Found out the hard way, Wife is diabetic

oppsImissed · Aug 7, 2017

What a weekend. Wife has been feeling under the weather for a few months. Doctor did blood work last week. A1C came back at 16.4 . Calls her and says she needs to see a specialist.
Fast forward to sunday. She is feeling really bad, dizzy, blurred vision. Brother in law has a meter and checks her blood suger. It's 550.
I took her to the ER. Yes, it's confirmed, diabetic.
Today her PCP put her on Metforman and insulin.

My question for the masses. Does any one have any good info on what she can and can't eat? Doctor was kinda vague. I've read for hours online. Lots of conflicting info. Is there a good book on this? Recipes? Her doctor said no fruit, period. Lots of info on how fruits are good for diabetics, but also found conflicting info.

I'm just looking for a book to start off with. I know there are a bunch of members here in the same boat.

noob · Aug 7, 2017

Consistancy is key, so you know how much insulin she needs. I would start counting carbs and sugars and keep it under a goal amount for the day. Everything in moderation, I know some "healthy" diabetics that still enjoy chocolate and ice cream. It may be just one square of chocolate a day, or one ice cream bar a week, but it's all calculated into their allotment of sugars and carbs for the day.

I also know people similar to your wife, that stopped soft drinks cold turkey, and didn't eat anything "white" for 3 months after going to the ER with Bg in the 500's. Got off insulin and dropped what looks like half his body weight.

Saintsfan6 · Aug 7, 2017

See a nutritionist (MD), preferably one with experience treating diabetics.

DaSouthernYankee · Aug 7, 2017

Ouch, sorry to hear the bad news

definitely cut soft drinks and reduce carbs as they turn to sugar as they are digested. Also +1 on locating and consulting a nutritionist, it's almost a guarantee they will know better than most of us. Best of luck.

Sent from an unidentified bayou mobile device

Mojo873 · Aug 7, 2017

No sugar, no ice cream, no soda, no carbs, no white bread, no white rice (brown rice is good) no fruits or fruit juices (berries are good, like strawberries, blueberries etc), spinach and green leafy vegetables, go find an Asian market/store buy bitter gourd /bitter melon tea drink every after meal, drink two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 tbsp honey and a glass of water before meals, exercise is the best way to burn fat and sugar, drink a glass of water on empty stomach every morning after waking up. No fatty foods as much as possible. Lemon water is best to keep body alkalized.

RM Holsters · Aug 8, 2017

My daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 6 years ago. Moderation in food choices, exercise and as much water as possible are the keys to getting a handle on it. Good luck and glad she found out what is going on. My daughter has hit the 500's 3 times and always scary. PM if you need anything.

Brawny · Aug 8, 2017

I'm sorry to hear that. I've always thought of diabetes as a terrible disease to have but I've known so many people who live full enjoyable lives with it.
Prayers that y'all get good care and a good doctor.

LACamper · Aug 8, 2017

Its a matter of finding things she likes to eat that work with the diet. Right now she needs to be really strict about it. Later she can experiment a bit. Exercise and weight loss help matters, but the change in diet will cause the weight loss anyway.
If you're in the New Orleans area Robert's grocery has a great bakery for sugar free stuff that tastes almost as good as the real stuff (birthday cakes are great! ). It'll get her past the sweet cravings.
Alcohol is definately on the prohibited list for now.

Ritten · Aug 8, 2017

Saintsfan6 said:
See a nutritionist (MD), preferably one with experience treating diabetics.

https://nutritionsciencedegree.org/what-is-the-difference-between-a-nutritionist-and-a-dietician/

Actually, you want to see a registered dietician, not a nutritionist. My little sister is a certified renal dietician and has lectured me numerous times on the lack of regulation required for people calling themselves "nutritionists". Even though you can get medical certifications and accreditation in various fields of nutrition, when it comes to diabetes and diet you want to talk to a certified dietician.

fng · Aug 10, 2017

get her pcp to refer her to an endocrinologist.

hunter5567 · Aug 10, 2017

No potatoes, white rice, white bread, corn, crackers, sugar in coffee, or any starchy foods that the body converts directly into sugar etc. Sweet Potatoes are fine and whole wheat that lists that and not enriched flour. Dark chocolate will not raise your blood sugar. Usually a 9 or above on the A1C test will get you started on insulin shots. She can have all the rabbit food she wants such as salads, etc.

tallwalker · Aug 10, 2017

Alcohol = no no as well.

Moondew · Aug 10, 2017

Check at Ochsner, they have a good program w nutritionists for diabetics. Helps determining a food program. Life change

oppsImissed · Aug 11, 2017

Well Ochsner has been a great help. Has already made adjustments to insulin. Now she just has to get used to glucose levels being lower

bjeepin2 · Aug 11, 2017

atkins diet helps also.

Tanker · Aug 11, 2017

Get an Endocrinologist. I used a PCP for years then finally saw the Endo. Made a big difference. Diabetes is a specialty for them.

Found out the hard way, Wife is diabetic

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