Archive for October, 2009
October 8th, 2009 -- Posted in blood sugar control |
I take Glucovance and occassionally took Avandia. Headlines , today, said that 43% of those taking Avandia have significant heart problems. I am on a low carb diet and have lost weight. I exercise moderately yet nothing I seem to do stabilizes my blood sugar levels. My range stays between 80 and 170 with some lows and highs in the dangerous range(45&365). Any resources or personal experiences would help me out.
This is hard to answer. Even on the medication, you say your blood sugars are getting out of control occasionally. Your diet and exercise seem to be good and stable. The truth is, no matter whether you are on medication or not, you are still going to have some highs and lows. The purpose of medications like Glucovance is to increase insulin production. There are tests your doctor can do that can determine the levels of insulin you are producing and see if these medications are helping. The best advice I can give you is to speak to your doctor about it. He is the one who can advise you about what may be best for your health. I have read that both Glucovance and Avandia can have dangerous complications, so maybe there are some different medications you can try. I would honestly just ask your doctor if it would be safe to try being off your medications for a period of 2-3 months and seeing how you do. Good luck!
October 8th, 2009 -- Posted in blood sugar control |
Fish has protein and I was wondering if it lowers blood sugar if I take more protein foods with my normal meals
Ok, here is the jaz on nutrition and how it affects your daily bg levels.
1. Simple carbohydrates = Sugars and anything else that is easily broken down and absorbed. chocolate, powdered sugar, all candies, cokes, and juices. These contain a sugar called dextrose or some other type of fast absorbing sugar. They can cause a quick spike in your blood sugar and cause problems.
2. Complex Carbohydrates/Proteins = Breads, Pastas, starches in potatoes, steaks are a great source of protein and so is beef jerky. These are absorbed slowly into your blood stream causing a slower and longer rise in blood sugar over time.
Here is what can happen.
It is what i like to call Primary Spike / Secondary Spike.
Your simple carbs are absorbed first and boom there is your first fast hard hitting spike that will affect you adversely, you will more than likely feel that one in like fifteen to thirty minutes depending on the intensity of the spike. Then when that spike has concluded, enough time has elapsed for your slow steady spike to begin…BOOM SECONDARY SPIKE! You see? Protein doesn’t control your bg levels nor do high glycemic index foods. They just delay the inevitable. You will spike regardless.
Granted there are foods that you do eat that will spike your bg less. Wheat, whole grains, fish…etc. You can control your bg better by ingesting healthier foods. I have always suggested that any diabetic become a semi vegetarian in the manner that you should eat 75% more vegetables relative to a normal human being and then eat 25% of what you normally ingested before you were diagnosed as a diabetic. In this way you will have more of what won’t hurt you and less of what will. A good way to do this is to cover 75% of your plate with vegetables then take the other 25% and put whatever you want on it.
Remember though, no food is 100% safe when you are diabetic. All foods technically become your worst enemy so watch what you eat and monitor your bg levels to see what spikes are the worst and at what times its at its worst.
Primary w/ Secondary spikes are killer on the system.
But there is something else you should know. Just because you are diabetic doesn’t mean that you can’t just splurge every now and again. Don’t allow anyone to tell you otherwise. Yes it’s dangerous, yes it may agitate your condition. But who cares for one day out of the month? Select a day out of the month and eat whatever you want that day only and it will help you take the edge off the arduous task of controlling your diabetes and help you keep your sanity.
October 8th, 2009 -- Posted in high blood sugar |
As a type 2 diabetic who is not on insulin I watch my diet closely but sometimes that doesn’t seem to be enough, just wondering if anyone out there has some golden answer for lowering high blood sugar.
If you are type 2 then I would advise severely limiting your carbs for the following reason.The best thing type 2 diabetics can do it severely limit their carb intake to balance out sugar and insulin levels. When this is done, your body will adjust accordingly and compensate by shifting into the fat metabolism state. Fat does not need insulin to be converted to energy and so your blood sugar levels will remain much more even without any violent swings from high to low. This stops hypoglycemic reactions and gives your pancreas time to rest and rejuvenate.
October 8th, 2009 -- Posted in high blood sugar |
As a type 2 diabetic who is not on insulin I watch my diet closely but sometimes that doesn’t seem to be enough, just wondering if anyone out there has some golden answer for lowering high blood sugar.
If you are type 2 then I would advise severely limiting your carbs for the following reason.The best thing type 2 diabetics can do it severely limit their carb intake to balance out sugar and insulin levels. When this is done, your body will adjust accordingly and compensate by shifting into the fat metabolism state. Fat does not need insulin to be converted to energy and so your blood sugar levels will remain much more even without any violent swings from high to low. This stops hypoglycemic reactions and gives your pancreas time to rest and rejuvenate.
October 7th, 2009 -- Posted in blood sugar control |
I’m maintaining a good diet and getting exercises but my numbers are all over the map. Anybody have any tips.
I’m type 2 using Starlix
I understand…when I went through a divorce a few years ago I couldn’t control my BG’s for anything. The best thing you can do is check your BG frequently, at least 4x/day. Correct with a snack if you’re low or a brisk walk if you’re high. Do some deep breathing exercises 3x/day and try to think soothing, positive thoughts. If you work with a computer, put reminders on your Outlook to do your meditation and check your BG’s. It will help a lot.
October 7th, 2009 -- Posted in blood sugar control |
I’m maintaining a good diet and getting exercises but my numbers are all over the map. Anybody have any tips.
I’m type 2 using Starlix
I understand…when I went through a divorce a few years ago I couldn’t control my BG’s for anything. The best thing you can do is check your BG frequently, at least 4x/day. Correct with a snack if you’re low or a brisk walk if you’re high. Do some deep breathing exercises 3x/day and try to think soothing, positive thoughts. If you work with a computer, put reminders on your Outlook to do your meditation and check your BG’s. It will help a lot.
October 7th, 2009 -- Posted in high blood sugar |
I know that having high blood sugar can cause problems with your baby but does low blood sugar have the same affects?
Low blood sugar can actually be worse because the affects come on quicker and can be more drastic. It would be wise to carry a juice box or something with you at all times while pregnant if this is a problem. As soon as you start feeling dizzy or whatever, drink it. I am no dr. but just received first aid training and such was told. High blood sugar can cause more damage in long run but low blood sugar can cause immediate damage.
October 7th, 2009 -- Posted in high blood sugar |
I’ve had low blood sugar before but this feeling is different.
I’m on Metformin, not for diabetes though. I am trying to concieve and have PCOS.
I was feeling weird the other day and it went away about 45 minutes after I took my metformin. I’ve done that exact same things a couple more times. So it’s making me think I’m getting this feeling from high blood sugar.
Can’t concentrate and will feel moody. You may have muscle cramps and temporary blurred vision. You feel tired and thirsty and with a need to urinate often. You may also have a yeast infection. These are the common symptoms of high blood sugar.Metformin is an oral antidiabetic – non insulin dependent. In your case,having PCOS -Polycystic ovary disease or many cysts in the ovaries,the medication Metformin makes ovulation normal and that’s why you are taking the medication. I would like to add that in case you are overweight, losing weight may help you reduce insulin levels,stimulate ovulation and improve fertiity. Hope this help. Good luck! Neida
October 6th, 2009 -- Posted in blood sugar control |
Some steroids have been known to cause rises in blood sugar. Prednisone (which is commonly used) is notorious for this.
If a person requires the long-term use of steroids, insulin may be needed to help in controlling blood sugar. It’s not diabetes…and for the most part, the rise in sugar is temporary.
EMT
October 6th, 2009 -- Posted in high blood sugar |
I have had lab work done and ultrasound of upper abdomen. The ultrasound came back fine, all my lab work came back fine except my blood sugar level, it is 106. Does this mean I may have diabetes and what can cause blood sugar level to be high, I am alwasy afraid I have cancer and it is alwasy on my mind, I am 44. Any advice would greatly be appreciated.
That is not too abnormally high. It may have been a little elevated because you ate right before?
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