Remember, you cannot fail your daily glucose test; you can only fail to test! There is so much more to testing than we are sometimes told, I am going to have to make this a three-parter. This entry is about the Dawn Phenomenon - a topic every testing diabetic should know about.
You are doing your twice daily tests - maybe even more often. One of your tests should be in the morning after you get up and before you eat or drink anything. This morning test theoretically provides a fasting glucose reading - provided you have not had a midnight snack. If you have a midnight snack, it will likely elevate your glucose, and it will show up in your morning reading. Common sense, huh?
And, you are keeping a record of your test readings, or they are being kept in your meter. Over a few weeks you see them go up anywhere from 10 to 20 points. Why? Welcome to the Dawn Phenomenon (DP because it's easier for me to type).
The DP happens sometime in the early morning. For me it's sometime after 6:00 am - others might find it happening earlier or later. What does it do? Well, it's your body's response in getting ready to get up and moving - it releases some sugar to get you going. Why does that matter? Your blood sugar reading goes up and does not provide an accurate morning reading. So, if you test before it happens, you get a lower score; if you test after, your reading will be higher. There's not a whole lot you can do about it, either. It just happens. I will tell you that I try to test in the morning before 6:00 so I see my lowest reading. Want to know more about DP - read it here.
I learned about the DP because my late night readings were suddenly higher than my morning readings. I couldn't figure it out. I thought it was my meter. I was wrong. It seemed that I was testing a bit later in the morning AFTER the DP had taken effect.
All you can do is to just be aware of the DP and how it might effect your readings.
That you are testing at least twice a day is great - good job!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
A Test You Can't Fail, Part One
The whole idea of having to test my blood twice everyday was a huge challenge to me...just the idea of lancing my finger to get a drop of blood kind of made me a bit scared. Looking back on it, I don't know why it was like that, but it was. I just did not want to prick my finger. Why make yourself bleed?
Why indeed? Well, first, I have to tell you that pricking my finger was no big deal. Yes, there is a bit of pain, but if you read the directions on how to use your glucose meter (which I strongly suggest you do), you will learn where to use the lancet so it really isn't painful. I won't kid you, there is just the tiniest bit of discomfort once in awhile. But, if you prick the side of your finger - yes, the side, and not the tip, you may not feel a thing.
Wait, that's important enough to repeat - prick the side of your finger! Somewhere between no pain and very, very, very little pain. Got it?
And, while I am at it - you only need a little drop of blood. The scientists have figured out how much you need to give up and it varies from meter to meter. For me, it's just a bit bigger than the head of a pin. I'm serious.
Meanwhile back at glucose testing - which is what you do at home with your meter - it's suggested that most Type 2 Diabetics test twice a day. Once in the morning just after you get up and then once at night before bed. That's it. Twice a day. Now, when I was just figuring things out in the beginning, I was fortunate because my doctor prescribed enough strips and lances so I could test three times a day. The truth is sometimes I tested three times, other days two times and sometimes even four times a day as I was learning how to manage diabetes. I got so much good information from doing this.
I tested in the morning, before lunch, two hours after lunch or dinner began, and at night. I knew what my body was doing when; I knew about what my glucose reading would be within 10 points after a few months even as it was going down and stabilizing.
What did I do with this information? I wrote it down in my food log. Learning what I ate and seeing my reading gave me invaluable information and immediate feedback. I very quickly learned what I could and could not eat.
For example, some folks can eat wild brown rice. Not me. Any rice no matter the color or type causes my readings to go up. And, I loved rice! But, I learned that if I wanted to control diabetes, rice did not love me and became a 'has been' in my diet.
then, again, I learned that a basic (stressing the word BASIC) hamburger really didn't hurt me. You know the kind - a basic hamburger from In N' Out. Not a lot of dressing and the bun is not huge. Although, I found that any number of french fires - any number - were off my menu.
How did I learn this? By frequent testing and comparing the results to what I ate. Recording everything - food and test results in the food diary helped me so very, very much to begin to gain some sense of control.
The message here is clear, I hope. Test. Test often Keep a food diary. And, use the results to learn how to best manage diabetes. That is the first step to gaining control.
Remember, to manage diabetes you have to give yourself a glucose test at least twice a day; more often during the first few months if possible. It's a test you cannot fail, but you will fail to manage diabetes if you don't test.
Why indeed? Well, first, I have to tell you that pricking my finger was no big deal. Yes, there is a bit of pain, but if you read the directions on how to use your glucose meter (which I strongly suggest you do), you will learn where to use the lancet so it really isn't painful. I won't kid you, there is just the tiniest bit of discomfort once in awhile. But, if you prick the side of your finger - yes, the side, and not the tip, you may not feel a thing.
Wait, that's important enough to repeat - prick the side of your finger! Somewhere between no pain and very, very, very little pain. Got it?
And, while I am at it - you only need a little drop of blood. The scientists have figured out how much you need to give up and it varies from meter to meter. For me, it's just a bit bigger than the head of a pin. I'm serious.
Meanwhile back at glucose testing - which is what you do at home with your meter - it's suggested that most Type 2 Diabetics test twice a day. Once in the morning just after you get up and then once at night before bed. That's it. Twice a day. Now, when I was just figuring things out in the beginning, I was fortunate because my doctor prescribed enough strips and lances so I could test three times a day. The truth is sometimes I tested three times, other days two times and sometimes even four times a day as I was learning how to manage diabetes. I got so much good information from doing this.
I tested in the morning, before lunch, two hours after lunch or dinner began, and at night. I knew what my body was doing when; I knew about what my glucose reading would be within 10 points after a few months even as it was going down and stabilizing.
What did I do with this information? I wrote it down in my food log. Learning what I ate and seeing my reading gave me invaluable information and immediate feedback. I very quickly learned what I could and could not eat.
For example, some folks can eat wild brown rice. Not me. Any rice no matter the color or type causes my readings to go up. And, I loved rice! But, I learned that if I wanted to control diabetes, rice did not love me and became a 'has been' in my diet.
then, again, I learned that a basic (stressing the word BASIC) hamburger really didn't hurt me. You know the kind - a basic hamburger from In N' Out. Not a lot of dressing and the bun is not huge. Although, I found that any number of french fires - any number - were off my menu.
How did I learn this? By frequent testing and comparing the results to what I ate. Recording everything - food and test results in the food diary helped me so very, very much to begin to gain some sense of control.
The message here is clear, I hope. Test. Test often Keep a food diary. And, use the results to learn how to best manage diabetes. That is the first step to gaining control.
Remember, to manage diabetes you have to give yourself a glucose test at least twice a day; more often during the first few months if possible. It's a test you cannot fail, but you will fail to manage diabetes if you don't test.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
RAKs, You and Diabetes
You know it's so easy to become self-absorbed in how you are dealing with diabetes. Just a reminder - diabetes is not your life. It's a part of your life that you must manage, but it does not define you. Look, chances are pretty good that your grave stone will not read, "Here Lies A Diabetic," right?
So, how do you insure you keep your life in perspective? Look outward. See what you might be able to do for others. There are so many folks who just need a bit of help - and you can give it to them if you watch for opportunities.
Think about doing a weekly random act of kindness (RAK). A RAK can be spontaneous and is almost always an easy thing to do by it's very nature. The great thing is that it is totally unexpected by the receiving party.
What qualifies as a RAK? Well, the list is endless, but a few ideas might include:
What do most of these have in common? You have to be watching and be observant. You would be surprised at how many opportunities you have to do little things for others everyday. And, if you are looking outward, you will be too busy to be centered on your diabetes. As a result, you will be happier and probably more successful in your war on diabetes.
Helping others and helping yourself - does it get any better than that? I don't think so.
A RAK a day will keep diabetes at bay. Okay, that might not be 100% right, but it rhymes. I know it won't hurt you to brighten another's day. There is a power in a RAK that is incredible and life changing - discover it for yourself.
I'd sure like to hear about any RAK you do. Remember, it's not the size of the act, but the fact you acted that will transform.
You can read about RAKs here...it's uplifting and inspiring.
So, how do you insure you keep your life in perspective? Look outward. See what you might be able to do for others. There are so many folks who just need a bit of help - and you can give it to them if you watch for opportunities.
Think about doing a weekly random act of kindness (RAK). A RAK can be spontaneous and is almost always an easy thing to do by it's very nature. The great thing is that it is totally unexpected by the receiving party.
What qualifies as a RAK? Well, the list is endless, but a few ideas might include:
- Helping someone carry a box.
- Offering to do a simple errand.
- Buying the next person in line's coffee or even lunch.
- Getting someone a simple gift just because - just make sure it's something small that they will use. (Example: I know someone who loves pink. I happened to see a pink pencil, got it for them and put it on their desk.)
- Reaching for a product in a store for a person who is too short to get it.
What do most of these have in common? You have to be watching and be observant. You would be surprised at how many opportunities you have to do little things for others everyday. And, if you are looking outward, you will be too busy to be centered on your diabetes. As a result, you will be happier and probably more successful in your war on diabetes.
Helping others and helping yourself - does it get any better than that? I don't think so.
A RAK a day will keep diabetes at bay. Okay, that might not be 100% right, but it rhymes. I know it won't hurt you to brighten another's day. There is a power in a RAK that is incredible and life changing - discover it for yourself.
I'd sure like to hear about any RAK you do. Remember, it's not the size of the act, but the fact you acted that will transform.
You can read about RAKs here...it's uplifting and inspiring.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
New Numbers!
I just came back from dinner with my in-laws. Okay, is that blog worthy? Probably not. But I never, ever thought I would spend a meal talking about doctors, lab tests and other medical odds and ends. Never in my wildest imagination (and I can imagine a lot!) did I ever see myself talking about medical issues during dinner. But, we did and it seemed okay to do so. In fact, there were several times when we laughed pretty hard.
Did you notice my great segue into lab work and medical stuff, there? Should I repeat it so you can enjoy it again? Don't worry, I won't do it.
I have just gone through my semi-annual lab work and my report card came back. I won't bore you with cholesterol numbers, because you don't really care about those. But, in the spirit of transparency I will tell you two numbers.
Blood pressure is 114/81. And, A1c is 6.1. That A1c is not great by a lot of diabetic's standards, but it means I am managing the disease pretty well. Can I get a bit lower? Yes - my goal during the next six months is 5.8. I am developing a plan to meet it and will share it with you when I have the plan finished.
I mention this because I consistently see room for improvement in what I do and how I do it. And, if I can do it, I know you can, too. It's a matter of setting a goal and making a plan to achieve that goal. The steps are pretty simple. In fact, you probably already know what to do.
In the next blog I will take a look at these steps. Tune in tomorrow for the exciting conclusion to New Numbers!
And, as always, thank you for reading.
Did you notice my great segue into lab work and medical stuff, there? Should I repeat it so you can enjoy it again? Don't worry, I won't do it.
I have just gone through my semi-annual lab work and my report card came back. I won't bore you with cholesterol numbers, because you don't really care about those. But, in the spirit of transparency I will tell you two numbers.
Blood pressure is 114/81. And, A1c is 6.1. That A1c is not great by a lot of diabetic's standards, but it means I am managing the disease pretty well. Can I get a bit lower? Yes - my goal during the next six months is 5.8. I am developing a plan to meet it and will share it with you when I have the plan finished.
I mention this because I consistently see room for improvement in what I do and how I do it. And, if I can do it, I know you can, too. It's a matter of setting a goal and making a plan to achieve that goal. The steps are pretty simple. In fact, you probably already know what to do.
- Set a realistic goal.
- Develop a plan to achieve that goal.
- Then, follow your plan.
- Monitor your progress.
In the next blog I will take a look at these steps. Tune in tomorrow for the exciting conclusion to New Numbers!
And, as always, thank you for reading.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
What Stress?
Recently I have had some odds and ends go on in life that caused a bit extra stress. I learned first hand what stress does to glucose readings, they go up! So, since stress is a fact of life, what can you do about it?
You already know there are a couple of types of stress - Mental and Physical. I know, I know...you are probably thinking, "Well, duh." But both kinds of stress can effect you. The American Diabetes Association has a pretty good article about stress here.
First thing to know - not all stress is created equal. There's the stress of missing a turn while driving - not really a big, big deal in the scheme of things and quickly passes. Then there's the stress of dealing with an ill loved one, caring for a parent, or death of a family member. Or, you can have multiple things happening. It's this kind of stress - the mental stress - that can cause longer range problems for a diabetic.
So, physical stress might come from being ill or having surgery. Hopefully, but not always, there is an end to it. That kind of stress is not so hard to deal with for a lot of people, but it's still stress and still might effect you daily glucose readings.
Mental stress is a whole other ball game. Almost anything can cause stress - anything. It just depends on what is going on in your life and how you deal with it.
This lesson was driven home to me yesterday. Several things have happened in the last week to people I love. We also had a party that 80 people attended yesterday. And, during the final preparations for the party when I was out getting things, the car broke down and had to go into the dealership, which I really did not need yesterday morning. Heck, even as I am telling you what happened, I can feel an increased heart rate and my body going into stress mode. Deep breaths. Deep breaths.
So, when I checked my reading at night, what do you think I found? Well, if you guessed an elevated glucose reading, you'd be right. All of that stress is mental stress and can be insidious - we can live it over again and again in our minds. Kind of like I have just done.
But, I did not think it was stress that caused my readings to go up. I mean, I didn't feel any extra stress so I started looking at what I ate during the day - and there were no red flags. It came down to just good ol' stress. I looked back on the day and realized I had shown some other classic signs of stress like getting a bit short with a few people - most unlike me. I should have figured out I was under stress, but sometimes you can't see the forest because trees are in the way!
What can you do about it? Well, there's nothing specific, but you can:
Do you see what these have in common? Freeing you brain by distracting it. Maybe it's not quite tricking yourself into being happy, but it does distract your mind from other things that are going on. It allows your mind to take a breather from other stuff.
Look, you are never going to be stress-free. It seems as though we humans aren't built that way. But, you can work to control it and in turn, you will be doing more to manage your diabetes.
Thank you for reading. And, God bless.
You already know there are a couple of types of stress - Mental and Physical. I know, I know...you are probably thinking, "Well, duh." But both kinds of stress can effect you. The American Diabetes Association has a pretty good article about stress here.
First thing to know - not all stress is created equal. There's the stress of missing a turn while driving - not really a big, big deal in the scheme of things and quickly passes. Then there's the stress of dealing with an ill loved one, caring for a parent, or death of a family member. Or, you can have multiple things happening. It's this kind of stress - the mental stress - that can cause longer range problems for a diabetic.
So, physical stress might come from being ill or having surgery. Hopefully, but not always, there is an end to it. That kind of stress is not so hard to deal with for a lot of people, but it's still stress and still might effect you daily glucose readings.
Mental stress is a whole other ball game. Almost anything can cause stress - anything. It just depends on what is going on in your life and how you deal with it.
This lesson was driven home to me yesterday. Several things have happened in the last week to people I love. We also had a party that 80 people attended yesterday. And, during the final preparations for the party when I was out getting things, the car broke down and had to go into the dealership, which I really did not need yesterday morning. Heck, even as I am telling you what happened, I can feel an increased heart rate and my body going into stress mode. Deep breaths. Deep breaths.
So, when I checked my reading at night, what do you think I found? Well, if you guessed an elevated glucose reading, you'd be right. All of that stress is mental stress and can be insidious - we can live it over again and again in our minds. Kind of like I have just done.
But, I did not think it was stress that caused my readings to go up. I mean, I didn't feel any extra stress so I started looking at what I ate during the day - and there were no red flags. It came down to just good ol' stress. I looked back on the day and realized I had shown some other classic signs of stress like getting a bit short with a few people - most unlike me. I should have figured out I was under stress, but sometimes you can't see the forest because trees are in the way!
What can you do about it? Well, there's nothing specific, but you can:
- Exercise a bit more
- Start a hobby
- Volunteer
Do you see what these have in common? Freeing you brain by distracting it. Maybe it's not quite tricking yourself into being happy, but it does distract your mind from other things that are going on. It allows your mind to take a breather from other stuff.
Look, you are never going to be stress-free. It seems as though we humans aren't built that way. But, you can work to control it and in turn, you will be doing more to manage your diabetes.
Thank you for reading. And, God bless.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
A Smile Can Help Win The War
As you know I take diabetes very seriously; I have a "take no prisoners" attitude. But, I have found a little laughter once in a while can go a long way in winning the war. Hope you enjoy.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Diabetes Week Two
I made it through the first week of diabetes. My life changed in the same way you turn a light on - within a moment. Was I still scared? Oh, yeah. In fact today, almost three years later I am still scared of diabetes if I was being completely honest. I have a deep and abiding respect for what the disease can do if not managed and controlled.
The good news is that it can be controlled with a bit of effort which was my big "AHA!" during Week Two.
Anyway, back at Week Two. I had begun to take my meds - Metformin twice a day 1.000 mg each time. Pretty standard starting treatment. And, it was just the Metformin. I know many may have two pills to take, which for some proves to be very effective. It's kind of like a one-two punch and when you are in a war with diabetes, you want to throw as many punches as possible to get your glucose, and subsequently your A1c, down somewhere in normal range. If you need to see the a chart for A1c values and how they compare to your blood glucose readings, look here for a pretty easy to read chart.
Remember not to use one reading, but look at your average reading. Even then, it depends on when you take it. More on that at some point in the near future.
Again I got a bit side tracked. Week Two - I had begun my walking. Every evening for 30 minutes. I know I have written here before I don't like exercise, but we were talking about my life here. So, that walk became one of my best friends. I didn't try to walk fast or go very far at first. I used shoes that were about five or six years old and just walked. One foot in front of another. For 30 minutes - which seemed like forever the frist few days, but by the time Week Two started, the time seemed to go a little faster, but not much.
And, I was getting more ideas of what I could and could not eat. Think about it, we get near immediate feedback with our glucose readings. If it's not the right food, up it goes. If it is the right food, it dips a little bit. Take your readings twice a day, more often if your doctor will authorize it, so you will know what your blood sugar (glucose) is doing. You should be on a steady downward trend. And, keep a record of your readings as well as diet (everything you eat and when) in a food diary. You will really learn what is working and will be able to spot trends faster. If you spot the trend, you can make adjustments.
Me? I just liked seeing the numbers go down. I started with seeing glucose numbers of 300+. It was an exciting morning when I hit 297. During the second week I saw it get down to 275. I was making progress! Fear was gone because I was taking action. I knew the meds would not make me go too low - fat chance when you are in the high 200's. Things were beginning to work and I felt empowered; that I could get this disease under control. Hey, I even found I lost my first couple of pounds during Week Two,
What was I doing?
Meds. Diet. Walking. Testing. Recording. If I was really bright, I'd come up with some sort of catchy acronym, but alas and alack, I am not that bright. I am open to ideas, though. You know what my meds were. I was on a low carb diet. I was walking 30 minutes a day, six days per week. And, I kept records. All of this really began to come together during the second week.
You can do this. It's all about little steps that collectively make a journey. You can take the small steps without fear - a lot of folks have gone before you.
The good news is that it can be controlled with a bit of effort which was my big "AHA!" during Week Two.
Anyway, back at Week Two. I had begun to take my meds - Metformin twice a day 1.000 mg each time. Pretty standard starting treatment. And, it was just the Metformin. I know many may have two pills to take, which for some proves to be very effective. It's kind of like a one-two punch and when you are in a war with diabetes, you want to throw as many punches as possible to get your glucose, and subsequently your A1c, down somewhere in normal range. If you need to see the a chart for A1c values and how they compare to your blood glucose readings, look here for a pretty easy to read chart.
Remember not to use one reading, but look at your average reading. Even then, it depends on when you take it. More on that at some point in the near future.
Again I got a bit side tracked. Week Two - I had begun my walking. Every evening for 30 minutes. I know I have written here before I don't like exercise, but we were talking about my life here. So, that walk became one of my best friends. I didn't try to walk fast or go very far at first. I used shoes that were about five or six years old and just walked. One foot in front of another. For 30 minutes - which seemed like forever the frist few days, but by the time Week Two started, the time seemed to go a little faster, but not much.
And, I was getting more ideas of what I could and could not eat. Think about it, we get near immediate feedback with our glucose readings. If it's not the right food, up it goes. If it is the right food, it dips a little bit. Take your readings twice a day, more often if your doctor will authorize it, so you will know what your blood sugar (glucose) is doing. You should be on a steady downward trend. And, keep a record of your readings as well as diet (everything you eat and when) in a food diary. You will really learn what is working and will be able to spot trends faster. If you spot the trend, you can make adjustments.
Me? I just liked seeing the numbers go down. I started with seeing glucose numbers of 300+. It was an exciting morning when I hit 297. During the second week I saw it get down to 275. I was making progress! Fear was gone because I was taking action. I knew the meds would not make me go too low - fat chance when you are in the high 200's. Things were beginning to work and I felt empowered; that I could get this disease under control. Hey, I even found I lost my first couple of pounds during Week Two,
What was I doing?
Meds. Diet. Walking. Testing. Recording. If I was really bright, I'd come up with some sort of catchy acronym, but alas and alack, I am not that bright. I am open to ideas, though. You know what my meds were. I was on a low carb diet. I was walking 30 minutes a day, six days per week. And, I kept records. All of this really began to come together during the second week.
You can do this. It's all about little steps that collectively make a journey. You can take the small steps without fear - a lot of folks have gone before you.
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