Joining in...

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2007
Joining in...
26
Sun, 08-03-2008 - 10:08pm

Hello to all...


I've been diabetic for about 12 years, I've been in and out of control during those years.  Had two healthy pregnancies on insulin (with the guidance of some GREAT maternal fetal med specialists) with two beautiful, healthy babies. 


I've been through a bout with depression, which included nearly leaving my marriage, for about a year.  During that year, not only did I ignore my marriage, I ignored my HEALTH.  So I went back to my doctor the other day to get a grip on this thing again.  I've gone on Levemir insulin at night with SSI four times a day. 


I post on another board her pretty regularly, but think I'll visit here too. 


What's the deal about oatmeal?  Too many carbs?  Or just difficult to eat only one serving?  LOL!  I love oatmeal!  I ate some yesterday for breakfast, sweetened with Nutra Sweet, my sugar at lunch time was 406 anyway. 


I know I eat WAY too many carbs...I've got to cut back on those. 


I'm exhausted this weekend, possibly from the changes in my body trying to chase this sugar level back down to some reasonable level.


My biggest problem is compliance.  If the regimen has any hassle factor at all, I don't do it.  I've got my levemir here in the fridge, I'm home every night.  But breakfast, lunch and supper I'm working.  Each day is different.  I may be in my office at lunch, or if I have to leave, I may be eating at a drive-thru.  So...I've put my meter and SSI pen in my purse...that way it's with me wherever I go.  Any more tips for compliance?  I'm a RN and I KNOW the risks of this disease.  I just don't take care of myself as well as I take care of everyone else.


Thanks for any suggestions....


Julie

Camperchik

 

Pages

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: camperchik
Mon, 08-04-2008 - 1:31am

Hi Julie,


Welcome to the board. My name is Mary Frances

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-04-2008
In reply to: camperchik
Mon, 08-04-2008 - 10:34am

New here joined today, I am an active 82 year old, go to the 'Y' regularly,love oatmeal, eat it every morning, had no idea it was such a trouble maker, I am having difficulty shifting 10lbs. has hung with me whatever I do, any suggestions.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-03-2003
In reply to: camperchik
Mon, 08-04-2008 - 10:52am

Oatmeal - portion size is a big factor, plus you'll need to add some protein to the meal to make sure that it's a low and slow input - and definitely NO instant oatmeal, that's cut way too fine which means it digests faster than the old fashioned rolled or steel cut oats. If you LOVE oatmeal, cut the portion and add something else to the meal - a handful of crumbled pecans for instance - adds fiber and protein, makes it look more like a full portion by adding bulk to the bowl or a hard boiled egg alongside. My DH likes to top his oatmeal with nut butters to swirl in.

Oddly enough, I find work days easier because I have to pack everything, plan it all in advance and not just grab whatever's handy as I can on weekends when I'm at home and the whole fridge and pantry are available. Brown bagging lunches (get a good thermos and a cold pack - with Back to School stuff abounding this time of year, should be easy to find a good food carrier set up) can work in or out of the office (and saves money). Since driving and eating is a no-no anyhow (many states are adding 'distracted driving' ordinances that cover not just cell phones but also eating while driving). If you are already packing the meter and insulin pen, pack your lunch ahead of time along with healthy snacks (low carb stuff). I use leftovers as an easy lunch since it's already prepared and I know it's 'safe' - I just nuke it for a minute or so (depending on what it is) while I eat breakfast and pop it into the thermos. It stays warm enough to eat for several hours. Also, you might look into a recipe I found called "bircher muesli" if you like oatmeal for breakfast (adjust portion as needed). Put equal parts rolled oats and liquid (milk for example) in a bowl with the sweetener of your choice (I use a little agave syrup since it's low glycemic but not artificial - I react to too many artificial sweeteners). Cover and put in the fridge overnight. In the morning, stir and top with whatever other stuff you want - nuts, fresh fruit, etc. Yes, it's cold oatmeal. It's pretty good, especially in warm weather.

--Deb

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-02-2008
In reply to: camperchik
Mon, 08-04-2008 - 3:25pm

Hi Julie!


So ... 12 years of experience? And an RN???? You should be guiding us newbies (I was diagnosed in January 07)!!!


I just don't take care of myself as well as I take care of everyone else.


This statement you made at the end of yourself made me think ... if you don't start taking care of YOURSELF, you might not be around to take care of everyone else ...


Just something to think about.


Welcome!


Sue

Avatar for cl_coldfingers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: camperchik
Mon, 08-04-2008 - 5:38pm
Deb, I don't think it is 'bad' for everyone.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2007
In reply to: camperchik
Mon, 08-04-2008 - 10:10pm

I don't know what SSI injection is. Please tell me more.


Camperchik

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2007
In reply to: camperchik
Mon, 08-04-2008 - 10:18pm

Portion size is so hard with certain foods!

Camperchik

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2007
In reply to: camperchik
Mon, 08-04-2008 - 10:26pm

Yea, I know...I should have been here a long time ago.

Camperchik

 

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: camperchik
Mon, 08-04-2008 - 11:58pm

LOL!!! SSI to me means supplemental security income!! Thanks for the clarification.


My dietitian set me up with 30 grams at breakfast, 30-45 for lunch and dinner and 15 for a bedtime snack. Remember you don't need to eat as much as when you were pregnant. It is wonderful that you have been able to lose some weight. Keep up the good work.


Symlin is only available by injection and it delays the emptying of your stomach and help protect against post eating highs. It does allow you to lose weight. I am also on Januvia which is the oral version of Byetta. I have managed to lose 7.5 pounds since starting the Januvia. There are 6 classes of drugs for diabetes and I am on 5 of them. Talk about poly pharmacy!! I never thought I would be on so many meds. My most recent A1C was 6.7. I am only on 22 units of Lantus which is a low dose. Type 2's are usually on approximately 40 units.


I think you know what you need to do but a tune=up of your knowledge wouldn't hurt and since it has been six years since you saw a dietitian I would suspect that your insurance would cover it. Education never hurt any of us!


I am so glad that your blood sugar is coming down and I am sure that you feel better already. Keep up the good work and let me know how you are doing.




medsassistance5.gif Medicine Assistance picture by HealthAccount

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: camperchik
Tue, 08-05-2008 - 12:03am

Hi and welcome to the board.


82 years old and still going to the gym. How wonderful! You are poster child for all the rest of us.


How to lose the extra ten pounds? First understand it didn't come on quickly and it won't come off quickly. If you can decrease the amount of food that you are eating a little bit and increase your exercuse a little bit more you should over time lose the extra 10 piunds. Perhaps if you decease the equivalent of 1 slice of bread per day and increase your exercise by 10-15 minutes you should be able to rev up your metabolism and lose this weight.


What do you think of that?




medsassistance5.gif Medicine Assistance picture by HealthAccount

Pages