Advise for a Possible Diabetic

Hi A., I am 29 yrs old and found out last year that I am "insulin resistant", which leads to diabetes. I am a borderline diabetic. This was introduced to me through an endocronologist(specializes in diabetes,thyroid etc) only after being to my doctor a million times complaing of rapid weight gain and couldn't seem to lose it no matter what I did. They put me on a medication called glucophage, which is a medicine that helps your body use the insulin. Diabetes does run in my family for many generations, and I cant tell you relieved I was to find out that I could actually prevent myself from becoming a diabetic. I would love to chat with you sometime about it.

A.-
If you're thinking about joining a gym, I'd recommend the YMCA in Easton. They've got a beautiful child care facility that you can use when you're working out, there's a trainer who will set you up with a program, it's $38/ month if you join just yourself and the child watch is $20 for 11 visits, plus, the best part is that no matter how you feel about your body (like if you're self-conscious because you haven't exercised in a while), you will see people who are aren't model thin! I don't know if it's just this YMCA, but it is filled with 'real' people. I am the mom of a 2 year old and I have always been heavy, I was a gestational diabetic, and I recently joined the Y-mainly because I want to be a good model for my daughter. I want her to know that we just go to exercise and that's just what people do. I also want to be healthier so I can be a better mom and keep up with her. I want to meet her kids someday and I want to be healthier for when I'm pregnant again. Keep in mind, that ANY exercise you do is good and good habits just lead to better habits. Weight Watchers is also a great suggestion- just make sure you've got one thing firmly established before you start another. Don't take too much on at once because you're likely to give it all up because it's too much do at once- start exercising OR start WW. Experience success with one thing and you'll feel better. Good luck and know you're not alone while you're sweating to death on the treadmill!

Hi A.,
I recommend Jenny Craig. I've lost 15lbs in almost 7 weeks. I don't know your financial situation but it's worth every dime to me. The cost for food is an average of $70.00 a week. Go talk to a consultant at Jenny Craid and see if it's for you. I live in Washington Township, PA. my email is ____@____.com if you have any question. Good luck!

Crissy S.

Hi, A.,

Your best bet is to seek professional advice. You didn't indicate how much you weigh but, there are several alternatives. First, seek the help from a nutritionist. Your local hospital should be able to put you in touch with someone. They will help you with healthy eating habits and nutrional needs. Second, if possible, hire a professional trainer or find help at your local gym. They can help determine what your needs are and fit a workout routine to your daily schedule. If finances are an issue (hiring all these people!) then research some of this stuff on your own. The internet has tons of material. Keep track of your caloric intake, vow to eat a salad a day with a cup of yogurt, get out for at least a brisk 20-minute walk every day and add weights as you get stronger. Exercise will help with your depression. It's easy to sit on the couch and mope (I'm not being mean here) but try to convince yourself to get up and about. It's amazing how good you will feel as you get stronger. Good luck!

A.- sorry I am so late to respond and you've already updated the group. I just wanted to add that I was gestational diabetic with my son who is now 5. Wow! What a wake-up call that was. Here is was chugging a gallon of orange juice every morning thinking I'm doing the right thing. Then, BAM! I'm told to lay off almost all fruits and not to have any until at least lunch time. Apparently, our bodies break down the natural sugars at different rates.

Although my type of diabetes went away after the birth of my son, I am still prone to have it full-blast in the future. I've got about a 40-50% rate. I've tried to still follow the diabetic diet. If interested in seeing what's offered, what the portions are and what is suggested to stay away from, you could probably find all that out online. PLUS, if you are now "at risk" for contracting diabetes...you probably can have your insurance pay for you to see a nutritionalist for "advise".

Good luck! It sounds like you've got a handle on things :)

A.,
For my 40th birthday, my Dr told me my ovaries and tubes were shot so out they came. She also thought I had a thyroid problem but after the 2nd blood work came in, my thyroid was fine. I am on Welbutrim XL for depression. I started taking it 6 months after I became a full time stay at home mom. I find that exercise and going to gym REALLY help. You get to burn off calories and socialize with people who have the same issues. If you can't afford a gym, invest in a inexpensive MP3 player and take long walks with your dogs. If they are too little for long walks, take one at a time. Three walks a day will help you with your weight issues and depression. Just download all the songs from your past that make you smile and some good ol'disco helps. Also, STAY AWAY FROM SUGAR!!! That quick "high" you get can lead to depression after you "come down".
Good luck and keep moving!!!

This is the time to lose weight. My father suffered and died from diabetes; I would not wish it on my worst enemy. I lost all my weight by participating in Weight Watchers and exercising. Exercising is key so if it's hard with your son; then buy videos or a machine to do at home.

Dearest A. ,do not be so worried,your overweight is most probably because your body can not burn fat because of lack of thyroid hormone,if your blood test show that you really have hypothyroidism then the doctor will prescribe L-thyroxine to compensate for the low thyroid hormone,that will make things go back to normal.

Did you check if your health insurance will cover Weight Watchers or a gym membership? Many health insurances will cover at least part of the membership fee and weight watchers has meetings for moms where you can bring your child. Some gyms have free daycare like LA Fitness. Good Luck.

Nazareth is a cute little town. I use to live in PA. Anyway, do you want advise on working out MORE? Or how to get it in? Or What? Number one I know you need to not stress. I know that is hard but it will make it your sugar worse not better. Second, I have two kids and I know, excercise IS hard. Maybe you can take a walk with him? Some public highschools let you use the track when they aren't, etc. Like summer and weekends and evenings. If you can have him walk with you you build the habit in him too. Also, th ebest thing to do is try to watch how much chips, sugar drinks(incl koolaid),and cookies he is getting. If he doesn't like veggies try to find a creative way to get him to eat them.
Good luck, H.

A.
Hey, hope the tests have revealed some helpful information. As far as the diabetes goes, which is what it sounds like your real question is, eating healthy is great, but what you think is healthy, might not actually be the best options to control glucose (sugar). Most of my family are diabetic, myself excluded, and my brother has managed to control his with diet. There is a great book called "The New Glucose Revolution" that you can get at your local bookstore, also a handy guide of glycemic values. This explains how many foods have a "sugar" content that digest too quickly into the system causing highs and lows in insulin levels that exacerbate diabetes and how controling the type of "sugar" you ingest will help maintain steady suger/glucose levels. Not only can this help with the diabetes, but maintaining even levels will make you less hungry, hopefully helping to shed pounds and you will be less tired, and who couldn't use more energy. It is also amazing how this will help to control other areas of your health, as well. It is also a great idea in the beginning to get with a nutritionist if at all possible. Insurance may help pay for this as a medical issue and even if they don't, one or two visits may suffice to get you headed in the right direction and you can't put a price on your health, especially as a parent. Best of luck.

If you are a diabetic, it is very important you follow your doctor's advice and stick to the diet/meds, whatever they prescribe. My mother in law was a diabetic and never managed her condition. As a result, she passed away at 56. On the other hand, my grandmother was diagnosed with adult onset diabetes and has controlled it with diet alone for nearly 20 yrs. Get out and walk, exercise is very important; also find out what type of diabetes, if you are insulin dependent, or not. This information is vital to figure out what you should be eating, etc. Hope this helps. S. :-)

Get a complete blood work-up. Wellbutrin helps me for my depression and I've lost 20 lb.s Talk to a Different Dr. or nutrionist. Feel bad for you!! HANG IN THERE! Drink lots of water! You'll be ok and in our prayers.
God Bless!

K. EMT Mommy of Sarah 10 & Chrissie 3

A., please see my response to Tanya's thyroid problem. It might help you too. If your doctor is just testing your blood sugar level, he is skipping an important component, your insulin levels. I hope this helps you!