Insulin Time

Last week, or maybe the week before, I went to my doctor for a physical needed for the adoption process. She checked my blood sugar. I had just eaten a granola bar. I didn't think with only 12 grams of sugar they would cause a problem with my blood sugar, wow was I wrong.
I admit I haven't checked my blood sugar in a long long time. I kept procrastinating ordering a new meter. I had finally ordered a new meter and supplies the week before I went to the doctor, and it arrived, thankfully, just a few days after my appointment. What I haven't told you yet is how high my blood sugar was at the doctor's office. My doctor asked her nurse to check my blood sugar with their meter and it was 264! My doctor also ordered blood tests. A few days later the nurse called to tell me my blood sugar was out of control and my doctor feels it is time for me to start insulin. INSULIN!
The nurse scheduled me for an appointment with the specialist, I go next week. I am still scared but I have been doing some research. (of course, I have!)
One of the most important things I learned was actually from a diabetes magazine I had brought home from the doctor's office. The magazine is called "Guide to Diabetes". The website is www.guide2diabetes.com. The article to which I am referring is a real life story "Insulin has been a blessing". One thing that helped me stop beating myself up about the granola bars is this quote "I thought taking insulin means you have failed, you didn't do a good job of managing diabetes, and it meant you were near the end". Further "As type 2 diabetes progresses over time, the pancreas produces less insulin even when you are doing everything right to control your sugar levels. Many people with type 2 diabetes will probably need some form of insulin replacement after eight to 10 years, says Luigi Meneghini, MD. MBA, director of the Eleanor and Joseph Kosow Diabetes Treatment Center at the Diabetes Research Institute in Miami".
I'm not pushing off the blame. I need to lose weight, and thanks to well I don't know which of the new medications I'm on that has caused my appetite to disappear, but I'm grateful. I'm watching my carbs especially. For instance, we had a Memorial Day barbecue. I had 1/2 a hamburger bun, a hamburger, and a bratwurst. I didn't eat any veg but I didn't eat any chips either. Tonight we went to Steak & Shake before our parenting class. Instead of a double steakburger with a full order of fries and a shake. I had a single steakburger, I cut the meat and bun in half and doubled the meat using just 1/2 the bun, ate 1/3 order of fries and had coke zero. Later for a snack I ate 1 chocolate chip cookie made with splenda and semisweet chocolate chips (and pecans), and a few raw carrot sticks. I am down 11 pounds so far! 11!! I admit I have been feeling a little weak and shaky, but this is possibly due to my blood sugar. A fasting blood sugar is still 130, way too high. I'm hoping once I start using insulin I will feel better and maybe even start walking the dog a little further each day again. Although June is not the time to start long walks in Florida!!! In the coming week I will receive a blood sugar / food journal in the mail from the manufacturer of my new glucose meter. I'm hoping to start keeping track of my meals, and sugar levels too.

To Carb or Not To Carb

I admit it. I AM A CARB ADDICT. I crave carbs. In fact, as I write this I am eating one of my famous sugar free blueberry muffins (yum!). In a 1992 study as reported in the book, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia, by Paul St. Amand M.D. and Claudia Marek, it states that 60% of Fibromyalgia patients of normal weight crave carbohydrates, and 75% of obese Fibromyalgia patients crave carbohydrates. Some Fibromyalgia patients have a low carbohydrate intolerance or reactive hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) that occurs after eating carbohydrates. This can cause problems metabolizing carbohydrates, inability to lose weight, fatigue, carbohydrate craving and worsening symptoms.

Furthermore, carbohydrates stimulate insulin production. People with type 2 diabetes are insulin resistant. (krippers I think I need to cut back on my muffin intake). With insulin resistance the body either can not produce enough insulin or the body's cells do not respond fully to its effects. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. This ultimately leads to a raised blood glucose.

The answer for both diabetics and fibromites is NOT a low carbohydrate diet as one would think. Rather the answer for both is a balanced diet. A low carbohydrate diet tends to mean a diet higher in fat and also higher in protien. Neither are healthy either.

Take this model from The Green Mountain at Fox Run (http://www.fitwoman.com/fitbriefings/plate_model.shtml). A plate is divided in half, then one half is divided into quarters. In one quarter you will find protein, in the other you will find grains (such as brown rice) or starchy vegetable (such as green beans). In the largest portion, or half of the entire plate you will find veggies and / or fruit.

Remember:

1. If you eat more carbohydrates than your body can use, your blood sugar can climb to an unhealthy level.
2. Blood sugar before a meal should be in the 90-120 mg range.
3. Blood sugar 2 hours after a meal typically should be no higher than 190.
4. Keep a log of your blood sugar, meaning take your blood sugar 2 hours after you eat. Write down what you ate AND what your blood sugar is 2 hours after.
5. (this one is just for me) Practice what I preach.... I've got my notebook to use for a log and I'm ready to do it! p.s. can someone give me a ride to the grocery store for some veggies? :)

*** update.... I made my first notation in my log. I was pretty good for lunch, I made an egg salad wrap with flatout flatbread, light original. Has no sugar, 6 net carbs and 36 g of fiber. Plus lots of romaine lettuce on the wrap, and a little sweet onion for flavor. I am happy to report 2 hours later my blood sugar is 148!!! how about that!