[Myxel67]

Don't be shy; talk to her. I have Humana HMO, which often seems to be one of the worst. However when I was dx'd with DM, my PCP referred me to an endo immediately. My A1C was 8%, and after 3 months on metformin, my A1c was 6%. Please fight for yourself and the tx you need.
Blood sugar levels under 200 damage your body. IF YOU ARE 300 FASTING, YOU ARE AT THAT LEVEL OR HIGHER MOST OF THE DAY! Generally when the A1c is under 9%, after meal BG tends to be more of a problem. When the A1C is 9 or higher, BG is high fasting and after meals.

[Myxel67]

FOR SCRN1 I tried to send you a private message today, but your inbox is full. Note stated no more PMs can be accepted until you clear some space.

[Myxel67]

FOR SCRN1: I tried to send PM, but was rejected because inbox is full. No PMs can be accepted until space is cleared.

I don't mean to suggest that your PCP is clueless about DM management and am glad he follows ACE recommendations for target goals. It just frustrates me that so few PCPs recognize the limits of oral med therapy.
Rather than taking 1 to 3 months to get to goal, it may take 6 or more. In fact most internists would follow a similar path for same reason as yours. Also, even when some PCPs suggest insulin, the patient is so against the idea that the PCP will go with orals first to appease the pt.

[vickynurse]

I was dx with type 2 just last week with an A1C of 7.7. Of course, I had to check my own fasting & 2hpp just to convince myself of the dx. I've not yet started the metformin, but glad to know that it won't cause hypo-g. That is my biggest immediate fear.
Does anyone use a pda resource to manage diet? Is counting carbs the best way to go?

[llg]

Bump. I am bumping this so that maybe vickynurse can get an answer to her question.

My glucose and HA1C was not quite high enough to get the full diabetes label last year: I was just labeled "pre-diabetic." I still haven't needed medication yet and have been successful managing the situation by lowering my carb intake significantly. I figure I will do carb counting when the time comes, but I am not qualified to give you a good answer. Maybe someone else will respond.

For me, testing my blood glucose a couple of times per day makes a huge difference. Actually seeing the numbers as proof of the effect that high carb foods have on my blood glucose helps keep me disciplined. It really keeps it concrete and immediate for me and I need that.

Good luck!

[KrisRNwannabe]

I was just diagnosed today with type II. still kinda of a shock, I had to have my husband come home from work because I was so upset. I have had my fasting checked twice, 132 and 146. My HGb A1C was 7.1 I have no actually symptoms ( frequent urination/ trips to the bathroom) so I hope we caught is early. I am scheduled to see a opthamologist and waiting for the hospital to set up my diabetic classes. I have not been started on meds yet. I am supposed to check my sugar every day for 3 weeks and then go back to the doctor. i am still very overwhelmed by this. it is difficult being a nurse in this situation.

[vickynurse]

Originally Posted by KrisRNwannabe

\i am still very overwhelmed by this. it is difficult being a nurse in this situation.

I know where you are coming from. I've known for about a week. This thread is very helpful. I took the metformin for the first time today and have been under 150 ever since! Have to work tomorrow and am undecided about taking the med because I still fear hypoglycemia. I still need to make my appt with the dietician an am just winging it for now. I agree with llg that testing often will help me to stay honest with myself.
I've found a few sites that are helpful to me, and they may be to you as well, when you are ready.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diabeticdiet.html
http://www.joslin.org/managing_your_diabetes_2854.asp
http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/diabetes-diet

[Sirius Black]

Hi,
I'm not a nurse yet, still a student. I was diagnosed with type 1 November last year. Was a bit of a shock since I was 19 when diagnosed (20 now) - I thought only kids and younger teenagers got type 1.

But it was caught early, I knew the signs, but blamed it on other things until I started losing weight. My bsl was only 25.1mmol/l (451) and ketones were only .6.

I've been managing fine while on clinicals, but do drop my dose of lantus and novorapid (insulin aspart) so I run a higher than usual. I'm still scared of hypos even though I've had a 1.6 (28) and 1.8 (32) & got through both okay. Also too embarrassed to let anyone around me know or find out I have D.
Do you all let those you work with know about your D or do you keep it to yourself?

[vickynurse]

Originally Posted by Sirius Black

Hi,
. Also too embarrassed to let anyone around me know or find out I have D.
Do you all let those you work with know about your D or do you keep it to yourself?

Your instructor should be aware for your safety. I've only told one of my coworkers so far, but will need to tell more.

[classicdame]

I found it hard to work at night, mostly because I was too lazy to bring my own food and the did not make good choices in the cafeteria. Also, it was not open till 0100, so I was at work 8 hours before food was available. I work days now and have learned to manage my blood sugars much better. As for "too high" numbers. The ADA recommends your blood sugar be less than 130 at all times. I found it hard to concentrate when my bs was higher than 150 or so. And on two occasions I had to be rescued at work when my BS was < 70. So the key is to monitor frequently, hydrate yourself, eat right and be glad there are things you can do to stay healthy!