Hi everyone. I was recently diagnosed with Type II and frankly am mortified. I guess I shouldn't be because that won't help me to control it. I've been reading some of the posts here and some of it is pretty frightening. However, I'm glad you all are here, it's encouraging. I think I need a little hand-holding because although I have a lot of resource info (beforehand), I'm not sure how to manage my eating and lifestyle. I haven't seen a nutritionist yet - that's coming soon, but I'm trying to watch my eating habits. I know that I need to increase my exercising. I've learned from before. I actually think my previous excercise routine kept the diabetes from starting earlier. Now I don't feel like doing anything. I have an exercise bike and a rowing machine here at home. They don't collect dust all the time, however, I do need to increase using them. Now that I've vented, I guess I'd like to know more details on managing my sugar levels. I'm supposed to take the metfomin - once in the PM, with food. I took it once and thought I would die!! I was so sluggish and couldn't tell if I was sleepy or tired or what. Emotionally, I was a wreck - grumpy and irratable, and I felt so frustrated. I finally took a nap because I couldn't do anything else. After that, I felt better, but still had the emotional thing going on. The other thing - after I took it, even into the next day, my hands, feet and arms were so hot - like prickly heat, only worse. My skin was on fire - very red and burning. I also swelled up so much, like I was retaining more fluid. I know it was the meds because nothing else changed and it hasn't happened since I stopped taking it. I called my Dr., but haven't heard back yet. Anyone else have those symptoms? Also, what is the difference in the timing for taking it. Some people have said with meals, others before and in the AM. Not sure about that. Sorry for the long post, but right now I feel pretty clueless. Thanks for listening - any info is much appreciated!! gng

I'm type II diabetic, and luckily my insurance pays for diabetic counseling, which takes the form of a meeting with a nurse who is a diabetic specialist at a diabetic clinic on a regular basis. I usually go every 4 months but have varied that going as frequently as 3 months or as far out as 6 months. The nurses at the clinic are also available to me as needed by phone or email. It's extremely helpful as it both gives me a place to ask questions, it gets my medication and glucose levels looked at regularly, and it keeps me accountable. My guess is that the potato chips are not a specific culprit, but just happen to be a favorite item (a weakness) and that eating a few now and then wouldn't hurt you at all or cause symptoms, if factored into your diet. At the same time, you have to remember that they are empty calories. If you eat a handful of chips then you should cut out something else, and that something is probably far better for you than those greasy chips. Potato chip calories are made up way more of grease than of carbs. But, if you can't keep yourself from binging on them, then you are better off with them out of the house. I also get those weak, trembly feelings when my blood sugar is too low. When it gets a little too high, I tend to get very, very sleepy. And it doesn't have to be anywhere near the 300 range that someone mentioned for that to happen. 175 can easily put me in an area where I'd have trouble keeping my eyes open. I have never hit 300, that I'm aware of, and it would scare me if I did. I test my blood sugar usually first thing in the morning, and as someone else mentioned once or twice a day either at 2 or 4 hours after eating. The nurses at the diabetic clinic like to see readings from a variety of times. It helps them see how my meds are working. How high the numbers go after eating (2 hour mark is usually about the highest) and how quickly the meds pull the levels down (4 hour mark).

BIG twins.....and a mixed pair! Congratulations. Indulge the new mommas now that the diabetes isn't a problem. Is she breast feeding?...keep that in mind when you cook....cabbaggey things, chocolate and other things often disagree with baby. But they will tell you....just don't make too much of any one thing until you know.

Eld, here's my story. At about the same time, DH and my DS (dear sister), were diagnosed with type 2. My sister became super strict diet wise and excercise wise and has managed to keep this under control without medicine. DH on the other hand, did increase his exercise but felt he could not deprive himself of the joys of eating whatever he wanted. I should also add that diabetes runs rampantly through all our families, but I think DH's family had it even more . Anyway, that was about 10 years ago. DH takes tons of medicines, and my sister takes nothing. DH continues to eat anything and everything, goes daily for walks with our dog ( several miles) no matter what, and his blood work comes back fine, due to the strong meds. My sister continues to maintain without meds. I am in between them both, and continue to have fine blood work so while genetics and lifestyle are key, I still maintain there is always a good degree of luck. There are side effects of course to the meds and diabetes of course is not something you want. Anwyay that is how someone can eat whatever they want and still have decent lab work. (I don't share this to be flippant; my daughters as well as I have tried to get DH to change and it's not happening. so thanks to the pharma industry .... he is with us). Lucille, those are great finds and I am glad they are working for you and you get to indulge.