Comment by Mike on May 19, 2008 at 8:16am

It totally sucks...but there is a bright side.

Personally I was completely oblivious to the signals that our bodies tell us regularly...until I was diagnosed. I ate crap, and never stopped to think of how that crap would affect me. I was pretty active, but now I know the importance of staying active. I've realized which of my friends truly care about me and my well-being. It brought me closer to my parents. And I would have never had the opportunity to be part of this kick-butt community that is really supportive and helpful. As an uninsured diabetic I have realized the inequity of healthcare in this country, and I'm now more passionate than ever about making sure everyone in this county can afford quality care...you shouldn't have to be wealthy to be healthy.

There is plenty to get down on, and I'm not trying to belittle your concerns. But we have the choice here to be pitiful or powerful.

I chose powerful.

Comment by Angela on May 19, 2008 at 8:36am

Thanks for the kind words. I know it's obviously to feel down about all this and I do try to maintain a positive attitude but I am so frustrated. I am tired of feeling awful. I have never felt so awful in all of my life. So I guess I am just hoping I can get some sort of control soon. I try and try and it doesn't seem to work.

I met with a new endocrinologist last Friday and I hope he is more aggressive in trying new things for me. I know I will never be the same as I was but I know I have to be able to feel better than this.

Comment by Mollie on May 19, 2008 at 10:43am

If you have insurance covering insulin/syringes/pens/etc, it should also cover test strips...I pay about $50 for 500 test strips--that is a 3 months supply. If you get them covered...test often--and if you are running low at night, eat some cheese before bed...that should help (maybe not fix it, but help)

Also, not sure why you go so high,---but know that most diabetics will occasionally hit the 300's occasionally...we all forget to take our insulin, or mis calculate carbs. And when i say, most diabetics...i mean all. You dont have to starve yourself from all the good foods in life, getting your carb counting right will help immensely with the highs. Also, if you dont already inject your insulin at least 20 minutes before a meal---start today...this will help post meal highs alot---and overall you will need less insulin. Always use glucose tabs to treat lows. 3 is plenty for me, almost every time. they work faster than anything else and ou wont over eat---they taste ok but are not delicious like Capn Crunch Cereal----which means you will avoid the roller coaster highs after the low.

It will get better---as long as you keep putting forth the effort.

my best to you,
Mollie
diagnosed age 4 in 1974
animas insulin pump
dexcom 7

Comment by Glucoholic on May 19, 2008 at 5:31pm

Angela,

I know nothing about this being a type 2, but you mentioned concerns about being alone and lows. Would it be possible for you to look into getting one of those hypo alert dogs that can tell when you are going low? I don't know what you have to do to get one, but I thought it might be something to make you feel better.

Comment by Steve R on May 19, 2008 at 7:58pm

Hypos alone are not good, and I've had a bunch of them. The new endo sound really good. I wish you nothing but the best. My endo gives me an prescription for a 3 month supply of test strips and Aetna fills it at a very reasonable price.

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