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The Question
07/05/09 06:43 PM

"I have just found out I have type 2. I am unable to see my Dr untill august 25. My Dr is booked. don't know what numbers are good or not good for me"
Asked By: hoot  

Background Info Hide
I am 4'11 weight 195lbs. I've lost 13 pounds without knowing how.I sweat and don't know if my sugar is high or low. My toes are somewhat numb. I have pins and needles at night.My feet feel like they are on fire. Mr Dr id booked and the other Dr's there don't want to take on some other Dr's patient. So I'm alon in this till I can see her august 25.

Expert Answers (2)

07/07/09 07:08 PM

Dear hoot, Thank you for your question. I know it seems like the sky is falling down, you can help yourself before you have your doctor appointment. Here are some suggestions that you might like to do. I would buy a blood glucose meter and learn how to use it. Often the pharmacists at a local pharmacy will demonstrate how to use one. Good blood sugar readings are usually 90-135 before meals and if taken 1.5 - 2 hours after meals should be under 160-180. Exercise will also help lower your blood sugars. Can you go on some walks, perhaps even daily, to start using up the blood sugar and helping you lose weight. Another thing you can do is read about diabetes. The dLife website has an information section with many good columns on a variety of topics. Start there. The dLife website also has a lot of recipes that are lower in carbohydrates. Perhaps you can change your meals to be eating fewer grams of carbohdyrates. I am concerned regarding the foot pain you are having. You might try to see a podiatrist and ask for help with the foot pain. There are many causes of foot pain, not just diabetes. If you are wearing tight-fitting shoes, you may want to buy some shoes with a wider toe box so you are not crowding your toes or getting blisters from wearing them. I hope this helps you and you are able to see your physician soon and demonstrate some postitive lifestyle changes you have made.
Answered By: Janice Fisher
Accreditations: RD, LD, PHD, CDE, BC-ADM
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07/07/09 07:02 PM

Take a breath and relax! Finding out you have diabetes can be scarey but stressing can just make your blood sugar higher. The recent weight loss may be due to elevated blood sugars. The body tries to make corrections by increased urination - "peeing out the extra sugar" - this is accompanied by thirst - be sure you are drinking lots of water. Your body also burns fat for energy if it cannot get the sugar in the cells. If you are not on any Blood Sugar medicine yet, you will not get too low. The best way to know is to "Test, Don't Guess". There is lots of general information on dLife and diabetes.org (the ADA site) so you can start learning before you see your Dr. Taking care of your diabetes is going to be your responsibility anyway - your doctor is just a helper. Start your meal planning by eliminating extra sugar like sodas, juice, desserts (which you may have later). Also limit starchy foods (1 cup per meal) like pasta, potatoes, rice, peas, corn, breads. Focus on filling half your plate with the unstarchy vegetables, small (about the size of the palm of your hand) lean protein/poultry that is baked, grilled or broiled. Start daily activity - with a goal of 30 minutes 5-6 days per week. Walking is good, take the stairs, park farther from the office/store, move your arms & legs during TV commercials. The toe numbness and pins & needles may be related to your blood sugars - starting to make the above changes may improve your symptoms until you can see your doctor. If anything worsens, call your dr office and try to be seen sooner. In the mean time - learn & start now making those little changes that will be necessary for the long term to help control your diabetes.
Answered By: Beth McKinzie
Accreditations: RN, BSN, CDE
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Community Answers (4)

07/15/09 12:02 PM

To be honest, I would try and find another place and another Dr. No one should suffer in your condition for a month. Please go to the emergency room if you feel sick. They have pain creams and such for the pain in your feet. This is just not right to leave you hanging with such a serious condition and no information.
Answered By: myvet
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07/14/09 07:21 PM

Thanks for careing. I saw the dietition today she made me feel 100% better. I'll be seeing a nurse practitioner in 2 days. My doctor is booked solid. I've been with her 20 years I am sure i'll be ok till then. I think getting a letter saying you have dietbetes call your Dr was upsetting to me. I felt lost not knowing what a good number is. why i am sweating ect ect. the truth is I was SCARED like i've never been before. I brought my own meter and check my blood 2X a day. I am eating better and less. I am walking my Maggie Beans she is a 8 month old Daschund She is such a joy to me. I do feel much better and want to thank ALL of you who took the time to help me along in this journey. I only hope I will be able to pass on things I learn to my brothers and sisters who like me felt lost. The most important thing is I know i'm not alone. Thanks again Donnamarie (Hoot)
Answered By: hoot
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07/14/09 05:44 PM

To be honest, I would try and find another place and another Dr. No one should suffer in your condition for a month. Please go to the emergency room if you feel sick. They have pain creams and such for the pain in your feet. This is just not right to leave you hanging with such a serious condition and no information.
Answered By: myvet
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07/11/09 10:02 PM

Also I would encourage you to get out and walk as much as you can. Drink plenty of water and read all labels. Eat as fresh food as possible like what is in the produce area. Avoid boxed or bagged foods they contain refined carbs most times. We know carbs raise bs so to avoid them helps your control. I wont say you have neuropathy but all you state sure sounds like it could be. Getting your bs in control is the best thing you can do for it. Please do not drink regular pop it is loaded with sugar you have to find iced tea or crystal light or diet pop. You can get control it just takes time were all here for you.
Answered By: furball64801
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*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

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