[HRLRN]

I imagine its possible for type 2's to use a pump (like in pregnancy when oral meds are contraindicated) but I suspect the insurance companies don't like it. The pump is expensive ($5000) and there are less expensive options. Like everything in health care: it comes down to $$$$$.

[HRLRN]

Originally Posted by lpnnurse051

Thank you so much for starting this message board on diabetes. I am a diabetic and my blood sugars are out of control. This morning it was 113 and this evening 342 and I had not even eaten that much all day.

Can any one point me in the right direction for carb counting? The doctor just adjusted my medication but it is beginning to look like I may have to go on insulin. I am so tired of being so tired all the time.

Diane

You may have rebounded from a BG that crashed (you ate little all day). There's probably some website for carb counting. Your local bookstaore proably has something on carb counting. You may want your provider to give you a referral to a dietician. Good Luck!

[rehab nurse]

i was just diagnosed with metabolic syndrome by my doc. (along with a laundry list of my other problems). i have central obesity, (40"), no high blood pressure, triglycerides of 575 and chol 0f 210. when i was in the hospital in january with severe generalized edema (i gained 35 pounds in two days), they ran a lipid profile and came up with those numbers. two years ago they were all WNL. is it possible to skyrocket like that? i do have familial h/o diabetes (dad has been type 1 since age 20, he's now 64 and had a CABG, renal failure, retinal damage, etc).

my diet is not perfect, but i don't eat a whole lot of meat at all (maybe 10 days a month). i have had episodes of symptomatic hypoglycemia confirmed by blood work. but along with my SLE, asthma, migraines, endometriosis, and my chronic pain issue with my herniated discs, i'm a mess.

i had never heard about metabolic syndrome, or syndrome X, as my Pcp called it until he diagnosed me. He told me to diet and increase my exercise.

have any of you had this disease, or treat pts with it? what can you tell me about it?

[grannynurse FNP student]

Originally Posted by rehab nurse

i was just diagnosed with metabolic syndrome by my doc. (along with a laundry list of my other problems). i have central obesity, (40"), no high blood pressure, triglycerides of 575 and chol 0f 210. when i was in the hospital in january with severe generalized edema (i gained 35 pounds in two days), they ran a lipid profile and came up with those numbers. two years ago they were all WNL. is it possible to skyrocket like that? i do have familial h/o diabetes (dad has been type 1 since age 20, he's now 64 and had a CABG, renal failure, retinal damage, etc).

my diet is not perfect, but i don't eat a whole lot of meat at all (maybe 10 days a month). i have had episodes of symptomatic hypoglycemia confirmed by blood work. but along with my SLE, asthma, migraines, endometriosis, and my chronic pain issue with my herniated discs, i'm a mess.

i had never heard about metabolic syndrome, or syndrome X, as my Pcp called it until he diagnosed me. He told me to diet and increase my exercise.

have any of you had this disease, or treat pts with it? what can you tell me about it?

What do you want to know about it? Causes? symptoms? treatment? mortality and morbidity? pharmacological approaches to treatment?

Grannynurse

[achot chavi]

I have just read all the posts and have to add, that each and every person is an individual and what works with one...Therefore as nurses we have to understand the necessity to treat our diabetic patients with a lot of understanding and patience, and NEVER pass judgement or YELL or criticize. Our doctor does just that and we have patients hiding and refusing blood work out of fear! We must remember that a diabetic patient means a long term relationship, that has to be nurtured. We don't want to push them into denial!
We must be educated and then we must educate properly, gently and empathetically. Only then will we succeed in helping our patients minimize complication and control their disease/health situation/ disability/ health challenge ( whatever you want to call it!!!!!!)
We must guide the patient through the maze of doctors, nutritionist, specialists, lab work etc. We must encourage them to turn to us or the appropriate health care provider with problems and questions (no matter how big or small). We must help them be educated about their situation and then some!
Believe me our task is not small and I can tell that we have some excellant nurses out there. Keep up the good work!
Regarding the post where a nurse gave incorrect information, ...we all make mistakes, it takes a big person to admit to them.... But since we all depend on each other, lets try to keep our info up to date and accurate!

[rehab nurse]

Originally Posted by grannynurse FNP student

What do you want to know about it? Causes? symptoms? treatment? mortality and morbidity? pharmacological approaches to treatment?

Grannynurse

anything and everything ....lol, i've been researching it online because i've never heard of it before. i've been a lpn for 10 years. what my doc told me was it was a precursor to type 2, and that it was the body becoming more and more resistant to insulin. leading my body into not being able to use insulin, causing excessive glucose and weight gain, esp in the central area. i've always gained weight in my abdoment and nowhere else.

basically, just wanted to learn from those who have this syndrome, or who know of it/treat patients with it.

thanks!

[Angie O'Plasty]

Originally Posted by HRLRN

I imagine its possible for type 2's to use a pump (like in pregnancy when oral meds are contraindicated) but I suspect the insurance companies don't like it. The pump is expensive ($5000) and there are less expensive options. Like everything in health care: it comes down to $$$$$.

I've seen it done (I'm currentlly working on a study comparing two different dietary education programs for type 2 diabetes).

[Angie O'Plasty]

Originally Posted by grannynurse FNP student

Pet Peeve #7 ADA diet. No such animal but that doesn't stop the unknowledgeable.

Grannynurse

I know what you mean. In the research group I'm working with, we all know it's not really the "ADA diet" but more like the "ADA guidelines", and sometimes we still slip and say "ADA diet"--even I've done it!

[Angie O'Plasty]

Originally Posted by gwenith

Question - Are you in the US advocating the use of the Low GI diet in Diabetes??

It's being looked into--there is disagreement as to how much it adds to standard carb counting advice as far as improvement in glycemic control. I'm curious to hear what's generally done in Australia, as I know the GI is more widely used there.

[Sumatra]

I'm type II and control it with diet and exercise. It's very hard work, but I do it. I didn't get much help when I was diagnosed, so I had to learn on my own. While type II can be put in remission, it doesn't go away as I think one poster said. Remission is a wonderful goal, but microvascular damage is most likely still going on, so even motivated people need excellent medical care. I have good insurance, but I've had to be very assertive in getting the care I need.