newly diagnosed and confused
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newly diagnosed and confused
| Mon, 09-10-2007 - 1:08pm |
Hi! I was recently diagnosed, initial numbers were not TOO bad, 240. I am taking Actos, and excersing, and trying to eat right. Thats where I am having trouble. I also was diagnosed with high cholesterol, so I am on medication for that, as well as low fat eating. I have been avoiding sweets, period.......and use splenda in my coffee of tea. It's the food and the carbs and such that have me baffled. I cannot afford to go to a nutrionist. Can anyone help?

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Hi Susan!!!
Susan,
Can you please tell a little more about what is going on with you? We are here to help and to explain things as best we can. You are not alone with your disease.
Susan,
Take a deep breath and relax.
Susan,
Here is the link to article that I want you to read and print out:
http://health.ivillage.com/diabetesthy/di/0,,pz7h,00.html
You didn't tell me what dosage of metformin that you are on and yes, you need to continue to take it. If you are on more than 500 mgm per day you need to start with that dosage and you must have food in your stomach when you take the metformin. As Joan told you, the medication does cause an upset stomach and it takes about 2 weeks to get used to it. It would be best if you started with 250 mgm in the morning and after dinner.
As you will see from the article above it isn't so much what you eat but how much. Now this doesn't give you license to go back to drinking regular soda pop or eating heavily sugared things. There is also no reason for you to cook one thing for yourself and something different for your family. Diabetic eating is just healthy eating.
Call your regular physician on Monday and ask to see him or her again. Also ask for a referral to a diabetic care center so that you can get the education that you need to manage this disease. While it is life changing, you can still live a thoroughly satisfying life. You are early in your disease and you can get this under control and it may be possible for you to come off all diabetic medication for a period of time.
The easiest way to breakdown the insulin resistance which is part of your diabetes is to exercise. It will also help your moods. So get yourself out of the house for a walk of at least 30 minutes in duration. You don't have to run a marathon just get moving. You will be amazed at how much better it will make you feel.
At this point you need only one doctor trying to manage your disease. Unless your blood sugar is below 80 or above 400 you don't need to be taking yourself to urgent care.
This is a life long journey and you need only to take one step at a time. There is a lot for you to learn at absolutely the worst time but you can manage this. We will hold your hand while you get a handle on this. I didn't respond to you through your personal email because you are experiencing the same thing that many other people are also and there are many diabetic veterans here on the board who can and will reach out to you and let you know that you can and will survive this and thrive.
Joan,
Thank you for your wise words to Susan. They should be a great help.
Cheers,
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