Diabetes

[B-line]

Hello.
This sucks to even think about posting, but Forums are therapeutic and maybe Bass-player readers will do me some good with their responses if any...

I found out just last week that I have Diabetes, and must take Insulin. Good news, small doses, 2x day, Dr. thinks that along with pills prescribed I can and will eventually not have to inject.
Should have seen this coming; Family history.
Damn.

Thank goodness for modern medicine I guess,
I have to check levels 3X daily keep a log. Worst thing about that, is I'm a bass player & have callouses on all fingers both hands, from hitting it hard & playing out lots.

Meter came with this "pen" to load little prickers roflmao I don't use it, just break the l'il cap of and stab!
Not that painful, but still a hassle.
Biggest issue- Reading the tiny first (2) bars on the syringe- Very small dose; and filling to that level is difficult.

Can't believe I have to do this; could be worse I guess.

To all who may read: Watch your diet, exercise. I could have done better on both counts,
but I guess the main thing is genetic; nothing can be done about that.

Oh well, life goes on. And I actually find, that even after only a few days, I'm feeling better, and-

I'm playing deeper and better and with more passion and Funk, because of the "emotions" associated with this stuff. (However, I might just pass on that if I could not have this issue!)

Anyway, that's about it.

Any good thoughts anyone might want to pass my way-That's cool! I'll take 'em.

 

[bholder]

I've been pre-diabetic for maybe the last 10 years. I constantly dread the next doctor visit fearing I'm going to hear I've gone "over the line" into the real thing.

 

[Fat Freddy]

I've been pre-diabetic for maybe the last 10 years. I constantly dread the next doctor visit fearing I'm going to hear I've gone "over the line" into the real thing.

I'm in the same boat.....

 

[B-line]

I tell you...It sucks!

Think I'll buy a new bass...!

 

[Killed_by_Death]

prick your fingers on the side near the nail, & not the pads of the fingers, you can also switch to your middle finger if you're wearing out a spot on your index finger

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

"finally found that testing on the side of the pad, close to the nail, is the most comfortable"

 

[B-line]

prick your fingers on the side near the nail, & not the pads of the fingers, you can also switch to your middle finger if you're wearing out a spot on your index finger

Yeah, I try. Worst was the meter timing out or giving an "Error" message because they have to put all that frickin' modern programmable stuff in!

It's only been (3) days, and already I'm at least getting the flow down. That's the hassle- working this ...stuff.. into my daily routine.

I have a box- lancets, syringes, alcohol wipes, meter strips, the meter itself, Daily log, and Insulin in the fridge. Yummy.

Think I'll look into a new cab too!

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

I've been pre-diabetic for maybe the last 10 years. I constantly dread the next doctor visit fearing I'm going to hear I've gone "over the line" into the real thing.

I'm in the same boat.....

Outside of the genetic aspect, I was under the impression you could reverse pre-diabetic status for most people. Most of my diabetes information comes from friends though, I've never really looked into the disease. I am not currently pre-diabetic but, based on my love of sugar, I am expecting to be in the future. The only warning sign I know of is the water consumption one.

 

[Fat Freddy]

Outside of the genetic aspect, I was under the impression you could reverse pre-diabetic status for most people. Most of my diabetes information comes from friends though, I've never really looked into the disease. I am not currently pre-diabetic but, based on my love of sugar, I am expecting to be in the future. The only warning sign I know of is the water consumption one.

Hard for me to tell now.....

I quit booze in an effort to drop some weight.....

Just about the only thing that I drink these days is water....

(Haven't lost any weight btw......).....

 

[B-line]

Outside of the genetic aspect, I was under the impression you could reverse pre-diabetic status for most people. Most of my diabetes information comes from friends though, I've never really looked into the disease. I am not currently pre-diabetic but, based on my love of sugar, I am expecting to be in the future. The only warning sign I know of is the water consumption one.

My Sis used to work in Medical (billing!) so she thinks she is a Doctor, plus she googles everything about this routine and sends it to me.
I hate "Medical" googling and altho there is plenty good info- It can also be too generalized; and may not apply.

Reports on news today that Coffee is good! for Cancer, Diabetes, etc.
From my so-limited experience, I can think that diet is a big key. I was not a junk-food junkie, but I was over-indulgent and careless.
It does matter. I had a sweet tooth- and now- No desserts, Dr's orders.
I even asked "Fruit?" She said "Vegetables".

Now I must be & will be more aware of what to eat & what not to.
All: Take heed! Some may be more able to withstand than others, but ya gotta watch!

It hoits to think maybe I could have avoided this-Maybe.

No preaching from me though, I''ll try not to!
My GF is driving me crazy w/ "You must read the labels!"

I told her I'm just going to eat grass & dirt.

...Think I'll buy a new STRAP!

 

[Chicory Blue]

Something tells me you're in a lot of good company here.

--^@

 

[Killed_by_Death]

My doctor keeps saying my A1C is down & I can stop with the Metformin soon, but soon hasn't come yet...

 

[B-line]

My doctor keeps saying my A1C is down & I can stop with the Metformin soon, but soon hasn't come yet...

I was given Metformin to take 2X day-

You know, outside of a low-dose aspirin, I was not taking any kind of pill whatsoever before all... this.

Welcome to my World, yours too,apparently.
(Can't find an appropriate emojie!)

Think I'll buy an exorbitantly expensive cable...

 

[Robroy]

Type 2 diabetes and the diet that cured me

Invalid Link Removed

 

[B-line]

Type 2 diabetes and the diet that cured me

Invalid Link Removed

Thanks. Simply put- Diet & Exercise are the keys to good health & feeling good.
Easier said than done; but better late than never.

Think I'll buy a Keeley Compressor!

 

[Robroy]

Thanks. Simply put- Diet & Exercise are the keys to good health & feeling good.
Easier said than done; but better late than never.

Think I'll buy a Keeley Compressor!

The exciting thing is that if it is important, it can be done! I'm 63 and this is something I follow because I've been without health insurance since 1/1/2014. It's saved me almost $50k after tax dollars but it has also forced me to take more responsibility for my health. And that includes being up to date on things like the symptoms of adult onset Diabetes (type 2). I have a ton of articles about it. You almost certainly need no medication to treat it and reverse it, but don't tell big pharma. Their careers depend on that stuff.

You just became their meal ticket, if you choose that path.

 

[blastoff99]

You'll figure it out. I thought though that insulin was always injected; anything pill form is not actually insulin.

I can offer a few suggestions:

Depending on your meter, it may be a legit option to test using forearm or another place when you think you're going to get a 'normal' number. If you suspect high or low, use a finger.

Of course, quit drinking your sugar.

Carbs appear where you don't necessarily expect them. Brown rice is lower on the glycemic index than white rice, quinoa is I think lower yet. (Don't cook the quinoa according to the package directions; you're guaranteed to hate it.) In general, anything closer to nature's packaging is going to have less negative blood sugar impact than more refined. In other words, eat the fruit but don't drink fruit juice.

And if you do start having to inject insulin, please be aware that lower blood sugar is only better to a point. My ex-spouse insisted on 'nice low blood sugar' and was in the 40s multiple times per week. This made them very difficult to live with, and resulted in brain damage. Don't do that.

 

[B-line]

The exciting thing is that if it is important, it can be done! I'm 63 and this is something I follow because I've been without health insurance since 1/1/2014. It's saved me almost $50k after tax dollars but it has also forced me to take more responsibility for my health. And that includes being up to date on things like the symptoms of adult onset Diabetes (type 2). I have a ton of articles about it. You almost certainly need no medication to treat it and reverse it, but don't tell big pharma. Their careers depend on that stuff.

You just became their meal ticket, if you choose that path.

Now that is a VERY weighty subject.
A lot at hand there.
Medicine / pharmaceuticals as big billion-dollar businesses, include Insurance /supplemental plans as part of that equation too.
Big can of worms.
Western medicine vs. Holistic, even Eastern medicine, wherein they operate w/out anesthesia, acupuncture, Natural diets, etc.

I at this time put my trust & faith in the Dr. I'm seeing. She is young, intelligent, & caring. Part of the treatment will include diet- A big part, they have me scheduled for a nutritionist soon.

It's all my fault, not so much the genetic part, but not being more observant or as careful as I should have been.
So far, the Medical workers I've seen have been caring and considerate and concerned.
That is a profession that I could not handle doing myself, so bless them.

And Insurance- It's sick to see Programs bogged down as they seem to be now, while Millionaire Senators & such haggle, all the time having their every need taken care of.
Don't wish to be political or open up debate, but I would pray that everyone be able to receive whatever care, medications, or guidelines they may need.
This is after all, the best Country in the World, even if you have Diabetes.

...Think I'll buy myself a strobe tuner!

 

[TwinDad]

I've been in this boat for about a decade now. Found out when I went to buy a term life insurance policy and nearly failed the exam. They insured me, but for about 10x the premium.

You'll get used to the routine. The diet changes have been tough for me. My doc has advised the "divided plate" method... 1/4 plate meat/protein, 1/4 plate (max) carbs, and 1/2 plate veggies. I'm a sucker for bread and Reeses Cups, though.

Are you using actual syringes for the insulin? I have a pen-like thing where there's a twisty thing on the end to set the dose, then you stab and press the button to inject. Seems much easier than loading a traditional syringe. You might ask your doc about it.

I'll echo the advice about exercise and diet. From all the information I've read and had shoved at me (from reputable sources), it really does seem to boil down to "get some exercise, keep the weight under control, and eat healthy food". Many times they've pointed out that a good "diabetic" diet is also good for the rest of the family.

Anyway, I feel your pain...

 

[TwinDad]

Oh, and PS: Whatever you do, whatever your treatment plan... Take it seriously. The longer you allow yourself to live in denial, the worse the side effects are. It's kinda like tinnitus. The damage takes a while to show up but it's irreversible, so put your "earplugs" in (diet / exercise / medication / treatment / etc.) and don't fool yourself into thinking you don't need them.

PPS: Put some jolly ranchers in your wife's purse, just in case...

 

[B-line]

You'll figure it out. I thought though that insulin was always injected; anything pill form is not actually insulin.

I can offer a few suggestions:

Depending on your meter, it may be a legit option to test using forearm or another place when you think you're going to get a 'normal' number. If you suspect high or low, use a finger.

Of course, quit drinking your sugar.

Carbs appear where you don't necessarily expect them. Brown rice is lower on the glycemic index than white rice, quinoa is I think lower yet. (Don't cook the quinoa according to the package directions; you're guaranteed to hate it.) In general, anything closer to nature's packaging is going to have less negative blood sugar impact than more refined. In other words, eat the fruit but don't drink fruit juice.

And if you do start having to inject insulin, please be aware that lower blood sugar is only better to a point. My ex-spouse insisted on 'nice low blood sugar' and was in the 40s multiple times per week. This made them very difficult to live with, and resulted in brain damage. Don't do that.

Thanks-
Already started 2X injections daily, piece of cake except for warming that &*&^% vial up and putting 2 1/2 leetle bars in that syringe.

The testing is a PITA, mostly because of the "regimen of the poke!"

But, after 3 days, like anything, it works in.
Maybe in the not too distant future, I can "close out" this thread by saying "All systems A-OK, no more stickin' & pokin!"

I frickin' HOPE!!!

Keeping track of Diet, & what's good & not good.. Necessary evil, but a very good discipline, Diabetes or not.

...Think I'll buy myself an expensive pedal of some sort...