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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@howardm

I myself only test before meals. That helps me to make an informed decision on what to eat, as I’ve learned how different foods effect my blood sugar.

Additionally I have a problem few other have, in that my internal blood flow is reversed, so it takes longer for my blood sugar to settle. I also test in an alternate site (my legs), so that testing before meals has worked out best for me.

What really matters is your A1c which tells the bigger picture, so your testing should help you on a day-to-day basis toward that goal. But remember that if you stagger when taking readings (before, or after 2 hours, etc) make sure to document when and any unusual circumstances, etc. so your readings will make sense several days later as well.

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264 before I ate 384 after I ate

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@trellg132

So when sould you check your sugar

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I can't support you anymore because I don't know what program you are on for your diet. You need to talk to your doctor. He obviously provided for your test strips and your blood sugar meter which I know nothing about using. You need to have your doctor explain it to you and instruct you to get started. Someone needs to instruct you on what to eat and when to eat and when to test. Dorisena

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@dorisena

I can't support you anymore because I don't know what program you are on for your diet. You need to talk to your doctor. He obviously provided for your test strips and your blood sugar meter which I know nothing about using. You need to have your doctor explain it to you and instruct you to get started. Someone needs to instruct you on what to eat and when to eat and when to test. Dorisena

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I'm still waiting to go to the specialist I just decided to get me a meter I have not seen him so I'm just floating by until I see specialist

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@trellg132

I'm still waiting to go to the specialist I just decided to get me a meter I have not seen him so I'm just floating by until I see specialist

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You said almost a week ago your doctor said your blood sugar was 478. I believe most people are hospitalized with blood sugar at lower levels than that. And he just sent you home with no directions or instructions on handling your health problem?

Yes, I understand you have to wait to see an endocrinologist or internal medicine specialist, but there are many places to help get you started well before that. Contact the hospital your doctor works with, chances are you can see a diabetes nurse or practioner today or tomorrow. They can at least get you started on dietary advice, proper testing procedures, etc., and possibly at least start you on medication.

Don’t wait, my friend, you are the one who’s health is in the line!

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Thanks, Howard, for putting our concern so well. Dorisena

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@howardm

You said almost a week ago your doctor said your blood sugar was 478. I believe most people are hospitalized with blood sugar at lower levels than that. And he just sent you home with no directions or instructions on handling your health problem?

Yes, I understand you have to wait to see an endocrinologist or internal medicine specialist, but there are many places to help get you started well before that. Contact the hospital your doctor works with, chances are you can see a diabetes nurse or practioner today or tomorrow. They can at least get you started on dietary advice, proper testing procedures, etc., and possibly at least start you on medication.

Don’t wait, my friend, you are the one who’s health is in the line!

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I learned about this going to a kidney specialist not my primary care doctor.i went to hospital they started me on a tablet a day of metformin but I might need it twice a day

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@trellg132

I learned about this going to a kidney specialist not my primary care doctor.i went to hospital they started me on a tablet a day of metformin but I might need it twice a day

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Diabetes is the source of the water causing floods elsewhere in your body. Kidney trouble is just the start if you don’t get it under control.

What I wrote earlier still stands, and I doubt that just one tablet of metformin is going to be enough for to take away all your diabetes problems. It sounds like you’ve had this issue for awhile, with no attention.

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@howardm

Diabetes is the source of the water causing floods elsewhere in your body. Kidney trouble is just the start if you don’t get it under control.

What I wrote earlier still stands, and I doubt that just one tablet of metformin is going to be enough for to take away all your diabetes problems. It sounds like you’ve had this issue for awhile, with no attention.

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Yea that's what I was thinking about the meds also I really want to get a hand on this thing

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@trellg132, I'm glad to hear that you want to get control of your condition. @dorisena and @howardm have been giving very wise and experienced advice and support. It must be hard to wait for further guidance and for the appointment with the endocrinologist. @howardm is right. There's plenty that you can do now to educate yourself and help you prepare for your consult with endocrinologist.

Here's a great place to start:
- Getting started with type 2 Diabetes: American Diabetes Association https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/newly-diagnosed

You can do this. Take one step at a time.

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@lewismustard

I have had type II diabetes since at least 1993. In the past 6 months my PharmD. consultant has seen a remarkable improvement. My glipzide, and R insulin (metformin reduced from 1000mg twice a day to 500 mg twice a day). My Lantus insuline is reduced from 50 units to 25 units per day. My A1C has dropped to 6.1 Thus the reduction in my meds. What do you think is going on? I am 78 years old.

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Have you made good changes in your eating plan? Are you staying active physically? If so, the body is working better and is more normal. You have improved your health with medicines that reduce the numbers. The question is how much carbs you can eat without all the medicines. I choose to rely on diet and exercise for my improved health and still need to lose fat for helping the pancreas to do its job well. Have you lost weight? That could account for some improvement as well, however often people our age lose more weight than they should due to eating less and that needs to be monitored.
Congratulations on your improved A1C. That is the best sign. The reason I don't rely on much medicine is because of the side affects. At our age I don't think we will ever go back to the high carb diet if we want to maintain our health, with or without the pills. I know nothing about Lantus because I have never used it and I would never agree to that much metformin for diabetes. I love veggies and I love to cook and to eat. That is the best cure for what ails us. Dorisena

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