Anyone using insulin for diabetes?

[mjonesnh]

Was diagnosed in feb 21 with type II. Blood sugar 585 and a1c was 14+. Probably more than 14 but that was as high as it could test. That day started Metformin 2000 mg/day and Toujeo insulin every night. Over the course of about 7 months I was able to stop the insulin and start lower doses of Metformin through exercise and watching my carb intake. Today I am medicine free for diabetes and my A1C is 5.4. Low carb food, little sugar and walking 20+ miles a week changed things greatly for me. As a plus I am 40 pounds lighter now vs 2 years ago

 

[newbury]

I cut out all carbs for the most part (breads, pasta, potatoes, etc.) and sugar/Splenda.

Why Splenda? Most references seem to say "Sugar substitutes don't affect your blood sugar level."

 

[WVH1977]

Why Splenda? Most references seem to say "Sugar substitutes don't affect your blood sugar level."

I don't have the research in front of me but I read that Splenda is just as bad as sugar. It has been a while and I would have to dig back into it. I believe there is still conflicting evidence for and against Splenda as a substitute. I started using Stevia. That is probably bad too. lol

 

[Larry Caldwell]

I got diagnosed with type II 2 years ago. Doc wanted me on Metformin and Insulin. My lovely wife did some research and talked me into trying a diet with fasting involved (at first thought it was a bunch of non-sense). For 6 months, I ate any meat I wanted, whole fat butter, eggs, bacon, nuts, broccoli, carrots, cabbage and all the cheese I could handle. I fasted 2 days a week for 24 hours and the only thing sweet I ate was 70% dark chocolate. I cut out all carbs for the most part (breads, pasta, potatoes, etc.) and sugar/Splenda. When I went back to the doctor my blood sugar was normal and as an added bonus my cholesterol was normal. He could not believe it and thought I was an anomaly. He also said most folks don't have enough self control to actually change their diet. It was not easy at first but after a month I got used to it. I remember eating a salad one night after two months of this diet and the green pepper tasted sweet to me. The sugar cravings went away also. I also lost 35 pounds in the process and just felt better overall. My wife even said my snoring disappeared. I sleep better and am more focused.

I am not a doctor but wanted to share this with other diabetics because there is alternatives to pills and insulin. A lot of my information came from a Doctor named Jason Fung. I believe he is a kidney specialist. I have one of his books called "The Diabetic Code." I am really grateful that my wife pushed me in this direction. My health is so much better now and I eat when hungry. I just eat whole, real food that has not been processed and altered. Also, drink a lot of water.

I did the same, but wheedled the doc into prescriptions for metformin and atorvastatin, because they are anti-agathics; they slow the ageing process. My chocolate is sugar free dark chocolate coated almonds. A1C dropped from 8.4 to 5.6.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

I don't have the research in front of me but I read that Splenda is just as bad as sugar. It has been a while and I would have to dig back into it. I believe there is still conflicting evidence for and against Splenda as a substitute. I started using Stevia. That is probably bad too. lol

I tried stevia, but can't taste it. Genetic fluke, I guess.

 

[SgtSluggo]

If people eat a reasonable diet, move around a bit, keep there weight under control and again at a "reasonable" amount, type I and II will not lead to the cutting off of your toes, your feet, next one will be below the knee.. I'll not list all the other terrible side effects of not keeping your a1c in a good range.

I have a bad, leaky heart valve as well but no need to replace it yet.

Just want to say that for many people with type 2 diabetes, your words ring true. However, type 1 cannot be controlled by any kind of diet - a proper insulin regimen is essential. Additionally, many patients with type 2 have other factors other than their diet affecting their insulin resistance (and thus blood sugar). Things like genetics can prevent people from controlling their T2DM with lifestyle changes alone.

 

[Spike56]

I have the same problem. Having talked to my doctor, I'm going to buy Trulicity and give it a try. It is approved to treat Type 2 diabetes when used in combination with diet and exercise. And it is supposed to help lower A1C. Have you tried it?

No I take enough meds, and I would not attempt to just go and buy something to try ?

 

[ArlyA]

Just want to say that for many people with type 2 diabetes, your words ring true. However, type 1 cannot be controlled by any kind of diet - a proper insulin regimen is essential. Additionally, many patients with type 2 have other factors other than their diet affecting their insulin resistance (and thus blood sugar). Things like genetics can prevent people from controlling their T2DM with lifestyle changes alone.

I didn't mention the use of humulin because all diabetics need to move around some,,,, and eat a reasonable diet. All diabetics are different and by that I mean, we all are.

 

[JasperFrank]

The healthcare system we have is a bit of a fraud. For instance, all my newish doctors want family history. They want that, to sell drugs. I've never told them that anyone in family had diabetes. I have a home kit blood tester. It has never said I was out side the normal. But if the list had been sold, that there was a history, then private gets a bit more expensive. If I had told them there is a history, which there is, they would have sold me on drugs, I didn't even need to take. And very expensive drugs at that, charged to my private medical "insurance." At some point, we have to end this, and go to Universal Care like every other First World Nation. And stop this crazy unregulated system, we have now.

 

[ArlyA]

The healthcare system we have is a bit of a fraud. For instance, all my newish doctors want family history. They want that, to sell drugs. I've never told them that anyone in family had diabetes. I have a home kit blood tester. It has never said I was out side the normal. But if the list had been sold, that there was a history, then private gets a bit more expensive. If I had told them there is a history, which there is, they would have sold me on drugs, I didn't even need to take. And very expensive drugs at that, charged to my private medical "insurance." At some point, we have to end this, and go to Universal Care like every other First World Nation. And stop this crazy unregulated system, we have now.

You are reading to much into them asking about your family history. Any good doc will ask you this and that, including if you have pretense to this disease, or others. Your healthcare is not a conspiracy. I've had some GREAT docs over the years and a few poor ones but the good ones asked me questions. Lots and lots of them.