Diabetes Diagnosis, In Shock

@tula17 - I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother! She seems to have had a very calming influence on you. Do you have children yourself?
I test my blood sugar now and then, when I get up in the morning. I also take medicine to help control the disease. I take Januvia.
There are times when I too have cravings- we are human, right?!
If I fall for anything it is very dark chocolate- around 80% cocoa.
Due to digestive problems I don’t eat large amount of any meat, except fish.
I don’t drink fruit juices or regular sodas, I may have one diet soda daily.
Water is very important, it helps control the appetite, plus it helps flush out the extra sugar.
I enjoy almonds as a snack- good protein. I always liked fruits and raw vegetables- I like to chew! I do eat Greek yoghourt, plain and unsweetened, to which I add fresh berries and Stevia as a sweetener.
Regular exercise is important for the glucose metabolism- walking is probably the best.
If you don’t walk on a regular basis, start now. It keeps your blood sugar steady and also lightens your mood.
Do you keep a journal? It can be helpful for you to write down what you eat and drink as well as exercise and what your mood is like.
Do you swim? Swimming is a good activity, classes in water aerobics too.
Does your doctor monitor your blood sugar with the HgbA1c test?

I am sorry to hear your diabetes diagnosis has become so overwhelming to you.

My husband is diabetic, was diagnosed nearly 30 years ago. At first it was very difficult for him because we had young children and parents to care for as well as 2 careers. At some point he decided to manage it as best he could and live life to the fullest, and he has. He always pays close attention to his blood sugar, carbs and diet, but does indulge in very limited cheating. With medication he has maintained his AIC below 7 all these years, stayed at a healthy weight and is just now seeing a bit of neuropathy in his feet. All while living "normally" -.we just adopted his healthy diet for the family. If we overdo one day, we are extra careful for the next few. In fact, my allergies to wheat, rye and tree nuts are harder to manage than a diabetic diet. And if I cheat or accidentally eat those things, I gat quite ill for 2-3 days. But that's just life.

I think maybe you might try to find a good dietitian to help you establish a healthy, easy diet. And figure out how to make many of your favorite foods in more healthy ways..

We are on a road trip and our cooler contains protein shakes, carrots, oranges, unsalted pistachios, water and hard cheese. He has low carb keto cookies for a treat, I have a few dark chocolate pieces. We don't feel deprived except when we can't find anywhere to eat except fast food when traveling.

My suggestion is to go to an endocrinologist or lipid specialist. Someone who will help you with direction to go, good meds to take and diet. Most doctors, in my opinion, do not help with how to integrate what must be done to get on top of this.

Good luck.

Elizabeth:

For some reason I only got your reply a few days ago! I don’t know if you’re still interested, but I’ve taken Metanx (also known as foltanx or generic L-Methyl-B6-B12) since when I first found out I had diabetes, around the year2000. My foot doctor recommended it to me; I believe that’s a big reason why I still have full feelings in my feet, after even several years of high blood sugar (due to medications).

Depending on the insurance you have, you may need to use the GoodRx coupons and go to a different pharmacy; I usually have paid about 30-35 per month when I purchased in 90 day supplies. It is sold with or without a prescription, but I’ve found the prescription route to be less expensive.

Hope that help, and God bless you.

@howardm, ad all...thanks, Howard. I'll ck it out. Interesting...Be well, be blessed.
Elizabeth

Not much help here as one of my best resources is actually this site. I am sorry to hear of your health care challenges and noted a lot of similarities in the physical areas causing you stress, although the disease processes may not be the same. I am disabled from severe arthritis and basically every other body system has issues; I just muddle along, some days doing OK but most days not. My diabetes went into overdrive in the last months; I was on an oral med which I will continue, but will start insulin tonight (long acting night time dosing). Myself and my family members have a lot of auto-immune diseases and I worry about them also. In so many ways I am abundantly blessed, but some days I just cannot rise to my preferred response to these challenges with an attitude of gratitude, oh well. Best wishes going forward. Martha Perry

Long time type 2 diabetic whose pancreas has gone nuts and will be starting insulin today, just hope it makes me feel better. Most of the time I feel like I am 'starving' as my cells cannot get the sugar from the foods I eat into them which is what they need to have happen but it cannot happen without the correct amount of secreted insulin or injected insulin. I have had a lot of diseases/disorders over the years and my choice is to keep an attitude of gratitude, but I miss that mark a lot and that would be my number 1 craving....a sense of peace and an attitude of gratitude daily. Sorry you feel so uck, prayers for us all for peace.

I too have struggled with my type 2 diagnosis for about 4 years. I was in denial and kept saying I could get my A1C down on my own. I finally realized I needed medication so now on 750 mg MetforminER once a day. I also watch my carbs. Plus only drink occasionally now. It’s made a huge difference. My A1C went from 7.5 to 5.1. I’m hoping someday to not need medication. Hang in there.