Kate wrote:

<snip>

> What a neat group of educated folks here.
>
> I spoke with my doc's nurse yesterday, and I will be going
> back to see the doc the first week in January. I need to get all the
> blood workup done again, and I am happy to do this.
>
> For now, she does not recommend that I get a machine to test my BG
> levels.
> The worst part of all of this is that the tests will be performed
> right after the holidays. Oh well, I am determined to eat better.
>
> Thanks again.
>
> Kate- Who is now down 6 lbs.

Kate, if you can afford to buy a WalMart meter and strips, I would
*consider* setting aside the nurse's advice, which is probably predicated on
the idea that "if the doctor didn't prescribe it, you don't need it." It
sounds like you may not in fact absolutely need it, but IMHO if you are
going to go through the trouble to seriously revamp your eating habits you
might as well really know what ou are dealing with--assuming that the cost
of a cheap WalMart meter and strips is not a problem for you. I also think
that meter results might help you get through the holidays eating
realistically. You would know what you really can eat, rather than feeling
helplessly that you "ought" to cut out this or that.

I can also contrast the feeling I had when first DXed of feeling helpless:
all food seemed like poison. What could I eat? What couldn't I eat? It was
so overwhelming. After I got my meter and started testing, I at least could
feel that I was proceding under my own control, no longer powerless. There
is a lot to be said for that.

I think it's great that your doctor is sufficiently proactive to give you
good advice about taking measures to stave off T2 before--hopefully--you
have a full-blown condition. As I and many others can testify, this happens
all-too infrequently.

In my small sample of one, I have found that those involved with diabetes
treatment and education seem to regard those of us who take our condition
into our own hands as almost unique. They seem to be accustomed to dealing
with those who are barely compliant, and often seem to tailor their advice
to that which they think the barely compliant may actually be willing to do,
which is understandable.

Ironically, in the middle of typing this post, the diabetes case manager
called to check in with me. She is very supportive, and made some good
suggestions about strategies for managing my desired increased carb intake,
addressing specific weightloss goals, etc. I asked her if, as I have gotten
the feeling, I am the exception amongst those she deals with, and whether
advice was often tailored to those who are, shall we say, less compliant.
She--very diplomatically--confirmed my impression. She said that many people
are simply overwhelmed, and seem to remain so even in the longer term. It
seems to be a combination of factors: some are of the mindset that the
doctor will fix any illness with a pill. Some don't seem to take seriously
the idea that uncontrolled BGs can result in blindness and other
complications. Many don't seem to believe that they can really significantly
control their own BGs and really can avoid complications if they are willing
to work on their eating and exercise habits.

It sounds as if you are planning to continue this course of action for
several months. I would suggest that if you are going to devote the effort
to changing your eating patterns--in a way that is, let's face it, not
convenient or particularly pleasant--and losing weight that you might as
well do it right: keep a detailed food diary accompanied by a record of BG
testing. If nothing else, after that time you will know what is really
happening with your body. I think it is always better to be armed with
knowledge.

BTW, what are you doing to lose weight? Have you adopted a particular
calorie target, have you upped your exercise, are you keeping a food diary,
etc? Do you have a rough weekly goal?