DIABETICS ON THE BEACH (Week of 8/23/04)

Cetaganda · Mon Aug 23, 2004 4:52 pm

Hope everyone had a great weekend and a wonderful new week.

In order to keep our diabetics on the beach thread from becoming too long, we are going to start a new thread every week. At the end of the previous week there will be a link to the new week's thread. And at the beginning of the new week there will be a link to the new week's thread.

Here is the link back to last week for anyone who wants to go back to it:

[url]http://67.43.8.10/~sbdiet/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16559[/url]

Also, please participate in this week's poll. The poll is anonymous. It just would be interesting to know.

I would welcome any suggestions for a poll question.

Welcome to everyone, diabetic, pre-diabetic, or friends and family. :D

Cetaganda · Mon Aug 23, 2004 5:17 pm

Hello everyone,

This is my last physical therapy session prior to seeing my doctor tomorrow. How is this related to diabetes? I have read and heard that diabetics have a much higher incidence of having a frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) than non-diabetics.

This is my second frozen shoulder. The first one (my left shoulder) was 15 years ago ... and it was really bad. My right shoulder is now partially frozen (range of motion is about 90% overhead ... but I cannot reach behind my back and up very far. My internal and external rotation of the arm is restricted).

The frozen shoulder that I had 15 years ago did not respond to many painful sessions of physical therapy. So, the orthopedic surgeon performed a procedure on my left shoulder under general anaesthesia. It is called manipulation ... and it is basically an uncontrolled tear of the shoulder's capsule. I could not believe how PAINFUL that shoulder was when I awoke from the procedure. t made me nauseous ... and I have rarely been nauseous. And it took me many months to heal.

I have heard that keeping good control of one's blood glucose levels will help prevent this from happening again.

Have any of you had an experience with a frozen shoulder? If so, how was it treated? Did you regain your full range of motion? If it was left to "thaw", how long did it take for that to happen?

Thanks for participating in this week's poll. You may submit poll questions to the thread or to me privately with a PM (private message).

Thanks! :D

louisefour · Mon Aug 23, 2004 5:36 pm

Some of you may recognize me- I had the diabetes and beans question. I am going to actually test over the next little while to see how the different beans effect my sugars. But how long after eating the beans should I wait before testing? I usually test in the mornings because that is when I tend to have very high sugars- I seem to have that overnight thing because if I eat a late snack my sugars are lower in the mornings than when I don't have a late snack. Anyway, to get the most direct reading on how the beans act in my systems, what do you guys think would be the best timing? and should I test more than once at different intervals?

patcat1964 · Mon Aug 23, 2004 6:30 pm

Hi Cat

No, I never had a frozen shoulder that i know of. sorry i cant help you with that one.

So how are you doing? While away my sugars were in the low 100's because i was not eating 3 meals a day and snacks.

Today, my sugars are going back down. Glad to be home and back on the thread. I also wanted to let you know that my leg is healing and I didnt have to go to the wound center today.

Tell me how everyone is doing and what i have missed

Patcat

Cetaganda · Tue Aug 24, 2004 4:26 am

louisefour wrote: Some of you may recognize me- I had the diabetes and beans question. I am going to actually test over the next little while to see how the different beans effect my sugars. But how long after eating the beans should I wait before testing?
Hi louisfour,

I'm really glad that you are going to test the effect that beans have on your blood glucose levels. You might want to try several different beans, if you can take all of that finger poking. :wink: I will be very interested in what you discover, as I like beans a lot.
louisefour wrote: I usually test in the mornings because that is when I tend to have very high sugars- I seem to have that overnight thing because if I eat a late snack my sugars are lower in the mornings than when I don't have a late snack.
Do you have type 1 diabetes or type 2? Do your blood sugar levels change a lot during the day ... i.e. do you sometimes become hypoglycemic and do you have high BG levels typically 2 hours after a meal?

Ttype 2 diabetics, I have read, have higher insulin resistance in the morning ... why, I don't know. That is probably why your BG levels are higher in the morning. And I don't think, from the little I know, that a bedtime snack makes a lot difference for most type 2 diabetics, as it has for you. Still, that is what another diabetic told me happens for her, too.

You know, whether it lowers our fasting BG level or not, I think a amall bedtime snack with some protein and carbs is a good idea, so that we don't go for too long without a meal. I have never measured my BG levels at say 2 or 3 am, but I have found that during the day if I don't have a snack and then have a delay before having my next meal, my BG level will be about 75, which is not far from hypoglycemia.

One of my lowest fasting BG levels (99 mg/dL) happened the first time I exercised after dinner and ate a bedtime snack of low fat low sugar yogurt. But, unfortunately, I cannot say that it worked for me after that one time. Still, both exercise and a bedtime snack are a good idea, in my opinion.

Maybe it depends more on how much one's blood glucose levels rise and fall. For example, I am very fortunate to be a borderline diabetic, so my blood glucose levels do not change much. However, my mother is a type 2 diabetic and she frequently becomes hypoglycemic because she gets too busy or forgets to eat. And her BG levels are often over 200 mg/dL 4 hours after a meal.

I have, BTW, been talking to my mother about the importance of controlling her blood glucose levels better. And I have been talking to her about the South Beach Diet. In fact, I went to Costco today and bought all three of Dr. Agatston's books, including the orange cover cook book.
louisefour wrote: Anyway, to get the most direct reading on how the beans act in my systems, what do you guys think would be the best timing? and should I test more than once at different intervals?
That is something that I would like to know, as well. So, I am going to ask that question of some diabetics who are more experienced with measuring BG levels and the South Beach Diet. I'll get back to you with their answer.

Cetaganda · Tue Aug 24, 2004 4:48 am

patcat1964 wrote: So how are you doing? While away my sugars were in the low 100's because i was not eating 3 meals a day and snacks.

Today, my sugars are going back down. Glad to be home and back on the thread. I also wanted to let you know that my leg is healing and I didnt have to go to the wound center today.

Tell me how everyone is doing and what i have missed

Patcat Hi Patcat,

Welcome back from your vacation. I am really glad to hear that your leg is better and healing and that you won't have to go to the wound center.

I don't think that you missed a lot ... but you might want to take a look at last week's thread (for the week of 08/17/04). .. just in case.

Thanks for asking how I am ...I am doing well, except that my shoulder has not gotten significantly better after a month of physical therapy and at home exercises. So, I go back to see my doctor tomorrow. I'll let you know what he has to say about my options at this point.

What a busy day I had ... physical therapy, lunch at Appleby's with my husband ... we are so proud of the fact that we ate SBD at Appleby's ... I ordered from the Weight Watcher's section ... I had tilapia (a mild fish), asked the waitress to hold the rice and give me a triple order of steamed vegetables ... and it was delicious and heart healthy. After lunch I went to Costco and spent a lot more money than I thought I was going to ... but almost all of it was food that we are going to eat.

My mom is coming to see us in a couple of weeks. She lives in Florida. We live in Oregon. She has been to see us several times but we have done very little sightseeing during her visits. So, I went to the library and came home with literally enough books to fill a large grocery bag up to the top! That should keep me busy for a while, eh? Well, there are lots of places in this part of the country that my husband and I have not visited, either. So, I expect this visit from my mother to be a lot of fun and especially interesting for us all. I wish that my mom were staying longer than 2 weeks. Maybe the next time she comes I can talk her into staying for 4 weeks. :D

Well, time to say goodnight. Hope to see you here tomorrow, everyone! :D Thanks for voting in the poll. In time I expect the poll questions to improve. 8)

patcat1964 · Tue Aug 24, 2004 12:43 pm

Hi Cat

Its hard when parents live so far away. Enjoy your visit with them. Also enjoy your sightseeing. Just be lucky your parents are here. Mine have been gone for over 20 years. My dad died (heart) when i just turned 18 and my mom 9 months later from diabetes and a broken heart.

My hubby mom is 79 walks with a walker. This week we are running back and forth taking food and dog out. My brother in law that lives there went away for the week. Left her abunch of TV dinners high in salt (heart problems) We been taking meals to her and one night whe went to her daughters. My hubby father died 27 years ago from heart and overwieght problems.

So for the being so long. I would want you to treasure every monent you can with them and encourage them to stay longer.

Let me know what the doctor said.

See you later today

Patcat

louisefour · Tue Aug 24, 2004 4:55 pm

Cat, I visited Oregon a couple of years ago- Portland area. I was so impressed with the Columbia River Gorge and the salmon ladders. Also- Mt. St. Helen's. (I know, it's in Washington, but it's not far from Oregon) I wanted to spend days and days there. Beautiful, beautiful country- and I didn't even make it to the coast. Flying in and seeing the Gorge and the volcano's peaks- breathtaking. I can't wait to visit again.

Cetaganda · Tue Aug 24, 2004 6:48 pm

louisefour wrote: Beautiful, beautiful country- and I didn't even make it to the coast. Flying in and seeing the Gorge and the volcano's peaks- breathtaking. I can't wait to visit again.
Yes, it is beautiful country. When you plan your next visit, please come see me. I will take you places you have never gone before. For example, the most beautiful place in the world, by far, is the coast near the California and Oregon border. And if you haven't seen Crater Lake or Mount Hood or Bend yet or ridden a jetboat on the Rogue River, you are in for a really good time! That is in addition to the fun we will have just hanging out together. :D

After my mother's visit beginning September 7, I will know even more places that we can go together. Plan on staying for 2-4 weeks. You will be welcome in our home and can use it for a base to explore more of the area. :D :D Sadly, we do not have children, but we have 2 Lhasa Apso dogs. If you have children, be sure to bring them along!

Linda :D

Cetaganda · Tue Aug 24, 2004 7:14 pm

louisefour wrote: ... how long after eating the beans should I wait before testing? ... to get the most direct reading on how the beans act in my systems, what do you guys think would be the best timing? and should I test more than once at different intervals?
Here is the one and only answer I have received so far from another SBD forum with more experienced diabetics on and off the beach than I am:

"When I'm trying a 'new' food I test before I eat and then 2 hours after."

I am testing a lot these days, even though my BG levels are staying low and my doctor did not advise to do so. I just want to learn how my body reacts to various carbohydrates. Good luck to you on your testing. I look forward to hearing your results. :D

Hope this helps, louisefour. :D

louisefour · Wed Aug 25, 2004 10:12 am

I forgot to answer before. I am a type2 diabetic. This week I am testing my split pea soup. I make it with chicken stock and use a smoked turkey wing for seasoning. I also put in a few drops of hot sauce. I have tested it two times. I was going to test at 1 hour and then again at 2 hours, but I didn't do the two hour test. (Didn't want to prick again- but since this is soup, I bet one hour is ok- it would go thru the system faster than just cooked beans that weren't all mushed up. Here are the results ( which look pretty good): Monday: 1 cup of cooked, mushy split peas with water added to make soup consistancy served with 2 tblsp. plain, ff yogurt as a garnish- sugar before 66 sugar 1 hour later 104. Tuesday: 1/2 cup peas with water added, garnished with 1 Tblsp. diced onion. sugar before 72 sugar 1 hour after 105. I made a point of being inactive for the hour between eating and taking my sugar, but I did take my medication (Metformin) when I started eating. Before I started SB, my sugars were much higher than these in general. I will do at least one more split pea test and next week move on to another bean. Both of these were supper time measures.

patcat1964 · Wed Aug 25, 2004 11:11 am

Morning

I had a very bad day yesterday. Was upset with hubby. And I barely ate at all. I am so depress today again. I feel that i havent lost any wieght this month. And not eating right or exercising and being on vacation. I feel that i have fail at this. And i cant get back on track.

I feel like i cant finish this out. I hope everyone is having a good day.

Patcat

Bundle777 · Wed Aug 25, 2004 6:15 pm

Okay Patcat-

Now the pity party is over. dust yourself off and get back in the race. You need to do some exercise, that will boost you up. You have to start again. Today is a new day. What happened yesterday is past. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. It will be alright.

You can make it and you are worth it.

patcat1964 · Wed Aug 25, 2004 7:09 pm

Hi Bundle

I am trying really hard today. I am eating pretty good today.

I am trying soooooooooooooooooooooo hard to do right!

Eat Eggs with peppers and onions with coffee (2) milk

L- BLT on whole wheat with a Banana

D- Meatloaf made with Ground Turkey. add some black beans to it. And sweet pototes salad and veg.

I am so tired of being alone.

My girlfriend wants us to move to TX. We are thinking about it. But its a big move. And Hubby is still fighting with me. Because he broke our arrangement with his second job.

My girlfriend lent me her bike to use. But when hubby isnt home I cant go for my walk. No one to stay with them.

Patcat

Cetaganda · Wed Aug 25, 2004 11:34 pm

Here is something that someone on another SBD forum diabetic thread recently wrote:

"I am a Type 2 diabetic and I haven't a clue if I'm still making insulin."

Here is the response that I gave, after doing some research on the Internet:

I am also a type 2 diabetic (early in the disease, under very good control so far). A full year and a half after my diagnosisI have finally taken my internist's advice and started measuring my BG levels and going on the South Beach Diet. My internist assures me that I will no longer need diabetes medication when I lose 40 pounds. To give myself a few pats on the back while bragging to this group, my weight is already a little more than 20 pounds less than my highest weight. Pat, pat, pat! :D :D

I did not do phase 1. After a couple of weeks officially on the South Beach Diet, I am down by 5 pounds. And it has been so easy and so right for me.

I have been reading in my new book about type 2 diabetes about a test called the C-Peptide test, that is sometimes done to determine a person's level of insulin production. I am thinking about asking my internist to have this test done.

*******************************************************************************************************************

Here's some interesting information about the C-Peptide test ... which is used to measure the level of endogenous insulin, i.e. insulin that is generated by the beta cells of one's pancreas:

*******************************************************************************************************************

What is C-peptide and what is its relationship to insulin?

Both C-peptide and insulin are created by and stored in the beta cells of the pancreas. The function of C-peptide is not known.

C-peptide and insulin are protein chains created in equal measure by the activation and division of a larger inactive precursor protein chain called proinsulin.

When insulin is required and released into the bloodstream to help transport glucose into the body’s cells (to be used in energy production), equal amounts of C-peptide also are released. This makes C-peptide useful as a marker of insulin production.

Why the C-Peptide test is performed:

A C-peptide test is often ordered during an initial evaluation for diabetes to check the status of your beta cells and to see if you are still producing some insulin. This is sometimes used to differentiate a type 1 from a type 2 diabetic.

Type 2 diabetics who are no longer producing insulin will need to receive insulin, the same as a type 1 diabetic.

The C-peptide test requires special equipment and training to perform. It is not done in every laboratory and often must be sent to a reference laboratory.

Normal values vary from lab to lab. The level of C-peptide in the blood must be interpreted with the results of a blood glucose test (usually a fasting blood glucose test). Please note that both of these tests must be done at the same time. Ask your doctor which medications, etc. can interfere with the test.

You need to find out the normal range for the laboratory that performs your C-peptide test.

NORMAL range of C-Peptide(please read previous statement):

0.5 to 2.0 ng/ml (nanograms per milliliter) OR

0.17–0.83 micromoles per liter (µmol/L)

What abnormal results mean:

Low values (or no Insulin C-peptide) indicates that the person's pancreas is producing little or no insulin.

High levels of both C-peptide and blood glucose are usually associated with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.

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