Diabetes and sugar levels: This is all new to me.

Posted by trellg132 @trellg132, Sep 21, 2020

My doctor saying I might have diabetes

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@dorisena

food like eggs, nuts, and plain, lean meat without sauces or salty will be fine. Add vegetables that are low calorie and green, red, yellow, or orange are fine. Berries are the safest fruit. Some dalry fills in the spaces in the diet and stops hunger, and is easy to digest. Sugar and carbs are to be limited according to your blood sugar levels and we don't know what that level is, but apparently it is too high.
Bread, pasta, and grains are the problem and you need to do some trial and error as we all have done to find what works for us. Testing daily is helpful for prediabetes and is mandatory for high levels of diabetes so you can adjust your eating. You need to read and learn about the foods and the nutrients they contain. Just start reading on the web and asking your doctor for food lists. Don't stop eating.
This is stressful at first but worrying makes it worse. Some medicines make it worse. When I had low blood sugar and stress I drank milk and took a nap. I was fine in no time. When I overdo with carbs, I exercise or stay on my feet until I work some of it off. Peanut butter is my friend but some other food might work for you. Dorisena

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Thank you I go for my doctor's visit an I will make sure I ask questions

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I went to hospital last night sugar levels I guess was 405

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Good choice for that. I hope they checked for causes other than eating and exercise. Most emergency room treatment is just stabilization and then, "call your doctor" which you are doing. My son was a paramedic for many years so we understand when it is time to go to the hospital. For the time being, eliminate all sugary foods in the house and do not stop at fast foods. Do not drink alcohol and you will see quick results. Believe that you can do this and get improvement. Do not take drugs for pain or headaches. Put something in your body when you are very hungry, a protein food, if possible. All these hints are common sense habits we should have been doing for years. My personal fault is that I baked too much desserts for my family and then ate it as well.
Now I bake and give the dessert away and feel good about doing for others. I like sharing, so I don't overdo on my diet. Eating is a fellowship activity for me and I don't like eating alone. But that is my life right now. I feel good supporting your efforts. It puts me on the team. Dorisena

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Doctor canceled my appointment and is setting me up with a specialist

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At this point (until you know what meds they put you on, learn to test your blood sugar, and details of your situation) I suggest it’s not so much what you should eat but what foods to decrease. Be wary of the “whites”, that is, pasta, rice, bread, potatoes. Also cut back on the volume you eat (you haven’t mentioned if your overweight), but look at a frozen dinner plate of 12-14 oz as a rough guide as to the amount of food (not heaping higher than the bowl!).

I suggest you learn to read the food labels (if you don’t already know). I myself find counting the carbs is a good starting point, limiting to a total of 40-50 carbs per meal. Carbs (my way) are the total minus the fiber. Also look at the serving, as many packages fool you into thinking the food is better for for you than another brand until you see there’s several servings in a box/can.

Also get in the habit of moving; a 15 minute walk after eating would be a great start.

The above will help you keep your blood sugar down until you know more details. Don’t worry, it’s just a detour in the road of life. I will pray for you.

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Thanks, Howard. You explained the plan very well. It is so difficult to tell a person they must avoid certain foods after years of a certain habit of eating.
It is a positive approach that works the best, such as saying what food is best for our health. A friend told me she admired my willingness to sacrifice, and I responded that it wasn't a sacrifice, it is a matter of eating what is good for me and enjoying a good flavor. And being more active. Dorisena

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@trellg132

Doctor canceled my appointment and is setting me up with a specialist

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While you are waiting, read on the web. You will learn something that will help. Dorisena

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@howardm

At this point (until you know what meds they put you on, learn to test your blood sugar, and details of your situation) I suggest it’s not so much what you should eat but what foods to decrease. Be wary of the “whites”, that is, pasta, rice, bread, potatoes. Also cut back on the volume you eat (you haven’t mentioned if your overweight), but look at a frozen dinner plate of 12-14 oz as a rough guide as to the amount of food (not heaping higher than the bowl!).

I suggest you learn to read the food labels (if you don’t already know). I myself find counting the carbs is a good starting point, limiting to a total of 40-50 carbs per meal. Carbs (my way) are the total minus the fiber. Also look at the serving, as many packages fool you into thinking the food is better for for you than another brand until you see there’s several servings in a box/can.

Also get in the habit of moving; a 15 minute walk after eating would be a great start.

The above will help you keep your blood sugar down until you know more details. Don’t worry, it’s just a detour in the road of life. I will pray for you.

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Thank you and I'm 6'0 250lbs

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Ask the specialist what your BMI goal should be so you can plan your eating. The pounds will come off with the new plan. Losing weight is necessary and something my late husband would not consider because he thought eating heavy foods was necessary for his work requirements. I used to tell him he was not going to be making hay today, so back off a little. He ignored me. I think he had been deprived in his young age and didn't have regular meals. Eating by the clock is very good for the body. Ask your specialist about that. The AIC goal is important. The body weight for you is somewhat important. Ask about that. Find a few things that make your smile during your day. This is not a bad life, but a better life coming up. You will not need to suffer. Dorisena

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@dorisena

Ask the specialist what your BMI goal should be so you can plan your eating. The pounds will come off with the new plan. Losing weight is necessary and something my late husband would not consider because he thought eating heavy foods was necessary for his work requirements. I used to tell him he was not going to be making hay today, so back off a little. He ignored me. I think he had been deprived in his young age and didn't have regular meals. Eating by the clock is very good for the body. Ask your specialist about that. The AIC goal is important. The body weight for you is somewhat important. Ask about that. Find a few things that make your smile during your day. This is not a bad life, but a better life coming up. You will not need to suffer. Dorisena

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Thank you.you are so helpful

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