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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Diabetes / March 2006Reading for today
For all of those who have been so nice to give me encouragement and support here are my readings you have asked for! Last night before bed - 402 Before breakfast today - 333 After breakfast - 303 Before lunch - 326 After lunch - 329 I've cut out all the carbs I can...I'm watching everything....my mom suggessted I take 3 Metformin a day and see if that helps, up from my 2.... > For all of those who have been so nice to give me encouragement and > support here are my readings you have asked for! [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > After lunch - 329 Those are sure a big % drop from where you were, but still a long way to go, too. I hope you'll really use Jennifer's advice for newbies to figure out which foods are your worst enemies right now. > I've cut out all the carbs I can...I'm watching everything....my mom > suggessted I take 3 Metformin a day and see if that helps, up from my > 2.... If you can tolerate 3 per day right away, that would be great; a lot of folks have to work up to it gradually due to nausea and diarrhea at first. But honestly, it takes weeks to kick in; if you could get to a doctor or ER for some insulin to control your glucose til diet and metformin can control it, that would be great. Even with metformin, you have to limit carbs a lot, using your meter as a guide. I'm glad you've seen improvement, but I sure wish you'd see a doc in the ER at a public hospital or clinic, if that's what it takes. Good luck to you. Susan > For all of those who have been so nice to give me encouragement and > support here are my readings you have asked for! [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > After lunch - 329 How long after meals are those readings? Susan Your doctor likely started you on two pills a day so that you wouldn't get the stomach upset that can come with Metformin. It's never a good idea to decide for yourself to up your medicines dose. Metformin takes at least two weeks for full effect. And glucose levels don't drop the day after you start any food or exercise plan... it also takes a couple of weeks. Give yourself a little time and if you're not seeing a continuing downward trend, then call your doctor and ask him/her about adding a dose. This is a lifetime change you're trying to make... look for progress, not perfection right now. If your numbers continually go down, that's progress. Don't leave out exercise in your program... even 20 minutes of walking a day will help right now. Can you tell us how long after meals you took these readings? Hang in! It gets better and easier with time. Jennifer > For all of those who have been so nice to give me encouragement and > support here are my readings you have asked for! [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > suggessted I take 3 Metformin a day and see if that helps, up from my > 2.... I don't believe exercise is recommended with numbers that high. I think you want to at least be below 300. -Tina ______ For all of those who have been so nice to give me encouragement and support here are my readings you have asked for! Last night before bed - 402 Before breakfast today - 333 After breakfast - 303 Before lunch - 326 After lunch - 329 I've cut out all the carbs I can...I'm watching everything....my mom suggessted I take 3 Metformin a day and see if that helps, up from my 2.... >I don't believe exercise is recommended with numbers that high. I think > you want to at least be below 300. That depends on what type she is. Still a rather open question, which she can't afford to answer. Maybe a T1 could give her (or her Mother) some hints on when to go to ER? Certainly any exercise with stress must be avoided whilst she's so high. That's why I recommended a gentle walk after a meal. Nicky.  SignatureA1c 10.5/5.4/<6 T2 DX 05/2004 1g Metformin, 100ug Thyroxine 95/74/72Kg : >I don't believe exercise is recommended with numbers that high. I think : > you want to at least be below 300. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] : : Nicky. Here's a page at WebMD that covers quite a bit and signs to look out for. Ketones in the urine and fruity breath I would say are biggest clues. If you have the other symptoms along with the other two then it's a very good possibility you're a T1 and not T2. Either way, T2's when running high glucose can develop a condition very simular to DKA and often mimics the same symptoms as DKA just missing the ketones and iirc fruity breath and can be fatal if not treated. It's called Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Coma. Info can be found here: http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic264.htm Info for DKA: http://www.webmd.com/hw/diabetes_1_2/tp21136.asp?pagenumber=2 What are the symptoms? Your blood sugar may be quite high before you notice symptoms, which include: Flushed, hot, dry skin. Blurred vision. Drowsiness or difficulty waking up. Young children may lack interest in their normal activities. Rapid, deep breathing. A strong, fruity breath odor (similar to nail polish remover or acetone). Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Confusion. http://health.allrefer.com/health/diabetic-ketoacidosis-symptoms.html Diabetic Ketoacidosis Symptoms & Signs Frequent urination or frequent thirst for a day or more Fatigue Nausea Vomiting Muscular stiffness or aching Mental stupor that can progress to coma Rapid deep breathing Fruity breath (breath odor) Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: Headache Consciousness - decreased Breathing - rapid Breathing difficulty - lying down Blood pressure - low Appetite - loss Abdominal pain When diabetic ketoacidosis is severe, you may have difficulty breathing, your brain may swell (cerebral edema), and there is a risk of coma and even death. Urbana Lurker Extraordinaire Why does it depend on what type she is? I thought that if you are over 300 exercise was dangerous for any person with diabetes because it could raise blood sugar even higher. -Tina > >I don't believe exercise is recommended with numbers that high. I think > > you want to at least be below 300. [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > 1g Metformin, 100ug Thyroxine > 95/74/72Kg > Why does it depend on what type she is? I thought that if you are over > 300 exercise was dangerous for any person with diabetes because it > could raise blood sugar even higher. A type 1 is more likely to go into DKA under those circumstances. Thanks. I realize that. But a type 2 shouldn't exercise if their blood sugar is over 300 either. They are also likely to go higher. -Tina > > Why does it depend on what type she is? I thought that if > you are over [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > A type 1 is more likely to go into DKA under those > circumstances. > Thanks. I realize that. But a type 2 shouldn't exercise if their blood > sugar is over 300 either. They are also likely to go higher. Not unless they overdo it and get a stress reaction and a liver dump. A gentle walk after a meal will reduce bg. Nicky. SignatureA1c 10.5/5.4/<6 T2 DX 05/2004 1g Metformin, 100ug Thyroxine 95/74/72Kg Exercise should be avoided if ketones are present. If not... you're good to go. Jennifer > I don't believe exercise is recommended with numbers that high. I think > you want to at least be below 300. [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > suggessted I take 3 Metformin a day and see if that helps, up from my > 2.... >For all of those who have been so nice to give me encouragement and >support here are my readings you have asked for! [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] >suggessted I take 3 Metformin a day and see if that helps, up from my >2.... You're improving - but please, please, try to see an endocrinologist or a doctor who specialises in diabetes. However, a word of caution there. Recent experiences here show that it can be wise to drop to normal numbers in a steady progression rather than too suddenly - so ask about that as well when you see the endo if a very fast reduction in BGs is prescribed. Echoing the others - how long after eating are you testing? Please post the menu that is giving those results, and tell us what you are drinking and eating for snacks. Cheers Alan, T2, Australia. d&e, metformin 2x500mg SignatureI have no medical qualifications beyond my own experience. Choose your advisers carefully, because experience can be an expensive teacher. Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter. > However, a word of caution there. Recent experiences here > show that it can be wise to drop to normal numbers in a > steady progression rather than too suddenly - so ask about > that as well when you see the endo if a very fast reduction > in BGs is prescribed. "Recent experiences" involved insulin. All the data about sudden improvement causing problems is with insulin. And there is NO evidence that slower improvement avoids the problems. There is a lot of evidence that blood sugars as high as this poster describes are almost certain to cause blindness neuropathy if left untreated. --Jenny http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes Diabetes Info http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org/newlydiagnosed.htm Get Your Blood Sugar Under Control >> However, a word of caution there. Recent experiences here >> show that it can be wise to drop to normal numbers in a [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > >http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes Diabetes Info Hi Jenny (and also Nikki) Note my wording "when you see the endo if a very fast reduction in BGs is prescribed." I was working on the presumption that an endo seeing those numbers may do exactly that - prescribe insulin to achieve a fast reduction. I notice Chris has responded to clarify why to be cautious. I do agree that she needs to get those numbers down; but I also believe that she needs ASAP much better qualified professional advice than she has received so far. Based on this: "I don't have insurance until May 1st so I went to Urgent Care where I was given the dx, and they gave me Metformin 2X a day and basically just told me to take that and when I can see a Dr, I should. So until then I'm on my own with it." and this: "I was feeling real tired, just not normal, real thirsty....and my blood sugar was 582 when they tested it there. Yes they did do blood work but they didn't tell me anything other than I was diabetic." and now: "For all of those who have been so nice to give me encouragement and upport here are my readings you have asked for! Last night before bed - 402 Before breakfast today - 333 After breakfast - 303 Before lunch - 326 After lunch - 329 I've cut out all the carbs I can...I'm watching everything....my mom suggested I take 3 Metformin a day and see if that helps, up from my 2..." Nikki is also 27 and running rather high numbers - so the diagnosis itself is a bit open to question IMO. I'd like to see comments from OldAl or the type 1's on that. My caution was simply that - caution. But if she was my daughter (she's young enough:-) I'd be mortgaging the house or doing whatever was necessary to see an endo or competent diabetes specialist now. She also needs to pick up the results of the other blood tests that they ran. May 1st is a long, long way away for someone running consistently over 300. Just my opinion. Cheers Alan, T2, Australia. d&e, metformin 2x500mg SignatureI have no medical qualifications beyond my own experience. Choose your advisers carefully, because experience can be an expensive teacher. Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter. >> However, a word of caution there. Recent experiences here >> show that it can be wise to drop to normal numbers in a [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > that blood sugars as high as this poster describes are almost certain to > cause blindness neuropathy if left untreated. Jenny, you are getting too fond of "stating there is NO evidence" when what you actually mean is you haven't found it with Google - and Google is one and only one search engine, there are over 300. Mind you, I agree the blood glucose [not sugar] is too high, but generalising from my own case [which is always dangerous] it took over 4 years of very high bg to start causing a problem, neuropathy in my feet. >> However, a word of caution there. Recent experiences here >> show that it can be wise to drop to normal numbers in a [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >"Recent experiences" involved insulin. All the data about sudden >improvement causing problems is with insulin. All the data I've been able to find so far, yes. >And there is NO evidence >that slower improvement avoids the problems. Evidence? Not that I can find. However, even my retinal specialist and my ophthalmologist disagree with each other on this one. My personal opinion, based on all the info (and professional opinions) that I can find is that slower (than what I did) would be better. I really don't see much additional risk (from high BG's) in taking a few weeks to achieve control instead of doing it in a few days. > There is a lot of evidence >that blood sugars as high as this poster describes are almost certain to >cause blindness neuropathy if left untreated. I hope that no one is suggesting they remain untreated. Every expert is unanimous that high BG's must be reduced. The only question is how fast is best. > For all of those who have been so nice to give me encouragement and > support here are my readings you have asked for! [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > suggessted I take 3 Metformin a day and see if that helps, up from my > 2.... It is a good start. Post tomorrows numbers when you get them. Hopefully, all will be improved in a downward trend. The BG's don't fall in 1 day, it might take you a few weeks to get it down. Your meter is your pal. You must continue to cut carbs as you spot them in your diet. What doesn't impact you much now might hit you when your numbers are lower, it is a learning experience. It took me 3 weeks to get my numbers down so thet metformin is all I use right now. I would also mention that my vision was blurry and goofy during this time period. You may be experiencing this. Just keep going, going, going. That is all you can do. You should make progress each day. If you don't, you will have no choice but to see a doctor for additional medicine and help. -Sax > For all of those who have been so nice to give me encouragement and > support here are my readings you have asked for! [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > suggessted I take 3 Metformin a day and see if that helps, up from my > 2.... Please don't increase the Metformin without your Dr. knowing. You are started on a low dose because of potential side affects. Also, if you have insurance, you may find that you can't get more pills when you need them because you'd not used them as the prescription was written. And Metformin is not fast acting. It can take a few weeks to kick in. I presume you were recently diagnosed. Could you give us examples of what you ate at each meal? Could be you are still taking in a lot of carbs and not realizing it. I've heard of people eating a lot of fruit because they didn't realize how many carbs fruit contained. SignatureSee my webpage: http://mysite.verizon.net/juliebove/index.htm Nikki, those readings say you've got some glucose toxicity - that's where the amount of glucose in your blood is poisoning you. It can be really tough to get rid of the excess - but once you've broken the barrier, things can get better quite quickly! Keep on with the carb restriction. Once you're getting more normal numbers, you can think about adding things back to your diet very cautiously. Exercise will help, but be very careful until your numbers are a bit better - exercise can actually make your numbers go up, as your liver thinks you're overdoing it and chucks out a load of glucose to "help". A gentle walk after a meal is a great way to get the numbers down. Once you're back in more normal territory, you can think about a long-term exercise program. Nicky. SignatureA1c 10.5/5.4/<6 T2 DX 05/2004 1g Metformin, 100ug Thyroxine 95/74/72Kg sweetmijita79, You're only 27? How was it determined you were type 2? Family history? C-peptide? Antibodies tests? Are you overweight? -Tina Really, with numbers like that I would call the doctor and not listen to your mother, who may be right, but she is not a doctor. Metformin is not an instant fix. It takes time to get into the system. Are you taking anything other than the metformin. I would call the doctor about adding new meds to lower those numbers. Loretta -- In tribute to the United States of America and the State of Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife and terrorism. Hi Nikki, You can tell we are all still concerned about your blood sugar numbers, but I for one am glad to see the drop away from the 582. You're obviously being very proactive and you should pat yourself on the back for that. It might be a good idea to share some of your snack and meal menus because the "old hands" here might be able to spot some of those "hidden" carbs that can fool newbies. (For me, it was salad dressing. Who would have thought ranch dressing had high fructose corn syrup in it?) Also, I have to reiterate Alan S.'s position. While it would be pricey to visit an endocrinologist (or in lieu of an endo if there isn't one in your area, an internist), he/she could answer your metformin question and/or perhaps add other meds to help you bring the BS down. If you're wavering, at least make the appt., and if your BS comes down to acceptable levels before then, you can always cancel and wait for May. Michelle > Also, I have to reiterate Alan S.'s position. While it would be pricey > to visit an endocrinologist (or in lieu of an endo if there isn't one [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > to acceptable levels before then, you can always cancel and wait for > May. I think Nikki may be dealing with a financial decision in place of a "perfect world" clinical one. She has no doctor nor health insurance at the moment, IIRC. I suspect the folks at the urgent care hoped to tide her over. That's why I recommended the ER at a public hospital or a public health clinic; it can take months for an intake appointment at the latter, though. :-/ Susan |
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