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Dorisena, perhaps your math is slightly off on your last reply.
Babette: Yes, as previously mentioned, 45 grams of total carbs per meal is a good way to plan. Learn to read the carbs on labels, or use one of the many sites on the web that tell how many carbs are in the things you eat.
Too little carbs mean not enough energy, and sets other body issues in motion to try to raise its own blood sugar. Too many carbs means higher blood sugar readings.
On labels, read the number of servings per pack, as that is one way that food companies try to hide the actual amount. For instance, a frozen food entree should contain one meal for you of a net amount of 45 carbs (total carbs in package minus fiber).
By the way, I eat a lot of meat because I have other conditions that require lots of protein. You have to find what works for you and satisfies your dietary needs and your own wants.
Make certain you stay active in exercising, etc as that will make a huge part in helping you manage things.
Additionally one item to look at in the future is glycemic loads, and glycemic indexes. I wish you all the best in your new lifelong journey.
Replies to "Dorisena, perhaps your math is slightly off on your last reply. Babette: Yes, as previously mentioned,..."
@babette et al Hello, I was diagnosed w/diabetes when my glucose level was over 300 one day, out of the blue, while recuperating from CHF for several months. I take Janumex and it's pretty well controlled. Don't know why that happened, but several hormones went bonkers. I had other endocrine issues that caused the edema and CHF, now well controlled after a lot of work w/Mayo Clinic adjusting hormone levels.
I don't believe you mentioned seeing an endocrinologist or being under a diabetic specialist of any kind. I was diagnosed by my PCP, prior to my Mayo involvement, who sent me for a short visit w/diabetic nurse specialist for instruction on the what/when/how of diabetic health. It wasn't so great, but got me started.
I should have gone to an endocrinologist. They often have regular diabetic patient instruction, meetings and support. I've never had that help, but think it would be very helpful short and long-term. They offer guidance in controlling your diabetes w/diet, losing weight and all the do's and don'ts and lots of help.
I still need this help today, as I'm not controlling this as well as I want. My diabetes is overseen by my PCP. I need to have a Mayo endocrinologist, but don't at this time.
I can't cook much, so eat from the grocery deli, pre-packaged FRESH meals, delicious and only need heating, pricey but for one it's 2-4 meals and makes a lot of sense. Also, do the smoothie thing, with protein powder, w/no sugar or preservatives or additives. I've simplified my food, even frozen meals w/no preservatives, low sugar, low carbs, high protein. Do watch the sodium tho on the frozen foods....
Don't know if any of this makes sense, but it seems to work well for me at this point. Hope you find the best mix for you. Really think we need the added help of the diabetic support meetings and guidance from medical. Let me know how you do.....blessings, elizabeth
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Howard, perhaps there is a misunderstanding on my math. I was taught to count the grams of carbs and originally eat ten to 12 servings of carbs at 15 g. each which totals 180. This is too high for me, so I cut down to 10 servings per day. Even 150 grams is high and I have lowered that goal in the past few years. A Texas nutritionist guru recommends much lower levels but that is not sustainable for me.
My blood sugar has been below 100 the past two days even with a huge dinner the night before. I am pretty happy about it all after 15 years of change and better health. I am only taking one Metformin after dinner and plan to drop that this summer when my garden is producing. I can now eat thin spaghetti with my homemade tomato sauce with no sugar spike. I am beating back diabetes. Dorisena