Thursday, September 12, 2019

Input Requested

Since my Type 2 diabetes diagnosis a couple of years ago, I have attempted to control blood sugar levels with diet, exercise and no medication. 

If you are doing the same, I would appreciate any word on how you are doing and strategies you have developed.  

Here's the background:

For me, walking two miles or more daily usually translates to lower blood sugar readings the next day, but not always. 

With the help of Hubby, my cooperative chef and chief cheerleader, we are both mostly strict with diet. I count carbs. He counts calories. 

Consistent exercise and counting is not enough, however, to get a handle more specifically on what contributes to those less than stellar readings that occur too often. 

My former primary care physician kept a schedule of every six months doing that A1C test. She was okay with my diet and exercise regimen. Then she relocated. 

The new doc is emphatic that even with diet and exercise, I will have to go on medication eventually, anyway. I understand that. 

But she doesn’t want me to take my blood sugar daily because she doesn’t want me to “freak out.” Well that definitely freaked me out. 

I guess I do sound obsessive about the subject. No, make that I AM obsessive.

The routine of Hubby poking my finger and doing that simple blood sugar check every day and at different times of day has been revealing and helpful.

I see nothing wrong with trying to determine what more specifically I can tweak in exercise, eating and timing. Hopefully what I learn will help me pamper the remaining insulin-producing beta cells in my pancreas and keep them functioning a little longer. 

One of my challenges is finding an easy method for keeping a daily record of what specific foods and liquids I consume and when. We are out and about a lot.

I have tried carrying a small notepad; but whether at home or not, recording specifically when and what I eat seems to be an insurmountable task for me. 

I already carry my iPhone everywhere, and I have seen counting-carbs apps for iPhone advertised. It all looks intimidating, though, for this non-techie procrastinator. 

I am still exploring options. Experiences that have helped others, and word of any apps or strategies that worked or didn’t work will be appreciated.

Ideas anyone?

-30-

9 comments:

  1. Wishing you all the best in this journey.

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  2. I thought Type 2 diabetes could be controlled with diet. When I read your doctor said eventually you have to go on medication anyway it surprised me.

    If you are having trouble, maybe you could go lower with the carbs? There is a wonderful site on here called https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/

    They go pretty low carb with their recipes. I once knew a lady (from blogging) who said she needed to have 15 carbs per meal. That seemed like a lot to me for a diabetic, but it was what she had been told. She had trouble controlling her sugar. :/ I wonder if going lower would have worked.

    I'm not diabetic, just love low carb- usually! ;-)

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  3. Roger is type II diabetic...but you really don't want to hear his story. Lets just say it has been frustrating beyond belief...even before his stroke, he just would not pay attention to carbs. Except for the last 8 months before his stroke.

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  4. I have been tracking my food for 2 years 9 months. I keep a journal on the kitchen counter and if I bite it I write it. two of my friends use apps on their phones to track theirs. they both love the app called MyFitnessPal, another uses Fitbit tracker. here is a link to all the apps, writing works for me best, but others not....
    https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/06/the-10-best-apps-to-help-you-eat-healthy-and-lose.html

    Mr blog friend since 2009, has diabetes, she was struggling to keep hers under control even with 2 shots of insulin a day. the doctor told her to follow these two steps. No sugar, No white flour, no more than one fruit a day. she lost 100 pounds following that and within a year no longer takes insulin, no shots no pills. her doctor says she is fine without it. I took all her info and stopped the sugar, and almost all the white flour. we need carbs, fat and protein at every meal and heavy on protein, also count carbs and calories. it sounds like you are on the way you need to be on... hope this helps

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  5. Sounds like you are getting good advice. I know a lot of our illnesses are in our own hands and good seeing you take yours seriously. Think you are on the right track. Keep up the battle.

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  6. I think what Sandra wrote is right on.
    My Dr. said I had diabetes and ordered me to have no flour , no fruit...That was 2 years ago..I obeyed very strictly for a long time and lost many pounds and got my A1c numbers down in the 5.4 range...no meds ever.
    But I have not had the added thing of a stroke to contend with.
    I still watch my carbs, flour intake and fruit too.
    I can sure tell when I go off my diet for any length of time..
    Its funny you would post this...I just posted on my blog about my diabetes journey. Stop by.
    Everyone is different and I believe you have to do what works for you...if that means checking every day...do it. Glad you have your Hubby helping you too.

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  7. Thanks for the specific strategies, experiences, links to helpful Internet sites, and encouragement. I can already see that I have a bit of regrouping and am definitely making some changes. Sandra and Sue

    And Rose, thank you for sharing about Roger's experiences. There is part of James 5:16 that says "pray for each other that you may be healed." I was already praying for Roger's post-stroke journey and for you. I know from the increased effort my husband expends helping me that your role is different but just as challenging as Roger's.

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  8. I also thought Type II Diabetes could be controlled by diet. It's kind of negative for a doctor to tell you that eventually you would have to go on meds anyway. However, I don't have any personal experience in this area, so I probably shouldn't comment. Wish you the best in your journey.

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