i guess i have type 2 (i'm new)

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-14-2003
i guess i have type 2 (i'm new)
10
Tue, 06-22-2004 - 9:41pm
Hi, I'm new. I had gestational diabetes with both of my children. (3 1/2 and 19 months) With my littlest one, I was on insulin. After delivery I went back to the high end of normal, but in the normal range. I have been on Atkins for 10 months and last month my feet and fingers felt swollen/bloated. So I went to my doctor to see what was up. My fasting glucose was 180 and my A1C was 8.3. I'm wondering how on earth it could be so high when I haven't had any carbs in almost a year!!! My sugars are higher on Atkins than they were before Atkins. My doctor says sometimes Atkins can trick your body into a false diabetes state. Anyone know anything about this?

Anyway, I'm off Atkins now and exercising regularly. My sugars had come down a bit, but are still too high and my fingers are so swollen that I can't get my rings off easily. I go tomorrow to go on medication. (Dr had given me 3 months to get off Atkins and control it with diet and exercise) But I'm going back because I know being swollen can't be good!

I'm 35, 5'8" and weigh 132. I really don't think I could lose 5% of my body weight. I really just don't think it would be possible for me.

Anybody have any advice for me? I'm feeling a little lost and confused. And after being on Atkins for so long, it's really hard to start eating carbs again. I go next week to a dietician.

Thanks in advance!

Meredith

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-05-2003
Mon, 06-28-2004 - 2:33am
Hey I am new to this board as well. and I too have alot of questions as well..

LIke okay my blood work fasting was 6.3.. and its like so is that high? I guess I just wish that maybe there was a mistake some how.. I hate this pricking finger testing mess .. I cant imagine me doing this all my life 3 times a day:( also the fasting numbers if its suppose to be under 100 mine hasnt been under 100 since this morning for the first time it was 92 .. I was like yea yea yea:) I was so happy I didnt know that thin didnt go under 100 bye for now Melody

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Community Leader
Registered: 04-30-2000
Mon, 06-28-2004 - 2:19pm

Hi Meredith.

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Community Leader
Registered: 04-30-2000
Mon, 06-28-2004 - 2:27pm

I am wondering if the 6.3 is an A1c reading... that is a blood test that can tell what your average reading was for the last 2 or 3 months.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-14-2003
Tue, 06-29-2004 - 12:58pm
Hi Cheryl,

Thanks for responding. I was feeling very blue that no one had even welcomed me! Very unsupportive! But feeling better now.

I started on Amaryl, which did nothing. So last night I went on glucophage (sp?)...or more specifically Metrofin or something like that. This morning my bs was 153, which is FAR better than my usual over 200. I just hope that I can get to the point where I can eat like a "normal" person...well, with no junkfood or sweets, but otherwise normal.

I wouldn't mind losing 6-7 pounds, but I've been trying for almost a year and this is as low as I've been able to get. I go today to the dietician, so we'll see what she says.

Thanks for the welcome.

Meredith

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Community Leader
Registered: 04-30-2000
Tue, 06-29-2004 - 2:26pm

Again I am so sorry that no one responded to you!!!!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-03-2003
Tue, 06-29-2004 - 5:45pm

Hi Meredith -


I as diagnosed with T2 diabetes last October and was put on Amaryl and Avandia. I am not sure that the Amaryl is doing

Smoochdog (aka Michelle)


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Community Leader
Registered: 04-30-2000
Tue, 06-29-2004 - 8:13pm
Good to see you Michelle!!! You know I miss you!!!!
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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-14-2003
Thu, 07-01-2004 - 12:00pm
Thanks, guys, for posting.

I switched from Amaryl to Metformin, and its really helped. The dietician told me to only test fasting and before dinner so as not to make myself nuts while I'm getting under control. So my fasting has been going down (about 120- much better than 222!)and my before dinners have been about 140. Heading in the right direction.

I guess I'll manage and survive. I have a lot to live for, so I've got to stay healthy!

Have a great long weekend! I'm flying with the children up to my parents' house for a little R+R, while DH says home and does some projects!

Take care,

Meredith

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Community Leader
Registered: 04-30-2000
Thu, 07-01-2004 - 3:05pm

Merideth....

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-09-2004
Thu, 07-01-2004 - 7:01pm
Hi, and welcome to the board. I am on Metformin also. My doctor set me a goal of 110 to 120 for fasting BG testing and I am usually at the high end of it now (118,119) and a goal of 140 to 160 2 hr.s after a meal. I also started out in the 250 range for the fasting BG. I was dianosed a type 2 diabetic May 21. Unlike you I'm 63 years old.

I am supposed to be exercising and every time I walk a little I end up getting shaky, like a low BG symptom. I haven't been able to go shopping or anything. I was wondering if you lost your energy level on the Metformin. I was real sick when I started the Metformin, (cramps and diarea. My dr. said it was from the Metformin and would stop and it mostly has) so I am feeling a little better now. I am still doing a lot of laying around and lacking my old get up and go. I'm 5'3" and now weight 129 so I am in the proper BMI range. My next Dr. appointment is in September.

I will be attending a 2 day class about diabetes in a couple of weeks. I do intend to ask some of these questions there. I am wondering if it is the diabetes or the Metformin.

Along with the diabetes I have also have had indigestion difficulties and I have been taking over the counter Gas-X every day. I have never had these problems before the diabetes. This started before the Metformin meds so I'm pretty sure it has to do with the diabetes.