Dealing with diabetes, questions and a vent

[LaughingHyena]

OK first the quick questions.
Is is OK to use alcohol gel/wet wipes before fingerpricks or will they affect the results? If they do what do you do when out?

How long did it take you to feel comfortable with doing you injections?

How long did it take for your sugar levels to stabilise?

I was diagnosed with type 1 2 weeks ago and am feeling rather down about it all. The first week or so was OK. I think I was on a high of feeling so much better than I have for a while. Being able to get through the day without a nap and actually enjoying the walk to school rather than dreading how wiped out I would feel afterwards.

This week is not going so well, I feel like my sugars are all over the place and I don't know how to keep them stable. I've been pretty hungry but feel Iike I shouldn't eat my usual snacks, fruit, bread etc. I love carbs but I can see the effects in the readings.

Till now I have always avoided artificial sweetners, now I'm finding myself using them because I am missing sweet things. I feel like my diet has got worse, not healthier.

I know in time this will start to feel normal, but right now it really sucks.

[Naturopath Mom]

To make sure we are on the same page, you were diagnosed with Type ONE? As far as my understanding goes, that is particularly rare for adults.

Gymnema sylvestre is an herb that can help control sugar cravings. Artificial sweeteners are not the way to go, they cause so many problems with the brain and some studies show that they will still spike blood sugar levels. You want low-glycemic. Fiber and whole grain, nothing refined. Stevia is a good choice for sweet cravings, it will help your pancreas and will not spike blood sugar. 40x sweeter than sugar as well! Try drinking lemon water made with stevia, really good.

In peace & health,
Kimberly

[LaughingHyena]

To make sure we are on the same page, you were diagnosed with Type ONE? As far as my understanding goes, that is particularly rare for adults.

Defiantly type 1, I know it's unusual but I've never been one to follow the rules

I will have to see where I can find stevia. I don't have a local health food store so my guess is I'll be ordering online.

Otherwise things have been better this last couple of days. I think the cold that DS brought home from preschool was messing me up.

[logansmom109]

I am so sorry to hear of this new diagnosis for you. I know it can be so disturbing especially when everyone keeps telling you how atypical it is at your age! ha ha.

Just FYI, I am a certified diabetes educator and have worked with folks with both type 1 and 2 for many years. Feel free to message me with your specific insulin regimen an I will be happy to help you work through some ideas that may help level out your blood sugars.

I would also say that if you have access to a diabetes educator in your local area where you could have face to face access that would be ideal, but I realized that isn't always available or possible so know that i am here if you have any specific questions.

The few things I can tell you that help most people whether type 1 or 2 is to of course

cut out all sugary drinks (fruit juice, regular soda, koolaid, gatorade, etc (unless you are treating a low BG)).

Try to keep each meal to a limit of about 45 gm of total carbohydrate (this includes your grains, fruit and milk)...while aiming to use the higher fiber sources of those carbohydrate.

Try to get a lean protein source with each meal and snack as this will slow down how quickly the carbohydrate converts to sugar and then spikes your sugar after meals.

Add a small amount of healthy fat to each meal as well so you don't find yourself getting hungry all day long.

I do recommend most people eating every 4-5 hours whether it is a small meal or a snack (still combining protein with high fiber carbs)-snacks about 15grams worth of carb.

Try to incorporate about 30 minutes of physical activity each day---obviously this is just a goal, but the closer you can get to reaching the goal the better your sugars will look.

I'm sure everyone has a different opinion on the subject, but I can tell you that in my ~15 years of working with patients every day these are the basic things that make for a good foundation.

Your particular insulin regimen can allow for some changes though so depending on the type of insulin and number of injections things may be adjusted somewhat.

IN terms of your first question about alcohol before testing...it is okay to use it, just make sure it is completely dry before testing. I don't recommend using it every day b/c it will dry your skin out and that can lead to more painful fingersticks. Typically just washing with warm soapy water first is the best solution for clean fingers and also good bloodflow to the fingertips.

Getting used to injections is different for everyone. Do you have the pens or the vial/syringe setup? Folks tend to adjust to the pens more quickly, but also it has a lot to do with your trainer. Again, I can give specific tips if you tell me what type of insulin you are on.

Your blood sugars will stabilize more quickly the more consistent you are with your carbohydrate intake at meals/snacks and the more you eat on a consistent basis. Obviously there will need to be some changes made on your insulin dosing, but if there is only one variable it is much easier to figure that out than if you eat random foods and amounts each day. Keep a food journal at first and take it to your doctor or dietitian to help nail things down more quickly.

I'll shut up know. Let me know if you need anything else.
Erin