Diabete Type 2

[someguy 67067]

Hi everyone.

Just wanted to start a thread on Diabetes type 2.

Many people are now getting Diabetes type 2.

And doctors seem to prescribe drugs to help you lower it without much consultation with you.

They look at your A1C levels and if it is too high, they just write you a script for some expensive drugs.

 

I was first diagnosed over 14 years ago.

Started with metformin which is the standard low cost start to drug.

But after a few years, it did not work as well.

Then came Junivia another new drug which works and has side effects.

Then because my cholesterol was high they gave me lipitor, which after taking for many years found out that it was the cause of my other problems.

It was then discovered that it could cause diabetes. Once I stopped that I felt much better. But then the Junivia didn't work as well and they put me on Junumet which is a combination of junivia and metaformin. This worked a couple of years, but then my A1C levels went up. Then they put me on Victoza which is a very expensive injectable drug. This worked for a year, but was very expensive. I was taking this with Janumet. Last week I went to the Dr. again and found that my A1C has gone up again. He said with age it takes more drugs to keep my A1C down. He wanted me to add the drug Invokana to the current mix, This other drug is fairly new and makes you pee a lot as it keeps the sugar from through the kidneys. All these drugs may cause pancreatic and thyroid cancer along with other side effect.

I am not sure I want to take all 3 of them at the same time. I am going to try the Inovokana and janumet first, to see there are any side effects.

Hope it works. Reading about some of the side effects are scary, plus taking all 3 drugs at the same time is really expensive.

 

Just wanted to hear your story and how you dealt with your diabetes type 2 problems. What worked and didn't work for you.

Diet and Exercise recommendations.

 

Hoping to here your thoughts about this.

[cinelli 22184]

Lipitor is way over prescribed. It has lots of negative side effects. It makes you so drowsy some of my friends call it "Sleepitor".

 

Three drugs may seem like a lot. One of my friends was on ten (!) different drugs. He finally changed doctors and got rid of a few of the drugs.

 

Diabetes sucks and good luck dealing with it. Be extremely careful with your diet! I feel most diabetes is caused by excess sugar in our diets. Constant overloading with sugar causes excess insulin, and constant insulin causes insulin resistance. We need to read labels on foods and avoid anything with starch, corn starch, HFCS, or sugar as the first ingredient.

[Meaghan McLeod 179664]

I don't have diabetes. So, can't really comment on the meds you are referring to.

 

However, I got sick and I was prescribed medication. Then, it was increased "to get better results". I was then at the maximum dosage, but still not getting the results the medical personal were looking for. They then added another one to see if the combination worked better. I was then prescribed another one as I was having side effects - supposedly this new one would help with the side effects.

 

Before I knew it, I was on 10 different medications. Felt like crap, couldn't function, I was then really sick.

 

On one of my check ups, the nurse commented on my weight gain. In six months - I had gained 40 lbs. I hated it. She commented that one of the meds I was on was well known for weight gain.

 

So, I started researching the meds I was on. I had read the pamphlets I was given from the pharmacy. However, on further research, I found that some of the side effects were worse then the illness I have.

 

I slowly went off all the meds. I am now med free, and feel much better then when I was on the meds. I am still sick - I have a brain injury that will only be fixed by surgery. They are waiting until it has to be operated on. So, its a wait and see. So, for me, even though I am not like before I got sick, I am a hell of a lot better then when I was on all the meds I was on. I function, take care of myself, and learn what works and what does not.

 

Now, I'm not suggesting that you go off med for diabetes. However, I would certainly look at holistic health. Is there something you can do to control your sugars without medications? I still remember doing some reading on that, and the alternatives looked promising.

 

Of course, my doctors all freaked when I told them I was off all meds. They told me that it was dangerous, but because I had gone off slowly, I was ok. Of course they wanted me back on the meds, but I'd rather live my life free of side effects, and deal with my illness without the complications of the meds. Doctors will not support alternative healing when it comes to something like diabetes. However, I'd look into the options with a naturopath or holistic health care provider. Just make sure you get a good one who truly understands and is educated in diabetes.

 

Good luck!

[johnybird 4391]

Reading about some of the side effects are scary, plus taking all 3 drugs at the same time is really expensive.

 

Diet and Exercise recommendations.

 

Hoping to here your thoughts about this.

 

I was diagnosed with early onset Diabetes 5 years ago, My Dr. wanted to put me on some of the newer drugs like you mentioned, Victozza being one of the scarier ones. I did my research and wasn't comfortable taking it, plus I thought an injection was a bit extreme for the glucose numbers I had. She recommended Vitcozza as well because one of the side effects is that it suppresses your appetite (Yes i'm overweight).

 

If you're not comfortable with the drug, don't take it, there is always an alternative. I just told my Dr. I was getting bad side effects and she suggested something else.

 

Her recommending the Victozza was kind of a wake up call because I shouldn't have to inject a drug into my stomach to suppress my appetite to lose weight, kind of brought me to a low point when I thought about it.

 

Some people's bodies are prone to diabetes so there is no way to get rid of it and you will always be on pills. Luckily that's not the case with me.

 

Diet and exercise recommendations? Just do it! There is no secret, find an exercise that works for you and do it and just watch what you eat. It's pretty simple, more Calories out than in. It's not easy and will take a while but don't get discouraged and keep at it. Hardest part of going to the gym is actually getting your ass there, right? lol!

 

I found a form of exercise that I actually enjoy (hate treadmills or stationary bikes) and have been doing it consistently 3 times a week since October, I saw my doctor and my numbers were all great (I was 40lbs lighter this visit) she said we'll see where i'm at in 5 months and if i continue this path she will take me off some of the pills :)

 

Find something that works for you, there is always time to workout in some shape or form, even if its for 30 minutes and do it consistently 3-4 times a week. Most importantly watch what you eat, it's 80% of the battle

 

Good Luck :)

[mrrnice2 157005]

I was diagnosed with diabetes before Christmas so am on a fast learning curve. I'm probably not going to be a very good patient.

 

I have totally changed my diet although it was never particularly bad in the first place. I have never been a sweet eater so no chocolates at Christmas, no desserts, no cookies or chocolate bars so sweets are not an issue at all. Unfortunately, diabetes is not that simple.

 

Being a typical Maritimer, meat and potatoes were my staple food, so limiting potato, rice and pasta - the main carbs has simply left me starving. To my frustration with my pretty careful diet my blood sugars have simply continued to rise.

 

I am rather frustrated with the contradictory information online, and even with reputable sources such as the Canadian Dietetic Association. Their, "sample," diets just assume that every diabetic is overweight and therefore its low cal this and low cal that. Weight is not an issue for me.

 

I have started on a minimal dose of metformin and again blood sugars continue to rise. We shall see what happens in the next few months. My sister is also diabetic and her doctor told her that blood sugar levels are only 30% regulated by diet. I am also VERY active, not in the sense of working out in a gym but in my daily activity and I am reasonably physically fit.

 

Thanks for starting this thread and I shall follow it.

[NotchJohnson 214129]

It's too bad that we find sugar in every thing that we buy with a few exceptions. I have stop drinking soft drinks(pepsi, coke etc...) and never lost a pound, I don't smoke and I try to watch what I eat, I'll be honest I would not do well on a diet.

Diabetes is in my family and I get checked regularly but my main concern is high blood pressure.

[johnybird 4391]

It's too bad that we find sugar in every thing that we buy with a few exceptions. I have stop drinking soft drinks(pepsi, coke etc...) and never lost a pound, I don't smoke and I try to watch what I eat, I'll be honest I would not do well on a diet.

Diabetes is in my family and I get checked regularly but my main concern is high blood pressure.

 

You don't need to go on a diet Notch, you just have to be careful about what you eat. Having a steak or a big bowl of pasta once in a while is great! or just eat less of it. I should have been down 20 more pounds by now, but I would rather lose weight slowly and be happy, then be miserable being strict on what I ate.

 

Even if you don't lose weight you will be healthier, add something as simple as a 30 minute walk a day and you are even better.

 

I'm much healthier now, get less tired, have more stamina now ;) then I did when I was much lighter and unhealthier in my younger days.

[cinelli 22184]

She recommended Vitcozza as well because one of the side effects is that it suppresses your appetite (Yes i'm overweight)

You are eating the wrong stuff, if you eat better you will not need a suppressant.

Constantly prescribing drugs for those reasons is not helping.

 

Additional Comments:

limiting potato, rice and pasta - the main carbs has simply left me starving....

 

I am rather frustrated with the contradictory information online, and even with reputable sources such as the Canadian Dietetic Association. Their, "sample," diets just assume that every diabetic is overweight and therefore its low cal this and low cal that. Weight is not an issue for me.

 

Cutting carbs will be like quitting meth, it is very hard. Try different carbs, potatoes are garbage, try stuffing yourself with salads.

Try adding fats to your diet as well, fats will make you feel fuller.

See the IIFYM website. They are a much better source than the CDA.

The low calorie argument is a red herring. The problem is with the glycemic index of the foods you eat. A high glycemic index food is quickly digested and produces a sudden spike in blood sugar. This causes a large amout of insulin to be released, and high insulin levels are the cause of insulin resistance and leads to diabetes. You also go through a cycle of "sugar highs" followed by an insulin induced crash where you feel exhausted.

Low glycemic index foods are digested more slowly, there is less insulin in the blood, and less stress on the system.

500 calories of high glycemic index foods: bad.

500 calories of low glycemic index foods: not bad.

[someguy 67067]

I was hoping to hear about peoples experiences with Victoza or Invokana?

Did it work for you?

Did you suffer many side effects?

 

Let me know. I read a lot of good outcomes, but then the bad outcomes worry me.

[johnybird 4391]

I was hoping to hear about peoples experiences with Victoza or Invokana?

Did it work for you?

Did you suffer many side effects?

 

Let me know. I read a lot of good outcomes, but then the bad outcomes worry me.

 

I read too many things I didn't like regarding Victozza, that I wasn't comfortable taking it. I've been taking Invokana for a year without any issues, everyone is different though and will react differently.

[Amanda-Lee 11094]

I actually had type two diabetes but I don't anymore. I was admitted to the hospital for something totally different (lung infection) when they did testing they found my sugar levels to be high, which they retested. I was 16. I knew I had diabetes a few months before but refused to say anything to anyone and get tested.

 

I was in denial of having diabetes cause they kept telling me I was going to end up with insulin injections and my best friend needed to take insulin injections and it scared me. I was mad and angry, typical teenager stuff. Poking my finger three times a day hurt, which I cried till my fingers got "used" to it. Endless blood work every month. I took metformin and I hated it. My blood levels went back to normal with some spikes. Every 3 months they would test my A1C and do a bunch of other blood work. My A1C's were all normal after the first two checks.

 

It made me angry I stopped taking metformin and my A1C's came back fine and then I decided to stop taking it altogether. I asked the child doctor specialist if I could do a trial period off metformin for 3 months 'cause my blood sugars were fine. She looked over all my test results, asked me questions, said, "well you are doing well, we could try you on a 3 month trial period off the medication but you need to follow up with the diabetes clinic" I said, "okay" I then looked at her and said, "well, does this mean I don't have diabetes anymore 'cause I stopped taking the metformin 4 months ago." She looked at me like, do not do that, she was shocked. I later go back 5-6 months to see her again and I had just turned 18 and she said I don't have any traces of it in my system, as if it wasn't even there in the first place.

 

I changed my diet, I exercised, I did things, and I was determined I never had such a terrible thing. Now, from time to time I get my family doctor to check my levels and it's always came back fine.

 

Having a balanced diet helps. I used to have wheat (breads and such) a lot, now I do from time to time, I stay away from wheat ingredients. I'm not a pop drinker but from time to time I drink it, I don't buy the same things I did before and what we eat affects us greatly. Processed foods affect our health in so many ways, cutting processed foods out slowly you will start to feel better, way better. I have food intolerance and certain foods make me sick for days to weeks.

 

Some people complain about heartburn, well what did you eat did it have high in acidity? If so, that is a food that triggers heartburn (or possibly throwing up). It's like what whatever you eat, your body reacts in some way or the other. Either it will help your diabetes or make it worse.

 

Type 2 diabetes you can change it so you don't have it, type 1 diabetes you don't have that option at all.

[Redline 953]

I ended up with Type 2 after a bout of bells palsy from one of the drugs they give for that which totally messes with body sugar.

 

My endo put me on Victoza and I was always feeling sick and quezzy after so timed it for just before bed to sleep through the bad effects.

 

About 14 months after starting I was at my annual meeting my mom's oncologist (great one who made a point to meet with her family members once a year to check on us to see if we were OK based on the hereditary aspects of what she had). As soon as he heard about me being on Victoza he send immediate cease and desists to my endo and pharmacist based on the thyroid cancer issue (was major concern based on moms stuff). From that one thing even though Mom died from her cancer a little over two years ago he still has me come in for checkups, and said plans to for at least 5 more years just based on the worries.

 

Now I know every person reacts differently to everything so I may be an extreme situation but can say for me Victoza was not worth the risk or price, and my A1C was never really affected by it as the numbers stayed pretty much the same, and stable, on and off it with Metformin taken in both cases.

[Phaedrus 209521]

See the IIFYM website. They are a much better source than the CDA.

 

OOI, why do you say that? I had a look at the IIFYM site and it looked like pure marketing to me.

[cinelli 22184]

OOI, why do you say that? I had a look at the IIFYM site and it looked like pure marketing to me.

I don't see how either you or waterrat figure it is pure marketing.

There are lots of ads but the articles are worth reading. Many of them are written by real scientists and include links to peer reviewed papers. Aragon is a very well known writer and has published many articles in science journals.

The IIFYM system is how many athletes eat and it works, from both my experience and what I have seen in many sports disciplines.

It takes some effort to figure it out but all the information is there, for free. No need to buy anything. Just read it and set up your plan.

[someguy 67067]

I have been following Jason Fung on google and youtube.

He is recommending that people do low carb high fat diet

with intermittent fasting.

People are reversing type 2 diabetes and obesity with this.

I am following this now and have lost weight, lower blood pressure, slowly reversing type 2 diabetes. I am in great shape and exercising.

He is doing the opposite as what the system has been recommending to do for the last 20 years. Following the recommendations from the doctors and diabetic society does not work. People only take more medication and are treating the symptoms and never getting cured. Type 2 diabetes can be cured now in most cases, by dieting and fasting.

[cinelli 22184]

Someguy, I started being really careful with my diet in early September.

Been doing a Keto diet and so far lost about twenty pounds.

Very difficult at first but after a week I got used to it.

I do weights for an hour at 5am six days a week. I have quit doing cardio, it was acheiving nothing for me. My strength is the same.

Yesterday's checkup, blood pressure 118/75

Resting heart rate 49

Not bad for almost sixty eh.

[Peakaboo3 1010]

The keto diet really works for reversing type 2 diabetics, high fat, moderate protein, very low carb

[cinelli 22184]

All the weight I lost was fat. Muscle is almost the same, but more apparent and defined.

Lost an inch off my biceps but two ladies at work think they are bigger.

Also starting to get a six pack.

I used to jog every morning and do tons of Taekwondo, but never got this lean.

Forget cardio, diet is everything.

[Guest st*****ens**ors]

After many years of following a fairly strict high protein diet with moderate fat, low carbs and an abundance of leafy vegetables, I may have to change strategy. My latest tests show that my kidney function is poor -- not catastrophe poor but not far off -- and high protein may have contributed, though undoubtedly there is a genetic factor at play too.

 

So I am adding carbs back in to my diet, and cutting my moderate consumption of alcohol back to nearly nothing.

 

It's a bit of a scare. I run and/or weight train every day, and thought my years of discipline were paying off with excellent health. Now I am worrying about dialysis or kidney failure.

 

So a word of caution about strict and permanent adherence to a high protein, high fat, low carb diet. Moderation in all things may be a better strategy.

[AveryMayhem 1050]

Honestly, diet and exercise has a huge impact on developing T2D and managing it once you've been diagnosed. Keto-based diets have been found to have a huge positive effect on T2D and some studies have claimed it has essentially cured some incidences of it. Keto wouldn't be appropriate for type 1 diabetes but type 2 is the result of a myriad of factors, one significant one being decreased insulin sensitivity/resultant fat gain from this. Also, something called leptin has an impact on insulin sensitivity - leptin is what makes us feel fuller sooner and is produced less the more excess weight we have. Lose weight = increased leptin = less overeating = less insulin production = more insulin sensitivity = less strain on pancreas and normal regulation of insulin/blood sugars. If you can get your diet in check (ie with keto) and incorporate regular exercise (which also helps regulate levels of blood sugar and results in less insulin needed), you would be well on your way to managing diabetes. Aside from being an SP, I also have a degree in medical/health sciences and work as a professional health care provider/educator. Good luck with this!!! You certainly can have a huge effect on this disease with a consistent approach.

[someguy 67067]

I've been losing weight and getting in better shape. doing intermittent fasting, but still eating too many sweets. off most of my medications, but my blood sugar has been too high again over Christmas. Any other suggestions to try to keep my blood sugar lower?

[oldcowboy2008 180]

Despite the inherited gene, the most important factor of diabetes type2 is the eating habit. We need to avoid high glycemic index foods as possible as we can. Also, some people can't tolerate some type of foods. If possible can do some food tolerance tests, and avoid those foods not good for you. The problem is for most of us it is very hard to changing eating habits by yourself.

 

Actually, I am using some nutrition products to help people losing weight and some diabetes patients became better.

 

If you are interested, PM me.

[oldcowboy2008 180]

Some success stories, before after.

 

 

[Johnny Canuck 5347]

I was recently diagnosed with Type 2 back in October. I was immediately placed on Metformin and I will admit I was quite scared, but to be honest it was kind of a blessing in disguise. I now got the kick in the ass that I needed to get my life on track health wise. The hardest part has definitely been changing my diet which I am still having some issues committing to. However, the Metformin has worked wonders in regulation my sugar levels. So far everything has been peachy keen but I definitely have a lot of work to do in regards to making a lifestyle change.

[cgnex 1616]

I have completely reversed my diabetes with lifestyle changes. The changes only felt drastic at first but now it's easy and I feel the best I have ever felt in my life. Also in the best shape of my life.

 

I am completely off medication thanks to ancestral eating, intermittent fasting and daily exercise.

 

I highly recommend the book "Primal Blueprint" by Mark Sisson.

 

Happy to discuss further if it is helpful.