Some Advice Please

Hi --

I'm hoping some of the people here that I have a great deal of respect
for can help me with this situation. Being a social moron, I'm really
not sure what to do.

Now that I'm feeling better, I'm thinking I'll join the taekwondo
class that my son goes to. Actually, I've been thinking about it for
a couple of months and always came up with an excuse not to.

I'm not sure whether I should mention to the instructors that I'm
diabetic or not? I'd really rather not -- actually if I could take
the class without anyone even knowing I'm there, that would work for
me. I'm already having a problem just getting out there, but I know
after I do it once or twice, it will be no big deal. So I really
don't want to call attention to myself.

But if I have a hypo or something -- I'm breaking out in a cold sweat
just thinking about it. I don't know that I'd be able to overcome the
embarassment of something like that.

After a few months, I don't think this will be an issue. I had a
couple of hypos a couple of months ago (I think from my walks/runs),
but I got my BG under control and stopped the spikes and it was okay.

But after I quit smoking a couple of months ago, I just let everything
go to hell and figured I'd deal with it later. Well, later is now and
I'm feeling a lot better -- but if I wait until my BG goes back down
to where it was before, that's a couple more weeks or a month to come
up with some more excuses. Besides, I think this will help me get
things back in line.

And the ones I had before, I felt funny, I tested, I took care of it.
If something like that happens at this class (and it's a pretty
strenuous class), I can excuse myself and go to the restroom to test,
etc., etc. -- no one even has to know what's going on. But will I
have enough time for that? Will it be okay?

I'm not on any meds -- I guess I'm just afraid that with such
strenuous exercise if I *do* have a hypo it will be so fast and so
hard I might not even realize what's going on til it's too late. On
the other hand, I can't believe that it would last very long, even
left to it's own devices since I am *not* on meds?

Sorry this is so rambling for what really is a simple question --
should I say anything to the instructors?
--

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.

On Thu, 09 Nov 2006 23:40:53 -0600, BlueBrooke <.@.> wrote:

>Hi --
>
>I'm hoping some of the people here that I have a great deal of respect
>for can help me with this situation. Being a social moron, I'm really
>not sure what to do.
>
>Now that I'm feeling better, I'm thinking I'll join the taekwondo
>class that my son goes to. Actually, I've been thinking about it for
>a couple of months and always came up with an excuse not to.
>
>I'm not sure whether I should mention to the instructors that I'm
>diabetic or not? I'd really rather not -- actually if I could take
>the class without anyone even knowing I'm there, that would work for
>me. I'm already having a problem just getting out there, but I know
>after I do it once or twice, it will be no big deal. So I really
>don't want to call attention to myself.
>
>But if I have a hypo or something -- I'm breaking out in a cold sweat
>just thinking about it. I don't know that I'd be able to overcome the
>embarassment of something like that.
>
>After a few months, I don't think this will be an issue. I had a
>couple of hypos a couple of months ago (I think from my walks/runs),
>but I got my BG under control and stopped the spikes and it was okay.
>
>But after I quit smoking a couple of months ago, I just let everything
>go to hell and figured I'd deal with it later. Well, later is now and
>I'm feeling a lot better -- but if I wait until my BG goes back down
>to where it was before, that's a couple more weeks or a month to come
>up with some more excuses. Besides, I think this will help me get
>things back in line.
>
>And the ones I had before, I felt funny, I tested, I took care of it.
>If something like that happens at this class (and it's a pretty
>strenuous class), I can excuse myself and go to the restroom to test,
>etc., etc. -- no one even has to know what's going on. But will I
>have enough time for that? Will it be okay?
>
>I'm not on any meds -- I guess I'm just afraid that with such
>strenuous exercise if I *do* have a hypo it will be so fast and so
>hard I might not even realize what's going on til it's too late. On
>the other hand, I can't believe that it would last very long, even
>left to it's own devices since I am *not* on meds?
>
>Sorry this is so rambling for what really is a simple question --
>should I say anything to the instructors?

T2 on d&e? How bad was your worst hypo? My worst, after
diagnosis, was in a pool and I had trouble getting to the
side - but I was still quite conscious even though my limbs
weren't obeying me terribly well.

Presumably your son knows and could assist if there was a
real problem?

If it really worries you I'd tell the instructor and request
discretion if you need to be excused; and carry some jelly
beans or glucose tablets in a pocket - or easily accessible
nearby - just in case. You may have to sign some form of
waiver in that case, in these litigious days.

Personally, unless you've had recent bad hypos - I wouldn't
worry about it at all. Just make sure you have something
with some carbs in it before you go, sufficient to cover
your expected activity but not sufficient to give you a
spike and subsequent reactive problem. And take a snack for
after in your bag.

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.

"BlueBrooke" <.@.> wrote in message
news:8v28l2ho00vu1qsuo8thl5b58tdc3143s8@4ax.com...
> Hi --
>
> I'm hoping some of the people here that I have a great deal of respect
> for can help me with this situation. Being a social moron, I'm really
> not sure what to do.
>
> Now that I'm feeling better, I'm thinking I'll join the taekwondo
> class that my son goes to. Actually, I've been thinking about it for
> a couple of months and always came up with an excuse not to.
>
> I'm not sure whether I should mention to the instructors that I'm
> diabetic or not? I'd really rather not -- actually if I could take
> the class without anyone even knowing I'm there, that would work for
> me. I'm already having a problem just getting out there, but I know
> after I do it once or twice, it will be no big deal. So I really
> don't want to call attention to myself.
>
> But if I have a hypo or something -- I'm breaking out in a cold sweat
> just thinking about it. I don't know that I'd be able to overcome the
> embarassment of something like that.
>
> After a few months, I don't think this will be an issue. I had a
> couple of hypos a couple of months ago (I think from my walks/runs),
> but I got my BG under control and stopped the spikes and it was okay.
>
> But after I quit smoking a couple of months ago, I just let everything
> go to hell and figured I'd deal with it later. Well, later is now and
> I'm feeling a lot better -- but if I wait until my BG goes back down
> to where it was before, that's a couple more weeks or a month to come
> up with some more excuses. Besides, I think this will help me get
> things back in line.
>
> And the ones I had before, I felt funny, I tested, I took care of it.
> If something like that happens at this class (and it's a pretty
> strenuous class), I can excuse myself and go to the restroom to test,
> etc., etc. -- no one even has to know what's going on. But will I
> have enough time for that? Will it be okay?
>
> I'm not on any meds -- I guess I'm just afraid that with such
> strenuous exercise if I *do* have a hypo it will be so fast and so
> hard I might not even realize what's going on til it's too late. On
> the other hand, I can't believe that it would last very long, even
> left to it's own devices since I am *not* on meds?
>
> Sorry this is so rambling for what really is a simple question --
> should I say anything to the instructors?
> --
>
> 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.

Take the class. My daughter took one a few years ago and she loved it. She
could hardly move after the first few classes, but eventually she got used
to the exertion and felt great. She also managed to lost a lot of weight.
She said people would walk off the floor to get a drink of water or just set
down to rest and get their breath back all the time. No one thought any
thing about it. If while you are doing the exercises and you feel as if you
may be getting a hypo or just need to take a break, walk off the floor and
have a piece of hard candy or just set down and relax for a while. No one
will fault you for it. Have fun.

Hi, Alan --

On Fri, 10 Nov 2006 17:09:14 +1100, Alan S
<loralgtweightandcarbs@gmail.com> wrote:

>On Thu, 09 Nov 2006 23:40:53 -0600, BlueBrooke <.@.> wrote:

>>Sorry this is so rambling for what really is a simple question --
>>should I say anything to the instructors?
>
>T2 on d&e? How bad was your worst hypo? My worst, after
>diagnosis, was in a pool and I had trouble getting to the
>side - but I was still quite conscious even though my limbs
>weren't obeying me terribly well.

First of all -- thanks for reading through that whole thing! LOL!

My worst one wasn't bad at all -- but I was at home and it was no big
deal.

I worry about getting fuzzy headed in "strange" surroundings -- when
that happens it gets ugly quick.

>Presumably your son knows and could assist if there was a
>real problem?

Yes -- this would work. *sigh*

I don't know why I didn't think of that -- thanks, Alan. :-)

>If it really worries you I'd tell the instructor and request
>discretion if you need to be excused; and carry some jelly
>beans or glucose tablets in a pocket - or easily accessible
>nearby - just in case. You may have to sign some form of
>waiver in that case, in these litigious days.

I think I'll hold off on saying anything to them and see how it goes.
>Personally, unless you've had recent bad hypos - I wouldn't
>worry about it at all.

I think you are right --

>Just make sure you have something
>with some carbs in it before you go, sufficient to cover
>your expected activity but not sufficient to give you a
>spike and subsequent reactive problem.

I don't really know what this would be or how to even begin to
calculate it.

>And take a snack for after in your bag.

I can do that. ;-)

Thanks, Alan -- I really appreciate the help.
--

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.

On Fri, 10 Nov 2006 01:11:30 -0600, "Freckles" <freckles@comcast.net>
wrote:

>Take the class. My daughter took one a few years ago and she loved it. She
>could hardly move after the first few classes, but eventually she got used
>to the exertion and felt great. She also managed to lost a lot of weight.
>She said people would walk off the floor to get a drink of water or just set
>down to rest and get their breath back all the time. No one thought any
>thing about it. If while you are doing the exercises and you feel as if you
>may be getting a hypo or just need to take a break, walk off the floor and
>have a piece of hard candy or just set down and relax for a while. No one
>will fault you for it. Have fun.


This is really encouraging -- thanks. It does look like it would be
fun. :-)
--

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.

On Fri, 10 Nov 2006 01:20:06 -0600, BlueBrooke <.@.> wrote:

>
>>Just make sure you have something
>>with some carbs in it before you go, sufficient to cover
>>your expected activity but not sufficient to give you a
>>spike and subsequent reactive problem.
>
>I don't really know what this would be or how to even begin to
>calculate it.

Go by recent lunches and your post-meal numbers.

Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
d&e, metformin 1000mg, ezetrol 10mg
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
--
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: The Vatican

BlueBrooke wrote:
> Hi --
>
> I'm hoping some of the people here that I have a great
deal of respect
> for can help me with this situation. Being a social
moron, I'm really
> not sure what to do.

How do you know that we all aren't social morons too?

> Now that I'm feeling better, I'm thinking I'll join the
taekwondo
> class that my son goes to. Actually, I've been thinking
about it for
> a couple of months and always came up with an excuse not
to.
>
> I'm not sure whether I should mention to the instructors
that I'm
> diabetic or not? I'd really rather not -- actually if I
could take
> the class without anyone even knowing I'm there, that
would work for
> me. I'm already having a problem just getting out there,
but I know
> after I do it once or twice, it will be no big deal. So I
really
> don't want to call attention to myself.
>
> But if I have a hypo or something -- I'm breaking out in a
cold sweat
> just thinking about it. I don't know that I'd be able to
overcome the
> embarassment of something like that.
>
> After a few months, I don't think this will be an issue.
I had a
> couple of hypos a couple of months ago (I think from my
walks/runs),
> but I got my BG under control and stopped the spikes and
it was okay.
>
> But after I quit smoking a couple of months ago, I just
let everything
> go to hell and figured I'd deal with it later. Well,
later is now and
> I'm feeling a lot better -- but if I wait until my BG goes
back down
> to where it was before, that's a couple more weeks or a
month to come
> up with some more excuses. Besides, I think this will
help me get
> things back in line.
>
> And the ones I had before, I felt funny, I tested, I took
care of it.
> If something like that happens at this class (and it's a
pretty
> strenuous class), I can excuse myself and go to the
restroom to test,
> etc., etc. -- no one even has to know what's going on.
But will I
> have enough time for that? Will it be okay?
>
> I'm not on any meds -- I guess I'm just afraid that with
such
> strenuous exercise if I *do* have a hypo it will be so
fast and so
> hard I might not even realize what's going on til it's too
late. On
> the other hand, I can't believe that it would last very
long, even
> left to it's own devices since I am *not* on meds?
>
> Sorry this is so rambling for what really is a simple
question --
> should I say anything to the instructors?

Well I am a type 2 on no meds and I do a lot of exercise. I
have yet to have a hypo. I can't eat a lot before anything
strenuous but I do "carb up" I'll have a rye cracker and
cheese or something similar I carry a water bottle when
running, but I have a kiddie sized juice (4 ounces) in my
pocket, just in case. I haven't needed it yet. I don't have
fast carbs before exercise because they would be fast in and
fast out.

The only time I ever have hypos is if I have eaten too many
carbs at one sitting and I go up and then drop. If I don't
overdo the carbs I don't hypo.

My biggest problem with tae kwon do would be that none of my
kids would want me in their class, lol.

Oh, and I never mention my diabetes in situations like that,
it's up to you whether you think you need to. If I was on
insulin or meds and was prone to hypos because of it then I
probably would mention it.

BlueBrooke <.@.> wrote in message
<8v28l2ho00vu1qsuo8thl5b58tdc3143s8@4ax.com>...
>Hi --
>
>I'm hoping some of the people here that I have a great deal of respect
>for can help me with this situation. Being a social moron, I'm really
>not sure what to do.
>
>Now that I'm feeling better, I'm thinking I'll join the taekwondo
>class that my son goes to. Actually, I've been thinking about it for
>a couple of months and always came up with an excuse not to.
>
>I'm not sure whether I should mention to the instructors that I'm
>diabetic or not? I'd really rather not -- actually if I could take
>the class without anyone even knowing I'm there, that would work for
>me. I'm already having a problem just getting out there, but I know
>after I do it once or twice, it will be no big deal. So I really
>don't want to call attention to myself.
>
>But if I have a hypo or something -- I'm breaking out in a cold sweat
>just thinking about it. I don't know that I'd be able to overcome the
>embarassment of something like that.
>
>After a few months, I don't think this will be an issue. I had a
>couple of hypos a couple of months ago (I think from my walks/runs),
>but I got my BG under control and stopped the spikes and it was okay.
>
>But after I quit smoking a couple of months ago, I just let everything
>go to hell and figured I'd deal with it later. Well, later is now and
>I'm feeling a lot better -- but if I wait until my BG goes back down
>to where it was before, that's a couple more weeks or a month to come
>up with some more excuses. Besides, I think this will help me get
>things back in line.
>
>And the ones I had before, I felt funny, I tested, I took care of it.
>If something like that happens at this class (and it's a pretty
>strenuous class), I can excuse myself and go to the restroom to test,
>etc., etc. -- no one even has to know what's going on. But will I
>have enough time for that? Will it be okay?
>
>I'm not on any meds -- I guess I'm just afraid that with such
>strenuous exercise if I *do* have a hypo it will be so fast and so
>hard I might not even realize what's going on til it's too late. On
>the other hand, I can't believe that it would last very long, even
>left to it's own devices since I am *not* on meds?
>
>Sorry this is so rambling for what really is a simple question --
>should I say anything to the instructors?
>--
>
>BlueBrooke
>T2/D&E/June 2005
>


I casually mentioned it to the instructors at my Aerobics classes.
The statement I used was:

"I'm diabetic. If you run me out of blood sugar, I'll have to stop for a
bit and eat some candy. Don't worry about it, it's not a heart attack".

That last bit is important. If you just stop exercising and look a bit
distressed, our instructors will assume heart attack.

A no-med hypo during heavy exercise? I would expect a bG spike not a hypo.
Do you know if you have any tendencies towards Reactive Hypoglycemia? In
any case, glucose candy and maybe even your meter in your belly bag would
help.

Um. . .being diabetic is not anything to be ashamed of. Neither is being
clumsy during your introduction to taekwondo. When we get a newbie in
our aerobics classes, we regard them as smart and gutsy for trying
something outside their boundaries.

Regards
Old Al

"BlueBrooke" <.@.> wrote in message
news:8v28l2ho00vu1qsuo8thl5b58tdc3143s8@4ax.com...
> Hi --
>
> I'm hoping some of the people here that I have a great deal of respect
> for can help me with this situation.

lol being i am probably not one of them this is for any newbies
that might be reading this.

i would strongly suggest that in heavy activity areas you do let people
know you are diabetic.
there is nothing to feel funny about. if you feel funny because you are
over weight
to say you are type 2. is it that you really feel funny being type 2 or
being over weight.
well guess what. they will look at you the same no matter what.
however if not wanted to say you are diabetic would mean not going to a gym
then i would talk to my doctor just to see what he/she has to say.
but do become more active. you may have read some here making fun
of my 30 minute walk but let me tell you. even just 30 minutes of walking
can do wonders for you.

Tom

BlueBrooke wrote:
> Hi --
>
> I'm hoping some of the people here that I have a great deal of respect
> for can help me with this situation. Being a social moron, I'm really
> not sure what to do.
>
> Now that I'm feeling better, I'm thinking I'll join the taekwondo
> class that my son goes to. Actually, I've been thinking about it for
> a couple of months and always came up with an excuse not to.
>
> I'm not sure whether I should mention to the instructors that I'm
> diabetic or not? I'd really rather not -- actually if I could take
> the class without anyone even knowing I'm there, that would work for
> me. I'm already having a problem just getting out there, but I know
> after I do it once or twice, it will be no big deal. So I really
> don't want to call attention to myself.
>
> But if I have a hypo or something -- I'm breaking out in a cold sweat
> just thinking about it. I don't know that I'd be able to overcome the
> embarassment of something like that.
>
> After a few months, I don't think this will be an issue. I had a
> couple of hypos a couple of months ago (I think from my walks/runs),
> but I got my BG under control and stopped the spikes and it was okay.
>
> But after I quit smoking a couple of months ago, I just let everything
> go to hell and figured I'd deal with it later. Well, later is now and
> I'm feeling a lot better -- but if I wait until my BG goes back down
> to where it was before, that's a couple more weeks or a month to come
> up with some more excuses. Besides, I think this will help me get
> things back in line.
>
> And the ones I had before, I felt funny, I tested, I took care of it.
> If something like that happens at this class (and it's a pretty
> strenuous class), I can excuse myself and go to the restroom to test,
> etc., etc. -- no one even has to know what's going on. But will I
> have enough time for that? Will it be okay?
>
> I'm not on any meds -- I guess I'm just afraid that with such
> strenuous exercise if I *do* have a hypo it will be so fast and so
> hard I might not even realize what's going on til it's too late. On
> the other hand, I can't believe that it would last very long, even
> left to it's own devices since I am *not* on meds?
>
> Sorry this is so rambling for what really is a simple question --
> should I say anything to the instructors?
> --
>
> 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.

I would highly recommend letting the instructor know about your
Diabetes. First off, maybe they too may have a family member with
Diabetes or even they themselves may be diabetic. So, you just never
know who is diabetic. They might even be able to assist you should the
need arise.

I have read that this is a disease that either people like to tell the
world about or keep it to themselves. I like to tell the world. It
helps me get through it for one. and two, it is great for conversation
when there may not be much to talk about.

So, I would say "GO FOR IT!" You won't regret it and you will have fun,
plus it is great exercise.

Craig

BlueBrooke wrote:
> Hi --
>
> I'm hoping some of the people here that I have a great deal of respect
> for can help me with this situation. Being a social moron, I'm really
> not sure what to do.
>
> Now that I'm feeling better, I'm thinking I'll join the taekwondo
> class that my son goes to. Actually, I've been thinking about it for
> a couple of months and always came up with an excuse not to.
>
> I'm not sure whether I should mention to the instructors that I'm
> diabetic or not? I'd really rather not -- actually if I could take
> the class without anyone even knowing I'm there, that would work for
> me. I'm already having a problem just getting out there, but I know
> after I do it once or twice, it will be no big deal. So I really
> don't want to call attention to myself.
>
> But if I have a hypo or something -- I'm breaking out in a cold sweat
> just thinking about it. I don't know that I'd be able to overcome the
> embarassment of something like that.
>
> After a few months, I don't think this will be an issue. I had a
> couple of hypos a couple of months ago (I think from my walks/runs),
> but I got my BG under control and stopped the spikes and it was okay.
>
> But after I quit smoking a couple of months ago, I just let everything
> go to hell and figured I'd deal with it later. Well, later is now and
> I'm feeling a lot better -- but if I wait until my BG goes back down
> to where it was before, that's a couple more weeks or a month to come
> up with some more excuses. Besides, I think this will help me get
> things back in line.
>
> And the ones I had before, I felt funny, I tested, I took care of it.
> If something like that happens at this class (and it's a pretty
> strenuous class), I can excuse myself and go to the restroom to test,
> etc., etc. -- no one even has to know what's going on. But will I
> have enough time for that? Will it be okay?
>
> I'm not on any meds -- I guess I'm just afraid that with such
> strenuous exercise if I *do* have a hypo it will be so fast and so
> hard I might not even realize what's going on til it's too late. On
> the other hand, I can't believe that it would last very long, even
> left to it's own devices since I am *not* on meds?
>
> Sorry this is so rambling for what really is a simple question --
> should I say anything to the instructors?
> --
>
> 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.

Hi BlueBrooke,

I think it's fabulous that you are going to take taekwondo; as many
here often attest, exercise is often the best medicine for many of us.


I don't share my T2 status with many, and I haven't with the gym I
attend. As a T2 on D&E, plus meds (met and byetta), strenous exercise
makes my bg go up in the short term, especially if I haven't eaten the
right mix of protein, fat, and carbs for me. So I don't know if I can
relate to a fear of having a hypo.

I can relate to being shy in the situation you describe and having an
anxiety attack though! But that's just me and exercise is the best
medicine for that too, at least in my experience. As another poster
said, people in these classes step out of the action for water,
bathroom, rest breaks all the time, and no one will even notice if you
need to stop for a little while.

So go, have fun, get strong!

Best wishes,

Ricavito

> BlueBrooke wrote:
> Hi --
>
> I'm hoping some of the people here that I have a great deal of respect
> for can help me with this situation. Being a social moron, I'm really
> not sure what to do.

<Snipped for brevity>

When I was first dxed as T2DM I was about the same time warned left and
right from my close relatives etc to be very careful about hypo and
advised me to carry sugar packets. I some how could not relate that
with the high numbers I was seeing all the time with my meter. Seeing
any number less than 100 was shear delight and complete rarity! So I
did some study, also asked bunch of doctors some of them were my close
friends. Everyone told me that as long as I am only on Metformin I had
nothing to worry about. That assurance and my own readings eliminated
what ever fear I may have harbored about Hypo freeing me to exercise
freely.

Ever since I have gone from moderate to really strenuous exercise (the
most I have done is 6 hr hiking with water alone). I do make sure that
I eat well before I start exercise though. I have never seen a meter
reading less than 70.

Is it impossible to get Hypo? I am sure there cases here. But just feel
rest assured that its a very very rare case when you are not taking any
medications and are truly T2DM.

Do of course consult your doctor to get final reassurance. I am just
sharing my own experience and information.

Also I am not sure how feasible it is but you could have a bracelet or
an anklet with T2DM tag. So in case for some reason there is a medical
need, the EMT will know you are diabetic, some thing they should know
any way hypo or not!

Anil

On Fri, 10 Nov 2006 09:54:03 GMT, "Ozgirl"
<are_we_there_yet@maccas.com> wrote:

>BlueBrooke wrote:
>> Hi --
>>
>> I'm hoping some of the people here that I have a great
>deal of respect
>> for can help me with this situation. Being a social
>moron, I'm really
>> not sure what to do.
>
>How do you know that we all aren't social morons too?

Now -- why didn't I think of that? ;-)

More sensitive than usual lately, I guess, fresh from my latest fox
pox --

Just trying to make conversation, I asked a young lady (maybe 13-16
years old) if she was going to a party later (it was Halloween),
'cause she was all "vampired" up. I patted myself on the back for not
asking her if she was going trick or treating (too old, I thought),
but that didn't last long when she looked confused and said, "No! I
always look like this!"

:-)

[snip]

>> Sorry this is so rambling for what really is a simple
>question --
>> should I say anything to the instructors?
>
>Well I am a type 2 on no meds and I do a lot of exercise. I
>have yet to have a hypo. I can't eat a lot before anything
>strenuous but I do "carb up" I'll have a rye cracker and
>cheese or something similar I carry a water bottle when
>running, but I have a kiddie sized juice (4 ounces) in my
>pocket, just in case. I haven't needed it yet. I don't have
>fast carbs before exercise because they would be fast in and
>fast out.

Actually, I didn't think I had to worry about hypos (what with the no
meds and all) until I had one -- and some folks told me that the
exercise would do it.

I've been mostly out of control the past two months (which is why I
was so surprised my Stanford study A1c came out so well) -- so I'm
just worried that the anticipated reaction from the diet change (i.e.,
getting my act together), plus the additional exercise, might yield
unexpected results. I really hope not -- but it was something that
occurred to me.

>The only time I ever have hypos is if I have eaten too many
>carbs at one sitting and I go up and then drop. If I don't
>overdo the carbs I don't hypo.

Thanks for letting me know this. If this detail was mentioned before,
I missed it. :-)

>My biggest problem with tae kwon do would be that none of my
>kids would want me in their class, lol.

Well -- there was that! LOL!

I first mentioned doing this last winter -- and the look of horror on
that poor kid's face! OMG! LOL!

But now he's asking me when I'm going to join -- doesn't understand
why I don't. This is a different class, too. The other class was
mostly kids and I really would have felt out of place there, and
probably would have embarrassed him, too. This one has a pretty good
mix *and* he's three belts ahead of where I would be -- so I guess he
thinks it's okay now. He's even started showing me the forms, etc.,
at home, so I guess he's okay with it now. :-)

>Oh, and I never mention my diabetes in situations like that,
>it's up to you whether you think you need to. If I was on
>insulin or meds and was prone to hypos because of it then I
>probably would mention it.

I'd really rather keep it to myself, because unless something happens
-- and I'm thinking more and more it won't be a problem -- it isn't an
issue and isn't relevant.

My only concern is that I am constantly misunderstood -- no matter
what I do, people take it wrong -- which is part of the reason tend to
do nothing at all.

I can foresee if I mention it to them so they won't think something
awful is happening, I'm "trying to get attention." If I *don't*
mention it and something happens, it could be a big mess.

Thanks for helping me think this thing through -- I really appreciate
it! :-)
--

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.

On Fri, 10 Nov 2006 07:23:47 -0500, "oldal4865" <oldal4865@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>
>BlueBrooke <.@.> wrote in message
><8v28l2ho00vu1qsuo8thl5b58tdc3143s8@4ax.com>...
>>Hi --
>>
>>I'm hoping some of the people here that I have a great deal of respect
>>for can help me with this situation. Being a social moron, I'm really
>>not sure what to do.
>>
>>Now that I'm feeling better, I'm thinking I'll join the taekwondo
>>class that my son goes to. Actually, I've been thinking about it for
>>a couple of months and always came up with an excuse not to.
>>
>>I'm not sure whether I should mention to the instructors that I'm
>>diabetic or not? I'd really rather not -- actually if I could take
>>the class without anyone even knowing I'm there, that would work for
>>me. I'm already having a problem just getting out there, but I know
>>after I do it once or twice, it will be no big deal. So I really
>>don't want to call attention to myself.
>>
>>But if I have a hypo or something -- I'm breaking out in a cold sweat
>>just thinking about it. I don't know that I'd be able to overcome the
>>embarassment of something like that.
>>
>>After a few months, I don't think this will be an issue. I had a
>>couple of hypos a couple of months ago (I think from my walks/runs),
>>but I got my BG under control and stopped the spikes and it was okay.
>>
>>But after I quit smoking a couple of months ago, I just let everything
>>go to hell and figured I'd deal with it later. Well, later is now and
>>I'm feeling a lot better -- but if I wait until my BG goes back down
>>to where it was before, that's a couple more weeks or a month to come
>>up with some more excuses. Besides, I think this will help me get
>>things back in line.
>>
>>And the ones I had before, I felt funny, I tested, I took care of it.
>>If something like that happens at this class (and it's a pretty
>>strenuous class), I can excuse myself and go to the restroom to test,
>>etc., etc. -- no one even has to know what's going on. But will I
>>have enough time for that? Will it be okay?
>>
>>I'm not on any meds -- I guess I'm just afraid that with such
>>strenuous exercise if I *do* have a hypo it will be so fast and so
>>hard I might not even realize what's going on til it's too late. On
>>the other hand, I can't believe that it would last very long, even
>>left to it's own devices since I am *not* on meds?
>>
>>Sorry this is so rambling for what really is a simple question --
>>should I say anything to the instructors?
>>--
>>
>>BlueBrooke
>>T2/D&E/June 2005
>>
>
>
> I casually mentioned it to the instructors at my Aerobics classes.
>The statement I used was:
>
>"I'm diabetic. If you run me out of blood sugar, I'll have to stop for a
>bit and eat some candy. Don't worry about it, it's not a heart attack".

Ah -- I like this -- casual, yet informative. Just FYI but no big
deal. I like it.

>That last bit is important. If you just stop exercising and look a bit
>distressed, our instructors will assume heart attack.

Yes, this is true -- it would be very easy to assume that given my
"circumstances" -- i.e., weight, age, etc.

>A no-med hypo during heavy exercise? I would expect a bG spike not a hypo.
>Do you know if you have any tendencies towards Reactive Hypoglycemia? In
>any case, glucose candy and maybe even your meter in your belly bag would
>help.

Yes -- I think so.

>Um. . .being diabetic is not anything to be ashamed of.

Well, I'm not, really -- it's just one of those things as far as I'm
concerned. I'm just a really private person. As a mater of fact,
mentioning it at all will be just as uncomfortable as having some kind
of problem -- between a rock and a hard place, so to speak. ;-)

>Neither is being
>clumsy during your introduction to taekwondo. When we get a newbie in
>our aerobics classes, we regard them as smart and gutsy for trying
>something outside their boundaries.

Oh -- don't even go there. I'm trying not to think about that part
anymore! I've moved on from *that* phobia -- LOL!

Actually, I'm more worried about being able to remember things than
the clumsy aspect. My Sweetie, who never even mentions this, even
asked me if my memory would be a problem. I guess I'll just have to
jump in and find out. It seems like when I have better control, my
memory improves, even if just a little bit -- so I'm hoping this will
improve as time goes on. :-)

Thanks for all the help -- you've given me some really good ideas. :-)
--

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.

On 10 Nov 2006 08:22:46 -0800, "dogman" <lbarry7637@aol.com> wrote:

>
>BlueBrooke wrote:
>> Hi --
>>
>> I'm hoping some of the people here that I have a great deal of respect
>> for can help me with this situation. Being a social moron, I'm really
>> not sure what to do.

[snip]

>> Sorry this is so rambling for what really is a simple question --
>> should I say anything to the instructors?

Hi, Craig!

>I would highly recommend letting the instructor know about your
>Diabetes. First off, maybe they too may have a family member with
>Diabetes or even they themselves may be diabetic. So, you just never
>know who is diabetic. They might even be able to assist you should the
>need arise.

You know, this is a really good point. I didn't find out my Dad's
"new" wife of thirty years had diabetes until I told him I did.

>I have read that this is a disease that either people like to tell the
>world about or keep it to themselves. I like to tell the world. It
>helps me get through it for one. and two, it is great for conversation
>when there may not be much to talk about.

LOL!

I can think of only one other person I've mentioned it to (besides my
hubby, my son, my dad, and my nurse neighbor) and that was because she
told *me* she had diabetes first -- LOL!

>So, I would say "GO FOR IT!" You won't regret it and you will have fun,
>plus it is great exercise.

I think I'm going to start on Tuesday -- it really does look like fun
and I have to wait for my son anyway. I try to read books, but
there's so much to watch, I don't get any reading done. Might as well
do it, too. :-)

They just had a big testing the weekend before Halloween and one of
the ladies testing for her red belt was 65 years old -- wow! So I
guess my worries are pretty silly put into that context.

Thanks for responding -- I really appreciate the help.
--

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.

On 10 Nov 2006 08:51:05 -0800, "Ricavito"
<newsgroupreader@frontiernet.net> wrote:

>
>BlueBrooke wrote:
>> Hi --
>>
>> I'm hoping some of the people here that I have a great deal of respect
>> for can help me with this situation. Being a social moron, I'm really
>> not sure what to do.

[snip]

>> Sorry this is so rambling for what really is a simple question --
>> should I say anything to the instructors?

Hi!

>I think it's fabulous that you are going to take taekwondo; as many
>here often attest, exercise is often the best medicine for many of us.

Thanks! The more I think about it -- and the more my fears have been
set aside by the great advice in this thread -- the more I'm looking
forward to it. :-)

Besides, I'll probably end up back on the road in four or five years
when my son goes to college. Walking through those dark truck stops
at night -- they'll find they should have thought twice before messing
with me, I'm thinkin'! LOL!

>I don't share my T2 status with many, and I haven't with the gym I
>attend. As a T2 on D&E, plus meds (met and byetta), strenous exercise
>makes my bg go up in the short term, especially if I haven't eaten the
>right mix of protein, fat, and carbs for me. So I don't know if I can
>relate to a fear of having a hypo.

I'm trying to remember who told me that the exercise could be what can
cause a D&E T2 to have hypos -- I can't remember for sure. I have it
in my head that Roger said something about it, but I can't remember or
find it (so Roger, don't be offended if it wasn't you who said it!) I
don't *think* it was totally a figment of my imagination! LOL!

>I can relate to being shy in the situation you describe and having an
>anxiety attack though! But that's just me and exercise is the best
>medicine for that too, at least in my experience. As another poster
>said, people in these classes step out of the action for water,
>bathroom, rest breaks all the time, and no one will even notice if you
>need to stop for a little while.

I don't know if what I get is panic attacks or not -- but I know
whatever is going on, it goes downhill fast and it is ugly! I get
confused and that's all she wrote -- embarrassment, adrenaline -- I
don't know. But it's just horrible.

About the only place where I don't worry about it anymore is at the
bank. Those ladies are just wonderful. About 90% of the time, I
can't remember what I'm there for. They just sit there quietly and
let me get myself together -- no matter how long it takes. And I
think that's why I'm really not afraid to go there -- even if I do
make an ass of myself, we just laugh about it later. They are great
ladies.

Grocery shopping, though -- that's quite another story. I always
dread that because they are always moving things around! So I get
confused and the ball starts rolling -- :-)

The upside is, though -- I don't seem to have so much trouble with it
when my BG stays under 110 or so. So I'm hoping that with the
exercise and controlling my diet better, it will just all go away. I'm
really only worried about the first few weeks while everything falls
into place. :-)

>So go, have fun, get strong!

Thanks!

--

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.

On 10 Nov 2006 09:15:27 -0800, "Anil" <navkal@gmail.com> wrote:

>
>> BlueBrooke wrote:
>> Hi --
>>
>> I'm hoping some of the people here that I have a great deal of respect
>> for can help me with this situation. Being a social moron, I'm really
>> not sure what to do.
>
><Snipped for brevity>
>
>When I was first dxed as T2DM I was about the same time warned left and
>right from my close relatives etc to be very careful about hypo and
>advised me to carry sugar packets. I some how could not relate that
>with the high numbers I was seeing all the time with my meter. Seeing
>any number less than 100 was shear delight and complete rarity! So I
>did some study, also asked bunch of doctors some of them were my close
>friends. Everyone told me that as long as I am only on Metformin I had
>nothing to worry about. That assurance and my own readings eliminated
>what ever fear I may have harbored about Hypo freeing me to exercise
>freely.
>
>Ever since I have gone from moderate to really strenuous exercise (the
>most I have done is 6 hr hiking with water alone). I do make sure that
>I eat well before I start exercise though. I have never seen a meter
>reading less than 70.
>
>Is it impossible to get Hypo? I am sure there cases here. But just feel
>rest assured that its a very very rare case when you are not taking any
>medications and are truly T2DM.
>
>Do of course consult your doctor to get final reassurance. I am just
>sharing my own experience and information.
>
>Also I am not sure how feasible it is but you could have a bracelet or
>an anklet with T2DM tag. So in case for some reason there is a medical
>need, the EMT will know you are diabetic, some thing they should know
>any way hypo or not!

Hi, Anil --

Thanks for all the good comments. I'm beginning to think more and
more that the hypos I did have were not the norm and I probably don't
have much to worry about. Maybe I did forget to eat or something -- I
can't remember now.

Thanks so much -- I really appreciate it! :-)

--

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.

BlueBrooke wrote:
> On Fri, 10 Nov 2006 09:54:03 GMT, "Ozgirl"
> <are_we_there_yet@maccas.com> wrote:
>
>>BlueBrooke wrote:
>>> Hi --
>>>
>>> I'm hoping some of the people here that I have a great
>>deal of respect
>>> for can help me with this situation. Being a social
>>moron, I'm really
>>> not sure what to do.
>>
>>How do you know that we all aren't social morons too?
>
> Now -- why didn't I think of that? ;-)
>
> More sensitive than usual lately, I guess, fresh from my
latest fox
> pox --
>
> Just trying to make conversation, I asked a young lady
(maybe 13-16
> years old) if she was going to a party later (it was
Halloween),
> 'cause she was all "vampired" up. I patted myself on the
back for not
> asking her if she was going trick or treating (too old, I
thought),
> but that didn't last long when she looked confused and
said, "No! I
> always look like this!"

LMAO. 6 weeks after I had my 3rd child I still had a baby
belly. I went to a wedding and someone asked when was my
baby due, I said 6 weeks ago, lol. The poor guy went about
30 shades of red.
:-)
>
> [snip]
>
>>> Sorry this is so rambling for what really is a simple
>>question --
>>> should I say anything to the instructors?
>>
>>Well I am a type 2 on no meds and I do a lot of exercise.
I
>>have yet to have a hypo. I can't eat a lot before anything
>>strenuous but I do "carb up" I'll have a rye cracker
and
>>cheese or something similar I carry a water bottle when
>>running, but I have a kiddie sized juice (4 ounces) in my
>>pocket, just in case. I haven't needed it yet. I don't
have
>>fast carbs before exercise because they would be fast in
and
>>fast out.
>
> Actually, I didn't think I had to worry about hypos (what
with the no
> meds and all) until I had one -- and some folks told me
that the
> exercise would do it.

How low was the bg? It would be very rare for a type 2 on no
meds to have a hypo severe enough to require medical
attention or to lose consciousness. Sometimes coming down
fast from a higher bg can give you hypo feelings.

> I can foresee if I mention it to them so they won't think
something
> awful is happening, I'm "trying to get attention." If I
*don't*
> mention it and something happens, it could be a big mess.

You would start to feel a few symptoms if bg is becoming too
low, just walk over and drink out of your non see through
water bottle that just happens to have juice in it If you
make sure your pre exercise snack is not too carby you
shouldn't have the problem of a high followed by a reactive
low, that's why I suggest a rye cracker and cheese,
something slow. I eat a a rye cracker that is probably the
size of my hand without the thumb.

You can test it by doing a similar workout at home for the
same amount of time before you start lessons. Doesn't matter
if the moves aren't right, no one will see you - it will
just be to figure your snack/exercise ratio etc. IIRC when
my son did taekwondo 20 years ago, there were periods of
doing nothing while 2 at a time sparred.

"dogman" <lbarry7637@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1163175766.641609.144660@h48g2000cwc.googlegr oups.com...
>
> I have read that this is a disease that either people like to tell the
> world about or keep it to themselves. I like to tell the world. It
> helps me get through it for one. and two, it is great for conversation
> when there may not be much to talk about.
>

I'm one of those tell-all types too. I'm also not shy about talking about my
cancer. I like to show that neither condition is *in itself* disabling
(which *does not mean* that some people don't have problems due to their
disease), that I can still do all these things, etc. It may encourage
others, correct mis-impressions, spread the word about resources
(particlarly about thyroid cancer), etc.
bj

On Fri, 10 Nov 2006 23:06:45 GMT, "bj"
<bjones44@bellatlantic.net> wrote:

>"dogman" <lbarry7637@aol.com> wrote in message
>news:1163175766.641609.144660@h48g2000cwc.googleg roups.com...
>>
>> I have read that this is a disease that either people like to tell the
>> world about or keep it to themselves. I like to tell the world. It
>> helps me get through it for one. and two, it is great for conversation
>> when there may not be much to talk about.
>>
>
>I'm one of those tell-all types too. I'm also not shy about talking about my
>cancer. I like to show that neither condition is *in itself* disabling
>(which *does not mean* that some people don't have problems due to their
>disease), that I can still do all these things, etc. It may encourage
>others, correct mis-impressions, spread the word about resources
>(particlarly about thyroid cancer), etc.
>bj

Yup - peas in a pod there.

Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
d&e, metformin 1000mg, ezetrol 10mg
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
--
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: The Vatican

On 11/9/06 9:40 PM, in article 8v28l2ho00vu1qsuo8thl5b58tdc3143s8@4ax.com,
"BlueBrooke" <.@.> wrote:

> Hi --
>
> I'm hoping some of the people here that I have a great deal of respect
> for can help me with this situation. Being a social moron, I'm really
> not sure what to do.
>
> Now that I'm feeling better, I'm thinking I'll join the taekwondo
> class that my son goes to. Actually, I've been thinking about it for
> a couple of months and always came up with an excuse not to.
>
><snip>?
>
> Sorry this is so rambling for what really is a simple question --
> should I say anything to the instructors?
> --
>
> 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.

I have handled the problem two ways. In my Tai Chi class I made sure the
instructor knew of my problem, but I did not share the information with the
class. Tai Chi done properly uses more energy than it appears to, but is
fairly low impact and I seldom have a problem. On the other hand, Nordic
walking uses approximately 40% more energy than ordinary walking. With this
group everyone knows I have diabetes and watches out for me. In both these
situations my pockets are full of candy. I am one of the lucky T2's who
knows when I am going low and can take immediate action.

I hope this helps. I have had diabetes for 20 years and this may make a
difference to my awareness.

Good luck on your program. Aim for the athletes High!

Martha T2 Canada
Metformin, Avandia, Synthroid

BlueBrooke wrote:
<snipped a bit>
>
> Besides, I'll probably end up back on the road in four or five years
> when my son goes to college. Walking through those dark truck stops
> at night -- they'll find they should have thought twice before messing
> with me, I'm thinkin'! LOL!

You go girl!

>
> 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.

Love the sig line :-)

Best wishes!

"BlueBrooke" <.@.> wrote in message
news:8v28l2ho00vu1qsuo8thl5b58tdc3143s8@4ax.com...
> Now that I'm feeling better, I'm thinking I'll join the taekwondo
> class that my son goes to. Actually, I've been thinking about it for
> a couple of months and always came up with an excuse not to.

My kids have been doing Wado Ryu karate for ages, and it always looked like
fun - but I haven't wanted to join because I've had some residual neuropathy
and didn't want to risk my feet. Then their sensei retired, and after some
delay we found a new, more local dojo doing Korean karate. When I dropped
them off for their first lesson, the sensei assumed I wanted to start too; I
went along with it [the neuropathy having resolved], and am having an
absolute ball. Although we're all white belts, the kids are much better than
me, so are quite happy for Mum to drag along; I expect they'll be ahead of
me from the first grading, if they're allowed to double grade, but I don't
care : ) Apart from anything else, I'm deeply enjoying being in the same
size gi as my two teens

I told the sensei privately in passing that I was diabetic, but wasn't
anticipating any problems. I felt I wanted to warn him as a courtesy. As it
happens, I haven't had any issues at all. Far more complicated is the fact
that this lot do sparring, and I have to take my glasses off... find and
fight my opponent... and then find my glasses again <gulp>....

I bet you'll love it. I'm really enjoying the extra closeness with the kids,
too.

Nicky.

--
A1c 10.5/5.5/<6 T2 DX 05/2004
100ug Thyroxine
95/72/72Kg

On Sat, 11 Nov 2006 01:00:42 GMT, MI <quilchenapark@shaw.ca> wrote:

>On 11/9/06 9:40 PM, in article 8v28l2ho00vu1qsuo8thl5b58tdc3143s8@4ax.com,
>"BlueBrooke" <.@.> wrote:

>> Sorry this is so rambling for what really is a simple question --
>> should I say anything to the instructors?
>
>I have handled the problem two ways. In my Tai Chi class I made sure the
>instructor knew of my problem, but I did not share the information with the
>class. Tai Chi done properly uses more energy than it appears to, but is
>fairly low impact and I seldom have a problem. On the other hand, Nordic
>walking uses approximately 40% more energy than ordinary walking. With this
>group everyone knows I have diabetes and watches out for me. In both these
>situations my pockets are full of candy. I am one of the lucky T2's who
>knows when I am going low and can take immediate action.
>
>I hope this helps. I have had diabetes for 20 years and this may make a
>difference to my awareness.
>
>Good luck on your program. Aim for the athletes High!
>
>Martha T2 Canada
>Metformin, Avandia, Synthroid

Hi, Martha --

Thanks so much for this info -- it really helps put things into
perspective. I'm thinking more and more I've been worried for no
reason. :-)

Thanks!
--

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.