Connect
← Return to Diabetes Diagnosis, In Shock
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@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
Replies to "@babette et al Hello, I was diagnosed w/diabetes when my glucose level was over 300 one..."
I’m sorry if I misjudged your situation, but I assumed since you had been diagnosis with diabetes that you were already under the care of a doctor. Yes, by all means, this should have been your first step.
While having the care of an endocrinologist is often needed in advanced cases, most PCPs are capable of guiding the day-to-day care you need to take (mine is an internal medicine specialist). If you feel you need more care/oversight in your case, ask your PCP for a referral.
Depending on where you live, most areas have a basic care class for food for diabetics and a device testing class (you need to test at least twice a day, more if your on insulin). Again, your PCP should direct you to what care is available in your area.
Additionally, you should have the regular care of other specialists in your area if not already. I’m referring to an eye doctor, foot specialist, urologist, and dental care. Remember that diabetes affects your entire body, so you need to be proactive in your health care.
I myself had only basic diabetes classes, as you learn what works for you. You are in a good place, just starting your journey with diabetes; if you learn to test correctly, eat right, take your medication, and add exercise to your lifestyle as needed, you can manage and count on many years to spend with your grandkids and loved ones.
Most of the above is a given for your situation. If it hasn’t happened, you may need to consider another PCP.
As a side note, one of the serious complications (among many) of diabetes is neuropathy; consider asking your doctor about “Metanx”, which is what I’ve been taking for many years to help prevent this. I believe it is one of the main reasons I still have full feelings in my feet after almost 20 years.
Take care.
Connect
@babette A quick additional comment:
I can't imagine a stationary bike w/your knee or yoga if you're having weight surgery!!!! I go to a PT therapy pool for my exercise, 2X weekly, script from my mayo neurologist and he said I should use that pool, 94 degrees, the rest of my life. It's truly wonderful! Helps me more than anything I've ever done. The exercise is as smooth and comfy as you can imagine. Nothing hurts.....I get good work-outs, but no pain, lots of working using the water for strengthening and relaxation. It helps every part of my body.
I also, occasionally, use the recumbant stepper that puts no stress on any of my joints.....I have severe arthritis in my joints, can't use bike or upward motion, no reg stepper, am overweight and yoga or other such are out of the question. So, pool, occasional recumbant stepper, easy walking as far as is comfortable and that's it. That's plenty! for me and has helped joints, fibro, muscles/all soft tissue, heart, head....I use my little pink walker and toddle at a slow pace safely.
Anyway, those are my thoughts on getting some good, reasonable exercise for weight and diabetes and everything else.....blessings again and more....elizabeth