend (or not) using the spice to other patients.
Get a copy of the original 8-Week Cholesterol Cure and make the bran muffins. I use whole eggs instead of Egg Beaters, Splenda instead of sugar, and use half wheat and half oat bran. Something about bran helps regulate blood sugar. But if you eat too many of these muffins (almost pure bran) you will poop forever. Good for the colon, I guess :-)
But let your MD know what you're doing just in case he has to lower your meds or change them to something compatible. Better safe than sorry!

[Domonee]

Originally Posted by diajoh

Congrats on your lower numbers!
You really need to coordinate with your doctor about the cinnamon. It works very well, but your MD needs to know what you're doing "off the record" for two reasons: One, in case anything happens (interactions with other meds, who knows what). Two, he'll have some empirical evidence so he can recommend (or not) using the spice to other patients.
Get a copy of the original 8-Week Cholesterol Cure and make the bran muffins. I use whole eggs instead of Egg Beaters, Splenda instead of sugar, and use half wheat and half oat bran. Something about bran helps regulate blood sugar. But if you eat too many of these muffins (almost pure bran) you will poop forever. Good for the colon, I guess :-)
But let your MD know what you're doing just in case he has to lower your meds or change them to something compatible. Better safe than sorry!

Thank you so much! I did get the green light from my Dr on the cinnamon, his exact words were "I see no concrete evidence that this works, but try it if you like". He's the best!

[WildflowerMama]

Domonee - I don't see how that's possible that your dr doesn't see concrete evidence. There are several studies out there. For example:
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi...ull/26/12/3215
http://www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs.htm?docid=8877

I would advise him to look further into it. If he deals with diabetic patients, this is something they have the right to know about as it could make significant changes in their blood glucose levels with no side effects. Results have been found with as little as 1/2 tsp a day - heck, people sprinkle that on their morning oatmeal on a regular basis with no problems. Diabetics need to know this.

[nutcase]

My Dad's blood sugar levels went up when he started taking metformin. The doctor didnt believe me, so dad went off the metformin, and we continued working with his diet, and using alternative treatments like cinnamon, and ginseng berry juice. When we finally fessed up to the doctor that Dad had been off the metformin for over three months, the Dr said he didnt care how we were keeping it so low, but whatever it was, just keep it up....

[dessbee]

Originally Posted by nutcase

My Dad's blood sugar levels went up when he started taking metformin. The doctor didnt believe me, so dad went off the metformin, and we continued working with his diet, and using alternative treatments like cinnamon, and ginseng berry juice. When we finally fessed up to the doctor that Dad had been off the metformin for over three months, the Dr said he didnt care how we were keeping it so low, but whatever it was, just keep it up....

Low carb is gonna make a lot of doctors unemployed

[JRedd]

Nutcase, I've been looking for Ginseng Berry Juice all over but cannot find any. Where does your father get his?

Thanks!

JRedd

[ixtapacheryl]

My mom's fasting BS was 117 - 120. I then put her on clean LC eating and within a month her BS was 83 (and that was right after eating a lunch of chicken salad). The doctor was so happy and said whatever she was doing to keep it up.

She basically ate LC .... no noodles, candy, bread, etc. Just meat, eggs, LC veggies, cheese - you get the idea.

Good luck and keep your eating "clean". That's the best advice I can give you.

[pepperette]

[COLOR="DarkGreen"]Don't be afraid of the Insulin- it can be your friend. I was in the 400's- got put on Glyburide and Precose. Started Weight Watchers and added LC as the numbers showed still in 200's. Worked the LC and could not get out of the 200's. I was keeping a log for the Doc, and he said my beta cells might be burned out, and asked if I minded trying Insulin. I had been on Lantus a few years ago with orals- it semi worked. Now I am on Humalog before meals, and Levemir at bedtime, and my numbers are in the low 100's or lower. I do only LC but go to WW's for the support. Don't beat yourself up over the Insulin- it is NOT a sign you failed, just that your body needs help to control blood sugars.[/COLOR]

[lisabinil]

Originally Posted by JRedd

Nutcase, I've been looking for Ginseng Berry Juice all over but cannot find any. Where does your father get his?

Thanks!

JRedd

Did you realize you have responded to a thread from April? Nutcase has not posted since June.

[WildflowerMama]

Originally Posted by JRedd

Nutcase, I've been looking for Ginseng Berry Juice all over but cannot find any. Where does your father get his?

Thanks!

JRedd

Do a google search of Harding's Ginseng Farm. They carry the ginseng berry juice. I don't think it's listed on their site but if you call them, they carry it. It must be ginseng berry juice - not the root or any other part - must be the berry. My dad is on it and is doing wonderful!