Apr 29, 2008

A1C and More Numbers

I went to the doctor and the doctor said, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" I'm sorry but I had to do that!

I love my doctor's office. They are so efficient. I walk in and sign in and then sit for about 3 minutes. Then, the lab lady calls me and before I know it they have weighed me, taken my bp, and drained a good deal of blood from my poor little arm.

Then it is off to the waiting area which is well-stocked with the latest issues of many diabetes related magazines. Then, I do what I call the "Read and Freeze" which is me reading while I am sitting their freezing-that would be my only complaint. It is cold!

"Susan", I hear the dr. call me. Off I go into the little room where she is able to pull all of my results up immediately. AMAZING!

Overall, my numbers are good. I am a little disappointed that my A1C went up a tad from 6.5% to 6.7%. Not sure how much a difference that makes, all I know is that is heading the wrong direction. My cholesterol and blood pressure are "excellent" according to my doctor. I lost 5 pounds from my last visit also.

I guess I thought I would have more results with the weight loss. Dr. says it is probably because I am building muscle. I feel like I lost 15 pounds. My pants are getting baggy. Basically, the doctor told me to keep doing what I am doing and the results will come. I really want good control from my bg so I am also going on Byetta in addition to the metformin and amaryl. So we shall see.



Apr 28, 2008

Importance of SHOES!


I have all kinds of shoes. I love shoes. I have red ones, white ones, tan ones, pink and white ones, tons of black ones, and some polka dot ones too! I love having the perfect shoe for the perfect outfit when I leave the house.


However, at home, it is different.


I do not like to wear shoes when I am in the comfort of my home. I like to live on the wild side and go BARE. wild side for people with diabetes!

We are often told by doctors and magazines that we should always wear shoes and that our feet need to be protected. I always thought this true when I am outside or out of my house. However, I am in control of the inside. My floors are clean and vacuumed at least once a week. I like the freedom of running around barefoot.


Well, over the weekend, I was loading the dishwasher. I washed pots and pans (we had a great dinner), plates, and the silverware....yes that darned silverware! I am mildly accident-prone so it is not too much of a surprise that while I am rinsing silverware and turning to place it in dishwasher, I dropped a fork right smack on my big toe. It hurt as I yelled an inexplicative *%$$%. It started to bleed. My husband immediately ran for the first aid kit. Once he cleaned it up, you could see the cut area was like a little square. He put neosporin and a band aid. It looks like nothing happened now-healed great. Now, I revised my prior thinking of the no shoes in the house- to no shoes when I am just relaxin. If I am house cleaning or something, I'll put on my crocs, kind of ugly but very comfy. I was wearing them yesterday and I felt like I could clean the whole house!





Apr 25, 2008

MISBEHAVING

Since I have been Behaving so well, sticking to my mealplan and daily exercise (most days), I noticed it has been a while since I had visited with my brother. We are tight. We hang out every now and then. But I must say, he likes to have fun and party some so it is hard for me to hang out with him when I am being good. It just brings out the old me. However, I felt it was time for a little bit of Misbehavin! :0))

But I decided to let my hair down a bit last night as we were at the local Buffalo Wild Wings. I had a around 3 beers-which were so good by the way! I discreetly and secretly would check my blood sugars especially since I had a low-carb dinner. I was consistent at 90. Before bed, I tested and it 110.

This morning when I woke, it was 210. I was so surprised at how high it was. I did not eat anything yet it was so high. I always thought that you had to be weary of lows whenever I drank-so not the case this time. I took my medicines and had two eggs for breakfast and then it was 97. I am waiting to see what it is 2 hours post lunch.

Apr 23, 2008

Bye Bye...Laziness

Well, I hate to say it but it has been 4 days since I have worked out. 2 of the days were planned rest days, and the other 2...well..were unplanned lazy days.

I am proud of myself though for what I have accomplished this past month. I've stuck to working out and I am not giving up.

It seems like the day to day can really be trying sometimes. I commute an hour to and from work and that is on a good day. I get home hungry and many times I grab a snack and off I go the gym. However, yesterday I had to stay late and meet some deadlines so I was an hour past my normal schedule. Long story short, by the time I got home, I was beyond hungry....more like starvin marvin! Traffic was bad and I was tired, so needless to say I ate dinner and passed on the gym. Not my best decision.

Today, I will get home and get my work out in. It is something that hopefully can become as routine as washing my face and brushing my teeth.

The one positive thing is that normally, if I missed too many days, I would just unconsciously say, "what the heck", and not return to exercise. But, I love it. I do. Plain and simple. Sometimes I just need a kick in the B-hind to get going. Don't get me wrong, I truly am far from lazy. After work, I have to cook, clean the dishes, check homework for 3 kids, attend practices and games etc. I have a lot of room to make excuses, so I say OUT with the excuses. I have to make it a point to squeeze in exercise for me no matter how busy I think I am.

Apr 18, 2008

Does Diabetes afftect how you take days off in the workplace?

How do you handle your Paid Time off days from work?

I never really thought about this before, but I heard some co-workers discussing how people should use days off whether it is considered vacation days, sick days, or just PTO (paid time off).
One co-worker is not really wanting to use more than a couple of days for vacation because if she got sick she wants her days for that. I can understand that we need to be responsible and try to save some of our days for sickness. But, this person also made a comment, that if you are "sick" or have a chronic problem then you should really save your time for that.

This bothers me. I consider myself to be healthy despite diabetes. I am eating healthy and exercising 4-5 times a week. I don't think I get sick any more than a non-diabetic person. I work full-time and I NEED my vacation time. I need it for me. I need it to re-connect with my husband and kids. It is our time when we are together away from the demands of the world.

I don't know if I will be sick later this year. I take care of myself. I cannot predict the future. But, do I not deserve to use my vacation time as vacation time? Or should I be conserving my days for possible sickness???

Apr 16, 2008

Working out and Blood Sugar

I must have stressed out my body again. I had a great workout with my personal trainer last night. We did crunches, sprints, lunges, and fast walking with 5lb weights doing bi-cep curls or lifting them up and down over head. I was sweating. I like sweating. I feel like I am really on the road to reaching my goals.

I started with 25 minutes on the elliptical. Then it was time to meet with my trainer, so I tested-bg 95. I went through the whole work out and I tested when we were done and it was 157. My body must have been stressed. My breathing does not get out of control or anything. I feel great during the work out-it is just something is making it go up. 20 minutes later it was down to 125.

The weird thing is that this does not happen when I just work out on my own. I think it will take time for my body to get used to workin it! Really, my bod must be in shock. My body probably missed the old routine -get home from work, eat, hang out on the couch watching lifetime movie network, bed! My new routine is-get home from work, grab a snack, work out, shower, smoothie or light dinner, 1/2 time of Lifetime Movie Network, and bed. This is when I don't have to run the kids to scouts or baseball games. Then it takes a lot to get everything in! But then, that is what husbands are for :)) to take the kids to baseball etc.

I test my blood sugar a lot! I test at least 10 times a day. I am not on insulin so some people would say that it is not necessary, but I feel for me it is. It helps me determine the course of my day. If I test before exercise and I am under 120, then I have a snack. If I test before lunch and I am 140, then I will be sure to have a very low carb salad. I make adjustments as needed. If I test high, then I go for a walk to try to quickly bring it down. I have several meters, and I think I prefer the one touch ultra smart, but I have many others too.

Here are two links for some freebie meters
www.onetouchcolors.com
www.freeaviva.com




Apr 15, 2008

Possible Goofy Question...treating lows

At what point should you treat for a low blood sugar?

Earlier today, I tested at 74 and was already feeling a little weird- I get a funny tingly sensation around my lips (this does not always happen). I was about to go to lunch with co-workers and I knew it would be like 20 minutes at least until we would be eating/drinking, so I went ahead and drank about 5 oz of apple juice...just in case.

This got me thinking...there are many times that I can tell it is on its way to being low, but what is the point to treat? I want to avoid lows, so usually I'll treat if my bg is anywhere in the 70's. But, I'm wondering, is that necessary to treat even if I am 78? I think I may be overtreating, but at the same time...I know it is heading that way. Should I let my body reap the benefits of the lower blood sugar as long as possible? Does it depend at all on how you feel?I have not yet had this discussion with my dr. because I have not had to deal with too many lows- until now that I am exercising AND eating right. Prior, I would never have anything under 90's.
The weather here has been wonderful. This is a serene picture of the sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico.

I need a vacation soon.

I am just feeling a bit tired lately. I had a very busy weekend. It was non-stop, the whole entire time. Friday night was date night with my husband. Saturday was M's birthday, so we went to the zoo and park and just walked the trails. We walked throught the Japanese gardens. It was nice. The weather was absolutley a confirmation that Springtime is here. Sometimes, in Texas, it feels like we only have Fall and Summer. So, we have been enjoying this wonderful weather. Then, we rode go-carts..needless to say, it was a late night. Then, Sunday morning, we went bowling and had a swim party. It was go, go, go and then some combined with squeezing in my work-outs. I am tired!
When I got home from work yesterday, I just went to bed. No work out. No cooking. I went to sleep. I feel better today. I am just looking forward to my vacation at the end of next month. I want to relax.

My blood sugars have remained good through the whole celebratory weekend. I know it is the exercising that has added a whole new level of protection for me. I must say that I am eager to see my doctor on the 29th. This will be the first time that I have been doing everything that I am supposed to do to manage this D. Either I was not eating right but I was taking my medicines, or I was eating right and taking the medicines, but never the 3 combined. I do feel good about that.

Apr 11, 2008

I luv Fridays!!

Wow! I had another great work-out. My thighs are in pain. I increased my resistance and incline on the elliptical.

In a few, I am about to have lunch with my husband. He surprised me showing up at work today. So that will be nice. We have to decide what we are going to do for my son M for his birthday tomorrow. We celebrtate birthdays big in our family. I just feel it the one day where we should feel extra special! I am just trying to get a little creative this time-since we are trying to save money for Disney next month. Disney is not cheap! So, we are going to see about going to the zoo and a picnic at the park. Any other ideas????

I am going to be good and stay away from the cake. I would rather have a berry smoothies anyway! I have a great recipe that I will post later. My bg's stay pretty good since it has protein and omega 3 and healthy berries.

Well, I am off to lunch. Have a great Friday!

Apr 10, 2008

Routines can be a good thing

No more overly intense work outs for me. Not only did my sugar spike upwards, but yesterday my calves were so tight it was hard for me to walk normal. My co-workers were laughing at me.
I am all for a good work out BUT I have to remember that I am still a beginner at this-trying to make it a permanent part of my daily life. My new routine has been to get on the elliptical machine for 45 minutes-love the cardio. Then I will work out my arms or legs on the machines for 15-20 minutes. Then twice a week I have been meeting with a personal trainer to switch things up and keep me motivated.

However, I don't think they really take in to account that everyone is at a different level. It has only been almost 3 weeks for me. The guy I got on Tuesday was working me HARD. For a second, I thought I was in boot camp. When I meet with him on Monday, I will have to let him know to relax- a bit.

But, the positive thing is that I am working out. I feel a daily need to do it now. I make the time instead of excuses. I never thought I would get to this point. It feels great. I am noticing my pants are feeling a bit loose and I am feeling strong! I will keep on!



Apr 9, 2008

Why is this??!!??

OK, yesterday I forgot my medicine when I went to work.

My blood sugars held pretty steady all day. Two hours after lunch, my blood sugar was 108-which I thought was Awesome! Of course, I made sure to eat a very low carb garden salad with grilled chicken. I had a 3 o clock snack, as me and my co-workers usually do each day for a 20 minute chat and snack (as we call it). I had sugar free jello.

When I got home, I tested and bg was 84. I needed to work out and I was very hungry so I had about 8 ritz crackers and 1 slice of american cheese and headed off to a very INTENSE work out. I mean it when I say intense. We had a different personal trainer this session, and let's just say he worked my a__ off! I tested after the work out and my blood sugar was 189. What could have happened? Could it be that I was stressed since it was an intense workout? Or I wonder if it was not having medicine all day that finally caught up to me. I usually drop by 40-60 points on the norm whenever I exercise.

I went home and took my evening dose of pills and had a lean hamburger patty and 1/2 cup of white rice (my favorite). Two hours later I was at 100-which is fine for me.

Apr 8, 2008

Worked out on my Anniversary!!!!

Yesterday was my 16th Wedding Anniversary! My husband surprised me with a yummy steak and roasted asparagus dinner. It was wonderful and he gave me the most romantic card. I love him so much. We did not go away this time only because we are saving $$$ for our trip to Disney next month.


I even made it to the gym last night. Of all days, I still made it. I am happily surprised at myself. This would definitely be a day where I would say, "this is a special day so I will skip the work out and the meal plan". I have come to realize that there are just too many days where I can say this. My son's birthday is coming up this weekend too. I think I have finally reached a point where I can do this for ME. The point where I am taking the time to take care of myself and get healthier. This makes my third week, and doesn't 3 weeks of doing something make it a habit??? Please tell me it is so! I am feeling great and sleeping like a baby.


I forgot my medication at home this morning. My blood sugar was at 138 after breakfast of lowfat no sugar added chocolate milk and a fiber one bar. I think that is decent. Right now, I am at 95, with my stomach growling as I type. I plan to eat a grilled chicken salad from Chik Fil A since that is about the healthiest affordable meal to have where I work. I hope my BG holds steady until I get home this evening. I think it is the working out that is making everything work better right now. Either that or it is the residual medication that is still in my system.

Apr 4, 2008

Wow...I have muscles!

I have been working out hard for a couple of weeks now. I'm talking about at least 5 days a week. I know that is not much of track record but it is for ME. Usually, I would work out one day and wake up extremely sore, and never go back. That of course has not worked out too well for me. This time around I have been working through that initial agonizing pain. MY body was literally in shock & screaming at me!

Luckily I have been able to get past it and now
I am
LOVING it!!! I have been combining both cardio and resistance training.
It
has
been like two weeks and I am seeing and feeling muscle definition
in
my
legs and
arms. I am so psyched!

My blood sugar has been doing very good. Although, I know I will soon have to go to the doctor to discuss changing my medicine-reducing dosage. There was one instance, where I was going to the gym to work out. I tested my bg as I always do before I begin. It was 81. I had just eaten like one hour prior. So, I left the gym and purchased some orange juice. I chugged it down and waited like ten minutes. What the heck? Tested again and it was 77. I was ticked, thinking "what the heck is going on? Here I am finally doing what I am supposed to do and I cannot even work out!" I went home and made a fruit smoothie. Tested again and it was 110. Finally, it was up to a better number, although I usually like to be 130-140 before I work out. Anyways, I unloaded and loaded my dishwasher before I was going to go back to the gym. I decided to test again- this was only 30 minutes later and OMG it was back to 81! Needless to say, I decided to make that day my off day and just chill. I
Then last night, after working out my bg was 88, so I completely skipped my evening dose of medication. I am on Metformin and Amaryl.
Don't get me wrong...I am thrilled for my need of less medication. It is just tricky during this time now that I am eating very healthy and working out hard. I am testing my blood at least 8 times a day and fingers are really starting to hurt.

Apr 3, 2008

Organizing my life & Dining with the Former President

It has been a while since I have posted. I have just been so busy trying to organize my life. I am very organized at work, but at home it was a different story. With 3 boys and their backpacks, skate boards, instruments, and sports equipment along all over the place is enough to drive me up the wall!
I finally put a stop to that. Now, it feels good to come home to a organized house. I even organized my d-drawer (night table drawer overflowing with diabetes monitors, strips, and lancets. I just hope I can keep it organized. I feel calm and in control. My blood sugars are starting to reflect that. I have been hitting the gym 5 nights a week. It is amazing how I now look forward to my "me" time at the gym. If you knew me, you would not believe it. I used to avoid any form of exercise like it was the plague! I am in a groove and I hope it lasts. Diabetes is something that has to be dealt with forever and always and I know my motivation has its definite ups and downs. I just hope it lasts because I am feeling so good.

Things are going great. I dined with a Former President, Mr. Bush, well not with per say, but nearby! Seriously, He was dining one table over from where my mom and I were sitting at a very good seafood restaraunt. We were so excited. It was very interesting seeing the secret service men scope out the place. We did not say anything since he looked very busy reading papers. But, I say I dined with the President since we were eating at the same time! :)