So, one year ago today I was given my Diabetes Type II diagnosis. I don't know an exact date for when my Diabetes developed, but I know that it was sometime between April 2010 (had bloodwork done & my numbers were normal at that time) and January 2011 ( had bloodwork done & my numbers were not normal). And based on symptoms I can even narrow that down a little more. We took our grandkids to Disney World in late May 2010 and I had no symptoms but by Thanksgiving I was experiencing hypoglycemic lows. So I have it narrowed down to a five month span of time. I'm going to lean closer to the end of that 5 month span since my symptoms are probably a good indicator. So we could say Fall 2010.
So much has changed in this past year with regards to my health and diet. I now know a lot of numbers regarding glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure and the likes that I had no clue about before my diagnosis. I was already on blood pressure medicine, but I just took the pill every day - no real knowledge or concern what the numbers were or meant. I was also on meds for my triglycerides. And again, I was just taking the pill - let the pill take care of the number. But once I was told I had Diabetes I realized that any and all of the health issues I was taking meds for would all become more important simply because Diabetes tends to complicate most health issues.
I also now know how, when and why to test my glucose. Who would have thought that pricking my finger daily would become such a non-event? But after the first few weeks it pretty much became a non- event. I do it almost without thought now. In fact, my 7 year old grand-daughter does the finger prick for me when she is here. For some reason she loves helping me with my Diabetes - be it fthe finger prick or reminding me that I can't eat sugar (not that I do anymore, but she will ask for a snack and tell me she would like a Kit Kat Candy Bar end then say "But you can't have it cause it has sugar, right?").
And, when first diagnosed, my BG and A1C were both so high that I was immediately put on Metformin and Insulin injections. And while the injections never became a non-event, it did get easier before it got better. Initially I had a herder time injecting myself so I had my husband do my injections, but God love him, I know he cared and I know he meant well, but I think he became too complacent after a few weeks and I started feeling the injections more than I thought I should. I knew that I needed to tough-up and do this myself. It wasn't all that bad and I actually got pretty good at it. But fortunately I was also making major changes to my diet and exercise and was able to get my blood glucose numbers into control well enough that I came off the insulin completely.
With continued diet modification (I can't say continued exercise since that has more or less fallen to the way-side - but honestly, who wants to stand in their den and do exercises all alone day after day - it is just so uninspiring and un-motivating to me.), but anyway, with continued diet I have managed to keep my BG controlled well enough that I eventually came off the Metformin also. Coming off Metformin was primarily to address major hair loss I was experiencing. I was shedding worse than a sheep dog in the dead of summer in South Alabama. I could walk from my bedroom to my kitchen and drop no less than 10 hairs on the way - and that is a short stroll in my tiny house. And, having now been off Metformin for a few months my hair loss has subsided. If ever my BG becomes too hard to control without meds I will address the hair loss issue at that time. But until then, I will stay the course and hope my diet keeps my glucose in good control for a long long time.
So, that brings me to my One Year Diaversary - and I now consider my Diabetes to be a non-event. It is a fact of life and a pert of who I am, but all in all it is currently just the impetus behind my diet choices. I will never eat sugar as I once did and I will forever choose diet drinks over regular drinks (something I wanted no part of prior to my diagnosis) and I will be selective and limiting in regard to carb foods.
My next goal is to reach my 5 year Diaversary without having to get back on any Diabetes meds. Here's to the next five years being non-events! (clink clink)
I don't expect to have to update this blog for five more years, so, until then, Goodnight Moon. :D
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
10 Tests That All Diabetics Should Know About (By Jralphs on Diabetic Connect)
10 Tests That All Diabetics Should Know About (By Jralphs on Diabetic Connect)
1. Blood glucose self monitoring
Frequency: 4-6 times per day or as doctor instructs
Regularly checking blood glucose levels will help balance and maintain good diabetes control. This test measures the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. By testing you will know how much medication or insulin to take and how to balance your diet to help control those levels.
2. Hemoglobin A1c
Frequency: every 3 to 6 months
This test reflects the average amount of glucose in the bloodstream over time. This test gives you more insight regarding overall diabetes control than daily blood sugar checks can. It is advised to aim for an A1c of 7% or less for optimal diabetes care and overall health.
3. Blood Pressure
Frequency: at each doctor’s visit (the doctor may have you check it more often if it is high)
High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels just as too much sugar in the bloodstream can. The blood vessels to worry most about are the vessels in the eyes which are already at risk due to diabetes. It is important to keep your blood pressure below 130/80 so as to not cause additional complications and increase the risk of heart disease.
4. Lipid Profile
Frequency: yearly
This is a blood test to measure the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. There are two types of cholesterol that are measured in this test. HDL is the good cholesterol that can protect against heart disease. LDL is bad cholesterol that damages the heart. Triglycerides are another fat that are measured in the bloodstream with this test. Make sure to discuss the results of this test with your healthcare team and make adjustments in your lifestyle if necessary to achieve healthy levels of each.
5. Eye exam
Frequency: yearly
As a diabetic you should be seen by your ophthalmologist at least once a year for a dilated eye exam. This is to check for retinopathy which is a much higher risk for those with diabetes. Retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels in the retina change. This can cause the fluid in the eye to leak or for the vessels to close off completely. Retinopathy can be treated if caught early so make sure you are diligent about getting this test done.
6. Foot exam
Frequency: yearly (unless you see changes in your feet, then ask your doctor)
Many diabetics have bad circulation and often develop neuropathy, causing reduced sensitivity in the feet. In addition to having your doctor do a foot exam, make sure to check your own feet frequently for any wounds or irregularities. By checking your feet you may be able to reduce complications with your feet by catching any problems early.
7. Dental Checkup
Frequency: every 6 months
Along with poor blood sugar control comes the impairment of white blood cells that fight off bacterial infection. If you do not take good care of your mouth you are at a much higher risk for gum disease. Keep your recommended dental appointment in order to maintain optimum health for your teeth and gums.
8. Microalbuminuria check
Frequency: at least once a year (your doctor should request this test more often if there is reason for concern)
This is a urine test to verify if there is protein in the urine which would indicate whether or not you are at risk for a variety of kidney problems. Diabetics are more at risk for kidney disease and if caught early the damage can be treated and slowed.
9. BMI
Frequency: Should be checked at each doctor’s visit to help you stay at a healthy weight.
The body mass index measures an individual’s body fat according to their height and weight. A BMI that is above the normal range would indicate a person is at risk of obesity. Obesity can be a huge risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Also, diabetes can be much better managed if a person strives to keep their BMI within the recommended range.
10. Neurologic examination
Frequency: yearly (unless you are experiencing nerve pain, then consult your doctor)
Because diabetics often have bad circulation and are at a much higher risk for neuropathy, make sure you receive a complete neurologic examination in order to locate any areas that you are having nerve pain or complications.
source: Diabetic Connect
1. Blood glucose self monitoring
Frequency: 4-6 times per day or as doctor instructs
Regularly checking blood glucose levels will help balance and maintain good diabetes control. This test measures the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. By testing you will know how much medication or insulin to take and how to balance your diet to help control those levels.
2. Hemoglobin A1c
Frequency: every 3 to 6 months
This test reflects the average amount of glucose in the bloodstream over time. This test gives you more insight regarding overall diabetes control than daily blood sugar checks can. It is advised to aim for an A1c of 7% or less for optimal diabetes care and overall health.
3. Blood Pressure
Frequency: at each doctor’s visit (the doctor may have you check it more often if it is high)
High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels just as too much sugar in the bloodstream can. The blood vessels to worry most about are the vessels in the eyes which are already at risk due to diabetes. It is important to keep your blood pressure below 130/80 so as to not cause additional complications and increase the risk of heart disease.
4. Lipid Profile
Frequency: yearly
This is a blood test to measure the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. There are two types of cholesterol that are measured in this test. HDL is the good cholesterol that can protect against heart disease. LDL is bad cholesterol that damages the heart. Triglycerides are another fat that are measured in the bloodstream with this test. Make sure to discuss the results of this test with your healthcare team and make adjustments in your lifestyle if necessary to achieve healthy levels of each.
5. Eye exam
Frequency: yearly
As a diabetic you should be seen by your ophthalmologist at least once a year for a dilated eye exam. This is to check for retinopathy which is a much higher risk for those with diabetes. Retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels in the retina change. This can cause the fluid in the eye to leak or for the vessels to close off completely. Retinopathy can be treated if caught early so make sure you are diligent about getting this test done.
6. Foot exam
Frequency: yearly (unless you see changes in your feet, then ask your doctor)
Many diabetics have bad circulation and often develop neuropathy, causing reduced sensitivity in the feet. In addition to having your doctor do a foot exam, make sure to check your own feet frequently for any wounds or irregularities. By checking your feet you may be able to reduce complications with your feet by catching any problems early.
7. Dental Checkup
Frequency: every 6 months
Along with poor blood sugar control comes the impairment of white blood cells that fight off bacterial infection. If you do not take good care of your mouth you are at a much higher risk for gum disease. Keep your recommended dental appointment in order to maintain optimum health for your teeth and gums.
8. Microalbuminuria check
Frequency: at least once a year (your doctor should request this test more often if there is reason for concern)
This is a urine test to verify if there is protein in the urine which would indicate whether or not you are at risk for a variety of kidney problems. Diabetics are more at risk for kidney disease and if caught early the damage can be treated and slowed.
9. BMI
Frequency: Should be checked at each doctor’s visit to help you stay at a healthy weight.
The body mass index measures an individual’s body fat according to their height and weight. A BMI that is above the normal range would indicate a person is at risk of obesity. Obesity can be a huge risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Also, diabetes can be much better managed if a person strives to keep their BMI within the recommended range.
10. Neurologic examination
Frequency: yearly (unless you are experiencing nerve pain, then consult your doctor)
Because diabetics often have bad circulation and are at a much higher risk for neuropathy, make sure you receive a complete neurologic examination in order to locate any areas that you are having nerve pain or complications.
source: Diabetic Connect
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