Actually, there's quite a lot I've done/accomplished BECAUSE of diabetes. It has given me some wicked organizational and mathematical skills that I don't think I'd have otherwise. It has also made me tough as nails and impervious to pain, which for me meant excelling in athletics. I don't think I would have been like that had it not been for D. So it's not all bad....
Welcome Tommy, I am a new T1 diagnosed Oct,11 2011, I had DKA and had lost 40 lbs. and was hospitalized for three days, I was teamed up with my Endo and she is amazing. Being Dx a diabetic is life changing, I am 39 years old and decided to accept it and control it. I take shots and pills and have alot of family support. This site has taught me so much, the members and their stories and all the research that has been done is amazing. Keep your head up and get a good Endo.
Hi Tommy; not much to say here that hasn't already been said, but I would definitely follow MyBustedPancreas's advice and get that lab-work done. Type 1 does not happen instantaneously (if it did, I would probably have kicked the bucket 30 years ago), and after it does, there is still a "honeymoon period" in which the body continues to make insulin. I'm not saying you are T1-LADA or that you're T2, I'm just saying that you're better off knowing for sure.
If sugary drinks, smoothies, etc. are part of your regular diet, then that could explain the high numbers and the odd feelings. Sugar works a lot faster in your body when you drink it than when you eat it, for obvious reasons: it doesn't need to be "broken down". It's why I am so against the concept of "juicing" that is so prevalent in the holistically healthy lifestyles. But I disagree with the "drink only water" mandate. Drinks without sugar (natural or added), such as diet sodas, coffee and tea, etc. should be fine. But be aware that juices and milk do have sugar. If it's got a label, stick with drinks that have zero (or maybe one) gram of carbohydrate. This is a starting point. Once you get a better handle on how to manage diabetes, you'll know what to do with other drinks. I'd also avoid alcohol .. for now anyway.
Two final points: first, make sure you see an endocrinologist -- a specialist who deals with horomones, specifically diabetes. Regular family doctors often try, but fall short.
And second, DO NOT BE ASHAMED! There's nothing wrong with keeping your name and/or face off of the internet; it's a scary place with lots of strange people on it, but diabetes itself is nothing to be ashamed of,
I just skimmed the responses and didn't see this addressed so excuse me if it was. As far as the test strips, a lot of insurance companies have preferred brands. If your doctor wrote the script for Brand A but your insurance doesn't cover that brand, that could be why you had to pay so much. Call your insurance and find out what they cover. The pharmacist won't always do that for you. I changed jobs once and the new insurance didn't cover the strips I used. I knew I lived in one of the states that do require them to be covered and I just needed to find out what was covered and I made the pharmacist call to ask. It could be that your insurance requires the prescription to state that you are diabetic and what type. Find out what they require.
If you really don't have coverage, a lot of people do get the ReliOn brand at WallyWorld for a lot cheaper than what you paid. Another good source is American Diabetes Wholesale. They have brand name ones for a lot cheaper than $100.
hi tommy, welcome to the club. i was diagnosed at 26 while training for my first triathlon. I didn't hit the typical T2 profile but 16 years later and I'm still a T2.
Kelly raises a good point. It also crossed my mind that some people newly diagnosed might not be told that they need a prescription for the test strips, even though you can buy them without a script, for insurance to cover the cost. I learned that the hard way too....geez the things they should tell you and don't when you're diagnosed, we could probably write a book. And ask them to write the script for at least 10-12 tests per day so you can check frequently.
Ditto!
First of all - don’t be scared anyone because You have found the most incredible site Ifor diabetics! I don’t blame you for being sad and I think a big part of your fear is of the “unknown”. You can put aside your fear because you’ll find more info in here than you’ll ever get from your doc! The first week when you find out you have diabetes is awful as you well know but it’ll get better as you get the tools you need. Using those tools will give you some consistency and that will help you feel more in control. Ive had diabetes for over 20 years and wish so bad I could have had this website from the get go- my biggest advice is this- stick to proteins and veggies and it will simplify your meal choices. Hang in there and if you need anything let me / us know!
Do you have a Walmart around by any chance? They sell ReliOn brand test strips for $20 for 50 or $36 for 100. Its still expensive, but its a lot cheaper than other brands