Diabetic anyone?

[Hollylane]

Thank you for you input Cindy, and I do appreciate your concern. I'm sorry that you have experienced those major health issues. You're right, monitoring is extremely important, and something I am diligent about.

Forgive me, but I am passionate about this topic, because it is something I have to think about on a daily basis. So, I tend to go on about it, because I have spent so much time, effort, sweat, blood, and tears on the ongoing project that is my health.

I'm assuming that the mild pill you're talking about is Metformin. Metformin generally does not cause side effects for most users, and works well to reduce blood sugar in most type 2 diabetics. For me, it did nothing to reduce my blood sugar, and was responsible for an immediate acute case of pancreatitis, which resulted in pancreatic lesions, and a lovely extended hospital stay. I also had severe adverse reactions to the general regimen prescribed by most primary care doctors (commonly prescribed by physicians under group health care programs) for Type 2 diabetics (statin drugs when there was no evidence of high cholesterol, and blood pressure meds prescribed with no history of high blood pressure).

At one point, my blood sugars averaged somewhere around 370, but through very hard work, better management (through extensive self advocacy, research into my condition, and finally locating a rare specialist) of my gastroparesis, I was averaging a 95 blood sugar for more than 3 years. The diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes was even removed from my health records until just recently.

I have had recent issues with the progression of my gastroparesis, surgical recovery, and the associated small amount of weight gain from inactivity following those surgeries. Then I had issues with my body adjusting while I attempted vegetarianism (due to how I feel about the horror that is the meat industry), and then realizing a better option for my health, would be pescatarianism.

Since putting my nose back to the exercise grindstone (as often as possible, with as much effort as possible), and adjusting my diet to suit my health needs, I have, once again, made very significant progress in bringing my blood sugar down without medication, and the extra weight has begun to drop off again.

As long as I am able to do this, my doctor agrees wholeheartedly with me, about staying away from any and all diabetic medications. He tells me that he admires my accountability, and celebrates my efforts and successes. He told me recently that when he tells other patients and doctors about my progress, that it generally falls on deaf ears.

My doctor and I also agree with the fact, that The ADA is an "association", and not a non-profit organization. They receive BIG $$ from major pharmaceutical companies (along with federal funding, and private donations). The ADA is not all bad, but big funding, from big pharma, notoriously leads to skewed information.

I'm not saying that what I am doing works for everyone, or will even always work for me. But, for some people, it is possible to stave off, or even avoid entirely, the progression along the path to the requirement for diabetic medication. Frankly, though it can be frustrating at times, I work hard at it, and will continue to do so for as long as I am able, because I am worth it.

My 86 year old grandmother is living proof, of what is possible for some people. She has been considered pre-diabetic (100-125 fasting glucose) for more than 50 years, and has steadfastly refused diabetic medication, as well as the diabetic dietary recommendations. She has no indications of diabetic associated health conditions (eye problems, circulation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidneys/heart problems, stroke, etc...). She is still thriving, active, living alone (with her goats, cats, and dog), and just as sharp as ever.

[MsTinkerbelly]

Originally Posted by Hollylane

Thank you for you input Cindy, and I do appreciate your concern. I'm sorry that you have experienced those major health issues. You're right, monitoring is extremely important, and something I am diligent about.

Forgive me, but I am passionate about this topic, because it is something I have to think about on a daily basis. So, I tend to go on about it, because I have spent so much time, effort, sweat, blood, and tears on the ongoing project that is my health.

I'm assuming that the mild pill you're talking about is Metformin. Metformin generally does not cause side effects for most users, and works well to reduce blood sugar in most type 2 diabetics. For me, it did nothing to reduce my blood sugar, and was responsible for an immediate acute case of pancreatitis, which resulted in pancreatic lesions, and a lovely extended hospital stay. I also had severe adverse reactions to the general regimen prescribed by most primary care doctors (commonly prescribed by physicians under group health care programs) for Type 2 diabetics (statin drugs when there was no evidence of high cholesterol, and blood pressure meds prescribed with no history of high blood pressure).

At one point, my blood sugars averaged somewhere around 370, but through very hard work, better management (through extensive self advocacy, research into my condition, and finally locating a rare specialist) of my gastroparesis, I was averaging a 95 blood sugar for more than 3 years. The diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes was even removed from my health records until just recently.

I have had recent issues with the progression of my gastroparesis, surgical recovery, and the associated small amount of weight gain from inactivity following those surgeries. Then I had issues with my body adjusting while I attempted vegetarianism (due to how I feel about the horror that is the meat industry), and then realizing a better option for my health, would be pescatarianism.

Since putting my nose back to the exercise grindstone (as often as possible, with as much effort as possible), and adjusting my diet to suit my health needs, I have, once again, made very significant progress in bringing my blood sugar down without medication, and the extra weight has begun to drop off again.

As long as I am able to do this, my doctor agrees wholeheartedly with me, about staying away from any and all diabetic medications. He tells me that he admires my accountability, and celebrates my efforts and successes. He told me recently that when he tells other patients and doctors about my progress, that it generally falls on deaf ears.

My doctor and I also agree with the fact, that The ADA is an "association", and not a non-profit organization. They receive BIG $$ from major pharmaceutical companies (along with federal funding, and private donations). The ADA is not all bad, but big funding, from big pharma, notoriously leads to skewed information.

I'm not saying that what I am doing works for everyone, or will even always work for me. But, for some people, it is possible to stave off, or even avoid entirely, the progression along the path to the requirement for diabetic medication. Frankly, though it can be frustrating at times, I work hard at it, and will continue to do so for as long as I am able, because I am worth it.

My 86 year old grandmother is living proof, of what is possible for some people. She has been considered pre-diabetic (100-125 fasting glucose) for more than 50 years, and has steadfastly refused diabetic medication, as well as the diabetic dietary recommendations. She has no indications of diabetic associated health conditions (eye problems, circulation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidneys/heart problems, stroke, etc...). She is still thriving, active, living alone (with her goats, cats, and dog), and just as sharp as ever.

If I came off as a know it all or someone who knows better than you, I'm sorry for that Hollylane; it does indeed sound like you know yourself well.

Funny you should mention Metformin. All these years I have taken Glucotrol and recently my doctor asked me to try Metformin in an attempt to reduce the amount of Insulin I take. I have to say I have felt fairly sick since I began taking it Friday, with no noticible changes in my levels.

Thank you, I will have to give him a call.

[Hollylane]

Originally Posted by MsTinkerbelly

If I came off as a know it all or someone who knows better than you, I'm sorry for that Hollylane; it does indeed sound like you know yourself well.

Funny you should mention Metformin. All these years I have taken Glucotrol and recently my doctor asked me to try Metformin in an attempt to reduce the amount of Insulin I take. I have to say I have felt fairly sick since I began taking it Friday, with no noticible changes in my levels.

Thank you, I will have to give him a call.

Oh no, not at all Cindy. I just get so passionate about this subject, and the approach to diabetes management being the same for every patient. Blindly following my doctors orders nearly killed me, so I feel it is important to share what I have learned, and continue to learn about what having diabetes means for me. I truly did appreciate your concern, and I understand the place you were coming from, when you responded to my post.

I hope that you find something that works for you, I know that when I was at my worst (averaging 370 blood sugar), I was using 2 different types of insulin, one of which was considered a "designer" insulin, and injecting 6 times per day, with no positive results. I found it absolutely maddening. Though having more food choices was nice, I actually find that what I am doing now, is actually much easier, and makes much more sense to me.

[Loren_Q]

I'm echoing Hollylane's sentiments. Managing diabetes is personal, but one thing I believe we should all have in common is a good dose of self-advocacy.

My doc insisted I go on medication, and I was just as insistent to *not* use medication. Also like Hollylane, I've had adverse reactions (not as severe though, geez). And I also think big pharma is the devil's spawn.

I did a ton of research, tried and dropped various regimens until I found something that worked *for me*. Monitoring my blood sugar was key, as is the discipline to maintain my regimen.

Mine is a combination of diet (what and when), supplements and exercise. It's not terribly rigid, or maybe I'm just used to it now.

My doc is impressed with my results and perhaps less skeptical now.

[Arwen]

I'm juiced!

My A1C came in at 6.7. Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Exercise, diet, Metformin as Rx have been key. I also think the new supplements I've been on for about 5 weeks have been HUGE in helping me lose weight and have more energy. If you are curious, I started with the 24 Day Challenge here. (this IS an affiliate link but it is NOT mine. It's my best friend. Took her 2 years to convince me to try this out. Sorry I waited now. ) It's pricey but, for me, it's been worth it.

6.7, y'all! That's down from 9.3 a year and a half ago.

[MsTinkerbelly]

Originally Posted by Arwen

I'm juiced!

My A1C came in at 6.7. Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Exercise, diet, Metformin as Rx have been key. I also think the new supplements I've been on for about 5 weeks have been HUGE in helping me lose weight and have more energy. If you are curious, I started with the 24 Day Challenge here. (this IS an affiliate link but it is NOT mine. It's my best friend. Took her 2 years to convince me to try this out. Sorry I waited now. ) It's pricey but, for me, it's been worth it.

6.7, y'all! That's down from 9.3 a year and a half ago.

Way to go!!!!

[MsTinkerbelly]

Well despite my cholesterol going down as well as my weight, I had another blocked artery and another heart attack. God damn diabetes!