On 10/7/2010 7:08 AM, Janet wrote:
> 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?
>
>
>
Others have recommended that I get a BC machine too. Can I get
everything over the counter? I live 1 mile from Walmart.
Can you give me the model number of the meter? I would rather this does
not go through my insurance company. I just tried switching companies
and they nabbed me, point wise, on sinusitus, which I never had. I was
misdiagnosed, but because one doc said I had it, the allergist said I
did not. So, I had plenty of points deducted on my score card. Those of
you who decide to switch companies sooner or later will understand when
I bring up a point system. Therefore,
I can't even imagine what would happen if I mentioned the word DB.

What type of strips are the best?

Thanks.