[Diabetes-Talk] Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Popping In

[Lisa Belville]

Hi, all.


Last July I was diagnosed with type II diabetes.  My A1C was 7.6 and my 
sugar level was 145, these were the results of the fasting labs which 
prompted the diagnosis.  In October my A1C was 7.2 and my fasting sugar 
was 125.


I've been on Metformin since July.  My Dad and sister are also type II, 
and both of them take Metformin but my sister is on the XR version. I'm 
lucky in that I haven't had some of the severe gastro-intestinal issues 
my dad and sister have.


I have started eliminating things like soda and excessive sweets, and 
reading food lables more closely, but it can be so overwhelming and 
confusing.  I know carbohydrates can be more harmful than straight 
sugar, so I'm trying to find things low in carbohydrates that I actually 
like.  My weaknesses are rice, pasta, and anything chocolate.  <sigh and 
grin>  I like the riced cauliflower, so that's a start.


My doctor told me that some people manage their type II diabetes with 
Metformin and diet changes and never check their sugar levels.  she 
didn't seem concerned about that, but did ask me at my second 
appointment what my blood sugar was doing and I couldn't tell her.


So, my challenge now is finding a glucometer I can use independantly.  
I'm totally blind and live alone.  I have Medicare as well as Medicade 
coverage.  What should I ask for and how can I get someone to show me 
how to use it.  If worse comes to worse I can get my dad or sister to 
show me, but I'd just as soon do it myself if possible.


Thank you so much and I look forward to everyone's opinions and answers.



-- 
Lisa Belville
missktlab1217 at frontier.com