[Diabetes-talk] Introduction and the first of many questions.

Thu Oct 4 04:17:26 UTC 2012

Linda,

Mike has provided you with great info and resources, so I won't be
redundant. I will, though, back up one point, and that is at the end of
the day, diabetes is an individual disease. It affects each person
differently, as do the treatments. This doesn't mean we ignore the
basics such as testing frequently, eating healthier and taking insulin
if necessary, but it does mean that, as Mike says, that what works for
one person may not work the same way for another. You and your doctor
must ultimately discover what treatments are best. I can give you all
the details of my treatment regimine, but it may not work for you. You
are new to the disease and will eventually get the hang of it. Don't
ever feel embarrassed or ashamed, and certainly don't let others tell
you how to "be diabetic" other than your doctor. I've been type one
since I was four-years-old. A lot has changed and been developed in the
years I have had diabetes, much for the good and convenience of those of
us with this disease. Despite diabetes being one of the highest growing
diseases in the country, most people, including diabetics, are
misinformed, and some just clueless, about it. As Mike says, it' a
complex disease that will take time to adjust too, but you'll get there.
Welcome again, and don't ever be shy about seeking advice from this
list, though as with everything, discern what's appropriate for you and
always consult your doctor before making changes or trying new things.

Sincerely,
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Read my blog at:
http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/

"History is not what happened; history is what was written down."
The Expected One- Kathleen McGowan

-----Original Message-----
From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lynda Canaday
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2012 5:37 PM
To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Introduction and the first of many questions.

Hello to All:

This is Lynda and I was diagnosed with diabetes type 2 almost 2 months 
ago.  Because my blindness is congenital, I didn't think I could get 
this disease? condition?  My doctor says it is a disease.  I hate that 
label!  I'm having a very hard time coping with this.    Embarrassment 
is my immediate reaction to this because no one in my family has it and 
it has never been one of the things we have delt with.  Is this common 
or, am I as out of place in the world as I now feel?

I am a Classical singer and voice teacher in Kansas where I currently 
reside with my husband, Jim and our pet yellow lab, ten-year-old Darby 
who should be getting out of surgery about now.

I followed the "Weight Watchers Quick Start Plus Program when it first 
came out in the 1980s and several people in my class who were diabetics 
followed it as well.  so, I thought, "I'll just go back on that because 
it was the one version of the program that I completely understood and 
I love it!  However, this time it isn't working.  My husband has blood 
sugar problems because He takes a lot of steroids for his various very 
complicated health issues.  Although he watches his sugar he is not 
diabetic.    He says that with diabetes you count carbs not calories.  
Of course, he can't explain how it's done but, if I have a "bad 
carbohydrate, like half a bagel, he can say it's bad.  He also says 
that the Weight Watchers exchanges are different from the diabetic ones 
but he can't tell me why that is or the conversion formula if there is 
one.    Can anybody help put this right for me?  How are the exchanges 
different?  How can you tell which carbohydrates are good or bad?  How 
about portion control?  Both of us could stand to lose more than a few 
pounds which is fine with me, I would happily change whatever I need 
too in order to accomplish that.  As far as Jim goes... ask him what he 
eats in one meal and you will get the picture.  I have asked more than 
my one question.  and I have so many more about diet and nutrition, 
obtaining glucose readings or ratings.  Are there diabetic cookbooks 
available?  Where might I find them?  My doctor says that if I can drop 
the excess weight, I won't have this any more.  Is this true?  
Sometimes I can't tell if that man is joking or telling the truth.

                Some time ago when Jim ordered more sugar testing 
supplies, the company gave more than requested.  We didn't know that 
they were going to be needed so soon.  They sent him an extra Prodigy 
Meter, and enough neetles to last him for a lifetime, several lancets, 
testing solution and bottles of strips.  I have benefited from this 
bountiful supply.  After inheriting the new Prodigy Meter, two Lancet 
shooters, strips for the Meter, about thirty boxes of neetles, and 
testing solution for the strips, and a carying case I am in the process 
of figuring out just where to store things until I need them.  Learning 
to take my blood sugar before my first cup of coffee is difficult at 
best and some mornings I can't get it at all.  My diabetes educator at 
the hospital said that I have to practice taking my blood sugar in the 
same way that I practice for an upcoming performance.  If I did that, 
my fingers would be varying shades of purple and who knows what other 
colors I might turn.  I can't see myself poking my fingers for four 
hours a day just to get one silly little two or three digits to flash 
across a screen and tell me what they are.  What do they mean and why 
is it necessary to know them.           I will look forward to your 
answering as many of my questions as you can and it is my hope that 
some of us will become good friends.  I'll be watching my inbox.

Lynda

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