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It's now approaching 2 months since I was diagnosed as having the Big D. My BGs continue mostly in the 80's to low100's (lowest to date 55, highest 293 -- and that was the very first time I ever checked). Checking my BGL about 6 or more times/day, including checking before driving every time, and giving myself shots about 5 -6 times/day. Got my updated MedicAlert dogtags with the words "diabetes, taking insulin" on it.

Had my recheck with my endo (and found out what the lab tests showed). The lab was supposed to send them directly to me, but I got the results from my endo before I got them from the lab -- by 1/2 day (the results were awaiting me at home the same evening I got them from my endo!). A1c down to 8.3 (had been 11.1 a month earlier). Antibodies negative, and C-peptide at lower limit of normal (0.8). Lab did only the "routine" antibody test, but I guess I'll just leave my diagnosis as "either Type 2 or maybe LADA".

Most astonishing (!) recent discovery: 1 bagel with cream cheese is more than sufficient (!) to treat a low...

To date, I have not used alcohol to swab the skin for either shots or fingersticks. Also, have reused the same needle on the insulin pen for every shot each day (3-4 shots per day), then replaced for the next day. And reused lancet for entire's day fingerpoking then replace for next day. And I'm still alive and uninfected...

Oh, and about 80% of shots are given through the clothing (shirt/undershirt). All shots to date in belly. And yes, I do have a few bruises (I'm on aspirin for its heart/stroke protection).

Bill the diabetesdoc
wwq@diabetesmonitor.com

Diabetes.Blog.Com is a blogcompanion to our main website, the Diabetes Monitor, which you can find at www.DiabetesMonitor.com

The Challenge

What You Can Do Ahead of Time

• Know your meal plan. Then you will know what and how much to eat when you are dining away from home.
• Prepare, portion, and freeze ahead of time meals that are lower in sugar, fat, and sodium. Then you can reheat them quickly when you are very busy.
• Schedule your exercise before you schedule holiday activities. Be flexible, but if you don’t plan exercise time, it won’t happen.
• For your own party, choose foods that fit your meal plan. Go to the library or bookstore, and get diabetes cookbooks and magazines that feature healthy holiday recipes. The American Diabetes Association Web site (www.diabetes.org) also features a new recipe each day.
• Focus on one or two diabetic self-management goals during the holidays. No one is perfect, but you can stick to one or two habits that are good for you.

What to Do When the Season Arrives

• Have active parties. Plan parties around caroling, house decorating, holiday card making, or walks to see neighborhood decorations.
• If you are invited to a party, call ahead for the menu. Offer to bring a dish that you can enjoy without guilt.
• At the buffet table, survey the offerings before you dig in. Only put on your plate what you really want. Use a small plate, and leave plenty of space around your portions. Then sit down away from the buffet table. Don’t go back for seconds.
• Never drink alcohol without your doctor’s permission. Insulin and some diabetes pills do not mix well with alcohol. Never have more than one or two drinks. A serving of alcohol is 1½ ounces of distilled liquor, 12 ounces of light beer, or 4 ounces of dry wine.

General Guidelines for Healthy Eating

• Roasted white meat of poultry and boiled, baked, broiled, or grilled fish or seafood are lower in fat and calories than beef or pork. If you do eat red meat, choose leaner cuts.
• Raw, steamed, grilled, stewed, or baked vegetables are lower in fat and calories than vegetable casseroles or salads made with mayonnaise. Skip the gravy and sauces, or use only a little.
• A small portion of a yeast bread or roll tends to be lower in fat and calories than quick breads like biscuits, cornbread, or nut breads.
• Watch the fats you add. One teaspoon of regular margarine or butter can add 45 calories. Use diet salad dressing, fat-free sour cream, and light margarine.
• Fruit from a fruit basket is the best dessert. If you must have a regular dessert, have a very small portion.
• Coffee and unsweetened tea are free foods. Add artificial sweetener and skim milk if needed.

Questions to Ask Yourself

• What diabetes self-management goal will I focus on during the holidays?
• What nutritious recipes can I fix ahead, so that I can eat well while I am busy?
• How can I get more exercise during the holidays?

Reproduced from a webpage by the National Diabetes Education Program.

Bill the diabetesdoc
wwq@diabetesmonitor.com

Diabetes.Blog.Com is a blogcompanion to our main website, the Diabetes Monitor, which you can find at www.DiabetesMonitor.com

The Dec-Jan Symlin Discussion Forum is located at http://diabetes.blog.com/451577/.

Bill the diabetesdoc
wwq@diabetesmonitor.com

Diabetes.Blog.Com is a blogcompanion to our main website, the Diabetes Monitor, which you can find at www.DiabetesMonitor.com.

It's now been over a month since I was diagnosed as having the Big D. My BGs now stay mostly in the low100's (highest in the 160's). I'm checking my BGL about 6 or more times/day and giving myself shots about 5 times/day.

It's about time for my recheck with my endo (and find out what the lab tests showed). The lab was supposed to send them directly to me, but I haven't gotten them yet (I had to fill out a form and sign it when the blood was collected, and they said it would have to be done every time!). Anyhow, while writing this, I called the lab, and learned that 2 weeks isn't enough time to expect the results. The stupid form (required by our friendly Federal gov'mint) has to be faxed to their headquarters, and an approval received from their lawyers (!) before the results can be released. (Full employment for attorneys -- at least this way they're not out there suing physicians...) So I expect I'll get the results from my endo before I get them from the lab!

Bill the diabetesdoc
wwq@diabetesmonitor.com

Diabetes.Blog.Com is a blogcompanion to our main website, the Diabetes Monitor, which you can find at www.DiabetesMonitor.com

This is the 19th in a series of discussion forums at Diabetes.Blog.Com, and is the November forum for discussions about using Byetta.

This November Byetta forum was deactivated on December 1 to prevent more posts to this forum. However, you can still read the earlier comments (at this and earlier Byetta forums), and search for information throughout those forums, by using your webbrowser's FIND or SEARCH feature while at the earlier forums, or by searching at the advanced search feature that is at the Diabetes Monitor.