High BG and BP

[Shellie]

Hi mamas,

I'm here looking for a little validation I guess. I'm planning on trying a naturopath soon but since we have no out-of-network medical benefits and no alternative practitioners on the list, I've been hesitant to make the financial commitment to trying to find the "right" person.

But, I have type 2 diabetes (came on a year or so after a pregnancy with GD--was insulin-dependent during the PG) and high blood pressure that I'm trying to manage/improve through exercise and weightloss and I don't have a supportive doc. I've failed metformin (terrible side effects) and have been hesitant to start BP meds, though I did agree to start a diuretic (but haven't started it just yet).

My doc (np actually) wants to put me on something else for my BG. Either a low dose of Lantus or one of a few other drugs that would likely cause weight-gain. I said no...my A1C hovers around 6.9 (which is controlled for a diabetic) and 7.5 (which is too high)...that I want to spend 6-12 months getting healthier and then re-evaluate. She basically said I'd be doing permanent damage if I waited. I don't agree based on my A1Cs that I don't have 6-12 months on this. I don't want to gain weight from meds and have even bigger BG and BP issues.

Then there's the BP, which is often as high as 160/110 at the doctor's office. I do have white-coat syndrome and had a home machine which always put me at no more than 125/75 (and often less). I started suspecting is was wrong so I took it in and sure enough, it was still low while the office's was high. So I replaced it with a wrist machine that I do feel is accurate. It was 145+/95+ at home often when I first got it.

I started working on *real* changes about a month ago (after spending a couple months just purely in denial that I had to do *something*) and my BP is down quite a bit....never over 140/90 and often more in the 130's/80-something. I know that's still not controlled but I also know I've only been doing this for a month and I'm increasing the amount I'm exercising every week. I think it's reasonable that in another 5 months (I gave myself 6 months to get the BP under control) that I will have lost enough weight and improved my health overall enough that I won't need the meds for BP.

I start doubting myself as I have two acquaintances who've been admitted to the hospital recently because their BP was in the 145/95 range...and they were told that's basically ready-to-have-a-stroke level and needed meds. immediately. My np, who seems pretty alarmist about my issues, even doesn't say that about that range.

Of course if my plan doesn't work I will have to go on the meds...but I'm just trying to make sure I'm not putting myself at significant risk by taking 6 months to really work on my weight and fitness.

Thoughts?

[Shellie]

I must be the only fat diabetic chick reading this forum.

[junipermuse]

I'm sorry no one else has replied yet. I don't have the same situation so take my opinion for what its worth, but I think you probably could take 6 months to work on your health/weight before going on Meds. I really have only battled high blood pressure in pregnancy, but while 140/90 is high (if I had reached that point in pregnancy I would no longer been allowed to birth at home) it's not at the point where you're a stroke-waiting-to-happen. I think if your numbers continue to improve you should stick with what you're doing and reconsider the medical route (drugs) if you still aren't in a healthy place in a few more months.

By the way what changes have you made? Is it mostly exercise or also diet? Good luck.

[Bokonon]

From my own personal experience only, I would recommend acupuncture for the BP.

I had severe preeclampsia with both pregnancies. With the last, my BP came down to around 120s/70s-80s after a few weeks, but I still had a headache (continuous) and visual disturbances, though a clean MRI. My pre-pregnancy normal BP was 100/60, so my doc thought that once my BP went back to my normal, the headache and floaters would subside. But it wasn't high enough for meds.

He had me start taking omega-3 and B complex vitamins, but I didn't notice any difference. So I tried acupuncture. Within 3 visits, my BP was down to 110s/70s. Now it's 100/60 again. My headache is a bit better, and I still have floaters, but there has been definite improvement.

It hasn't been cheap ($50/session), but I saw results within 3 visits, and though I've only had one session in the last 2 months, my BP has remained stable at 100/60ish.

[purplestraws]

From personal experience...getting your BG under control should help your BP too. I think the inflammation that's caused by poorly controlled blood sugar can create hypertension.

And as far as Metformin goes...have you asked for extended release? The difference between regular and ER is like night and day. I don't think that it has quite the same impact as regular Metformin...a little less obvious impact on BS readings...but, it might be worth it to not have all of the yucky GI symptoms.

Dr.'s are used to their patients saying they're going to make a change and then not following through or not sticking to it in the long run...that's why they tend to push meds so much. (Not that I agree with that approach, but still...) If I were you, I would tell my doctor that I want to have 6 months to a year to show her that you can make a change...and you're willing to be closely monitored during that time...maybe coming in every 2-3 months or so for HbA1C, BP, cholesterol, etc...

Also, it's best to have your HbA1C in the 5s...a 6.5 is equal to an average BS of 140 which is high enough to do some major damage. 5s is ideal...what kind of diet are you on?

[KatWrangler]

I am not sure what to tell you. I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes this week. I also have very high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

I have an appointment to see my Family Practice Doctor Tuesday. I do know she wants to talk about putting me on cholesterol meds.

I've lost 8 1/2 pounds so far. But I have about 93 to goal.

[Shellie]

Originally Posted by junipermuse

By the way what changes have you made? Is it mostly exercise or also diet? Good luck.

Thanks--what you said is along the same lines I'm thinking. I've been working on diet and exercise...starting in January I eliminated all processed foods, all MSG (which triggers migraines for me), all hydrogenated fat, HFCS, sulfites, etc. I also have been working on portion control, emotional eating (or not succumbing to it LOL) and I've been doing brisk walking 3-4 times weekly and pushups daily (when I started I could barely do one and now do 60 per day).

Originally Posted by Bokonon

From my own personal experience only, I would recommend acupuncture for the BP.

That's amazing...I think I have accupuncture coverage too....will look into it. Thanks!

Originally Posted by purplestraws

And as far as Metformin goes...have you asked for extended release? The difference between regular and ER is like night and day. I don't think that it has quite the same impact as regular Metformin...a little less obvious impact on BS readings...but, it might be worth it to not have all of the yucky GI symptoms.

I did try ER in both brand name and generic as well as regular in brand name and generic. It all just makes me really sick and I was going to need to go on anti-anxiety meds for the anxiety had I stayed on (and those cause weight gain...so it'd be an endless cycle thing). I really, really wanted it to work (I lose weight easily and quickly on it) but it's not the right drug for me (apparently I'm in the lucky 3% who can't tolerate it!

My long-term A1C goal would be <6 but my last endo. said <7 is a good first goal for a t2 diabetic. I would definitely want better long term but the medication options aren't something I'm ready for, side effect wise. My bg readings tend to drop about 10% for every 10 pounds I lose, so I think weightloss can get me in the right place long-term. I have about 75 pounds to lose so it won't happen overnight.

Originally Posted by KatWrangler

I've lost 8 1/2 pounds so far. But I have about 93 to goal.

That's great! I have 100 to lose if you go stricly by the charts but my goal is 75 (I'm large-framed and large-chested LOL). 8 pounds is nothing to sneeze at...while it might take many months to get it all off, you will start to see a difference even at a 5-10% loss. I never believed it, but it's true!!