1. < Diabetes & Endocrine System

Diabetes type 2 help

Posted by lbarth @lbarth, Jul 23 12:23pm

2 years ago I was diagnosed pre op. Was so high they wouldn’t do surgery. With diet from Dr. and taking 500 mg of Metformin 2x day I got it down in 2 weeks for surgery and lost 30 lbs. I have been doing that since. Had complete blood test on 7/15/24. A1C was 6.3 I mentioned to Dr last week it was going up every day. I’ve had 5 knee surgeries in 2 years and it bumped briefly post op but that was it. Dr. told me stressed but it keeps creeping up. My usual testing was mid 90’s sometimes 102. But lately an example: last night did not eat for 4 hours before bed then got up and tested in middle of night it’s 123 I get up this morning it’s 106 eat 3 hrs later it’s 128 snack of low carb 3 hrs later 130. Im frustrated and worried and don’t know what to eat or not eat.

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Scott R L | @scottrl | Jul 23 1:45pm

As someone's who's been Type II for over 20 years, here's my opinion:

You're stressing over the numbers, and it's driving them higher. It's the kind of self-fulfilling worry that happens to a lot of people over a lot of issues. (I know someone who worries so much about her blood pressure tests that it measures very high, and the more she concentrates on lowering it, the higher it goes.)

You have numbers that a great many Type II diabetics would kill for. (I wouldn't kill for them, but I might hurt someone pretty bad. < -- That's a joke.) Don't obsess over the individual tests. You can end up with lots of *data*, but not the right *information*.

Try some relaxation exercises, at least some deep breathing and stretching. I bet your numbers improve.

Remember, an A1c under 7 is considered controlled. You're doing really well. Focus on what's right, which is a lot.

I'm sure other members will chime in with helpful tips, too.

REPLY
2 replies
lbarth | @lbarth | Jul 23 2:17pm
In reply to @scottrl "As someone's who's been Type II for over 20 years, here's my opinion: You're stressing over..." + (show)
@scottrl

As someone's who's been Type II for over 20 years, here's my opinion:

You're stressing over the numbers, and it's driving them higher. It's the kind of self-fulfilling worry that happens to a lot of people over a lot of issues. (I know someone who worries so much about her blood pressure tests that it measures very high, and the more she concentrates on lowering it, the higher it goes.)

You have numbers that a great many Type II diabetics would kill for. (I wouldn't kill for them, but I might hurt someone pretty bad. < -- That's a joke.) Don't obsess over the individual tests. You can end up with lots of *data*, but not the right *information*.

Try some relaxation exercises, at least some deep breathing and stretching. I bet your numbers improve.

Remember, an A1c under 7 is considered controlled. You're doing really well. Focus on what's right, which is a lot.

I'm sure other members will chime in with helpful tips, too.

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for responding. My Dr. also suggested relaxation techniques. I will have to concentrate on that. Also appreciate the joke👍

REPLY
1 reply
Scott R L | @scottrl | Jul 23 4:33pm
In reply to @lbarth "Thank you so much for responding. My Dr. also suggested relaxation techniques. I will have to..." + (show)
@lbarth

Thank you so much for responding. My Dr. also suggested relaxation techniques. I will have to concentrate on that. Also appreciate the joke👍

Jump to this post

Glad to help!

REPLY
sisyphus | @sisyphus | Jul 25 9:37am

The good news is that DT2 is a lifestyle disease ... and therefore can be prevented and even reversed if recently diagnosed. The bad news is that it's now reaching ever younger populations.

It's unfortunate healthy lifestyle (mostly plant based foods, physical activity, and stress control, often resulting in sound sleep) is the way out of it but we fret about disease and forget about how it have started in the first place. This seems to have worked for me for 8 decades -- free of meds and doctor visits.

REPLY
1 reply
lbarth | @lbarth | Jul 25 11:14am
In reply to @sisyphus "The good news is that DT2 is a lifestyle disease ... and therefore can be prevented..." + (show)
@sisyphus

The good news is that DT2 is a lifestyle disease ... and therefore can be prevented and even reversed if recently diagnosed. The bad news is that it's now reaching ever younger populations.

It's unfortunate healthy lifestyle (mostly plant based foods, physical activity, and stress control, often resulting in sound sleep) is the way out of it but we fret about disease and forget about how it have started in the first place. This seems to have worked for me for 8 decades -- free of meds and doctor visits.

Jump to this post

Not sure of your point here. It really has nothing to do with my actual question?

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collegeprof | @collegeprof | Jul 26 6:08am

@lbarth Two points here. Your glucose level will always go up and down. The importance of staying below an A1C of 7 is great. The long term trend of being below 7 is on your side, and that is what endocrinologists want. Second, in the short term, meet with a dietitian who can help you with carb intake. Lastly, most hospitals offer either free (paid by insurance) or low cost once a week classes for all diabetics, whether new or have had diabetes 2 years or longer like yourself.

REPLY
1 reply
lbarth | @lbarth | Jul 26 8:05am
In reply to @collegeprof "@lbarth Two points here. Your glucose level will always go up and down. The importance of..." + (show)
@collegeprof

@lbarth Two points here. Your glucose level will always go up and down. The importance of staying below an A1C of 7 is great. The long term trend of being below 7 is on your side, and that is what endocrinologists want. Second, in the short term, meet with a dietitian who can help you with carb intake. Lastly, most hospitals offer either free (paid by insurance) or low cost once a week classes for all diabetics, whether new or have had diabetes 2 years or longer like yourself.

Jump to this post

Thanks for your insight. I follow carbs closely and also the diet sheet my Dr. gave when I was first diagnosed. So I think I’m pretty good there. Will double check what the hospital has but I was surprised to not find any kind of support groups in my area, not even at the Senior Center. Thanks again👍🏻

REPLY
collegeprof | @collegeprof | Jul 26 1:29pm

@lbarth Your endocrinologist is usually on top of this for a referral for diabetic classes which many times insurance may cover. You will be with other diabetics who equally are looking for support and getting a great diabetic education at the same time.

REPLY
lbarth | @lbarth | Jul 26 2:27pm

Ok thanks I will look into it. My PCP would have to refer me.

REPLY
noteworthy | @noteworthy | Jul 27 7:22pm
In reply to @scottrl "As someone's who's been Type II for over 20 years, here's my opinion: You're stressing over..." + (show)
@scottrl

As someone's who's been Type II for over 20 years, here's my opinion:

You're stressing over the numbers, and it's driving them higher. It's the kind of self-fulfilling worry that happens to a lot of people over a lot of issues. (I know someone who worries so much about her blood pressure tests that it measures very high, and the more she concentrates on lowering it, the higher it goes.)

You have numbers that a great many Type II diabetics would kill for. (I wouldn't kill for them, but I might hurt someone pretty bad. < -- That's a joke.) Don't obsess over the individual tests. You can end up with lots of *data*, but not the right *information*.

Try some relaxation exercises, at least some deep breathing and stretching. I bet your numbers improve.

Remember, an A1c under 7 is considered controlled. You're doing really well. Focus on what's right, which is a lot.

I'm sure other members will chime in with helpful tips, too.

Jump to this post

I've been diabetic for 20+ years. Unfortunately, I relied on the fact even under 7
may not be good enough for older like me 77 yo. I have nerve damage that docs
are puzzled with. Since I learned this I have cut out all sugar and sweets and wine. I have lost 8 lbs. The weight loss is fine, but should have done this years
ago. It is Sept or Nov for another neurology appt, Mayo Clinic after two doctor
referrals has not responded.

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