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neo
12-02-2005, 20:37
i was diagnose with type 2 diabetes today,i need to here from other whiteblazers that have diabetes,what do i eat now,i really need support
kinda down right now:cool: neo

smokymtnsteve
12-02-2005, 20:44
well Neo while I don't have diabetes..I have hiked many hundreds of miles with AIDS...

both diseases are long term, chronic but mangageable conditions.:sun

I have learned how to manage my meds and life so that I have lived sucessfully with my condition,,,and so will U..

just give yourself time, follow your doctors advice, (and find a good doc) and U will adjust, and be out there hiking and probably feeling better with more energy in no time,

just hang in there,

neo
12-02-2005, 21:00
well Neo while I don't have diabetes..I have hiked many hundreds of miles with AIDS...

both diseases are long term, chronic but mangageable conditions.:sun

I have learned how to manage my meds and life so that I have lived sucessfully with my condition,,,and so will U..

just give yourself time, follow your doctors advice, (and find a good doc) and U will adjust, and be out there hiking and probably feeling better with more energy in no time,

just hang in there,

thanks steve i was diagnosed with hepatitis c in 2003 almost 3 years latter
diabetes ,my wifes brother died from aids over 11 years ago,thanks again
:cool: neo

smokymtnsteve
12-02-2005, 21:07
well Neo U know what U have to do...

folks that have survived and propsered in the face of previous difflucluties (as U have :cool: )are more able to cope with new challanges...

so you'll do fine,,,:sun

Heck you'll probably be up here in AK running sled dogs anytime now. :banana

bogey
12-02-2005, 21:17
Fortunately, it seems to be under control using oral medication, but one of the most often suggested courses of action is EXERCISE.

I know that when I run, or walk regularly the blood sugar is very normal. when I get lax, it starts to climb. Hike buddy!

Incidently, there was a thread here a couple weeks ago about hiking with diabetes. If I remember right, it had a lot to do with insulin dependent hikers and how to store and test on the trail and such. very informative. should be able to find it easily.

As SMS said, (all right, not in the same words) PMA, Positive mental attitude goes a long way to accepting your condition and then getting on with life.

I know i'll never be able to play the guitar like BB King, but that's just something I'll be able to live with.

Bernie

Two Speed
12-02-2005, 21:31
Neo, I'm not a diabetic but a friend of mine is. From what I've seen it'll have an impact, but it ain't the end of the world. Given that diabetics are encouraged to exercise I'll bet that if you get with your doctor and tell him you're a hiker that he'll encourage you to get out and hike. He's going to tell you to eat better, take care of your feet and get your carcass out on the trail. Keep your chin up, take it easy this weekend and get with your MD as soon as you can.

It's entirely natural to be down, but I'll bet my Trangia against your JetBoil that you're back on the trail with your wife and sons before you know it. :clap

neo
12-02-2005, 21:56
Neo, I'm not a diabetic but a friend of mine is. From what I've seen it'll have an impact, but it ain't the end of the world. Given that diabetics are encouraged to exercise I'll bet that if you get with your doctor and tell him you're a hiker that he'll encourage you to get out and hike. He's going to tell you to eat better, take care of your feet and get your carcass out on the trail. Keep your chin up, take it easy this weekend and get with your MD as soon as you can.

It's entirely natural to be down, but I'll bet my Trangia against your JetBoil that you're back on the trail with your wife and sons before you know it. :clap
i can do 25 mile days like knowbodies buisness now lol,thanks a lot :cool: neo

betic4lyf
12-02-2005, 22:20
I personally have type 1, so i sort of know what it is like. it isnt that fun, but type two seems a lot better, if i were to pick. if you exercise, i think that would probably help. I have to take insulin and all several times a day, and even that, you get used to and it is no big deal. Finding out you have it is probably good, becuase usually you feel like **** before, i know i did. I don't know how type 2 works exactly, but dietary, only things to watch out for a shugary ones, like soda, and the biggest perpetrator, OJ.

good luck.

Two Speed
12-02-2005, 22:37
Neo, think nothing of it; we all need a chuckle once in a while. FWIW, my best day was 18 miles, so 25 ain't too shabby.

BTW, my diabetic buddy tells me high fructose corn syrup is EL NUMERO UNO BAD NEWS, diabetic or not. Started looking at labels and about freaked out. Seems like that crap is in almost everything these days.

neo
12-02-2005, 22:43
[quote=Two Speed]Neo, think nothing of it; we all need a chuckle once in a while. FWIW, my best day was 18 miles, so 25 ain't too shabby.

BTW, my diabetic buddy tells me high fructose corn syrup is EL NUMERO UNO BAD NEWS, diabetic or not. Started looking at labels and about freaked out. Seems like that crap is in almost everything these days.[/quo

i have only done two 30 mile days lol.i dont recommend them lol:cool: neo

weary
12-02-2005, 22:54
Well I started with a heart medicine that was supposed to regulate my heart beat, which wasn't really out of control. But the medicine poisoned my lungs. I was given a steroid that was supposed to halt the lung damage, which triggered diabetes, the doctor thinks -- and hopes. The theory is that as the steroid is reduced the diabetes may disappear.

I'm doubtful. My whole family is afflicted with marginal diabetes symptoms. Diet controls it for most of my 5 siblings. But a brother has been on oral medicines for several years.

The steroid dosage has been dropped gradually for months, so we will see. Tomorrow I drop to 10 units. IN a month to five, and after another month to zero. I'm hoping the diabetes medicine need will drop accordingly. There is not much evidence so far that this optimism will prove valid.

Anyway, I still dream of another long distance hike, despite my permanently damaged lungs. I've learned to pace the uphill sectionsto avoid panting too badly.

I don't look forward to daily blood tests on a trail. It;s difficult enough at home. But let me know if you discover any important ways of minimizing the inconvenience.

Weary

betic4lyf
12-02-2005, 23:28
i like to call it livabetes. it is just fun.

bbanker
12-03-2005, 01:17
Did you have symptoms prior to being diagnosed or was it a routine screen?
Any pain or numbness in your feet?
Are you overweight?
Are you testing you blood sugar, and if so, what are your ranges?
Any meds?

bfitz
12-03-2005, 05:45
Weary...google these terms...
alpha-lipoic acid
chromium
Read a book called the perricone promise...its not about diabetes its about keeping wrinkles off ladies' faces but theres a connection nutritionally that this guy perricone lays out very clearly and in detail...I take ALA and chromium supplements and they have a dramatic effect on my blood sugar...there's probably some chromium in your multi vitamin but I take 4-500 mcgs or whatever a day, another good book is stop the rollercoaster..its not so much geared to type 2 but it still gives a lot of understanding about how to tightly manage diabetes...

bfitz
12-03-2005, 05:48
The key is understanding how it all works so you can control it...read all the books and experiment...nutrition can be as key as excersise...trust me...

bfitz
12-03-2005, 05:50
This is a great place to start...
http://www.lef.org/newshop/cgi-shop/LEFAdvisor.cgi

bfitz
12-03-2005, 05:55
And I know they sell expensive vitamins, but they're overall philosophy of health and blood sugar and how they are related needs to be understood by diabetics and such... everyone really...I'll stop now..

justusryans
12-03-2005, 08:42
i was diagnose with type 2 diabetes today,i need to here from other whiteblazers that have diabetes,what do i eat now,i really need support
kinda down right now:cool: neo

Sorry to hear that bud, While I'm not diabetic, (I'm just crazy) I have nothing but respect for anyone who perseveres dispite the challenges that life can throw at ya.
You, smokeymountainsteve, one leg, the dinosaurs, and all the rest of ya who deal with disabilities every day are my inspiration. I figure if ya'll can do it, there's no excuse for me to quit. Good luck!!:clap

Skeemer
12-03-2005, 09:15
justusryans callously wrote:
You, smokeymountainsteve, one leg, the dinosaurs, and all the rest of ya who deal with disabilities every day are my inspiration.

What about those of us who are mentally ill???:eek: or is that the disability you were referring to when you included smokeymountainsteve?

blindeye
12-03-2005, 09:37
although i am not diabetic, i had a heart attack and triple bypass in 2000. in 2004 i was declared legall blind and i am planning a july 2007 sobo.
the point of that long winded narrative is
#1 EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE i'm sure you know that exercise is your best freind

#2 no matter what life throws at ya' just keep swingin' adopting that attitude has helped me greatly.
hope it helps you too!!!!!!!

25 miles a day is great by the way. i can do about 15 looks like i'll have to swing a little harder huh?

good luck buddy!

Two Speed
12-03-2005, 10:04
. . .
i have only done two 30 mile days lol.i dont recommend them lol:cool: neoNow how the heck did you do that? Strap the JetBoil on the back of your pack and put it in "rocket assist" mode? That would explain the unhealthy fascination . . . :-?

Sorry, my personality ain't built to resist temptation like that.

Back to the subject, I think the folks here have more than demonstrated that with a few adjustments you can get back on with life. More power to you, and I just hope I don't have to make a similar adjustment. From your case, Weary and SMS's statements, etc, it ain't looking good for avoiding some kind of long term problem, is it?

I think I'll get my sorry carcass out from behind this keyboard and stretch my legs. Happy Trails!

neo
12-03-2005, 10:54
Did you have symptoms prior to being diagnosed or was it a routine screen?
Any pain or numbness in your feet?
Are you overweight?
Are you testing you blood sugar, and if so, what are your ranges?
Any meds?

i dropped from 192 lbs to 173 in 12 days on my last hike on the AT in new hampshire and vermont this past oct,i dropped to 168 in a few more weeks
and was eating like crazy,i was drinking lots of water and getting up 5 or 6 times a night to urinate,my vision was getting blury,i saw my doctor
my blood sugar came back 364,he started me yesterday on metaformin 500 mg 1 time daily,i will be seeing a dr in diabetic clinic at vanderbilt umc next week.:cool: neo

Two Speed
12-03-2005, 11:12
Neo, one thing you may want to get details while you're talking to a specialist is foot care. Diabetics frequently have circulation problems in their feet, which makes healing slower. I guess I can say the word "blisters" and let that go.

middle to middle
12-03-2005, 12:56
Every body has got to be someplace ! I am 65 yrs. now and was dx in 20's. I have a "mild" case I am still walking and that is why I decided to hike, my legs were shaky and I wanted to challenge them so to speak and do it while I could.
As the body's core temp rises during the day the problems of MS (balance and coordination} would worsen. I fell and tore a ligament in my ankle and it swelled up like a basketball that night so I stopped. Have been a section guy since.
I fall a lot and have found that you can turn and land on the pack and it lessons the pain. Also discovered I could bike and row a boat and took both up.
I met another guy on Canadian crutches who had MS and was hiking also.

Mouse
12-03-2005, 13:30
If you on on medication:

I have to take epilepsy medication every day to avoid seizues. I got my doctor to write the prescription in 90 day refills so I only needed one refill to finish my thruhike and had a friend fill it and ship it to me.

I carried the epilepsy medication in a small nalgene bottle to keep it dry on the trail and used a waterproof ziplock bag (made for scuba diving) for vitamins, calcium (for my low bone density etc). I carried enough for a week or two in my pack, then sent the rest in larger nalgene bottles in my bounce box.

I made sure I had a few days extra in case the bounce box went astray, and carried a copy of the prescriptions in case so if needed I could get a new supply on the trail or have the info for a local doctor to write a new prescription.

That way I had several layers of defense against running totally out of medication.

The nalgene bottles worked great even for moisture sensitive medications in the humid damp of the Smokys.

smokymtnsteve
12-03-2005, 18:10
What about those of us who are mentally ill???:eek: or is that the disability you were referring to when you included smokeymountainsteve?

YEAH...dual/multiple diagnosis RULES..:banana

along with the advanced HIV<24 years

I have PTSD, depression, a crippled right hand from nerve damage, hearing loss, wear glasses and a fat metabolism problem causing lipoatrophy :eek:


but what the heck,,,one must preserverve...

it's about -20 F here in Two Rivers today,,,I've already feed the horses, and souped the dogs ..

so time to go out for a training run.....:banana :D

OK >>>READY??? LET"S GO!!!! MUSH!!!!

justusryans
12-03-2005, 18:28
[quote=smokymtnsteve]YEAH...dual/multiple diagnosis RULES..:banana

along with the advanced HIV<24 years

I have PTSD, depression, a crippled right hand from nerve damage, hearing loss, wear glasses and a fat metabolism problem causing lipoatrophy :eek: quote]

We all know how you got the crippled right hand!!:D

justusryans
12-03-2005, 18:30
What about those of us who are mentally ill???:eek: or is that the disability you were referring to when you included smokeymountainsteve?

Hell, It isn't just smokeymountainsteve!! :dance

Toolshed
12-03-2005, 18:34
Neo,
Tough break, but don't feel alone, while not diabetic, I am on my 2nd aortic valve (this time it's a mechanical valve) and am now on coumadin, which has changed some of my habits.
BTW< I am not a Doctor, nor am I a medical professional, but my company has a diabetes franchise and I contract some Diabetes Meds with a number of HMO's,PBMs and the like and I understand some of the issues and How much time did your PCP speak on diet change before putting you on a course of therapy that included the Metformin (Glucophage?). Don't blame him/her. They see it much too often - Folks that never change teh bad habits and count on the oral hypoglycemics to control sugar insulin levels. Problem is that you have to increase dosages over time and before long you are on injections.

I would push back first and see if you can change your health outcomes via diet alone.

My parents best friend and I had a long talk after he was diagnosed with Type II 7 years ago. He started on Oral Hypoglycemics and then decided to truly change his diet. He lost a lot of weight and His blood sugar is under control now and he is not on any medication and hasn't been for about 4.5 years now.
BTW, weight loss is one of the symptoms of Type II, one you get on the Orals, you might notice a weight gain as well.
Good Luck

smokymtnsteve
12-03-2005, 18:38
We all know how you got the crippled right hand!!:D

How???

the same way ONE LEG got the blisters on his hands?? :banana


actually it happened when I got attacked ... one of the knife blows I blocked with my hand...it cut thru my ulnar nerve in my wrist,,,the reattachment surgery went just OK..but left me with limited use in my right hand...but I have adjusted.

U know... only one of us lived thru that attack...

notice that I DON"T suffer from multiple personnality ;)

well not yet :jump

bfitz
12-03-2005, 21:51
I can't say it enough...diabetics: google Alpha-lipoic-acid and chromium...I take these two together throughout the day and it dramatically affects my blood sugar...you can but it at the GNC or healthway or whatever....learn about nutrition, blood sugar and aging...its all linked together...your doctor wont tell you....

justusryans
12-03-2005, 22:01
How???

the same way ONE LEG got the blisters on his hands?? :banana


actually it happened when I got attacked ... one of the knife blows I blocked with my hand...it cut thru my ulnar nerve in my wrist,,,the reattachment surgery went just OK..but left me with limited use in my right hand...but I have adjusted.

U know... only one of us lived thru that attack...

notice that I DON"T suffer from multiple personnality ;)

well not yet :jump


I'm a Bipolar 1 with PTSD.:eek:
URA BAD MAN!!:bse

smokymtnsteve
12-04-2005, 00:14
I'm a Bipolar 1 with PTSD.:eek:
URA BAD MAN!!:bse

am not...

(at least ten characters)

ten charecters??? multiple charecters


Me

just us ryans

One Leg

Lone wolf

skeemer

neo

nightstalker

justusryans
12-04-2005, 08:25
Definately some characters in that list!! :D

bbanker
12-04-2005, 11:10
Neo, since you are seeing a diabetic specialist, you should get this info anyway, but:
Take your meds, check your sugar, and follow your prescribed diet!
Have your feet tested for sensation. The most common way is semmes-wenstien monofilliment testing. Most diabetic specialists have these instruments, and if not see a physical therapist. The magic number for diabetics is the 5.07 monofilliment (10g). This is the amount of protective sensation you need to know if there is a rock in your shoe, a blister forming, a splinter in your foot, etc. Get a baseline of what your sensation is an that will help you keep an eye on what's going on.
Diabetics with peripheral neuropathy heal more slowly and are at higher risk for ulcers, and poor healing putting you at risk for serious foot problems if not cared for.
Pay special attention to callus formation, skin quality, toenails, etc. as these can be indicators of foot status.
Ask your care provider as many questions as possible. If you don't get answers let me know.
B

neo
12-04-2005, 17:36
YEAH...dual/multiple diagnosis RULES..:banana

along with the advanced HIV<24 years

I have PTSD, depression, a crippled right hand from nerve damage, hearing loss, wear glasses and a fat metabolism problem causing lipoatrophy :eek:


but what the heck,,,one must preserverve...

it's about -20 F here in Two Rivers today,,,I've already feed the horses, and souped the dogs ..

so time to go out for a training run.....:banana :D

OK >>>READY??? LET"S GO!!!! MUSH!!!!


yeah multiple chronic illness'rule,dx with acid reflux 8 years ago
one 20 mg prilosec tab keeps it away for the day
dx with hepatitus c less than 3 years ago take my vitins and milk thistle
dx with type 2 diabetes this fast friday ,one 500 mg tab of metaformin a
a sugar free diet for that,i can still do 25 mile days lol:cool: neo

bfitz
12-05-2005, 05:25
yeah multiple chronic illness'rule,dx with acid reflux 8 years ago
one 20 mg prilosec tab keeps it away for the day
dx with hepatitus c less than 3 years ago take my vitins and milk thistle
dx with type 2 diabetes this fast friday ,one 500 mg tab of metaformin a
a sugar free diet for that,i can still do 25 mile days lol:cool: neo
.....riight!

weary
12-05-2005, 11:05
yeah multiple chronic illness'rule,dx with acid reflux 8 years ago
one 20 mg prilosec tab keeps it away for the day
dx with hepatitus c less than 3 years ago take my vitins and milk thistle
dx with type 2 diabetes this fast friday ,one 500 mg tab of metaformin a
a sugar free diet for that,i can still do 25 mile days lol:cool: neo
I only have three incurable aflictions: Diabetes, medicine-induced fibrosis of the lungs, and old age.

But I spent yesterday repairing ATV damage to waterbars designed to funnel water away from an ATV-damaged trail, and thus keep muddy water from silting a beautiful deep, cold water pond our town land trust is trying to preserve.

Well, it was partly to protect the pond. I also figure that climbing hills and cleaning waterbars may keep me active a few years longer.

Weary

neo
12-05-2005, 14:12
I can't say it enough...diabetics: google Alpha-lipoic-acid and chromium...I take these two together throughout the day and it dramatically affects my blood sugar...you can but it at the GNC or healthway or whatever....learn about nutrition, blood sugar and aging...its all linked together...your doctor wont tell you....

i take alpha lipoic acid already for my,i have hepititus c also:cool: neo

neo
12-05-2005, 14:16
Neo, since you are seeing a diabetic specialist, you should get this info anyway, but:
Take your meds, check your sugar, and follow your prescribed diet!
Have your feet tested for sensation. The most common way is semmes-wenstien monofilliment testing. Most diabetic specialists have these instruments, and if not see a physical therapist. The magic number for diabetics is the 5.07 monofilliment (10g). This is the amount of protective sensation you need to know if there is a rock in your shoe, a blister forming, a splinter in your foot, etc. Get a baseline of what your sensation is an that will help you keep an eye on what's going on.
Diabetics with peripheral neuropathy heal more slowly and are at higher risk for ulcers, and poor healing putting you at risk for serious foot problems if not cared for.
Pay special attention to callus formation, skin quality, toenails, etc. as these can be indicators of foot status.
Ask your care provider as many questions as possible. If you don't get answers let me know.
B
i have not seen diabetic specialist yet,i see him this friday.:cool: neo

bfitz
12-05-2005, 14:16
i take alpha lipoic acid already for my,i have hepititus c also:cool: neo
Do you also take N-acetyl-cystiene? (I think thats how you spell it...) They synergize, I believe.

neo
12-05-2005, 14:21
Do you also take N-acetyl-cystiene? (I think thats how you spell it...) They synergize, I believe.
no,but i plan on taking nac i here it is really good for your liver,thanks:cool: neo

neo
12-06-2005, 22:00
i saw my doctor today to go over my meds and blood work,friday i go to the diabetic clinic to learn how to eat right and use my glucometer,then i am going backpacking at montgomery bell state park,its going to be 19 degrees that night,i am looking foward to it,:cool: neo

the1stranger
12-06-2005, 23:49
Don't drink alcohol.

bfitz
12-07-2005, 00:20
Neo,
Eating right is harder for type 2. Type 2 is a totally different deal because you don't control the insulin side of the equation...as your insulin resistance decreases your blood sugar responses to food and exercise will change...Doing excercise will lower your blood sugar quickly...use exercise to control and correct your blood sugar if it is under 220...if it gets higher do what your doc says to reduce it...I'd take insulin...you likely won't. The book "Stop the Rollercoaster" is excellent because it explains the mechanisms by which your body manages blood sugar, so is the "Pocket Pancreas", a little pocket sized reference book full of charts, stats, food info etc.
Read all about food and nutrition and supplements and blood sugar and "glycation of cells" and aging/insulin link...you'll be reading up on this stuff forever...the docs and nutritionists only give you the basics, it's up to you, the more you understand and experiment the better able to manipulate your body's responses you will be, and thats the key. And I drink a little alcohol from time to time...I stick to the hard stuff...at first it lowers my blood sugar a bit, then as i process it, my sugar drifts up. The key is to know what your blood sugar is doing and how it reacts to what you do through experimenting and frequent blood testing...after a few years it'll be intuitive.

bfitz
12-07-2005, 00:24
I also eat about 25 grams of carb for (about) every hour I hike, everything else (my blood sugar/insulin) being equal, to keep from hypoglycemia.

neo
12-07-2005, 11:33
Don't drink alcohol.

i been sober since oct 26 1994:cool: neo

neo
12-07-2005, 11:35
Neo,
Eating right is harder for type 2. Type 2 is a totally different deal because you don't control the insulin side of the equation...as your insulin resistance decreases your blood sugar responses to food and exercise will change...Doing excercise will lower your blood sugar quickly...use exercise to control and correct your blood sugar if it is under 220...if it gets higher do what your doc says to reduce it...I'd take insulin...you likely won't. The book "Stop the Rollercoaster" is excellent because it explains the mechanisms by which your body manages blood sugar, so is the "Pocket Pancreas", a little pocket sized reference book full of charts, stats, food info etc.
Read all about food and nutrition and supplements and blood sugar and "glycation of cells" and aging/insulin link...you'll be reading up on this stuff forever...the docs and nutritionists only give you the basics, it's up to you, the more you understand and experiment the better able to manipulate your body's responses you will be, and thats the key. And I drink a little alcohol from time to time...I stick to the hard stuff...at first it lowers my blood sugar a bit, then as i process it, my sugar drifts up. The key is to know what your blood sugar is doing and how it reacts to what you do through experimenting and frequent blood testing...after a few years it'll be intuitive.

thanks for your support and info:cool: neo

orangebug
12-07-2005, 13:21
If you are new to the meds and the diet, please don't go out alone this winter.

neo
12-07-2005, 15:50
If you are new to the meds and the diet, please don't go out alone this winter.

thanks for the advice orangebug,i am going on a short overnight hike at montgomery bell,help all around,i went alone last weekend on a short overnighter,i have plenty of time for my next section hike end of august next year,thanks again :cool: neo

Spirit Walker
12-07-2005, 18:25
OB, that's a good point. I had a relative who passed out on a winter dayhike. He came to missing his daypack and one boot. He was very lucky to get out of there alive.

stupe
12-07-2005, 19:16
Hi, NEO, here's a link to the American Diabetes Association. I have to explore it myself, all I know about diabetes is that it's got something to do with sugar. It looks like an informative and well put together site.
http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp
One thing I do know is that generally, people who watch their diets and get exercise do better and may manage with less medication than those who don't. If you're as lean as your pictures suggest, and you can do twenty five mile days with a backpack, you have some advantages.
Good luck.

neo
12-07-2005, 19:50
Hi, NEO, here's a link to the American Diabetes Association. I have to explore it myself, all I know about diabetes is that it's got something to do with sugar. It looks like an informative and well put together site.
http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp
One thing I do know is that generally, people who watch their diets and get exercise do better and may manage with less medication than those who don't. If you're as lean as your pictures suggest, and you can do twenty five mile days with a backpack, you have some advantages.
Good luck.

thanks for the link stupe,i saved it in my favorites:cool: neo

smokymtnsteve
12-07-2005, 21:38
just keep on rockin neo ;) :D

neo
12-07-2005, 22:05
just keep on rockin neo ;) :D

thanks smokey mountain steve,i really enjoyed your pictures of your cabin in alaska,awesome:cool: neo