What do I Do?

[diabeticwonder]

I've had uncontrolled diabetes since 1987, having high blood sugars have become the norm.  This frightens Me.  Iam 57 and I'm convinced that Diabetes had taken over my life.  Why?  Let's see;  There is a rampant family history on my dads side.  Thru the years I've been diagnosed with several "no cure" illnesses; discoid lupus, crohns disease, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, high cholesterol, graves disease, trace of sickle cell, osteoarthrotis, pancreatitis, foul breath/body odor, major depression, alopecia Aretia, thinning eye brows/lashes, arthritis in back (may be due to previous injury years ago) with pain on left side hip emanating down leg to feet, diabetic neuropathy. Constipation with tarry rock like stools.  Frequent am headaches, blurry vision, had a hysterectomy, upper teeth removed, trigger finger, Surgery on right hand....Not necessarily in that order...need I say More.  I do smoke...That's what keeps me sane.  Doctors are confused.  My fairly new primary, finally, listens to me and had already started sending Me to different specialists.  I still have some measure of faith and hope.  I don't care got pigs out surgery, but have found that's the only way to get relief.  Oh, and family support, they have given up on Me.
In It to win it!!!HELP!!!
Hats

[Debora888]

don't give up! You need to reduce your carbs. think of everything white as evil, and exercise as your drug. I was diagnosed almost three years ago now. I have been on a few different drugs and have been up and down. I know a lot now. I have had major back surgery 10 months ago and have ulcertive colitis. I feel your pain. I'm now on glipizide. I just cut it down to one pill because its causing me to gain weight. It is working, but only if I eat low carb, and exercise. I have to change my exercise due to my back, but I find ways and it works. I will tell you you have to get your sugars down before you will,start losing weight. I have learned this with my ups and downs how insulin resistance works. Read everything you can! You need to put yourself first! Stop smoking, with help from your DR.  have water with you all the time. I use protien low carb powder, and cook with it. This gives me a way to have like a muffin as a snack. Low carb! My motivation is I don't wont to end up without my legs, or my eye sight! I also work in the medical field and see patients suffer from this disease and from smoking related disease. change your focus to cooking with protien, low fat, and exercise, and don't focus on your other health issues. Push through the pain, and little by little you will see change! :)

[Cathleen Zoretic, RN]

Thanks for using the forum.

I am not sure what the question is...If you are asking for a way to manage your diabetes, my recommendation would be to get an endocrinologist that you are comfortable with. You need to incorporate the dietary and lifestyle changes that help to manage diabetes into your daily life. I understand you smoke, I am sure that you know that it is not helpful to your condition. A good endocrinologist can help you to manage your medication and help you to make the diet and lifestyle changes that will manage your condition. If possible, it can be helpful to meet with a dietician or nutritionist to help you understand what foods will fuel your body without spiking your blood sugar. A regular exercise program (approved by your doctor) can also be helpful. Limiting alcohol, fried/fatty foods, and obviously strict management of your carbohydrate intake are also important.

I hope this helps.

Cathy