(updated 04.03.01)
What the &$%@?! I have diabetes?! That was my reaction when diagnosed on February 21, 2001. I was surprised and upset of course. It didn't really hit me until the next day when I was getting ready for work. I was standing at the closet and just lost it. The Husband must've heard or felt something was happening and poked his head in. I totally soaked his shoulder as I cried in his arms. I couldn't believe this "death sentence" had just been passed on me. Of course, I have since found out that it's not the death sentence that it once was. There are many ways to fight this disease. You can't be cured (yet!) but you can have control over it.
First stop was more testing (a 12 hour fasting test) requested by my immigration doc to verify the diagnosis. Results - yep, I certainly do have diabetes.
Next stop was the family doc. Another blood test (two hour fasting). And VERY limited info from him. "You know what you should and shouldn't eat, blah, blah, blah." Geez, thanks for all the wonderful info. BUT he did refer me to an endocrinologist. I've heard it can be a hassle to get your family doc to refer you but no prob here. My appointment with the endo is April 3rd. Just a couple more days!! Had to have another 12 hour fasting test and a two hour fasting test. Damn, I feel like a pincushion sometimes.
Family doc also referred me to a diabetes class given at a local hospital. That's April 10th.
Family doc also didn't say anything about a glucose meter or self testing or anything like that until I brought it up. From what I've read that's number one in trying to keep control of your sugar levels. Sheesh..good thing one of us has done some research.
Mostly, I've done my own research on the net. I've found a couple good sites (see my links page). I also bought (now, don't laugh) Diabetes for Dummies. It's a really good general diabetes book. It's a good place to start anyway. I've also bought a couple nutrition-type books. They've helped some, but I think I need more direction (anyone want to volunteer to be my free personal trainer?). My blood sugars are a bit lower with changes in diet and exercise, but they're not where they should be. BUT I've also heard that i can be a year or so before they are where they are supposed to be.
UPDATE 04.03.01:
I saw the endo today. She was impressed with what I have done so far and with my knowledge. BUT my numbers aren't as low as they should be (of course). So, I'm going on metformin. That should help get them where they should be. If not, back to the drawing board. Of course, I'm still to continue with better diet and exercise. There's still the class on the 10th. Sure hope I get some good info from that.
UPDATE 04.10.01
Finally had the diabetes class. Learned more about diet than anything else. A lot of the info the diabetic nurse went over I had already picked up on my own. BUT I could tell lots of people in the class didn't have a clue. Not sure if it was because they were just diagnosed or didn't think to do their own research. Anyway..lots of info from the dietician that I didn't know. Next class is in July. I'll update y'all then.. |
