Type 2 Diabetes

[calico1597]

I just found out today I have A1C of 7.3 and deemed type 2 diabetic. I'm leaving tomorrow for three weeks to spend some time in our winter home. The dr is going to call a script for me to get a glucose monitor and wants me to check my blood daily for the next two months then have more labs. I'll get some educational classes when I return late Oct.


What all does Medicare cover for diabetes supplies? I have the Walmart Humana plan, does this come under that plan? Can anyone recommend a good website where I can begin my own research on how to deal with this? Since there are no recommendations for pills or injections, I'm hoping this can be controlled by diet.

 

[Tiger8693]

Hey calico-

I am 55, and in June, my doctor told me that I was Type 2 and wanted to start me on medications. I am short (5"6") and weighed in that morning at 184lbs.

I REALLY didn't want to start meds, so I told him I wanted to do research and come back to him in a month or so. He then ordered a glucose meter, and told me to check twice a day - Fasting morning, and 1-2 hrs after dinner. I started that testing and was averaging 147 morning, and 163 at night for the 1st week of testing and while I was researching.

I stumbled on DietDoctor.com which is a Keto and Intermittent fasting proponent and claims to reverse Type 2 diabetes symptoms. After going through a lot of information, I decided to try this eating change. I'll tell you, it is not easy...

As of today, I now weigh 158lbs (and plan on a target of 145lbs), and my average glucose on 8/15 when i stopped the twice a day testing (per my Doctors direction) was 102 morning and 94 at night. I go back for A1c test in November, and based on those numbers I should be under the limit for Type 2 diagnosis.

This may not work for everyone, but it worked for me. Good luck to you!

 

[calico1597]

Sounds like you've done well, congratulations!!

 

[savory]

Our daughter is the diabetes nurse at her clinic. In general, the suggestions from Tiger 8693 sound correct based upon the discussions with our DD. Having said that, if it were me, I would make an appointment with a person, like a diabetes nurse, who spends all there time on correcting this problem. Doctors may not be up to date with the best approach in terms of implementing a diet or medication. Good luck. The good news is diet and exercise can play a big role.

 

[Bamaman]

Calico: The 7.3 A1C speaks and your doctor may not be aggressive enough with your treatment.

I too am a Type II diabetic, but I chose to be on insulin with a pump instead of taking a bunch of pills. On insulin, I am very stable. With the pump, I can eat relatively normally--just taking note of blood sugar levels and the number of carbs ingested. Note: Insulin presently is about $255 a vial, and I go through one every 3-5 weeks. Diabetics are expensive to treat.

Medicare does pay for diabetic testing supplies and a meter on Part B. Make sure your pharmacy knows to send it thru Part B rather than send it through as a normal prescription.

I suggest you take your blood sugar levels first thing in the morning--before breakfast. And you should take your levels before lunch and before dinner. Write the dates, times and levels down.

If you're running 150's or higher, and I suspect you will be often in the 200's, go ahead and ask that your physician refer you to an endocrinologist--a specialist in diabetes. He will know how to treat your situation best.

The best thing any diabetic can do is lose 10% (or more) weight. Eat green. Avoid raw sugars, candy, cookies and especially ice cream (my weakness.) If you are an alcohol drinker, quit. A very healthy diet can improve your A1C number dramatically.

The penalty for not getting a handle on diabetes is your kidneys play out and you've got to live 3x a week for 3 hours a day on hemodialysis. My father, uncle and 1st cousin have lived through that Hell. Diabetics also have a very high incidence of open heart surgeries.

Good luck to you.

 

[Teacher Terry]

When my husband’s blood work came back the doctor thought it was a mistake because he wasn’t pre-diabetic the year before. They waited 2 months and repeated. He takes one pill with his biggest meal. He lost 40 lbs but still has it. I thought they only did pumps for Type 1.

 

[ghsebldr]

I just recently beat my A1C back down below 6.0. Just like the two times before in 2000 and 2010 I started and followed a walking routine daily. While I only walk 20 minutes to a half hour seven days a week I have been able to get the A1C down to normal and the twice daily glucose tests down to a pretty consistent 100 to 105 mornings and between 90 and 100 just before dinner.
Now if I can keep it up long term this time around I might be good for another 10 years or so.

 

[scrabbler1]

I was diagnosed 3 years ago (at age 52) with Type 2 Diabetes. I was in the hospital for 12 days in July for an unrelated ailment when this was discovered.


They got my A1C down into the 6s by the time I had my minor surgery for the other ailment. I was on 2 types of insulin while at the hospital and for the next 7 weeks. Then, I was gradually taken off insulin and put onto a daily pill until January, when the insulin was terminated and only the daily pill remained.


My A1C continued falling and has been in the 5.8 range the last 2 years. I do a quick blood sugar at a different time each day per week and it has varied between 90 and 140. I lost about 35 pounds when I got out of the hospital but have gained some of it back. After meeting with a dietician, I made some relatively small changes to my diet (watch the portion sizes, get rid of the really sugary stuff) which have been very helpful. My endocrinologist is very happy with me.


As for blood testing supplies, I buy the test strips and lancets on Amazon, where they are far cheaper than local retail outlets even after counting for relatively limited insurance coverage. I pay about $100 per year.

 

[madsquopper]

I was (unexpectedly) diagnosed a year and a half ago at my annual physical when my A1C was measured at 8.7. With just diet and exercise (mostly a big diet change to low but not excessively low carb) I've lost 30 pounds and my last A1C was 5.7, so you might be able to do it on those alone. The American Diabetes Association website has lots of info plus a forum. I went to educational classes right away and those were a big help.

 

[UnrealizedPotential]

I'm not sure what kind of diabetes my father has, but I know he has it. I know my Mom's ancestors had it, but my Mom doesn't yet. There was a bunch of blood work done when I had high blood pressure a few months ago. I told my doctor about my diabetic ancestors who had it. But I don't have it yet and I am almost 49.



But am I worried about it? Absolutely I am. I don't drink alcohol anymore. I drink more water. I am down to around 160 Lbs from 180 Lbs in July. I limit my potato chip consumption which I wasn't doing before. So it's just something I have to keep an eye on and hope I don't get it.

 

[footenote]

Calico - Here's a 2nd shout-out for the dietdoctor.com approach.

As Tiger8693 said, it's not easy. But DH and I have had great results with low-carb-high-fat. He has gone from being pre-diabetic to having it taken off his medical record. I lost 55 lbs, he's lost over 60. We both exercise 5-6 times per week as well. Good luck with whatever path you choose.

 

[rgarling]

And a third for dietdoctor.com

Correct the problem with diet and exercise. If you merely treat the symptoms you'll get worse.

 

[Elbata]

A few contrarian views if you're so inclined:

https://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2009nl/dec/diabetes.htm
https://www.masteringdiabetes.org/
https://www.healthpromoting.com/learning-center

 

[haha]

As for blood testing supplies, I buy the test strips and lancets on Amazon, where they are far cheaper than local retail outlets even after counting for relatively limited insurance coverage.

My A1c tests have all been below 6 over 20years, but I still like to do testing.

Anyway, I am amazed at how inconsistent strips are. What brand do you use? The meters are very cheap, so if your strips perform reasonably well I will just switch to that brand.

Ha

 

[savory]

I see many posts that discuss exercise. My major volunteer project is to increase active transportation. In a nutshell, active transportation is not using your motor vehicle as much as possible and replace it with walk/bike/bus/train. Today for example, I need to visit the drug store. The pharmacy is 1 mile from my home. I will walk for this errand. In this case, the walk will not replace my exercise goal for the day.

Another active transportation approach is to not drive all the way to your destination. That could mean parking far away from the door in a parking lot. Or, drive 10 mile of a 15 mile commute and bike the remaining 5 miles.

All the research shows that people practicing active transportation are healthier than those who depend too much on their vehicles. This includes people who do exercise as well. The extra 'bonus' from an active transportation lifestyle has benefits.

I know it is not for everybody but I have learned from speaking with many people that the idea of not using a vehicle for getting from place to place is simply not considered. Except of course in many big cities where public transportation is easily available and owning a vehicle is not affordable or useful.

I believe that any exercise is important. I hope you consider this active transportation approach as a positive and helpful thought.

 

[Teacher Terry]

Despite my husband walking 20k/steps a day, losing 40lbs and following the dieticians recommendations nothing has changed . Hope you have better luck.

 

[scrabbler1]

My A1c tests have all been below 6 over 20years, but I still like to do testing.

Anyway, I am amazed at how inconsistent strips are. What brand do you use? The meters are very cheap, so if your strips perform reasonably well I will just switch to that brand.

Ha

I use Contour Next test strips. They have been very reliable.

 

[Fedup]

Despite my husband walking 20k/steps a day, losing 40lbs and following the dieticians recommendations nothing has changed . Hope you have better luck.

I’m surprised to read about this. My husband and I are not even pre-diabetes, but after someone here suggested we walk immediately after dinner, we did that for 2-3 weeks and we improvement already in our sleep and health. Amazing, just small increment of effort.

 

[tmm99]

I just recently beat my A1C back down below 6.0. Just like the two times before in 2000 and 2010 I started and followed a walking routine daily. While I only walk 20 minutes to a half hour seven days a week I have been able to get the A1C down to normal and the twice daily glucose tests down to a pretty consistent 100 to 105 mornings and between 90 and 100 just before dinner.
Now if I can keep it up long term this time around I might be good for another 10 years or so.

And you've done this without any diet change?

 

[foxfirev5]

I’m surprised to read about this. My husband and I are not even pre-diabetes, but after someone here suggested we walk immediately after dinner, we did that for 2-3 weeks and we improvement already in our sleep and health. Amazing, just small increment of effort.

Yes. Walk after dinner. Don't eat after dinner. Lose weight. Not easy but it worked for me. Prediabetic in 2006. A1C below 5.7 the next year and 5.4 this year. Net weight loss 70 lb. Since 2016 retirement 42 lb. No meds. More than that I feel better than I have in decades. Who says there no benefit to ER?

 

[Teacher Terry]

Fed, for the past 20 years we both walked at least 10k/day and then my husband increased it with more walking in addition to everything else. He was happy with the weight loss but disappointed in the results.

 

[wolf]

I just found out today I have A1C of 7.3 and deemed type 2 diabetic. I'm leaving tomorrow for three weeks to spend some time in our winter home. The dr is going to call a script for me to get a glucose monitor and wants me to check my blood daily for the next two months then have more labs. I'll get some educational classes when I return late Oct.


What all does Medicare cover for diabetes supplies? I have the Walmart Humana plan, does this come under that plan? Can anyone recommend a good website where I can begin my own research on how to deal with this? Since there are no recommendations for pills or injections, I'm hoping this can be controlled by diet.

Also have Walmart/Humana plan. Cheapest plan. Medicare, aarp plan F.
My test strips are free.

1. If your are currently over weight, losing weight, may bring your aic's down.

2. If your weight is normal, then "eat" healthy. And exercise. (you A1C may come down, but still require metformin.) (some people get upset stomach with metformin, most do not).

3. My case, 1st 10 years. Metformin. (very common). Pill.

4. Just recently, started glipzide + metformin. Pills.

5. Insulin, not required yet.

6. Protein and fats do not raise your blood sugar.

7. Minimal/Avoid white bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, deserts.

8. Eat complex carbs. Veggies.

9. When testing with "strips", stay calm. It takes a while to get things
under control. Also, Meters are not very accurate. MFG. are
allowed a pretty wide "variance" in readings.

Example. Test your self 3 times in a row, and you will get 3 different
readings using the same meter. Use another meter, and it
will be different. Just look for trends.

10. When I first became, diabetic. I tested 4-5 times per day. After a few
months, dropped to once per day or less. Once your numbers are
under control.

11. A1c, tested at labs. Every 6 months. Goal. Below 7.

12. A1c, above 7, requires attention.

13. Print out chart. Test strip readings correspond to aic readings.
ie. "120" on meter = 5.8, "140" on meter = 6.5

14. I've been able to keep my A1Cs in the 6.3-6.8 range for many years.

15. Good luck, not the end of the world. Talk to friends who are type 2. Lots of good info out there.

 

[Tiger8693]

Yes, I forgot to mention that I have also added about 20 min brisk walk at least once, sometimes two times each workday. Gets me out of the office and is also great for stress.

There are people that say medicine is the only way, but there are a lot of people that have pulled back their A1c levels through diet. Not all are through Low Carb, but science says carbs are a key component. Also, from the research I have done, the meds have to be increased over time for people that are type 2, as they become less effective. This is why I am trying to avoid for as long as I can.

 

[RAE]

Most people with a higher A1C are able to lower it to some degree through diet and exercise. Some suggestions:

- eat only whole foods; avoid highly processed foods (stuff that comes in a box or bag with a list of ingredients on the side). Avoid anything made from refined flour, especially. Avoid anything with added sugar. Whole foods would include veggies (lots), fish, some red meat, eggs, nuts;

- make sure you eat enough healthy fats - things like olive oil, butter coconut oil. Avoid the highly processed seed oils (soybean oil, corn oil, veg. oil);

- increase your activity level/exercise. Take a walk every day after dinner, and another walk earlier in the day. Maintain a brisk pace if you can. Avoid long sedentary periods.......move as much as you can during the day.

Hopefully doing these things will help. I just looked at dietdoctor. com, and I think their advice is good, for the most part.

 

[nwsteve]

Recently read that a natural supplement berbrine is effective at lowering blood sugar and improving cardio health. A 2015 statistical review of 27 clinical trials showed it to be as effective at metformin in lowering blood glucose.
Does anyone here have any experience with this supplement?