diabetes Diabetes Ii

[Pete53]

In 1993 while visiting my Mom in El Paso Texas she had me test with a borrowed glucose monitoring kit and my readings were all over 300. I reviewed my medical records from VA and saw that my tests indicated high reading of blood and sugar in urine.

I brought this up with my primary care Doc and he has an A1C that was high and told me I was diabetic and put me on glyberide in 1995. The first week I took it I broke out in rashs and felt like hell but over time my A1C improved and I got better or so I thought. Its been a constant battle with little or no help nor training from VA but now although I take insulin 2 kinds and metformin my control is not what it should be. My Doc is now concerned and I am testing 2 times a day and will go to 4 times until my next appointment. I am very discouraged at the moment.

When I get control I have problems gaining weight but less problems with neuropathy and when I don't have tight control I usually feel better. Its very hard for me to explain this.

I am wondering if I should use my Medicare and find a Doc who specializes in diabetes. I am convinced that the VA is not my best friend on this issue and that they know a lot more than what they tell me.

This morning my reading was over 300 and I am back where I started. I am really discouraged about this mess.

[carlie]

Pete,

This is not one of my area's with any knowledge,

but I surely wish you the best.

I think you would suggest to other's - to get another

doctor in on this.

carlie

[jbasser]

Pete, you need to find a Diabetes specialist. Being close to Dallas is a good thing for there should be several to choose from.

Hang in there buddy.

J

[Boats]

Pete,

If you have medicare go that route, I aggree they don't sound like your best friends. Konw that you and I talke awhile back saying you were on avandia and the VA took you off. That is what I am on a combo of avandia and metaformin avndamet 1000mg twice a day. it has my fasting down to below 115. I would find a good doc fast and get it under control...

Know about the ups and downs in how you feel it is not fun...

Take care

[Eric_M]

Pete,

Find an endocrinologist. The VA has them, at least in Portland. Diabetes is tough, excercise has helped me a bunch, even a little helps with insulin absorbtion.

Testing is great, but your doc should have also given you plan to adjust your insulin/meds if your sugars are high, or low.

I always hated story problems in school, but diabetes is one big story problem.

Good luck.....Eric

[vmo]

If you are on two types insulin, you probably should be testing before each meal and more. You should count your total carbohydrates consumed for each meal. Then as example--you take (example) 2 units of insulin per 15 carbohydrates. Such as 45 carbs consumed in a meal, means you need to inject 6 units of insulin as an example. This is referred to as "covering your sugar" (an example only). **I strongly recommend you consult your diabetic condition with an endocrinologist specializing in diabetes patients. Most endo-physicians employ staff to teach you how to count carbs, what to eat/not eat, etc. They will adjust your insulin. Also, if you are taking two types insulin--you are probably taking a long acting insulin (such as "Lantis") before you go to bed, right?? In addition, if you consult with an endocrinologist physician, you may want to ask about an "insulin pump", which very often helps you maintain near normal sugar levels, which would result in acceptable A1c readings, and hopefully a lot less complications. The advice others mentioned is correct--please see an endocrinologist for better diabetic management.