Just diagnosed..where do I go from here?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Just diagnosed..where do I go from here?
9
Mon, 11-22-2004 - 9:48pm
I had my blood sugar checked last week after a new gynecologist suggested diabetes being the reason I cannot get rid of infections (yeast/bacteria). I researched symptoms & had 4 out of 6. My FBS was 133. A GTT today confirms diabetes. They called in Glucophage but I do not have an appointment until 12/2 for a consultation about lifestyle changes/diet, etc. I went to the library after work and checked out several books which seem to be very old. Is there anything new under the sun w/diabetes or are these books going to be timely? What can I do for the next 10 days besides take the med to help myself? And one question I keep asking that's I'd love the answer to, does diabetes ever go away if you eat right and exercise? I guess I really need some encouragement too. I'm pretty down about this and angry because my doctor hasn't checked my BSL since I had a stroke in 1999 even though I get my lipids checked yearly. BTW, I'm 36 and I had gestational diabetes with my dd at age 23. TIA! Julee
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2003
Mon, 11-22-2004 - 10:37pm

No, it never goes away, but diet and exercise can go a long way toward not only prevention,

Please tune in later for a new signature. :)
~Christie

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-02-2003
Tue, 11-23-2004 - 1:42am

Hiya Julee -


I'm a type one, I don't get an option for meds or diet, but I was also diagnosed in my 20s.

Blueliner4
(aka The Pixie Princess)

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-07-2004
Tue, 11-23-2004 - 3:55pm

Hi Julee,

I am only new at this myself ( diagnosed 6 weeks ago ), but I don't think anyone would mind if I said welcome to the board!It sounds like you and I have a few things in common. I am 35. I didn't have gestational diabetes, but my babies were over 9lb.I was also diagnosed after telling my dr about recurrent thrush infections which prompted him to do the test.My BSL's are not particularly high, but high enough for the diagnosis, so just diet and exeercise control for me for the moment. I don't see the dietician for a few weeks yet, but have made a lot of changes already. Replaced white bread with grain bread, cut out all lollies, chocolate, biscuits and cakes,am using diet jam,diet yoghurt, more fruit and vegies and because I also have to lose weight I am eating low fat foods as well. Look for foods with a low glycaemic index as they are good too.

You will get lots of help and advice here. It is not an easy thing to come to terms with ,but there is lots of support available.

Hope this helps a little,
Lisa.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 11-23-2004 - 10:20pm
Thanks everyone! It's nice to not be alone w/this. I truly appreciate the guidance for TG dinner, that took a weight off! What about dressing? That's probably a no-no, right? Someone today told me to cut out all carbs. One of the books I got said have 1/2 a bagel for breakfast. Which is it? I've been eating a high-fiber cold cereal because it keeps me full longer. If I ate 1/2 a bagel I'd be looking for the rest of it in about 1/2 an hour! When I'm not hungry I really feel like I can do this. But when I'm hungry the cravings start in. I've done a low-carb diet before and had to remind myself to eat because I never felt ravenous like I feel so often now. Thanks again for your encouragement. Julee
Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 11-24-2004 - 2:00am

Hi Julee,


Please look in the next folder for the link to Choose to Live, Your Diabetes Survival Guide. It is free and you can print it out or just read it on the computer. It is unfortunately 32 pages long but it is easy reading.


No diabetes never goes away but you can get it under control and prevent complications. I have been diabetic for 15 years and my disease has moved on to the point that I am now on insulin. My lates A1C (which may not mean anything to you yet) was 6.0 and I don't any complications either. Isn't that a nice statement to make just before Thanksgiving.


I do hope that your doctor prescribed the glucophage in a small doseage of about 250 mg as it is hard on your stomach when you first start this medication. It takes about 2 weeks for your system to get used to it and then for most people you are okay. It is the only diabetic drug which encourages you to lose weight and it is first line therapy now.


Please pull up a chair and join our conversation. You will me amazed at what you can learn around here and all the support you will get.

Mary Frances


cl-maryfrances40

Co-CL Diabetes Board


iVillage Member
Registered: 05-02-2003
Wed, 11-24-2004 - 2:01am

Myth #1 - Must cut out all carbs


We need carbs in our bodies to make them run.

Blueliner4
(aka The Pixie Princess)

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2001
Fri, 11-26-2004 - 4:05pm

HI
this is the best link I know of...it explains so much
http://www.joslin.harvard.edu/education/beginnerguide.shtml

Also I have found Weight Watches to be the best for as far as learning to eat healthy and getting healthy. I have lost 126lbs in almost 2 yrs. BS is very normal now and my A1C was 5.6 Dr is very happy. Just a suggestion on my part.

Lynn

 

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sat, 11-27-2004 - 10:46pm

Lisa,


In Australia how often do they check pregnant women for diabetes? Do they just run a blood sugar when you are first pregnant? Or do they run an additional one late in the pregnancy?


Just wondering,

Mary Frances


cl-maryfrances40

Co-CL Diabetes Board


Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sat, 11-27-2004 - 10:59pm

Lynn,


Congratulations on your continued weight loss. You are an inspiration to all of us.


I keep trying to take some more weight off but other than losing inches from my exercise I haven't managed to lose any weight in the last year. But then I haven't gain anything either from being on the insulin. So I am a success but I still would like for there to be less of me around!


Happy Thanksgiving,

Mary Frances


cl-maryfrances40

Co-CL Diabetes Board