New to all of this......

First let me say that I have found this group to be a great place to
look for information. It appears to be a great group of people. Here is
my situation, I will try to keep it short.

First, I am a 47 y.o. male, weight is ok, maybe loose 10 lbs wouldnt
hurt.
Family history: Father and grandmother both were diabetic.

Last year I found out I have high blood pressure, so I am taking meds
for that and now go to the Dr. twice a year. Blood pressure is under
control.
Jan 31. routine physical. Blood work comes back:

Cholesterol 209
HDL 47
LDL 110
Trig 261
blood sugar 128
HgA1c 6.3


The doctor mails me this report and tells me to call him. No apt
needed. I am told to cut out any candy, soda etc. and I need to reduce
my intake of high fat foods. Because my sugar is elevated and depending
on who's standards you go by, I may be slightly diabetic. I should just
cut out the garbage foods and eat better. Schedule to come back and
retest in 3 months.

He never made me feel this was anything to worry about. So I
procrastinate and go back and retest Nov 1. Now its 9 months later. I
have changed all my beverages to diet, cut out most sweets, ice cream
etc. I have lost 6 pounds. Blood work comes back:

Cholesterol 190
HDL 48
LDL 108
Trig 172
blood sugar 118
HgA1c 5.8

At the bottom of the report he says it does appear I am a least
borderline diabetic and may be able to control it with diet and
exercise. He wants me back in 3 weeks for another retest and schedule
an apt with a dietitian.

I am upset with myself that I didnt take the first report more
seriously and research it more. I guess I am looking for comments from
the group on how it looks to everyone. From what I have read here, I am
prediabetic, I do need to excercise more and control my eating habits.
Should I get a meter? I spoke with my ins. and they cover the strips
and will give me the meter. I guess there is some denial on my part. Am
I diabetic it or not?

Any comments or input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Greg

x-no-archive: yes

Greg wrote:

> Last year I found out I have high blood pressure, so I am taking meds
> for that and now go to the Dr. twice a year. Blood pressure is under
> control.
> Jan 31. routine physical. Blood work comes back:
>
> Cholesterol 209
> HDL 47
> LDL 110
> Trig 261
> blood sugar 128
> HgA1c 6.3
>
>
> The doctor mails me this report and tells me to call him. No apt
> needed. I am told to cut out any candy, soda etc. and I need to reduce
> my intake of high fat foods. Because my sugar is elevated and depending
> on who's standards you go by, I may be slightly diabetic. I should just
> cut out the garbage foods and eat better. Schedule to come back and
> retest in 3 months.
>
> He never made me feel this was anything to worry about. So I
> procrastinate and go back and retest Nov 1. Now its 9 months later. I
> have changed all my beverages to diet, cut out most sweets, ice cream
> etc. I have lost 6 pounds. Blood work comes back:
>
> Cholesterol 190
> HDL 48
> LDL 108
> Trig 172
> blood sugar 118
> HgA1c 5.8
>
> At the bottom of the report he says it does appear I am a least
> borderline diabetic and may be able to control it with diet and
> exercise. He wants me back in 3 weeks for another retest and schedule
> an apt with a dietitian.
>
> I am upset with myself that I didnt take the first report more
> seriously and research it more. I guess I am looking for comments from
> the group on how it looks to everyone. From what I have read here, I am
> prediabetic, I do need to excercise more and control my eating habits.
> Should I get a meter? I spoke with my ins. and they cover the strips
> and will give me the meter. I guess there is some denial on my part. Am
> I diabetic it or not?

Hi, Greg,

Don't be upset with yourself, you're on the right track. Your bg and
TGLs are still higher than is healthy, but your other lipids aren't bad
at all.

Your doc doesn't know anything about diagnosing DM, so you might do well
to ask around for an endocrinologist in your area who manages DM well.

This group has a wealth of info, as you've discovered, for type 2
control. If you don't have a bg meter, buy one and follow the advice
posted here by our very own Jennifer:

http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org/...0Diagnosed.htm

Welcome.

Susan

On 21 Oct 2006 04:34:15 -0700, "Greg"
<goggy59@comporium.net> wrote:

>First let me say that I have found this group to be a great place to
>look for information. It appears to be a great group of people. Here is
>my situation, I will try to keep it short.
>
>First, I am a 47 y.o. male, weight is ok, maybe loose 10 lbs wouldnt
>hurt.
>Family history: Father and grandmother both were diabetic.
>
>Last year I found out I have high blood pressure, so I am taking meds
>for that and now go to the Dr. twice a year. Blood pressure is under
>control.
>Jan 31. routine physical. Blood work comes back:
>
>Cholesterol 209
>HDL 47
>LDL 110
>Trig 261
>blood sugar 128
>HgA1c 6.3
>
>
>The doctor mails me this report and tells me to call him. No apt
>needed. I am told to cut out any candy, soda etc. and I need to reduce
>my intake of high fat foods. Because my sugar is elevated and depending
>on who's standards you go by, I may be slightly diabetic. I should just
>cut out the garbage foods and eat better. Schedule to come back and
>retest in 3 months.
>
>He never made me feel this was anything to worry about. So I
>procrastinate and go back and retest Nov 1. Now its 9 months later. I
>have changed all my beverages to diet, cut out most sweets, ice cream
>etc. I have lost 6 pounds. Blood work comes back:
>
>Cholesterol 190
>HDL 48
>LDL 108
>Trig 172
>blood sugar 118
>HgA1c 5.8
>
>At the bottom of the report he says it does appear I am a least
>borderline diabetic and may be able to control it with diet and
>exercise. He wants me back in 3 weeks for another retest and schedule
>an apt with a dietitian.
>
>I am upset with myself that I didnt take the first report more
>seriously and research it more. I guess I am looking for comments from
>the group on how it looks to everyone. From what I have read here, I am
>prediabetic, I do need to excercise more and control my eating habits.
>Should I get a meter? I spoke with my ins. and they cover the strips
>and will give me the meter. I guess there is some denial on my part. Am
>I diabetic it or not?
>
>Any comments or input would be greatly appreciated.
>
>Thanks,
>Greg

Hi Greg.

Which would you like first, the good news or the bad news?

Well, I'll start with the bad news. You may not be
officially a "diabetic", but if you don't act as if you are
- you definitely will be. Your doc is quite correct,
technically, you don't officially qualify - yet.

Now for the good news. Your numbers are not terrible; they
are far better than most newbies. You've discovered this
much earlier than most of us do and that gives you the
advantage that you don't yet have the complications -
neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, (read those broadly as
limbs, kidneys and eyes) or heart problems. It also means
that you have the opportunity to try to ensure that you
never do.

I won't hit you with information overload straight away -
just a link to get you started. Read this to see what to do
next:

http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org/NewlyDiagnosed.htm

As you will see, it's not just about fat; in fact it's
probably more about carbohydrates, not just diet beverages,
sweets etc. Congratulations on the weight loss - that's a
good start.

As you will also see - that meter is critical. It is the
single most important weapon in these early skirmishes of a
life-long campaign. I'm guessing that you are American from
the numbers, so the others will be along with advice there.
In the meantime, after reading that link, read this one
about meters: http://www.mendosa.com/meters.htm

The others will be along when America wakes. Come back with
lots of questions after reading the links.

Cheers Alan, T2, Australia.
d&e, metformin 1000mg, ezetrol 10mg
--
I have no medical qualifications beyond my own experience.
Choose your advisers carefully, because experience can be
an expensive teacher.

Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.

Greg wrote in message
<1161430455.418389.311650@m73g2000cwd.googlegroups .com>...
>First let me say that I have found this group to be a great place to
>look for information. It appears to be a great group of people. Here is
>my situation, I will try to keep it short.
>
>First, I am a 47 y.o. male, weight is ok, maybe loose 10 lbs wouldnt
>hurt.
>Family history: Father and grandmother both were diabetic.
>
>Last year I found out I have high blood pressure, so I am taking meds
>for that and now go to the Dr. twice a year. Blood pressure is under
>control.
>Jan 31. routine physical. Blood work comes back:
>
>Cholesterol 209
>HDL 47
>LDL 110
>Trig 261
>blood sugar 128
>HgA1c 6.3
>
>
>The doctor mails me this report and tells me to call him. No apt
>needed. I am told to cut out any candy, soda etc. and I need to reduce
>my intake of high fat foods. Because my sugar is elevated and depending
>on who's standards you go by, I may be slightly diabetic. I should just
>cut out the garbage foods and eat better. Schedule to come back and
>retest in 3 months.
>
>He never made me feel this was anything to worry about. So I
>procrastinate and go back and retest Nov 1. Now its 9 months later. I
>have changed all my beverages to diet, cut out most sweets, ice cream
>etc. I have lost 6 pounds. Blood work comes back:
>
>Cholesterol 190
>HDL 48
>LDL 108
>Trig 172
>blood sugar 118
>HgA1c 5.8
>
>At the bottom of the report he says it does appear I am a least
>borderline diabetic and may be able to control it with diet and
>exercise. He wants me back in 3 weeks for another retest and schedule
>an apt with a dietitian.
>
>I am upset with myself that I didnt take the first report more
>seriously and research it more. I guess I am looking for comments from
>the group on how it looks to everyone. From what I have read here, I am
>prediabetic, I do need to excercise more and control my eating habits.
>Should I get a meter? I spoke with my ins. and they cover the strips
>and will give me the meter. I guess there is some denial on my part. Am
>I diabetic it or not?
>
>Any comments or input would be greatly appreciated.
>
>Thanks,
>Greg
>


HbA1c is our "report card". It tells us how well we have been controlling
our blood sugar over the past few weeks and months. Lower is better

Umm. . ."slightly diabetic" is a somewhat inaccurate figure of speech. I'm
100% totally diabetic and your HbA1c is higher than mine. Also, we have
a lot of 100% totally diabetic folks in this group who have better fasting
blood sugars than you do

(BTW, two FbG of 126 or more are enough for a diagnosis of "diabetic" by
many docs)

I'm sorry, but it's almost certain that you are "in our Club" and "fighting
our fight".

The meter will help with the blood sugars (we call them bG. . .blood
Glucose). Reading Jennifer's excellent advice page will tell you what to
do with it.

http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org/NewlyDiagnosed.htm

Now for the bad news.

Type 2 diabetics as a group experience premature heart attacks. One of
the symptoms of this tendency is high triglycerides levels, in particular,
a high triglycerides to HDL ratio. Our target is 3.0 or less with lower
being better. Your ratios, 5.5 and 3.6 are too high. I suggest that
your #1 goal right now is to work on your lipids.

(You have been working on your lifestyle, perhaps the favorable reduction
in your triglycerides is a result)

Jennifer's eating advice is a good start at bringing down your
triglycerides. If that's not enough, there are both OTC and prescription
meds which will help. You might want to talk to your doctor about
statins, fibrates, and niacin.

FWIW, time-release niacin is OTC.

Your triglycerides suggest that you have high Insulin Resistance. That's
a killer. You fight it by changing your lifestyle and/or taking
prescription meds. Your options:

1. Lose fat lb, especially around the abdomen
(Omental Fat)
2. Gain muscle lb
3. Exercise every day, the more vigorously the better
4. Fight the deadly effects by limiting your carb intake, eating slowly
digesting carbs, spreading your carb over several small meals
5. Take the prescription meds Metformin* (Glucophage) and/or a TZD
(Actos or Avandia)

* Metformin is the cheaper and fewer-side-effect option.

(more than you want to know about Insulin Resistance)
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pub...linresistance/

Knowledge is our most important weapon in this fight. Many hospitals
have formal Diabetes Training Courses. Nowadays, the better ones run
about 9 classroom hours with a 1 hour face-to-face follow up. They are
taught by CDE (Certified Diabetes Educators). I suggest that getting to
know a good CDE is a good way for a diabetic to live longer.

You can also benefit from "Diabetes Support Group" meetings run by
hospitals. They aren't typical support group meetings, they are
generally 1 hour free lectures by a medical professional, moderated by a
CDE.

March and November are National "Diabetes-Something-or-Other" months.
Hospitals offer Diabetes Expos during one or the other or both of these
months. More free lectures by medical professionals, free medical
tests and an exposition of the latest in diabetes supplies. I suggest that
you call around and see if you can find one (I go to both the March and
November Expos in my area)

Above all, keep coming back. Diabetes is one of the odd diseases in which
the patient does all the work and most of the management. The docs mostly
sit on the sidelines cheering us on and writing the occasional prescription.
Reading the diabetes newsgroups every night has produced substantial
improvements in my health, my quality of life, and, I'm sure, my life
expectancy. It can do the same for you.

(Oops, forgot to mention: High blood pressure is a common result of
diabetes and high Insulin Resistance. Diabetics should use an ACE or ARB
to control it and our targets are more stringent than those of the general
population. That's something else to discuss with your doc)

Regards
Old Al

Greg wrote:
> First let me say that I have found this group to be a great place to
> look for information. It appears to be a great group of people. Here is
> my situation, I will try to keep it short.
>
> First, I am a 47 y.o. male, weight is ok, maybe loose 10 lbs wouldnt
> hurt.

What is your height and weight ?

The standards for folks with metabolic syndrome (MetS) like you (having
looked ahead) is more stringent toward leaner&trimmer.

> Family history: Father and grandmother both were diabetic.

Uh-oh.

> Last year I found out I have high blood pressure, so I am taking meds
> for that and now go to the Dr. twice a year. Blood pressure is under
> control.

What are your medications for blood pressure ?

Some medications are contraindicated for folks with MetS.

> Jan 31. routine physical. Blood work comes back:
>
> Cholesterol 209

Too high.

> HDL 47

Too low.

> LDL 110

Too high.

> Trig 261

Too high.

> blood sugar 128

Too high.

> HgA1c 6.3

Too high.

>
> The doctor mails me this report and tells me to call him. No apt
> needed. I am told to cut out any candy, soda etc. and I need to reduce
> my intake of high fat foods. Because my sugar is elevated and depending
> on who's standards you go by, I may be slightly diabetic. I should just
> cut out the garbage foods and eat better.

Wiser would have been to eat less:

http://groups.google.com/group/sci.m...65a036d576f36?

> Schedule to come back and
> retest in 3 months.
>
> He never made me feel this was anything to worry about. So I
> procrastinate and go back and retest Nov 1. Now its 9 months later. I
> have changed all my beverages to diet, cut out most sweets, ice cream
> etc. I have lost 6 pounds. Blood work comes back:
>
> Cholesterol 190

Optimal.

> HDL 48

Still too low.

> LDL 108

Still too high.

> Trig 172

Still too high.

> blood sugar 118

Still too high.

> HgA1c 5.8

Still too high.

> At the bottom of the report he says it does appear I am a least
> borderline diabetic and may be able to control it with diet and
> exercise. He wants me back in 3 weeks for another retest and schedule
> an apt with a dietitian.

Simply visit the following to learn what not to do:

http://groups.google.com/group/sci.m...dcf43b835714d?

> I am upset with myself that I didnt take the first report more
> seriously and research it more. I guess I am looking for comments from
> the group on how it looks to everyone. From what I have read here, I am
> prediabetic, I do need to excercise more and control my eating habits.
> Should I get a meter? I spoke with my ins. and they cover the strips
> and will give me the meter. I guess there is some denial on my part. Am
> I diabetic it or not?

Your losing the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is curing your type-2
diabetes by curing the underlying MetS:

http://groups.google.com/group/sci.m...2da8faa245013?

> Any comments or input would be greatly appreciated.

You are welcome, Greg.

All thanks and praises belong to GOD, Whom I love with all my heart,
soul, mind, and strength.

May GOD continue to heal your heart by curing your diabetes, dear
neighbor Greg whom I love unconditionally.

Prayerfully in Christ's amazing love,

Andrew <><
--
Andrew B. Chung
Cardiologist, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
http://HeartMDPhD.com/HolySpirit

As for knowing who are the very elect, these you will know by the
unconditional love they have for everyone including their enemies
(Matthew 5:44-45, 1 Corinthians 13:3, James 2:14-17).

http://groups.google.com/group/sci.m...ad7fe68478acf?

x-no-archive: yes

Alan S wrote:

> Hi Greg.
>
> Which would you like first, the good news or the bad news?
>
> Well, I'll start with the bad news. You may not be
> officially a "diabetic", but if you don't act as if you are
> - you definitely will be. Your doc is quite correct,
> technically, you don't officially qualify - yet.

His a1c was above 6, which is being (improperly) used as a diagnostic
cutoff in the U.S. lately. This is the second time in one week I've
heard of a doctor telling a patient with an A1c over six to cut out
sweets, then tell the patient they're not diabetic because it helped.
:-/


Susan

Greg wrote:

> First let me say that I have found this group to be a great place to
> look for information. It appears to be a great group of people. Here is
> my situation, I will try to keep it short.
>
> First, I am a 47 y.o. male, weight is ok, maybe loose 10 lbs wouldnt
> hurt.
> Family history: Father and grandmother both were diabetic.
>
> Last year I found out I have high blood pressure, so I am taking meds
> for that and now go to the Dr. twice a year. Blood pressure is under
> control.

Can I ask what meds you're on for blood pressure?

A recent study showed a link between some of them and an increased risk
of diabetes.

Jennifer

"Susan" <nevermind@nomail.com> wrote in message
news:4puopnFkgqn9U2@individual.net...
>
> His a1c was above 6, which is being (improperly) used as a diagnostic
> cutoff in the U.S. lately.

However, we don't know what the lab reference range is.
Some labs (e.g. the one at my hospital) have ranges that go to 6.5.
I do wish they'd get this as standardised as some of the other tests I get.
bj

On Oct 21, 9:42 am, "Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD" <l...@thetruth.com>
wrote:
> Greg wrote:
> > First let me say that I have found this group to be a great place to
> > look for information. It appears to be a great group of people. Here is
> > my situation, I will try to keep it short.
>
> > First, I am a 47 y.o. male, weight is ok, maybe loose 10 lbs wouldnt
> > hurt.What is your height and weight ?
5' 7" 168lbs
>
> The standards for folks with metabolic syndrome (MetS) like you (having
> looked ahead) is more stringent toward leaner&trimmer.
>
> > Family history: Father and grandmother both were diabetic.Uh-oh.
>
> > Last year I found out I have high blood pressure, so I am taking meds
> > for that and now go to the Dr. twice a year. Blood pressure is under
> > control.What are your medications for blood pressure ?
Altace 2.5 once a day
>

> Some medications are contraindicated for folks with MetS.
>
> > Jan 31. routine physical. Blood work comes back:
>
> > Cholesterol 209Too high.
>
> > HDL 47Too low.
>
> > LDL 110Too high.
>
> > Trig 261Too high.
>
> > blood sugar 128Too high.
>
> > HgA1c 6.3Too high.
>
>
>
> > The doctor mails me this report and tells me to call him. No apt
> > needed. I am told to cut out any candy, soda etc. and I need to reduce
> > my intake of high fat foods. Because my sugar is elevated and depending
> > on who's standards you go by, I may be slightly diabetic. I should just
> > cut out the garbage foods and eat better.Wiser would have been to eat less:
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/sci.m...65a036d576f36?
>
> > Schedule to come back and
> > retest in 3 months.
>
> > He never made me feel this was anything to worry about. So I
> > procrastinate and go back and retest Nov 1. Now its 9 months later. I
> > have changed all my beverages to diet, cut out most sweets, ice cream
> > etc. I have lost 6 pounds. Blood work comes back:
>
> > Cholesterol 190Optimal.
>
> > HDL 48Still too low.
>
> > LDL 108Still too high.
>
> > Trig 172Still too high.
>
> > blood sugar 118Still too high.
>
> > HgA1c 5.8Still too high.
>
> > At the bottom of the report he says it does appear I am a least
> > borderline diabetic and may be able to control it with diet and
> > exercise. He wants me back in 3 weeks for another retest and schedule
> > an apt with a dietitian.Simply visit the following to learn what not to do:
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/sci.m...dcf43b835714d?
>
> > I am upset with myself that I didnt take the first report more
> > seriously and research it more. I guess I am looking for comments from
> > the group on how it looks to everyone. From what I have read here, I am
> > prediabetic, I do need to excercise more and control my eating habits.
> > Should I get a meter? I spoke with my ins. and they cover the strips
> > and will give me the meter. I guess there is some denial on my part. Am
> > I diabetic it or not?Your losing the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is curing your type-2
> diabetes by curing the underlying MetS:
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/sci.m...2da8faa245013?
>
> > Any comments or input would be greatly appreciated.You are welcome, Greg.
>
> All thanks and praises belong to GOD, Whom I love with all my heart,
> soul, mind, and strength.
>
> May GOD continue to heal your heart by curing your diabetes, dear
> neighbor Greg whom I love unconditionally.
>
> Prayerfully in Christ's amazing love,
>
> Andrew <><
> --
> Andrew B. Chung
> Cardiologist, Atlanta, Georgia, USAhttp://HeartMDPhD.com/HolySpirit
>
> As for knowing who are the very elect, these you will know by the
> unconditional love they have for everyone including their enemies
> (Matthew 5:44-45, 1 Corinthians 13:3, James 2:14-17).
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/sci.m...ad7fe68478acf?

In alt.support.diabetes on Sat, 21 Oct 2006 15:06:26 GMT in Msg.#
<SHq_g.14364$o71.9519@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink .net>, Jennifer
<jenniferNOSPAM@earthlink.net> wrote:

> Can I ask what meds you're on for blood pressure?
>
> A recent study showed a link between some of them and an increased risk
> of diabetes.

I just finished weeks of gradual transitioning off of propranolol, a beta
blocker, to an ace inhibitor, lisiniprol, because of the relationship
between beta blockers & diabetes. Of course, I can't undo the tens of years
I was on propranolol. But, at least it seems that the transition was
successful.

--
Donna B : ^> shallotpeel <*> Yahoo Messenger: shallotpeel

º Why is "abbreviated" such a long word?

On Sat, 21 Oct 2006 04:34:15 -0700, Greg wrote:

> First let me say that I have found this group to be a great place to
> look for information. It appears to be a great group of people. Here is
> my situation, I will try to keep it short.
>
> First, I am a 47 y.o. male, weight is ok, maybe loose 10 lbs wouldnt
> hurt.
> Family history: Father and grandmother both were diabetic.
>
> Last year I found out I have high blood pressure, so I am taking meds
> for that and now go to the Dr. twice a year. Blood pressure is under
> control.
> Jan 31. routine physical. Blood work comes back:
>
> Cholesterol 209
> HDL 47
> LDL 110
> Trig 261
> blood sugar 128
> HgA1c 6.3
>
>
> The doctor mails me this report and tells me to call him. No apt
> needed. I am told to cut out any candy, soda etc. and I need to reduce
> my intake of high fat foods. Because my sugar is elevated and depending
> on who's standards you go by, I may be slightly diabetic. I should just
> cut out the garbage foods and eat better. Schedule to come back and
> retest in 3 months.
>
> He never made me feel this was anything to worry about. So I
> procrastinate and go back and retest Nov 1. Now its 9 months later. I
> have changed all my beverages to diet, cut out most sweets, ice cream
> etc. I have lost 6 pounds. Blood work comes back:
>
> Cholesterol 190
> HDL 48
> LDL 108
> Trig 172
> blood sugar 118
> HgA1c 5.8
>
> At the bottom of the report he says it does appear I am a least
> borderline diabetic and may be able to control it with diet and
> exercise. He wants me back in 3 weeks for another retest and schedule
> an apt with a dietitian.
>
> I am upset with myself that I didnt take the first report more
> seriously and research it more. I guess I am looking for comments from
> the group on how it looks to everyone. From what I have read here, I am
> prediabetic, I do need to excercise more and control my eating habits.
> Should I get a meter? I spoke with my ins. and they cover the strips
> and will give me the meter. I guess there is some denial on my part. Am
> I diabetic it or not?
>
> Any comments or input would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Greg

It is a great disservice that physicians don't take elevated A1C and BG
levels more seriously. I was told about the same thing as you three times
over the last ten years by different doctors. Diagnosed last June with FBG
near 300 and A1C around 11.

IMHO - yes you should start testing regularly. You should immediately
start an exercise program. You may be able to get by without medication -
I think I'd try that for a while, but keep track of what's happening. I'll
also recommend two books to read (your local library may have them) -
"Diabetes for Dummies" and Richard Bernstein's "Diabetes Solution". IMHO -
cutting sweets is not the magic bullet. ALL carbs are converted to sugar
fairly quickly. I'd suggest you start reducing net carbs (total carbs
minus fibre).

Good Luck.

x-no-archive: yes

bj wrote:

> However, we don't know what the lab reference range is.
> Some labs (e.g. the one at my hospital) have ranges that go to 6.5.
> I do wish they'd get this as standardised as some of the other tests I get.
> bj

Here's what I don't get; if it's a measured % of glycated rbcs, then why
would the ranges differ?

I think they are using various recommended cutoffs, but the raw number,
the actual % is the same from lab to lab.

Unless I've got it completely wrong, which is entirely possible. :-)

Susan

x-no-archive: yes

Donna B wrote:

> I just finished weeks of gradual transitioning off of propranolol, a beta
> blocker, to an ace inhibitor, lisiniprol, because of the relationship
> between beta blockers & diabetes. Of course, I can't undo the tens of years
> I was on propranolol. But, at least it seems that the transition was
> successful.
>

That was a good step, Donna. Beta blockers raise bg and reduce adrenal
response. Both are bad news in the long run.

Susan

I am taking an ACE inhibitor, Altace 2.5 once a day. It has worked
great, my pressure has been normal since I started taking in.


On Oct 21, 11:06 am, Jennifer <jenniferNOS...@earthlink.net> wrote:
> Greg wrote:
> > First let me say that I have found this group to be a great place to
> > look for information. It appears to be a great group of people. Here is
> > my situation, I will try to keep it short.
>
> > First, I am a 47 y.o. male, weight is ok, maybe loose 10 lbs wouldnt
> > hurt.
> > Family history: Father and grandmother both were diabetic.
>
> > Last year I found out I have high blood pressure, so I am taking meds
> > for that and now go to the Dr. twice a year. Blood pressure is under
> > control.Can I ask what meds you're on for blood pressure?
>
> A recent study showed a link between some of them and an increased risk
> of diabetes.
>
> Jennifer

On 21 Oct 2006 04:34:15 -0700, "Greg" <goggy59@comporium.net> wrote:

>First let me say that I have found this group to be a great place to
>look for information. It appears to be a great group of people. Here is
>my situation, I will try to keep it short.
>
>First, I am a 47 y.o. male, weight is ok, maybe loose 10 lbs wouldnt
>hurt.
>Family history: Father and grandmother both were diabetic.

[snip]

Hi, Greg --

Just wanted to say "Hi!" and "Welcome!" There really isn't anything I
can add that other's haven't already said, since pretty much
everything I know I learned here.

Take care of yourself. You're in good company. :-)

BlueBrooke
T2/D&E/June 2005

The things that come to those who wait will
be the things left by those who got there first.

In alt.support.diabetes on Sat, 21 Oct 2006 11:37:11 -0400 in Msg.#
<4put51Fke34iU3@individual.net>, Susan <nevermind@nomail.com> wrote:

> That was a good step, Donna. Beta blockers raise bg and reduce adrenal
> response. Both are bad news in the long run.

Thanks! I'm just so glad to have found out about its downside - and to have
a doctor who is both on top of things herself & completely responsive to
anything I tell her I've read and/or any of my questions, etc. Plus, I
gather from her that the transition off of it can be tricky if you've been
on it a long time, as I had. I'm completely free of it now!!

--
Donna B : ^> shallotpeel <*> Yahoo Messenger: shallotpeel

º Why do they call them briefings when they take *so* long?

I just wanted to say thank you to all who responded. I can see that I
really need to take control and learn all that I can. I will be looking
for an Endo. first thing Monday morning, and will be coming here daily.

Thanks again!

In article <4put2rFke34iU2@individual.net>,
Susan <nevermind@nomail.com> wrote:

> x-no-archive: yes
>
> bj wrote:
>
> > However, we don't know what the lab reference range is.
> > Some labs (e.g. the one at my hospital) have ranges that go to 6.5.
> > I do wish they'd get this as standardised as some of the other tests I get.
> > bj
>
> Here's what I don't get; if it's a measured % of glycated rbcs, then why
> would the ranges differ?
>
> I think they are using various recommended cutoffs, but the raw number,
> the actual % is the same from lab to lab.
>
> Unless I've got it completely wrong, which is entirely possible. :-)

My understanding is that there are different methods of determining the
result, and the different methods can produce slightly different results.

But, then, I too could be completely wrong!

Priscilla

"Greg" <goggy59@comporium.net> wrote in message
news:1161430455.418389.311650@m73g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
>
> The doctor mails me this report and tells me to call him. No apt
> needed. I am told to cut out any candy, soda etc. and I need to reduce
> my intake of high fat foods. Because my sugar is elevated and depending
> on who's standards you go by, I may be slightly diabetic.

He/she is an idiot.

> He never made me feel this was anything to worry about.
> At the bottom of the report he says it does appear I am a least
> borderline diabetic

As Alan S says any doc who uses the term "borderline" in relation to
diabetes should be "struck off".

> I am upset with myself that I didnt take the first report more
> seriously and research it more.

Not your fault - "He never made me feel this was anything to worry about."

> Should I get a meter? I spoke with my ins. and they cover the strips
> and will give me the meter. I guess there is some denial on my part. Am
> I diabetic it or not?
>
Definitely get a meter, as someone else said " You cannot control what you
don't measure".
Two fasting bgs at 126 or over or one random bg over 200 are usually taken
to be enough for T2 diabetes to be dxed.
You might ask for an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test which could help clear
things up.
It's effective at diagnosing Imaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) even if it is
looked at askance nowadays for dxingT2 itself.
If the Doc refuses or you cannot afford it, try a home OGTT.
Although the problem with self administered OGTTs is that the blood is
venous rather than fingerprick.
And the correct type of glucose mixture is problematic to replicate.

"Susan" <nevermind@nomail.com> wrote in message
news:4put2rFke34iU2@individual.net...
> x-no-archive: yes
>
> bj wrote:
>
>> However, we don't know what the lab reference range is.
>> Some labs (e.g. the one at my hospital) have ranges that go to 6.5.
>> I do wish they'd get this as standardised as some of the other tests I
>> get.
>> bj
>
> Here's what I don't get; if it's a measured % of glycated rbcs, then why
> would the ranges differ?
>
> I think they are using various recommended cutoffs, but the raw number,
> the actual % is the same from lab to lab.
>
> Unless I've got it completely wrong, which is entirely possible. :-)
>

I *think* it's because of different ways (kits? solutions? whatever....) to
run the test. There is some agitation going on to get it all standardised
but it's not that far along yet. I've used at least 3 different labs & they
all have different reference ranges. I roughly-compare them by seeing
whereabouts I am in the reference range, not by raw number.

I've been "whoopee! in the 5% club" -- with a 5,8 that was high -- range
limit was 5.7..
I've been "yeegods, over 6!" with a 6.1 that was in a range with upper limit
of 6.5.
bj

Greg <goggy59@comporium.net> wrote:

> Am
> I diabetic it or not?

It doesn't really matter, because what you do if you're not yet
diabetic to postpone becoming diabetic is exactly the same as what you
would do if you were diabetic in order to slow down the progression
towards various damaging complications :-)

--
Chris Malcolm cam@infirmatics.ed.ac.uk DoD #205
IPAB, Informatics, JCMB, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3JZ, UK
[http://www.dai.ed.ac.uk/homes/cam/]

x-no-archive: yes

Peter C wrote:

> You might ask for an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test which could help clear
> things up.

I'd rather drill hot screws into my eyeballs than take that test again.

A meter and post meal numbers are likely to provide a conclusive answer, no?

Susan

On 21 Oct 2006 04:34:15 -0700, "Greg" <goggy59@comporium.net> wrote:

>First let me say that I have found this group to be a great place to
>look for information. It appears to be a great group of people. Here is
>my situation, I will try to keep it short.
>
>\

Hi Greg,

What they said.... I would add only that you should take all of this
very seriously... You may add years to your life, if you do.

Will, T2

goggy59@gmail.com wrote in message
<1161444006.041438.126170@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups .com>...
>
>
>On Oct 21, 9:42 am, "Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD" <l...@thetruth.com>
.. . .

Chung is a recognized kook. Beware of any interactions with him.

Regards
Old Al

"Will, T2" <wmmckee@cox.net> wrote in message
news:79nkj2l2e8mp3er93pbraoo002h5cucs2g@4ax.com...
> On 21 Oct 2006 04:34:15 -0700, "Greg" <goggy59@comporium.net> wrote:
>
>>First let me say that I have found this group to be a great place to
>>look for information. It appears to be a great group of people. Here is
>>my situation, I will try to keep it short.
>>
> Hi Greg,
>
> What they said.... I would add only that you should take all of this
> very seriously... You may add years to your life, if you do.
>
> Will, T2

and also -- life to your years. (I think I've heard that phrase used in a
commercial for something-or-other....)

Diabetes doesn't kill you fast & easy, the complications can make you
miserable & just feel like you're living longer even if you're not.
bj

This site should help you find answers

http://home.comcast.net/~omnis1/diabete.htm

hth
"Greg" <goggy59@comporium.net> wrote in message
news:1161430455.418389.311650@m73g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
> First let me say that I have found this group to be a great place to
> look for information. It appears to be a great group of people. Here is
> my situation, I will try to keep it short.
>
> First, I am a 47 y.o. male, weight is ok, maybe loose 10 lbs wouldnt
> hurt.
> Family history: Father and grandmother both were diabetic.
>
> Last year I found out I have high blood pressure, so I am taking meds
> for that and now go to the Dr. twice a year. Blood pressure is under
> control.
> Jan 31. routine physical. Blood work comes back:
>
> Cholesterol 209
> HDL 47
> LDL 110
> Trig 261
> blood sugar 128
> HgA1c 6.3
>
>
> The doctor mails me this report and tells me to call him. No apt
> needed. I am told to cut out any candy, soda etc. and I need to reduce
> my intake of high fat foods. Because my sugar is elevated and depending
> on who's standards you go by, I may be slightly diabetic. I should just
> cut out the garbage foods and eat better. Schedule to come back and
> retest in 3 months.
>
> He never made me feel this was anything to worry about. So I
> procrastinate and go back and retest Nov 1. Now its 9 months later. I
> have changed all my beverages to diet, cut out most sweets, ice cream
> etc. I have lost 6 pounds. Blood work comes back:
>
> Cholesterol 190
> HDL 48
> LDL 108
> Trig 172
> blood sugar 118
> HgA1c 5.8
>
> At the bottom of the report he says it does appear I am a least
> borderline diabetic and may be able to control it with diet and
> exercise. He wants me back in 3 weeks for another retest and schedule
> an apt with a dietitian.
>
> I am upset with myself that I didnt take the first report more
> seriously and research it more. I guess I am looking for comments from
> the group on how it looks to everyone. From what I have read here, I am
> prediabetic, I do need to excercise more and control my eating habits.
> Should I get a meter? I spoke with my ins. and they cover the strips
> and will give me the meter. I guess there is some denial on my part. Am
> I diabetic it or not?
>
> Any comments or input would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Greg
>

"ANovice" <Nowhere1@nospam.comcast.net> wrote in message
news:_a6dnfElV4_6HKfYnZ2dnUVZ_v6dnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> This site should help you find answers
>
> http://home.comcast.net/~omnis1/diabete.htm
>
> hth

Not only does this smack of SPAM, the link doesn't even work.............

bigbird

In article <1161449573.604886.123200@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups .com>,
goggy59@gmail.com wrote:

> I just wanted to say thank you to all who responded. I can see that I
> really need to take control and learn all that I can. I will be looking
> for an Endo. first thing Monday morning, and will be coming here daily.
>
> Thanks again!

Good decisions. Welcome to the group!

Priscilla

On Sat, 21 Oct 2006 17:29:04 GMT, "Peter C"
<petercy@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:

>> He never made me feel this was anything to worry about.
>> At the bottom of the report he says it does appear I am a least
>> borderline diabetic
>
>As Alan S says any doc who uses the term "borderline" in relation to
>diabetes should be "struck off".

I don't disagree with the sentiment - but I don't remember
expressing it:-)

Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
d&e, metformin 1000mg, ezetrol 10mg
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
--
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: Tarascon - Chateau du Roi Rene

On Sat, 21 Oct 2006 14:36:16 -0700, "Peter G. \(Bigbird\)"
<unknown at whoknows dot us> wrote:

>
>"ANovice" <Nowhere1@nospam.comcast.net> wrote in message
>news:_a6dnfElV4_6HKfYnZ2dnUVZ_v6dnZ2d@comcast.com ...
>> This site should help you find answers
>>
>> http://home.comcast.net/~omnis1/diabete.htm
>>
>> hth
>
>Not only does this smack of SPAM, the link doesn't even work.............
>
>bigbird
>

Hi Peter

This person has posted similar links a couple of times
before. The link that worked (in the earlier posts) went to
a page with an interesting mish-mash of good and odd
information, a real info overload, but without much specific
direct useful advice. There doesn't appear to be a personal
sales-link (apart from a Canadian meds link), although there
are an enormous number of other links to just about every
other web-site under the sun. Including some that I consider
quacks like Weil.

Just a couple of examples that didn't fill me with
confidence:

"Think balance
“One piece of pecan pie contains 63 grams of carbs. You
could eat 1/2 cup mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup stuffing, 1 roll,
1/2 cup green beans, plus small portions of turkey, gravy
and salad with dressing, and still come in under that!� says
Patti Geil, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., a diabetes educator based in
Lexington, Ky."

"People with Diabetes should only use Garlic with medical
supervision." Really??

Apart from the disorganised nature of the site, I'm very
wary of anyone who purports to have valid information
without any background or supporting personal information to
help assess their merit.

That's a long-winded way of saying to "ANovice" to introduce
themselves properly or piss off.

Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
d&e, metformin 1000mg, ezetrol 10mg
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
--
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: Tarascon - Chateau du Roi Rene

Hi Greg,

A lot of people have already given you terrific information, and I'll try
not to repeat it. However, one thing that doctors tend to tell people in
order to improve their lipids is to watch the fats. There is a certain
amount of truth to this, however, some fats are actually good for you.
Avoid trans fats at all costs--they are the root of all evil, so to speak,
by raising the LDL and lowering the HDL. They may also contribute to
inflamation. Saturated fats raise both the LDL and HDL, so it's probably
best to minimize the saturated--although there is some debate on that. The
best fats are monosaturated, found in olive oil, canola, nuts, and avocados.

However, the best thing you can do to lower your triglycerides is to cut
down on your carbs. I know, you're thinking that doesn't make sense when
triglycerides are a fat. However, whenever your body has excess glucose, it
converts that glucose to fat for storage. This fat is triglycerides.

I want to add that you are truly fortunate to have become aware of your BG
problem at this relatively early stage. You need to get a meter and check
out your after meal BG numbers at 1 hr and 2 hrs. Then eat to control those
numbers. Although I think others have already provided the link, here it is
aga