A bummer for me...

I was down in Las Cruces, NM for a pre-op screening for the removal of my 10 screws and plate from my ankle fracture. As I was driving home, I got a phone call from my surgeon's office telling me that I needed to go to the nearest ER because my blood sugars from the pre-op screening were 535! By the time I got to the ER, it hit 634. I guess you can guess what happened....I was diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic and was told that I was lucky to be alive because of how high those blood sugars were.

Anyhow, I wanted to see if anyone out there is a diabetic like me and if so, what tricks that they use to control it, if they have any suggestions as to things to drink that are diet that don't taste like garbage and if you have any suggestions about how I can get over my fear of needles. I pass out at the thought of hypodermics and have a hard time sticking myself to check my blood sugars.

Steve

 

Man that sucks but on the bright side my Brother is a diabetic and he leads a normal life, modern technology is great

Steve.

 

A doctor will be able to tell you all you need to know after an examination. Asking for advice on the net wouldn't be the first choice for me. There are always factors with any health issue and you need to have a conversation with someone who is qualified to advise you.

 

Many Type II people can be treated with pills rather than injections.

And, if it turns out you need injections, consider an insulin pump.
http://www.diabetesnet.com/diabetes_technology/insulin_pump_models.php

The MiniMed pump is one of the most popular ones:
http://www.minimed.com/products/insulinpumps/

Rather than using a syringe, a pump uses an "infusion set" which is a tiny clear plastic tube that ends with a 90-turn with a small needle or soft tube on the end. This lays flat on your stomach and is replaced every 3 days (moved to a nearby site, not the exact same place on the skin). The 90-degree turn allows the insertion point to be taped flat to the body with clear medical tape. The other end of the tiny tube attached to the pump and its insulin resevoir. You program the pump to drip a small amount of insulin all day long and then you press a button whenever you eat to deliver a larger amount of insulin to cover a meal. So, this gives real-time control over insulin injection and the insertion of the plastic tube is only once every 3 days and is much less painful than inserting a single syringe.

My wife is a Type I diabetic and she has been using a pump for over 10 years now. The technology has made several signiicant improvements over the years.

 

When you got your first F-car or considered getting one, didn't you talk to people about it first? Did you talk to people that owned one or that serviced it? Did you consult with your friends? Same principle here with my asking on a forum.

I have had that talk with the Dr. I asked here because some people might have ideas that I haven't thought of. I figured there is enough diabetics out there that some probably come to this forum and will know of some good websites to read or have some suggestions about what to do. I KNOW that not all the advice I will get out of here will be good, but a lot of it will. If it is something that sets off my BS meter, I will check with my Dr before I try it. So far I have been told that Diet (or is it Die with a T?) Mountain Dew doesn't taste that bad, that I should check my blood sugar at least 4 times a day and to get a rotary lancet pen that has a depth setting and just play with it without the lancets in it to see if I can get past my phobia.

Thank you all for the suggestions. I appreciate it and look forward to more.

 

I'm type 2 and it's no big deal. The key is diet and exercise. I keep my blood sugar under control all the time. I test 4 times a day and put it in a log.

My first advice: See a Diabetes specialist and don't worry that you're life has dramatically changed. It hasn't. Yes, you have to make some adjustments but believe me, it's nothing to fear. In fact, you'll feel better after you get things back under control.

There's TONS of medical information on what to do and not to do from your doctors and online. This is one of the best understood diseases you can have.

If I have one trick on what to drink (aside from water), it's Crystal Light. I like the Lemonade but they have tea, peach, etc. It's sugar free, cheap, and easy to flavor water with. I used to be a Diet Coke junkie. Now, I'm lucky if I have one a month.

The other trick is balance. Eat a small breakfast, small lunch, and then a dinner. Stay away from snacks and sweets (like candy).

Losing weight is also a great way to combat Type 2. The more fit you are, the less likely to have it or have problems keeping your blood sugar under control.

Stay away from juice and soda and of course, sugar. Believe it or not, fats are OK (like butter). ANYTHING GREEN is also good. Meat is not bad but if you're trying to lose weight, it's not good. Eat in moderation but don't think you're only going to eat salads the rest of your life. Exercise is a great way to burn off sugar.

Like I said, see a specialist in diabetes (called an endocrynologist -- or endo for short). They can give you all the information you need. But, honestly, its not the end of the earth to keep it under control.

I take a pill every morning called Juvenex. It boots your insulin. There are no side effects and your doctor may prescribe something similar. There is another drug called Starlix that you can take before meals. In the worst case situation, you may have to inject yourself with insulin. I had to for about a month until I was able to get my weight down and eat the proper things. There are new kinds of insulin pens that do that easily and almost painlessly. So, even in that case, it's not that bad. Chances are that with only diet, drugs, and exercise you won't need insulin for Type 2. I'm not your doctor but I'm just letting you know that this may not be as bad as you think.

It's really important to keep your sugar under control. It's not because you might have an immediate problem like blacking out or whatever. It's because over time, your small blood vessels will be damaged which in turn will cause things like blindness, nerve damage, or kidney failure. That's some serious stuff that you don't want.

So, don't worry so much but do see someone about it. DO follow their instructions because you want to live a long and healthy life. Consider this more of a blessing that you caught it before something more serious happened! Best of luck!

 

bdelp, thank you for the advice. I saw an internist on Wednesday and again this morning. I wasn't allowed to travel home until today because she wanted me to get my blood sugar down. Her partner is an Endo and I see him on the 10th. Thank you for the suggestions! I appreciate it. Right now, I am on Glucocide and Metformin. (If I spelled those right, you all own me a new F-car because I am not that good at spelling medications without looking at the bottle!

Blood sugar before dinner was 207, which is still quite high, but a lot down from the high of 635. Dr doesn't want to have me lower the sugars that fast because my body is just now starting to get used to the drugs and they didn't know how it would react to the new meds.

I am AFRAID of needles, so I am going to do whatever it takes to get me under control and not have to take needles. A big guy like me afraid of a little needle? HELL YES!!!! I have been known to pass out just from seeing those dang things!

Thank you again!

 

Actually no, you're asking for medical advice on an internet forum. When I bought my first expensive car, I talked to mechanics, people qualified to give me advice. Feel free though and best of health.

 

I had open heart surgery and I had to inject myself with a big ol' needle twice a day for 30 days. Believe me, I'm no needle fan either BUT you'd be amazed what you will do when it's you're life you're talking about. You'll be fine, trust me.

These insulin pens are like NOTHING. And, like I said, you may not need them at all.

Diet and exercise... diet and exercise. I guarantee when you ask the doctor how to get this under control without insulin, that's what they'll say.

So, see the doctor and get their advice. I did and it worked out great for me. I'm sure it will for you to.

 

Flyboy......Sounds to me that you are lucky. You had a good doctor that was awake enough to get ahold of you and direct you to medical attention. I'm in your boat for needles, etc. I'd probably be flipping out, but from the replies here, it does not sound as bad as you are thinking it may be. I'd focus on 1) What the doctors tell you, 2) What you can find on the net (To help you understand what you are dealing with - you know, face your fears and they will disappear) and 3) Support from your friends. Keep us posted on this thread of your journey with this.

As for the hardware removal, I had that done about 18 months ago from a bad heel fracture in which my doctor implanted one long plate and 13 screws. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

 

This might be a little costly and extreme, but you can see a psychologist to help you get over your fear of needles. Alternatively, you can just go borrow a book from the library that describes the most popular and effective fear conditioning methods and try them out yourself. According to my psych teacher, modern methods of getting rid of phobias place minimal stress on the patient and are really quite successful.

I think you'll probably get over your fear after they jab you a few times though, don't look away and tell yourself that it is just another hurdle you need to cross in life.

 

Neil, ease up. The guy is asking for feedback from fellow diabetics and you're trashing him about it. He's seeing a physician and is asking to chat with other diabetics on the side. If you don't like it, move on to another thread.

 

I first suggested a doctor and have a thorough exam because his original post didn't mention it, then he said he was seeing a doctor about it and rambled off about comparing cars, medical advice and the internet was all the same. I pointed out it wasn't the same and wished him good luck. You come in a day later and stir the pot forcing more posts about it. If you don't like my posts you can move along.

 

I'm not getting into a pissing match with you, Neil. Steve deserves this thread to stay on track.

So, if anyone has any helpful hints about overcoming a fear of needles, fire away.

 

AGAIN for those who can't read. I stated "see a doctor" because he did mention it, I though he was cruising for hints without seeing a doctor. Then he said he did and he was just asking for ideas and he thought it was a good idea to ask on a car forum and compared shopping for a car here with getting medical advice. I said there were different things all together and "best of heath".

This was already finished yesterday with my post to him, now this is my second post to you about this when you said you wanted to stay on topic. If you want to keep re-hashing this, so be it.

As for over coming the fear of needles? I don't see how an adult can be, perhaps if they've never had one before. The little pinch is uncomfortable but a fear? After a week it most likely won't be an issue unless there's a phobia and you can't get around a phobia by asking questions.

 

My issue with needles goes back to when I was a kid and had one break off in my arm. Then, when I joined the Army, I had someone hit bone wtih a needle while drawing blood.

So far, the only thing that works for me when it comes to needles is to lay down, turn off the lights and have the room as quiet as possible. I then take long, deep breaths, then when I am ready, I wave at the nurse, turn my head away and let her draw blood and make certain that they don't say a word to me. If they don't follow that, I have a panic attack.

 

Yeah, that's one hell of a ride.

 

Been Type 2 since diagnosed about 1996. I had gone into the Drs. office for a routine examination for weight loss because I had dropped about 20 pounds in two months. I was not trying to lose weight so at my wifes insistence I went in to check it out. My sugar was about 395 the first day. He had me come back in two days later after not eating anything after midnight the day before I went in to see him. It wa still 230 when I went back in to see him.

He put me on Glucophage tablets several times a day. Today I control it with diet and exercise. My weight is steady but lower now than I like it. My sugar runs between 140 down to 105 now. Checking my blood bothered me a little at first but does not bother me at all now.

If you are a "big guy", control the weight and it will drop your sugar count immediately to a lower more controllable number. You will probably get by on oral medication since it is Type 2.

Do you know the difference between Type 1 and Type 2. In Type 1 your body (pancreas) does not produce insulin so you have to help it by injections. In Type 2 your body produces insulin but you cells block absorption of it. The oral medication helps the body absorb the insulin. Some Type 2 have been known to become Type 1 over a period of time. But, I understand that this is a fairly small percentage.

You will get by more easily than you might think now. But, if you will take it seriously and help the doctors help you it will prove fruitful and you will adjust. And there are a lot of options out there. Glucerna cereals and shakes are good at not spiking you. Read the labels. There is a large variety of sugar-free options foods out there. It just takes looking.

 

Been type 2 for over 10 years at first controlled by diet but eventually onto tablets now on 850mg of Metformin 3 x times per day and luckily have very good control, chin up it is a very liveable condition as long as you take care and look after yourself.

 

Read the information that comes with the medication. There are many side-effects like weight gain, which is counter productive to managing your blood sugar. Fat is an insulator to insulin, so the fatter your are the least your existing insulin will be effective. As you start to take these pills, watch for the weight gain, intestinal problems, etc., and see the doctor if you start to have problems because they can change the meds to accommodate your specific situation.

Exercise and eating the right foods are going to be extremely important to the management of your blood sugar. Be mindful of the hidden sugars in processed foods, and read the labels carefully. When eating out take care to consider if the sauces use sugar (some of these places put sugar in everything it seems). Diabetes is an epidemic in the US. The good news is that there are many great sugar free products that are actually tasty and easily available in the supermarket.

Watch what you drink as well. Fruit juices (fructose) and milk products (lactose) all have sugars of which you will need to be mindful. Alcohol is going to process into sugar in your body, so that needs to be minimized as well.

 

Trying to save diabetic feet
Diabetes-related amputations have skyrocketed -- but doctors say that with vigilance, prevention and better circulation treatment, it doesn't have to be that way.

http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-diabetes-amputation22-2009mar22,0,6023741.story

 

Just an update. I really appreciate the tips others have given me. So far I think Crystal Light is the answer to a virgin's prayers because the taste isn't as bad as I expected and I can actually stand it! Blood sugars are way down from where they were a week ago. A week ago they were 635 whereas 10 out of my last 12 have been <200. I still haven't quite hit the normal range (70-120), but I have come close (126).

Thanks for all the support!!!

 

If you are afraid of needles you might consider an implantable insulin pump.

 

Thankfully your doctor summoned you to the ER immediately.

 

Type I for 25 years and have been on a pump for close to 10 years.

Give it time; the more you get stuck with a needle, the more accustomed to it you'll become. If you do have to start taking insulin and use a syringe, the needles are so some that you'll rarely even feel them.