I was recently diagnosed with diabetes - (2011). I have been collecting data via glucose testing monitoring and using other android applications on my Epic. I will be seeing my doctor in a few weeks to determine whether I am type 1 or 2.
The initial challenge of realizing that I am diabetic was where to go and start on the right path to wellness. The first thing I found after hours of researching, while dealing with the shock of it all after I suspected four years earlier, a Website to "Death to Diabetes" by DeWayne McCulley. It is not free; however, it is worth noting that this is coming from a guy who had first hand experience being a diabetic close to death. I have read parts of his eBook. He also provided some additional information at no cost, which I found very insightful. I am a college student on break now to get my health back under control. I am more of a numbers and data guy, which helps me determine what I read.
To be honest with you, I must admit that I am one of those people who are ignorant to the facts of having diabetes and the effects it has on our body. I have been doing some research since then and it has only been a few weeks that I have started on Metformin (oral pill - 500 mg - 2Xday).
Second, with the glucose testing monitor, I have been testing before/after meals and before bedtime since the last two days. I use the data to input into an android application called "OnTrack," which you can see report(s) and backup to the SD card. The intent here is to recognize the effects of eating and walking (one hour a day). The numbers are impressive.
Third, I use an android application called "MyHealthFitness" that helps me track the number of calories and nutritional information from its database @ each meal/snack. I know it seems alot to take in and it is not a normal thing for a human being to be doing on a daily basis.
Recognizing that diabetes is a serious illness, while preventable, it is helpful to begin going in the right direction to wellness and health. I love eating at McDonald's and when I downloaded their nutrition information on my pager in PDF format, I was shocked to see how high their calories & carbohydrates numbers are so I had to rethink about eating out at fast food restaurants. I have stopped eating their fries since my first visit to the doctor. What I recognize is that I can still eat some of their foods and drink my favorite unsweetened Mickey teas. Then burn off by walking for an hour. It seems to work well for me. I recognize that we are unique individuals and what works for one may not work for others.
The reason I am here at the Diabetes Forum is to read other people's experience with specific medications or other alternatives to avoid medication dependencies simply because the doctor says so. It is just my opinion that if a professional tells me to do something, it is best to get the whole picture and understand the reasoning behind the directive. At best, to be prepared for any potential side-effects of medications. I have no problem taking Metformin since my last visit, but I had to stop Simvastatin after two weeks of enduring neuropathy pains (feet mostly) with the OK from the doctor. I am supposed to have started on Lantus and Novolog. Yet, I cannot afford to spend about $500/month so I had to put that aside for now. I am not overly concerned since I have changed my eating habits, started walking, and collecting data that shows my numbers are down. Just not in control just yet. Just today, I just found out about the long term damage for any numbers greater than 125, which now makes sense why my doctor wanted me to start on these insulins. I have tried two different prescription discount companies that only reduced the cost by @ least $20.00. That is not enough savings to justify the time and effort. Be careful what you read and if it is too good to be true, it is most of the time.
That is all I have to share with you... I look forward to new experience in this forum.
Donald
The initial challenge of realizing that I am diabetic was where to go and start on the right path to wellness. The first thing I found after hours of researching, while dealing with the shock of it all after I suspected four years earlier, a Website to "Death to Diabetes" by DeWayne McCulley. It is not free; however, it is worth noting that this is coming from a guy who had first hand experience being a diabetic close to death. I have read parts of his eBook. He also provided some additional information at no cost, which I found very insightful. I am a college student on break now to get my health back under control. I am more of a numbers and data guy, which helps me determine what I read.
To be honest with you, I must admit that I am one of those people who are ignorant to the facts of having diabetes and the effects it has on our body. I have been doing some research since then and it has only been a few weeks that I have started on Metformin (oral pill - 500 mg - 2Xday).
Second, with the glucose testing monitor, I have been testing before/after meals and before bedtime since the last two days. I use the data to input into an android application called "OnTrack," which you can see report(s) and backup to the SD card. The intent here is to recognize the effects of eating and walking (one hour a day). The numbers are impressive.
Third, I use an android application called "MyHealthFitness" that helps me track the number of calories and nutritional information from its database @ each meal/snack. I know it seems alot to take in and it is not a normal thing for a human being to be doing on a daily basis.
Recognizing that diabetes is a serious illness, while preventable, it is helpful to begin going in the right direction to wellness and health. I love eating at McDonald's and when I downloaded their nutrition information on my pager in PDF format, I was shocked to see how high their calories & carbohydrates numbers are so I had to rethink about eating out at fast food restaurants. I have stopped eating their fries since my first visit to the doctor. What I recognize is that I can still eat some of their foods and drink my favorite unsweetened Mickey teas. Then burn off by walking for an hour. It seems to work well for me. I recognize that we are unique individuals and what works for one may not work for others.
The reason I am here at the Diabetes Forum is to read other people's experience with specific medications or other alternatives to avoid medication dependencies simply because the doctor says so. It is just my opinion that if a professional tells me to do something, it is best to get the whole picture and understand the reasoning behind the directive. At best, to be prepared for any potential side-effects of medications. I have no problem taking Metformin since my last visit, but I had to stop Simvastatin after two weeks of enduring neuropathy pains (feet mostly) with the OK from the doctor. I am supposed to have started on Lantus and Novolog. Yet, I cannot afford to spend about $500/month so I had to put that aside for now. I am not overly concerned since I have changed my eating habits, started walking, and collecting data that shows my numbers are down. Just not in control just yet. Just today, I just found out about the long term damage for any numbers greater than 125, which now makes sense why my doctor wanted me to start on these insulins. I have tried two different prescription discount companies that only reduced the cost by @ least $20.00. That is not enough savings to justify the time and effort. Be careful what you read and if it is too good to be true, it is most of the time.
That is all I have to share with you... I look forward to new experience in this forum.
Donald