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BS: Controlling Diabetes
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Subject: RE: BS: Controlling Diabetes From: CarolC Date: 18 Oct 09 - 01:11 PM They're doing very well. They're making good progress and some of the food suggestions in this thread have helped. They're doing a good job of controlling their carb intake, and candy's not so much of a problem because they're not very fond of sweets. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controlling Diabetes From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 15 Oct 09 - 11:57 PM Dearest Carol C. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controlling Diabetes From: mg Date: 23 Sep 09 - 02:44 PM You don't know if your body is not producing enough insulin unless you have it tested. You will probably just have to pay for this test yourself as most doctors won't do it apparently even if you request it, beg for it, show them research data. It is pretty darn ignorant. Your body can be flooded with insulin and you can have high blood sugar. My doctor who specializes in this says your cells get candy coated and insulin can't do its job. So adding more insulin might force something, but is probably not correcting the problem in type 2. Read up more on fats. Some are good and they are what helps regulate your blood sugar. Everyone is different. I know on a low-carb diet my insulin levels last year were 24, with 17 being the highest is should be and 10 probably a good score. That is with me watching and being very compliant low-carb wise..It used to be 47. mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controlling Diabetes From: RobbieWilson Date: 23 Sep 09 - 11:44 AM In most countries, blood glucose is reported in terms of molarity, measured in mmol/L (or millimolar, abbreviated mM). In the United States, and to a lesser extent elsewhere, mass concentration, measured in mg/dL, is typically used. To convert blood glucose readings between the two units: Divide a mg/dL figure by 18 (or multiply by 0.055) to get mmol/L. Multiply a mmol/L figure by 18 (or divide by 0.055) to get mg/dL. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controlling Diabetes From: CarolC Date: 23 Sep 09 - 11:29 AM Thanks. I appreciate that. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controlling Diabetes From: RobbieWilson Date: 23 Sep 09 - 11:26 AM Carol, I have read this from start to finish and can say that most of the advice was probably appropriate for someone at some point, but it's not as simple as that. Adult onset, or type 2, diabetes is not a static condition. When I was first diagnosed about 14 years ago I could keep my sugar levels under control with good diet and excecise howeveras time goes by the pancreas produces less insulin and/or your body becomes less effective in utilising the insulin it produces. I do not know how the numbers compare between the scale used in UK with that in US ( though I do know I have seen it in the past and it is quite easy to find.) The blood Glucose of anyone without diabetes is maintained between 4 and 7 by insulin produced in the pancreas. If your blood sugar is consistently over 10 you may feel tired a lot of the time. Over 15 you will get thirsty, need to pee frequently and get lethatgic and headachey. At these levels while the symptoms appear a bit irritating but tolerable the real damage is long term and almost imperceptible. Small blood vessels and nerves get damaged, especially in the extremeties. For 11 years I maintained control with the aid of medications mentioned by other people here, namely Metformin and Gliclasides. These serve to squeeze a bit more insulin out of your pancreas or to make your body more able to use the little you have. About 18 months ago I had to go on to insulin to control my blood glucose. At that point the whole regime changes. Up to then dealing with diabetes is a constant struggle to keep your glucose levels down. When people talk about Hypo's, the immediate unwellness that afflicts diabetics where your blood sugar is too low, this is almost always people taking insulin whose insulin intake and excercise has not been balanced with their carbs consumption. The ill effects of high sugar are drastic but come on over a long span of time. By the sound of your posts your friend is not taking insulin. This means that healthy lifestyle means not taking in more carbs than you expend in energy. Complex carbs are generally better than simple and refined carbs like sugars. Fatty foods impair your body's uptake of insulin. The only benefit of blood testing is to understand where to go next with treatment. However the long term effects of elevated sugar levels are so drastic ( blindness, loss of toes, feet lower legs)that periodic checking is essential in order to establish control. I am aware that this post is getting overlong and heavy so I will stop but if you have any questions I will look in again. Feel free to pm me if you want a less public discussion. love Robert |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controlling Diabetes From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 23 Sep 09 - 12:10 AM CarolC -
Your thread - launched my usual reverse Munchousen's psychoschematic reflex...and I feared DIABETES
Therefore I invested in my future:
Taking lots (up to six a day) of readings.
The highest was at 2:00 p.m. on afternoon ... after a cheese-burger, fries and sweetened ice tea....
157!!!!]
I took a walk to the library:
103!!!!
Sincerely,
Not hard ... Nor expensive.
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Subject: RE: BS: Controlling Diabetes From: Backwoodsman Date: 21 Sep 09 - 02:53 PM Good news Carol, glad to hear that. Nil Illegitimae Carborundum. :-) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controlling Diabetes From: CarolC Date: 21 Sep 09 - 10:26 AM I really appreciate the recommendation, but already I can imagine the laughter such a recommendation would be met with should I suggest it to my loved one. LOL But thanks. On the good news front, they've been working very hard to get their blood sugar numbers down and it has helped a lot. Since the new test strips arrived a couple of days ago, the blood sugar readings have been within the acceptable range. Thanks again, everyone. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controlling Diabetes From: freda underhill Date: 21 Sep 09 - 09:26 AM Carol Lizzie's comments are so true. but some of us find it hard to shift into truly feeling that way. I went to a hypnotist to implant some deep, positive thoughts, to help me make healthier choices and manage my diabetes. a friend's wife went to this women and gave up smoking after one session. when i heard that, I rang up and made an appointment. i helped write the thoughts i wanted my hypnotist to implant - it has been a great experience. I feel like a lot of limiting messages I had taken on unconsciously were removed, or at least substantially disempowered, while I have a lot of positive thoughts and habits so deeply and easily reinforced. The Prof at the Diaqbetes Clinic (free in Oz) has seen the impact as my sugar levels have dropped, I've lost weight. he's amazed and has reduced the amount of medication I have to take. I recommend hypnosis for any desired lifestyle or attitude change, but you need to have a good hypnotist. i went to someone else years ago and it didn't work at all. freda |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controlling Diabetes From: CarolC Date: 09 Sep 09 - 09:53 PM Thanks. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controlling Diabetes From: mg Date: 09 Sep 09 - 09:51 PM Try my Reno diet. Find an allyou can eat buffet. Of course only eat the things that you should..in my case it is meats, salads, stir fries, small amount of fruit, etc. I find it is much easier than cooking because by the time you get around to cooking it feels like it is too late..also at a regular restaurant meal you have to pick all the starch off everything. This way the food is all ready to go. Sometimes Chinese restaurants will have something similar. No sugary sauces, no MSG, no rice. Chinese restaurants are actually quite good if you know what you are getting..,and you can just ask. if you are in one place, find one nearby and have your main meal there if you don't do well with cooking. Vegetables and meat and meat and vegetables. mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controlling Diabetes From: CarolC Date: 09 Sep 09 - 06:23 PM Yes, better I should stick my head in the sand and not try to help a loved one who needed my help. That would definitely be the better way to go. Thanks for the insight. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 09 Sep 09 - 03:21 PM Nice healthy attitude Lizzie C and David R
Some people take control of the situation - others prefer the "poor dog" victim-of-circumstance that brings them attention.
From WolfRamAlpha.com ( © 2009 Wolfram Alpha LLC—A Wolfram Research Company)
DIABETES
Number of deaths 76,813 per year
Cause of death probability 1 in 32 ~~ 3.2% rate of death
26 deaths per 100000 persons per year
Sincerely,
With a mudcat membership of 30,000 - we could expect 3 more MEMBERS to kick the bucket before the new year. Oh sweet. sweet pee,
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: Dave Roberts Date: 08 Sep 09 - 08:23 AM I agree. Lizzie C has it exactly right. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: Backwoodsman Date: 08 Sep 09 - 07:03 AM Absolute, magical Words Of Wisdom, Lizzie, and my attitude to my diabetes perfectly stated! Amen, Amen, Amen! It's not The End Of Life, it's a New Life, but not as we used to know it, Jim! I live it your way, my BP is under control, my glucose around 6.5 (perfectamundo!), and my cholesterol count is 2.0 (I KID YOU NOT! The Diabetic-Nurse almost fell off her chair - and it's been down there for the past two years). My feet get regular 6-weekly checks by a podiatrist and frequent applications of foot-softening cream - aaaaaaaahhhh! I have annual eye-tests and retinopathy checks. No problemo senora! Low fat + low sugar + low salt + low GI + regular exercise = a healthy, happy T2 Diabetic. And a naughty 'treat' once in a while never killed anyone - even a diabetic! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: Lizzie Cornish 1 Date: 07 Sep 09 - 06:47 PM Diabetes.... It's about eating simple food, regularly. It's about watering down the orange juice 50/50....having a handful of strawberries rather than a bowlful. It's about Slimmers World food, which is excellent for Type II diabetes, I know, I eat it, and my blood sugar is normal, my cholesterol is so low...and I'm diabetic. It's about using a bike, instead of the car, or walking whenever you can. It's about exercise.... It's about not letting blood tests rule your life. It's about taking a brisk walk, if your blood sugar is high, to lower it again. It's also about realising that a cake or a chocolate bar now and then is NOT going to kill you. It's about some cool, iced water with lemon, instead of beer or wine. It's about common sense taking over from sugar. And it's about realising that diabetes is not so much an illness, but more your body's way of telling you to take care of it, please... It's about a stress free life, of learning to let go of feeling you have to live you life a certain way, because stress is not good for diabetes...so do it! Let go! It's about being taken care of, by nurses who look after you so kindly, opthalmic specialists who care about your eyes, doctors who care about your health... It's about loving your feet, taking special care of them, buffing them, moisturising them, painting those nails (yes, you too guys, should the mood take you!) getting 'The Sexiest Feet In The Neighbourhood' Award! It's about not feeling bitter, or that your life is 'over', but realising that a far healthier life is just beginning. It's about realising that actually, diabetes could be one of the best things to happen to you, not the worst.. And, it's about understanding that YOU can control your diabetes, and not let IT control you. It's about learning to relax, to feel at home with being diabetic. Diabetes, it's about YOU, in all the most positive ways imaginable. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: CarolC Date: 07 Sep 09 - 06:27 PM As an update: I've been getting some help from the people at the American Diabetes Association discussion forum, and they've put me on to some local resources that might be of some help. Thanks to everyone who has helped out with resources and experience here in this thread. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: CarolC Date: 03 Sep 09 - 05:27 PM I just checked out the SSD for people with diabetes. It would probably cost more in doctor bills to get the proper diagnosis (it requires two of the following - neuropathy, retinopathy, or acidosis that happens, on average, no less than once every two months, which must be documented by blood tests) than it would to just get started with some medications, testing supplies, and a good diet plan. But thanks for the suggestion. And yes, a job with insurance would be a blessing. The closest thing I've found to the Desmond site so far is the American Diabetes Association website, which doesn't look anywhere near as helpful as the Desmond program. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: nutty Date: 03 Sep 09 - 04:44 PM I would be interested to know if the USA has a programme similar to this DESMOND programme which is gaining popularity in the UK |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: GUEST,hg Date: 03 Sep 09 - 04:29 PM Carol, I've dealt with my mom's diabetes for years now. 240 is way too high even after eating. Four hundred is dangerous. He probably needs metformin, high blood pressure meds, daily testing, possibly a second med such as starlix, and a very controlled diet. Your sweety needs a job with health insurance! Or, he may be eligible for social security disability based on his diabetes. Apply and then if he gets awarded it, he will eventually be eligible for medicare. He can make a good deal of money on SSD nowadays without any penalty. This is an emergency situation! A month's worth of strips is about $28 without health care coverage and it is worth it to monitor blood sugar. The silent damage from consistently high bs levels is the killer, such as organs, eyes, and such. Meds, monitoring, and diet is the treatment of choice. It is nothing to fool with so make him do it |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: CarolC Date: 03 Sep 09 - 12:38 PM The 400 was after a big meal that was probably very high in carbs (it was a few months ago, and I don't remember exactly what was eaten). I don't know what their fasting level is because so far I have not been able to persuade them to take a reading at the appropriate time. They have agreed to do so when they get back from being on the road, though. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: Backwoodsman Date: 03 Sep 09 - 11:22 AM Nutty, the US uses a different measurin system to the one we use in the UK (look back in the thread and read the posts by John in Kansas). |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: LilyFestre Date: 03 Sep 09 - 10:46 AM Carol, Was that 400 reading a normal reading for them or perhaps just a spike? It's definitely high but if they had been out having cake or indulging in an ice cream sundae or something equally sweet, I can see how such a reading could happen. Not to worry terribly but to take note of (and to mention to the Dr.). This is NOT true, however, if normal readings are consistently high....as I'm sure you know...and really does need to be addressed ASAP. Some might even say with a trip to the ER. I once received a bunch of brand new syringes, strips, lancets and even insulin from a family who lost their diabetic family member. Later we found out that they had had hospice care and it's highly unusual for hospice to allow any type of medication in the house (that belonged to the deceased). Orders are for it to all be thrown away. At the time, I was uninsured and really, REALLY appreciated the extra help. Michelle |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: nutty Date: 03 Sep 09 - 10:45 AM Blood sugar of 400? I'm not sure what this reading is intended to mean except that in the UK anyone with a reading that high would be dead. (Should it be 40.0 which would be dangerously high with the possibility of kidney and liver damage or 4.00 which would be a normal pre food reading.) My meter reads up to 30.0 after that it just signifies that blood sugar is high. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 03 Sep 09 - 08:01 AM Blood sugar of 400?
Soon the LEAST of your friend's concerns will be diabetes.
Carol - Since YOU know this person. Sell some of your possessions and come to their immediate aide.
Do not wait for Obmma or their momma. The obligation for action is clearly and ethically in your court.
Now go out and do the right thing.
Sincerely, |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: Rumncoke Date: 03 Sep 09 - 05:42 AM Now I am feeling really guilty as I must have dumped several hundred (in date) strips, and the machines, the lancets, the lancet jabbers, solutions - they were provided free so I just assumed that anyone who needed to test would be provided with them. Anne Croucher |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: freda underhill Date: 03 Sep 09 - 05:19 AM I have type 2 Diabetes, and receive fantastic free health care here in Australia. This includes testing, 3 monthly check ups, dietician, monitoring by the Diabetes clinic at the local hospital, and subsidised medicine and testing strips. I would advise cutting down on alcohol, limiting to one day a week and two drinks only. I've also stopped drinking fruit juice and cordials - substituted with water and herbal teas. I try and have carbs in a meal only once a day + vegies and lean protein the other 2 meals. Porridge is a good filler which reduces cholesterol and is low GI. GOING FOR A WALK EVERY DAY is crucial. crucial. to maintaining health and reducing risks. and if he has something like a biscuit or cake, he has to walk it off afterwards. wish yr friend good luck from me carol! freda |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: CarolC Date: 02 Sep 09 - 06:48 PM So much for the strips they already have, then. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: wysiwyg Date: 02 Sep 09 - 06:43 PM Numbers from expired strips are meaningless. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: mg Date: 02 Sep 09 - 05:50 PM I would urge people who come across meters and strips that are not too old..perhaps someone has passed away or upgraded their set..to not throw them away but offer on Freecycle or something. TOo many people can't afford them and strips are worth $1 each. Take out lancet of course and wipe down meter with alcohol. mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: CarolC Date: 02 Sep 09 - 05:48 PM They used to get much more regular care when they had insurance and when they lived in a country with a universal, single payer health care system. It's definitely more financial than anything else. Unfortunately, while the local health department used to sponsor a program that provided treatment and counseling for people with diabetes, when I called the number, it was no longer in service. I called the local health department information number and the only thing they were able to tell me about was a support group that meets once a month (that won't be for another three weeks). I'll google "diabetes association" and see what comes up though. Thanks. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: maire-aine Date: 02 Sep 09 - 05:15 PM Whatever the reason your friend has for not seeing a doctor regularly, could it be that it is not entirely financial? Was your friend avoiding the doctor, even while covered by insurance? Regardless, is there a diabetes association office in the area? Sometimes they have (or know of) a low-cost program, sometimes associated with hospitals or clinics. Maybe your county health department has a practitioner that your friend can contact. m |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: LilyFestre Date: 02 Sep 09 - 03:44 PM If you test, test, test please be sure to use a new lancet each time. It's not visible to the naked eye but the ends become less sharp which creates more pain with each test and increases the chances of infection. Michelle |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: mg Date: 02 Sep 09 - 02:46 PM True..and this person also is starting to take responsibility for his own care...I wouldn't wait for him to return but mail the strips and machine to him right away. If we get this diabetes epidemic..which is realted to heart disease etc..under control, cost of health care goes way down. And we have to absolutely take responsibility for our own health management. Unfortunately much advice given is harmful so we also have to educate ourselves and test test test. There is no getting around testing, because otherwise you are at the mercy of misinformation. Don't take my word for anything, test test test. mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: CarolC Date: 02 Sep 09 - 02:11 PM I found out last night that they have about thirty or forty test strips left from their prescription, and it sounds like they would rather pay for more strips rather than go to the doctor. So when they get back they'll start testing again to see if they've got things under control. It's definitely a shameful thing that we don't value life enough in this country to make sure that everyone has access to good medical care. This person and I are both doing what we can to try to make it happen. Unfortunately, even if the proposed health care reform gets implemented in this country, it won't help those who currently don't have insurance until sometime in 2013 at the earliest. I'm not happy about that. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: Rumncoke Date: 02 Sep 09 - 01:52 PM There are people on the Atkins-a-way-of-life list on Yahoo groups who are controlling their diabetes, reducing the need for medication - perhaps it might help if your family member joined and just read the messages. There is a lot of information there about eating away from home. It is rather worrying that this is 7 years in - doctors here in the UK would be finding themselves under scrutiny for neglecting an untreated patient within a year of diagnosis. When we emptied my mother in laws house earlier this year there were lots of pots of test strips and maybe six testers - I tested my blood sugar levels a few times out of interest and then salvaged the coin cell batteries and threw them lot away. I am assuming that this is happening in the US. I am really surprised that people there are not demanding a proper health service rather than the disgraceful system they are living under. Anne Croucher |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: CarolC Date: 02 Sep 09 - 01:45 PM Also canned fish - forgot to mention that. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: CarolC Date: 02 Sep 09 - 01:40 PM Unfortunately there is no one in this person's life that they are aware of who has type 2 diabetes. And this person has a constitution like an ox, so it takes a lot more to make them feel the effects of health problems than it does for other people, which I think partially accounts for their ability to ignore the effects of their diabetes. And some people just seem to think they are immune from any consequences arising from their food choices, even when a doctor tells them there's a problem - if they don't feel it themself, they don't really internalize that knowledge. Right now they're eating a low carb (low glycemic load) diet. They have a selection of nuts, raw vegetables, and turkey jerky and nuggets that they're munching on throughout the day. There are refrigerators in the hotel rooms to put the veggies in at night. They say they're feeling much better than they have felt in the past, so I see that as a very good sign. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: LilyFestre Date: 02 Sep 09 - 01:20 PM Let me just add that I can see that you are trying to have that conversation with them to help but honestly, if you can find someone nearby that has Type II diabetes who has it regulated...a face to face conversation with someone who has been there might be a bit more helpful. They know what the highs and lows are like and all the accompanying crap that goes along with it feel like. Michelle |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: LilyFestre Date: 02 Sep 09 - 01:17 PM I must have missed that part. And they are just NOW looking for information that will help them deal? Or they don't have an understanding of the disease? Wow. Can they sit down with a friend who has diabetes and lay it all out in the open about what they don't understand? Eating on the run isn't all that hard when you know what raises your sugars. Even with 12 hour days. Since being on the road is part of it, I'd say the key is to PLAN PLAN PLAN...make a menu, shop for it and keep stuff in the hotel room. Eating out isn't THAT difficult for someone with diabetes. It's all about the choices. For me, whole foods (read unprocessed foods) helped me to lose a bunch of weight and got my diabetes WAY under control going from 2 shots of 80 units per day to NOTHING. No shots. No meds. NOTHING. Anyway, 7 years into and not having a working understanding is scary. High blood sugars do SO MUCH damage to your body. Wishing your friend all the best. Michelle |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: CarolC Date: 02 Sep 09 - 12:52 PM They've been living with the diagnosis for about seven years. They've had a lot of time to get used to it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: mg Date: 02 Sep 09 - 12:49 PM I think the above is true if the person has a blood sugar say of 150 or so..higher than normal but not immediately emergent. The person in question had a blood sugar of 400. I would tend to think that time was of the essence in this case, and of course that medical attention was essential. mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: LilyFestre Date: 02 Sep 09 - 12:28 PM Hey Carol, I know that you are well intentioned and concerned about your friend but sometimes what people need (including me) is just a teeny, tiny amount of space to digest what has been diagnosed and time to think about it. Learning to eat to manage your sugars takes a little bit of time and fussing.....it's a readjustment and they'll get it. Please don't think I'm telling you to NOT talk about it...but if you are constantly after them about it...it might serve to just make someone unhappy. Stress, by the way, can make your glucose levels rise too. Michelle |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: CarolC Date: 02 Sep 09 - 12:22 PM We were talking about doctors on the phone today. I'm definitely making a nuisance of myself by talking about it. But they expressed an interest in trying to get their readings consistently in the normal range instead of seeing a doctor. I said that if they could get their readings consistently under control, I would shut up about the doctor. We'll see how it goes. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: wysiwyg Date: 02 Sep 09 - 11:41 AM One thought that may help continue to it all out for your friend is that there seem to be several subgroups of T2. The first diagnosis is, is one diabetic and if so is that person T1 or T2. But after that, for T2s, there is a lot of additional fine-tuning according to the many CAUSES and resulting physiologies of T2, and each one seems to have a particular management approach. And then, from there, each person's unique lifestyle impacts how that management approach can and will be applied. A lot of patients stoip learning at the T1/T2 point and just follow instructions. Pateints who want to know how it all works, and know their bodies from the inside, tinker and end up teachin gtheir docs what med school can;t teach. === Most of the office visits, after diagnosis, are with the less-expensinve nurse-practitioner and/or dietician. It IS possible to just start (creatively) with the non-MD side of the practice's team for help monitoring and adjusting a self-designed management approach or an approach started with an MD in another practice. I don't recommend it, and any given practice may be more or less cooperative, but it's a thought. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: Wesley S Date: 02 Sep 09 - 11:20 AM Good news - Thanks |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: LilyFestre Date: 02 Sep 09 - 10:52 AM YAY!!! That's just an added bonus!!!! It's amazing how out of tune we are with our own bodies until something goes wrong and we are forced to pay attention. As we work to improve our health, the attention falls to just how much better we feel...it's an amazing thing! Michelle |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: CarolC Date: 02 Sep 09 - 10:02 AM They told me by phone today that they've been sticking to the low carb foods and they feel much better now than they used to feel. Yay. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Controling Diabetes From: Backwoodsman Date: 02 Sep 09 - 06:17 AM "Backwoodsman - you are misguided about T2 diabetes and no insulin. I am T2 and have to inject twice a day with about 60+ units in total." Thanks Mingulay, I didn't know that - mea culpa! :-) And apologies to all for speaking out of turn on the thread about that point. "Also, Blood Glucose Monitors are freely available ( I got mine from the Diabeticare Centre at my local hospital) and test strips are available on prescription, again free as diabetics in the UK do not have to pay prescription charges." Not so, Mingulay. It may be true within your local HA area, it is true in my sister's area in the south of England, but it's far from universal - in my area, frequent testing is not considered necessary, and kits are not issued routinely, nor are strips prescribed, for T2 patients. It's different of course in the case of T1 patients (which I'd guess you're close to being?). I bought my own kit and strips because I'm happier being able to do checks myself, not just relying on 6-monthly HBa1c tests, but I limit myself to a weekly test. My doctor and the practice nurse strongly disapprove, and have expressed their disapproval very vocally, but it's my life! Diabetes UK are, I believ, pushing for T2 patients to have self-checking kit made freely available by all HAs. Here's hoping. Good health. BWM |
