Been diagnosed with Diabetes

[Punching Bag]

I have hyperglycemia a fair amount of my life but now my doctor is telling me I have Diabetes but has not classified it as Type 1 (pancreas not producing insulin) or type 2 but has not stated which type.  I have been put on 2 types of medication and insulin but insulin instructions made it impossible to take and work.  After several days doctor told me just ignore instructions on package and just take it any time of day I can.  He wants me to see a specialist (most listed as accepting insurance are gone, not taking insurance or not taking new patients but still on list) but very difficult to find a specialist, have tests done beyond basic ones or get physical therapy so avoid Cigna health insurance

Definitely noticed changes but not sure if more due to radical diet changes or medication.  My wife gave me my first insulin shot today.  

[Doc]

Sorry to hear that.  See if you can get a continuous glucose monitor like Freestyle Libre or Dexcom so you don't have to stick yourself.

[ExiledInIllinois]

Sorry to hear.  It sucks getting tangled up with doctors and the insurance companies that are bleeding everyone for what their worth.  I guess they know people wanna live so they all got us over a barrel.  Be careful and tread wisely or it will pile up even with insurance...

 

Number one reason why people go bankrupt is due to medical costs.  Number 2 is job loss.  

 

"1) Medical Expenses

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2019 found that 66.5% of bankruptcies in the U.S. were due to medical issues like being unable to pay high bills or due to time lost from work.3 Even with health insurance, high deductibles and copays, plus job loss, impact Americans.

Rare or serious diseases or injuries can easily result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills—bills that can quickly wipe out savings and retirement accounts, college education funds, and home equity.

Once these have been exhausted, bankruptcy may be the only shelter left, regardless of whether the patient or his or her family was able to apply health coverage to a portion of the bill or not. (Find out what you can do to avoid a financial meltdown when there's a medical emergency. Read Steering Clear Of Medical Debt.)"

 

https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0310/top-5-reasons-people-go-bankrupt.aspx

 

Good luck!

[Augie]

2 hours ago, Limeaid said:

I have hyperglycemia a fair amount of my life but now my doctor is telling me I have Diabetes but has not classified it as Type 1 (pancreas not producing insulin) or type 2 but has not stated which type.  I have been put on 2 types of medication and insulin but insulin instructions made it impossible to take and work.  After several days doctor told me just ignore instructions on package and just take it any time of day I can.  He wants me to see a specialist (most listed as accepting insurance are gone, not taking insurance or not taking new patients but still on list) but very difficult to find a specialist, have tests done beyond basic ones or get physical therapy so avoid Cigna health insurance

Definitely noticed changes but not sure if more due to radical diet changes or medication.  My wife gave me my first insulin shot today.  

 

Sorry to hear about your difficulties! Hope you get it all figured out. I have a buddy who is borderline diabetic and also has asthma along with heart issues and other things.  Glad he finally got his shots!

 

We struggled for years with many trips to doctors and ER visits with my wife. Wasted surgeries, a complete mess. She finally got the RIGHT doctor and one more surgery cleared it all up. I think of this since she just saw him today. That guy changed our lives, and maybe saved hers. All doctors are not the same. Hope you have a great one.  Best wishes! 

[Punching Bag]

In general I do not trust doctors for they are artists not scientists.  With same symptoms and measurements doctors can have different conclusions.

 

 

[\GoBillsInDallas/]

[Gugny]

10 hours ago, Limeaid said:

In general I do not trust doctors for they are artists not scientists.  With same symptoms and measurements doctors can have different conclusions.

 

 

 

Well in that case, just keep going to different doctors until one of them tells you it's just stress and all you need is a vacation.

[mead107]

Start looking into natural stuff. 

 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317051#_noHeaderPrefixedConten

[The Jokeman]

17 hours ago, Limeaid said:

I have hyperglycemia a fair amount of my life but now my doctor is telling me I have Diabetes but has not classified it as Type 1 (pancreas not producing insulin) or type 2 but has not stated which type.  I have been put on 2 types of medication and insulin but insulin instructions made it impossible to take and work.  After several days doctor told me just ignore instructions on package and just take it any time of day I can.  He wants me to see a specialist (most listed as accepting insurance are gone, not taking insurance or not taking new patients but still on list) but very difficult to find a specialist, have tests done beyond basic ones or get physical therapy so avoid Cigna health insurance

Definitely noticed changes but not sure if more due to radical diet changes or medication.  My wife gave me my first insulin shot today.  

Welcome to the club, I'm a Type 1 and on an insulin pump and also use a CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) system to assist me. I'm also on Metformin to help me out as insulin alone wasn't cutting it because apparently  I'm a tad resistant to it. The specialist he probably referring to is an Endocrinologist and highly recommend finding one, my primary referred me to one and thankfully she was accepting patients at the time. All I can say is don't ever let one single bad sugar number cause you stress as this battle is a marathon not a sprint. 

Edited April 9, 2021 by The Jokeman

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

13 hours ago, \GoBillsInDallas/ said:

oh wow— I totally forgot about those commercials! 

[ExiledInIllinois]

5 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

Well in that case, just keep going to different doctors until one of them tells you it's just stress and all you need is a vacation.

I don't think that's what he meant.  Why would anybody do that? 

[John from Riverside]

I am a type two diabetic and I’ve been dealing with that for years if you ever have any questions let me know it can be managed you do have to make some choices on things like what you eat and alcohol

[TBBills]

 

[DefenseWins]

I have also been diabetic (type 2) for many years. It's only in the last two years that I've been able to get things under real control. I am NOT a doctor and am NOT giving medical advice but I have learned that carbohydrates (bread, potatoes, rice) have a pronounced effect on blood glucose levels. I personally avoid alcohol almost 100% of the time. It's a small price to pay in my mind for better health. You may wish to look up the Keto diet as I have lost 80lbs and gotten my A1c levels down to the low 5's. I'd personally also recommend you check out the Beat Diabetes! channel on youtube. The man is NOT a doctor but the things I've learned watching his channel have helped me immeasurably. Good Luck!

[Punching Bag]

 

10 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

Well in that case, just keep going to different doctors until one of them tells you it's just stress and all you need is a vacation.

 

4 hours ago, ExiledInIllinois said:

I don't think that's what he meant.  Why would anybody do that? 

 

In my case I went to 6 different doctors who each gave a different reason and medication. Some of the medication relieved symptoms temporarily. The 7th doctor told me it was psychosomatic and told me there was no physical basis for problem.  Went to 8th doctor, said it was plantars despite issue being ankle not foot and put my foot in a hard cast to soften up foot.  I was almost crippled and he said that should not have happened so ordered MRI.  Cyst size of a golf ball surrounding ankle bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, etc.  Cyst was removed but my entire foot architecture has been changed and never completely recovered.  Now I cannot even find shoes that have arches which fit.

[Mr Info]

On 4/8/2021 at 5:28 PM, Limeaid said:

In general I do not trust doctors for they are artists not scientists.  With same symptoms and measurements doctors can have different conclusions.

 

 

I have quite a lot of background and experience in this area. However, your statement makes me reticent to offer anything. It is unfortunate you have had experiences which led to this assessment. There are plenty good physicians but it is the patient’s responsibility to evaluate the doctor & services provided. It appears an endocrinologist would be your best resource. Perhaps consider one at a nearby university hospital. Most likely, they would have encountered a more disparate patient population that would assist in their diagnosis & treatment. Good luck.

[Shamrock]

I work in a High Risk Foot Clinic; if you were in Australia I’d say get a great Diabetes Nurse Educator. They help with things you may need; Endocrinologist, optometrist, phlebotomist, pharmacist, joining NDIS, podiatrist, dietitian, exercise physiologist... psychologist/ counsellor (it’s stressful, have someone you can talk about/ with honestly). Dot your I’s and cross your ‘t’s’ and work at it. 

[Gugny]

7 hours ago, Shamrock said:

I work in a High Risk Foot Clinic; if you were in Australia I’d say get a great Diabetes Nurse Educator. They help with things you may need; Endocrinologist, optometrist, phlebotomist, pharmacist, joining NDIS, podiatrist, dietitian, exercise physiologist... psychologist/ counsellor (it’s stressful, have someone you can talk about/ with honestly). Dot your I’s and cross your ‘t’s’ and work at it. 

 

@John from Riverside's foot was about to fall off, but it grew back when he started walking on it.

[Beerball]

1 hour ago, Gugny said:

 

@John from Riverside's foot was about to fall off, but it grew back when he started walking on it.

It was about to fall off or it did fall off? Because if your statement is accurate and it didn’t fall off and it grew back he now has 3 feet. How is he on the dance floor?

[John from Riverside]

28 minutes ago, Beerball said:

It was about to fall off or it did fall off? Because if your statement is accurate and it didn’t fall off and it grew back he now has 3 feet. How is he on the dance floor?

I do not have 3 feet I have been told that I have three Legs

[Patrick Duffy]

On 4/8/2021 at 8:47 PM, Limeaid said:

I have hyperglycemia a fair amount of my life but now my doctor is telling me I have Diabetes but has not classified it as Type 1 (pancreas not producing insulin) or type 2 but has not stated which type.  I have been put on 2 types of medication and insulin but insulin instructions made it impossible to take and work.  After several days doctor told me just ignore instructions on package and just take it any time of day I can.  He wants me to see a specialist (most listed as accepting insurance are gone, not taking insurance or not taking new patients but still on list) but very difficult to find a specialist, have tests done beyond basic ones or get physical therapy so avoid Cigna health insurance

Definitely noticed changes but not sure if more due to radical diet changes or medication.  My wife gave me my first insulin shot today.  

 

Sorry to hear. I also was diagnosed in 2017 with it. Nobody else in my family has it either. I got injured in 2012 really bad and can no longer work due to it. Can't stand for any longer than 5 mins or so, also can't sit down for long either because I will start to hurt real bad either way, sitting or standing. Only relief is getting in swimming pool and recliner chair gives some relief when legs are elevated.

 

Anyway, I gained weight due to this since I can't exercise like I used to or walk very much at all for that matter. In any event I was lucky though because I'm only border line diabetic. I only have to take a Metformin pill with my biggest meal everyday. Thankful I don't need the shots/and or insulin.

 

But take care of yourself and again, sorry to hear

[Augie]

4 hours ago, Patrick_Duffy said:

 

Sorry to hear. I also was diagnosed in 2017 with it. Nobody else in my family has it either. I got injured in 2012 really bad and can no longer work due to it. Can't stand for any longer than 5 mins or so, also can't sit down for long either because I will start to hurt real bad either way, sitting or standing. Only relief is getting in swimming pool and recliner chair gives some relief when legs are elevated.

 

Anyway, I gained weight due to this since I can't exercise like I used to or walk very much at all for that matter. In any event I was lucky though because I'm only border line diabetic. I only have to take a Metformin pill with my biggest meal everyday. Thankful I don't need the shots/and or insulin.

 

But take care of yourself and again, sorry to hear

Ugh! So sorry to hear about your issues. That must be rough. 

 

My SIL has stage 4 breast cancer which first showed up in her hips (odd, I know). Terrible hip and back pain, can’t sit long or exercise. It’s a rough existence, but so far she’s hanging in there. They got one of those resistance pools in the backyard and it’s been an awesome help to her in. Terms of relief and getting a bit of exercise. 

 

Hope you find some relief as well! 

[frostbitmic]

On 4/8/2021 at 11:28 PM, Limeaid said:

In general I do not trust doctors for they are artists not scientists.  With same symptoms and measurements doctors can have different conclusions.

 

 

They call it medical practice because they haven't perfected it yet.

 

Tons of treatments out there for it, keep trying them until you find one that's perfect for you.

 

 

[Joe Ferguson]

Try to avoid pills as they could damage other body organs. Do it naturally like drinking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with your favorite drink twice a day.

[Mr Info]

7 hours ago, Joe Ferguson said:

Try to avoid pills as they could damage other body organs. 

I am interested in any evidence of this. Would you post the links where this is substantiated? This would be for the sulfonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors, or other oral medicines for type 2. There are also inhalers for type 2...does your statement also include those?

[Punching Bag]

8 hours ago, Joe Ferguson said:

Try to avoid pills as they could damage other body organs. Do it naturally like drinking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with your favorite drink twice a day.

 

1 hour ago, Mr Info said:

I am interested in any evidence of this. Would you post the links where this is substantiated? This would be for the sulfonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors, or other oral medicines for type 2. There are also inhalers for type 2...does your statement also include those?

 

 

All pills have possible side effects but I am not going to depend on folk lore about taking apple cider vinegar.

[Mr Info]

2 minutes ago, Limeaid said:

 

All pills have possible side effects...

This is true but ‘damage other body organs’ exceeds the definition of a side effect.

[PokeForLife]

On 4/16/2021 at 12:20 AM, Joe Ferguson said:

Try to avoid pills as they could damage other body organs. Do it naturally like drinking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with your favorite drink twice a day.

 

On 4/16/2021 at 7:37 AM, Mr Info said:

I am interested in any evidence of this. Would you post the links where this is substantiated? This would be for the sulfonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors, or other oral medicines for type 2. There are also inhalers for type 2...does your statement also include those?

Yeah... especially any evidence of organ damage due to the SGLT2 inhibitors, which have been shown to be both cardio- and renal protective (I admit I dont know data regarding any possible hepatic involvement). I'm a recent med school grad and type I myself -- plan to start an SGLT2i once the trials in type I are done and FDA approved.

[Teddy KGB]

Medical marijuana and bananas with a pear or two should clear you right up 

[Punching Bag]

On 4/8/2021 at 9:51 PM, Doc said:

Sorry to hear that.  See if you can get a continuous glucose monitor like Freestyle Libre or Dexcom so you don't have to stick yourself.

 

When I am told to get a monitor i would definitely prefer that type.  

I work on computers all day and finger pricks would result in reflex actions with my fingers.

 

[Punching Bag]

On 4/8/2021 at 10:40 PM, ExiledInIllinois said:

Sorry to hear.  It sucks getting tangled up with doctors and the insurance companies that are bleeding everyone for what their worth.  I guess they know people wanna live so they all got us over a barrel.  Be careful and tread wisely or it will pile up even with insurance...

 

Number one reason why people go bankrupt is due to medical costs.  Number 2 is job loss.  

 

I have lost my job twice due to medical issues.  If I have issues due to diabetes requiring accommodations I will be talking to my company via a laywer.

 

Once I told them I needed to have surgery and would be out for up to 6 weeks.

Company then told me customer DISA decided to replace me deciding to change job requirements so were they were laying me off for lack of work.

 

I worked for Raytheon for 7 years with high performance ratings and awards every year.  I actually got job interview from poster on wall.

They moved me to a new day shift job within project because of contract merger and my salary was capped due to new contract - if I stayed I could not get raises which meant company could not raise billing rate. Long story but I got insomnia after shift change and insomnia issue eventually corrected.

I reported issue as required.

Over year later during parodic review of clearances reviewer classified my issue and my clearance was pulled. No unclassified work was available.  Received from agency letter that this should not be looked as reflection on my work and I could apply for a new clearance in a year.  Companies do not generally reapply for very high level clearances due to time/cost.  I was hired with TS clearance already I had for 25 years and they applied for an upgrade while I still was working at old job saving them thousands of dollars. All clearances gone and I was out of work for 18 months.

 

The laws on protection over medical issues is very weak especially in right-to-work states.

[Gugny]

On 4/21/2021 at 10:56 PM, Limeaid said:

 

When I am told to get a monitor i would definitely prefer that type.  

I work on computers all day and finger pricks would result in reflex actions with my fingers.

 

 

I was really worried about the finger picks, too - but mostly because I'm a wuss and hate needles.

 

But I use something like this ... https://www.totaldiabetessupply.com/products/freestyle-lancing-device-ii?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4ImEBhDFARIsAGOTMj-PhPhETzWP3tJ5Zv6lwyCr5rgI7oLLs7xX2_ieY86kHRvoi37tff4aAnbCEALw_wcB ... and get the thinnest-gauge lancet possible - and I feel absolutely nothing (during or after).  You can actually adjust the depth that the lancet will go into your finger.

 

When I was checking my levels multiple times daily, I'd just switch up fingers and parts of the fingertips and it was like nothing ever happened.

[The Jokeman]

9 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

I was really worried about the finger picks, too - but mostly because I'm a wuss and hate needles.

 

But I use something like this ... https://www.totaldiabetessupply.com/products/freestyle-lancing-device-ii?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4ImEBhDFARIsAGOTMj-PhPhETzWP3tJ5Zv6lwyCr5rgI7oLLs7xX2_ieY86kHRvoi37tff4aAnbCEALw_wcB ... and get the thinnest-gauge lancet possible - and I feel absolutely nothing (during or after).  You can actually adjust the depth that the lancet will go into your finger.

 

When I was checking my levels multiple times daily, I'd just switch up fingers and parts of the fingertips and it was like nothing ever happened.

Get into this century and ask your Endo if you can get something like this https://www.freestyle.abbott/us-en/products/freestyle-libre-2.html I have one and no finger sticks and can't even feel the sensor go in. The only thing stinks isn't approved to work on American cell phones yet so have to use an independent reader and removing the old sensor (after 14 days sometimes is a pain). 

[Mr Info]

36 minutes ago, The Jokeman said:

Get into this century and ask your Endo if you can get something like this...

Imo, Dexcom is the best CGM. Operates with mobile phones, tracking software, good alert notification. Their next CGM will be developed with Google Health.

[The Jokeman]

4 minutes ago, Mr Info said:

Imo, Dexcom is the best CGM. Operates with mobile phones, tracking software, good alert notification. Their next CGM will be developed with Google Health.

True but not all insurances cover the Dexcom etc. or are way more expensive. Toss in I have an older pump (Medtronic 530g) that will try upgrade this year but unsure which new pump/CGM I'd qualify for as not called my insurance but think 3 months of CGM for only $60 out of pocket is nice. 

Edited April 23, 2021 by The Jokeman

[Mr Info]

16 minutes ago, The Jokeman said:

True but not all insurances cover the Dexcom etc. or are way more expensive. Toss in I have an older pump (Medtronic 530g) that will try upgrade this year but unsure which new pump/CGM I'd qualify for as not called my insurance but think 3 months of CGM for only $60 out of pocket is nice. 

I like Tandem but the Medtronic 770g is also a nice closed loop system. It now communicates with mobile devices which the 670g did not.

[The Jokeman]

16 minutes ago, Mr Info said:

I like Tandem but the Medtronic 770g is also a nice closed loop system. It now communicates with mobile devices which the 670g did not.

I hated the Enlite sensors from Medtronic hence using Libre2, if their latest version of CGM for their loop system is similar I'm looking elsewhere. 

[Mr Info]

7 minutes ago, The Jokeman said:

I hated the Enlite sensors from Medtronic hence using Libre2, if their latest version of CGM for their loop system is similar I'm looking elsewhere. 

Medtronic is using the Guardian sensors for the 670 & 770 pumps.

[Punching Bag]

Diet appears to have been reducing weight.  I was 265 when I started year, 240 when I was diagnosed with diabetes and my said I looked like I lost weight so I had her measure me and now 230.  Even developing a taste for cottage cheese.

[Punching Bag]

Had my 3 month test.  Doctor sent me to specialist for Average Estimated Glucose was over 300 and I told him it was likely due to diet was on.

 

Current Results:

 

Hemoglobin A1C 6.2 %4.6 - 5.9 %
HBA1C: Hemoglobin A1c values of 5.7-6.4% indicate an increased risk for developing diabetes mellitus.

 

Average Estimated Glucose 131.2 mg/dL