Since some of the information, other than personal experience, that I rely on is from the internet, I feel that the following reading must be recommended. The link is probably the leader in "do's and do not's" for medical web sites. The link is broken unfortuntely and includes many excellent perspectives on evaluating what you are reading. It tells you how to interpret the information presented - all from a "patient empowerment" perspective. With diabetes, this is the watchword to success in getting and maintaining control. Each person must manage his or her diabetes, not the doctor. The doctor should help and give you some guidance, but you (the one with diabetes) know how you feel and what you blood glucose readings are on a day-to-day basis. The format of the original link has changed, but this still takes you to patient empowerment section.
Please take time to read it carefully, maybe bookmark it to be able to refer back to the information later. It is my desire to give you resources you can use - intelligently - with your doctor.
The tcoyd web site is part of my research. This web site lists (with links) companies, organizations, and associations working for the cure of diabetes and providing information to those having diabetes. Many of the sites discuss the latest developments in bringing diabetes under control. In addition, tcoyd is now one of my favorite acronyms (take charge of your diabetes).
The first web site below, I discovered about a week after diagnosis and it continues to be a favorite. Each of the web sites I have bookmarked in my browser. I go back and read, and often reread portions of the sites for review and what now peaks my interest. Each writer writes with a different style and presents points of view that keep me interested and learning. Each writer is also a person with diabetes, type 2.
David Mendosa writes almost entirely about diabetes and related health problems, types of insulin, diabetic equipment, and testing supplies. He does write about problems not caused by diabetes, but that are often associated with having diabetes. He maintains his own web site (this one) and writes for several magazines and web sites. He is the author of several books and is a sought after speaker on diabetes. If you have diabetes, please do yourself a favor and read his web site.
Alan Shanley is from Australia. He combines diabetes and common sense with his down under humor which is enjoyable to read. He has battled another disease into remission and is a rather remarkable person for his accomplishments.
Tom Ross is from California. He maintains a diary of his battle to maintain control of his diabetes with diet and exercise. His positive attitude and determination have spared him the tribulations of being on medications for control of his diabetes. He is also talented musically.
Janet Ruhl is from the northeast part of the country. Her writings are factual and well documented.
Gretchen Becker is from Vermont. She writes with the same insights and humor that are in her book. I am happy that she now has her own blog. She writes for several web sites as well.
This is not meant to be a comprehensive list. I do follow a couple of writers with type 1 diabetes.
The following diseases can be caused by diabetes. They are heart disease, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic nephropathy. These are the most common associated problems, but there may possibly be others.
Other factors that affect diabetes and its control are stress and sleep apnea. Both were a part of my life and made control difficult in the first year.
I encourage self-education as it has taught me what my doctors did not tell me. Everyone needs to learn at the start that diabetes cannot be reversed, and that now a new lifestyle must be adopted to successfully manage diabetes. Yes, there are some procedures that hold out hope for a reversal or short-term cure, but to date no long-term cure.The American Diabetes Association currently recognizes only three types of diabetes. Type 1, which generally occurs in childhood - and is estimated to be about 5 to 10 percent of the diabetes population. Type 2, generally occurs after age 40 and normally is gradual - and is estimated to be about 90 to 95 percent. Gestational diabetes in women is a small percentage. Shortly after this was written ADA issued new additions to the list.
Several medical teams are clamoring for acceptance of Type 3 or possibly Type 4. Research is mounting evidence in their favor. Insulin produced in the brain (or lack of production) is wanting a type 3 and there is now a link to alzheimers.
Showing posts with label Rules. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rules. Show all posts
August 18, 2009
August 9, 2009
Published Resources
I am writing about my personal experiences. I am a person with Type 2 Diabetes. Any advice that sounds good should be discussed first and always with your doctor.
I was diagnosed in October 2003 while in the hospital with angina problems. The last (now over) seven years have been a learning experience and has not been easy.
The first thing I had to learn and accept was - it was not my fault. The second lesson took a lot longer - I cannot change the past - it is the past and I have to learn to live in the present. Painful, yes, and at times harder than a real job. This requires my attention seven days a week and does not allow for a vacation.
Several books, all in paperback, have influenced and made an impact on my life with diabetes. I would recommend for anyone diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to read them. As with any book written about diabetes, glean what is important to you. If you are like me, you will refer back to something you skimmed earlier when it becomes important to you.
First book: The First Year - Type 2 Diabetes, New York, Marlow & Company, 312 pages, by Gretchen Becker. I discovered this book within a month of diagnosis. It gave me information that I was not receiving from my doctor. Gretchen has type 2 diabetes and she gives the best definitions and reasons for controlling diabetes in non-technical language. Look for the Second Edition.
Second book: Diabetes Type 2 Complete Food Guide Management Program, New York, Three Rivers Press, 350 pages, by Sherri Shafer. She is a RD, CDE and tackles health issues and food for the person with diabetes. While higher in carbohydrates than suits me, this book came to my rescue when I had my first severe hypoglycemia. It gave me the resources to deal effectively with them. It has been handy for hyperglycemia information as well.
Third book: Myths of a Diabetic Diet, American Diabetes Association, 238 pages, by Chalmers and Peterson. While this book is dated, it is a well written guide for preventing excesses in eating changes. This concept is important for people new to diabetes. Even though there is no diabetic diet in today's understanding of diabetes, this book is still good to read.
Fourth book: Reversing Diabetes, Warner Books, Inc., 435 pages, by Julian Whitaker. This is not a cure book. This is for people with type 2 diabetes who wish to stay off or get off of medications. If you are insulin dependent like me, this may not be for you. It can be valuable for those who are not insulin dependent. I had hopes at one time, but it was not meant to be.
Fifth book: The New Glucose Revolution, New York, Marlow & Company, 349 pages, by Dr. Jenny Brand-Miller, et al. This book is a recent addition to my library and should be on everyone's read list. It gives an excellent explanation of the Glycemic Index and the Glycemic Load values of many foods. It is aimed toward those of us with diabetes, but those wanting to lose weight and be capable of keeping the pounds off will benefit from this book.
All the books are or have been available at Amazon.com.
There are many other books that are available for those of us with diabetes to read. I will review other books when I finish them and know that I will add them to my library or pass them to someone else. The above books will remain part of my library.
I was diagnosed in October 2003 while in the hospital with angina problems. The last (now over) seven years have been a learning experience and has not been easy.
The first thing I had to learn and accept was - it was not my fault. The second lesson took a lot longer - I cannot change the past - it is the past and I have to learn to live in the present. Painful, yes, and at times harder than a real job. This requires my attention seven days a week and does not allow for a vacation.
Several books, all in paperback, have influenced and made an impact on my life with diabetes. I would recommend for anyone diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to read them. As with any book written about diabetes, glean what is important to you. If you are like me, you will refer back to something you skimmed earlier when it becomes important to you.
First book: The First Year - Type 2 Diabetes, New York, Marlow & Company, 312 pages, by Gretchen Becker. I discovered this book within a month of diagnosis. It gave me information that I was not receiving from my doctor. Gretchen has type 2 diabetes and she gives the best definitions and reasons for controlling diabetes in non-technical language. Look for the Second Edition.
Second book: Diabetes Type 2 Complete Food Guide Management Program, New York, Three Rivers Press, 350 pages, by Sherri Shafer. She is a RD, CDE and tackles health issues and food for the person with diabetes. While higher in carbohydrates than suits me, this book came to my rescue when I had my first severe hypoglycemia. It gave me the resources to deal effectively with them. It has been handy for hyperglycemia information as well.
Third book: Myths of a Diabetic Diet, American Diabetes Association, 238 pages, by Chalmers and Peterson. While this book is dated, it is a well written guide for preventing excesses in eating changes. This concept is important for people new to diabetes. Even though there is no diabetic diet in today's understanding of diabetes, this book is still good to read.
Fourth book: Reversing Diabetes, Warner Books, Inc., 435 pages, by Julian Whitaker. This is not a cure book. This is for people with type 2 diabetes who wish to stay off or get off of medications. If you are insulin dependent like me, this may not be for you. It can be valuable for those who are not insulin dependent. I had hopes at one time, but it was not meant to be.
Fifth book: The New Glucose Revolution, New York, Marlow & Company, 349 pages, by Dr. Jenny Brand-Miller, et al. This book is a recent addition to my library and should be on everyone's read list. It gives an excellent explanation of the Glycemic Index and the Glycemic Load values of many foods. It is aimed toward those of us with diabetes, but those wanting to lose weight and be capable of keeping the pounds off will benefit from this book.
All the books are or have been available at Amazon.com.
There are many other books that are available for those of us with diabetes to read. I will review other books when I finish them and know that I will add them to my library or pass them to someone else. The above books will remain part of my library.
July 31, 2009
Guideline for Discussion
Many refer to first rule as a platitude, but for type 2 diabetes, it is a fact of life.
What works for me may not work for you. That is the first rule.
Always discuss things with your doctor(s). That is the second rule.
Always discuss changes with your doctor(s). That is the third rule.
The fourth rule is - all of the above!
I will advocate certain positions or ideas for those of us having type 2 diabetes. This is because I feel strongly about something, but you will have to decide if and how well it may apply to you.
If you are like me, you will glean ideas and apply what works for you and come back later to see if something may be applicable or explain something that is happening in your life. I do this with other blogs and sites.
I will not tell you that you must do this or that; you have a doctor(s) for that purpose. Your doctor(s) is the only person that can diagnose and prescribe proper treatment.
If what I write gives you ideas to discuss with your doctor(s), then I will be grateful. If you disagree with me and give me a sound reason, then I will have learned as well. I welcome constructive criticism, as I am human and make mistakes.
I advocate a team approach for the treatment of diabetes (the reason for doctor(s) above), with the patient in charge, except in emergencies. This has worked well for me. Members of the team should include a regular family doctor, a dietitian/nutritionist, and an endocrinologist. The following are optional depending on your needs - a neurologist, for neuropathy and sleep apnea, a podiatrist, for proper foot care and preventing amputations, a heart doctor, for heart disease, and an urologist, for monitoring kidney health. I almost forgot - an eye doctor for monitoring eye health and problems from diabetes (maybe not part of a team for some).
I know some people that have other doctors and specialists on their team for various medical problems. When it is possible, I also advocate making your pharmacist part of the team, but this is often more difficult for some. The biggest advantage to this is the communication and not prescribing conflicting medications and treatments. More doctors are working this way with knowledgeable patients who are willing to take charge. Even some insurance companies are finding out that there are less duplicate tests when one doctor orders the tests and shares with the rest.
Not everyone can have a team approach. This is because some people live in remote areas or in areas where the distance is great just to see a doctor. Other people find a doctor that is capable and has kept him or her-self up-to-date on diabetes and associated complications.
Diabetes is a 24/7 problem that requires a positive attitude and attention to detail for control. Most of us get derailed periodically. Sometimes we are able to determine the cause. Other times we never discover the cause, but are still able to regain control. The latter is the most frustrating and I am not immune to this.
What works for me may not work for you. That is the first rule.
Always discuss things with your doctor(s). That is the second rule.
Always discuss changes with your doctor(s). That is the third rule.
The fourth rule is - all of the above!
I will advocate certain positions or ideas for those of us having type 2 diabetes. This is because I feel strongly about something, but you will have to decide if and how well it may apply to you.
If you are like me, you will glean ideas and apply what works for you and come back later to see if something may be applicable or explain something that is happening in your life. I do this with other blogs and sites.
I will not tell you that you must do this or that; you have a doctor(s) for that purpose. Your doctor(s) is the only person that can diagnose and prescribe proper treatment.
If what I write gives you ideas to discuss with your doctor(s), then I will be grateful. If you disagree with me and give me a sound reason, then I will have learned as well. I welcome constructive criticism, as I am human and make mistakes.
I advocate a team approach for the treatment of diabetes (the reason for doctor(s) above), with the patient in charge, except in emergencies. This has worked well for me. Members of the team should include a regular family doctor, a dietitian/nutritionist, and an endocrinologist. The following are optional depending on your needs - a neurologist, for neuropathy and sleep apnea, a podiatrist, for proper foot care and preventing amputations, a heart doctor, for heart disease, and an urologist, for monitoring kidney health. I almost forgot - an eye doctor for monitoring eye health and problems from diabetes (maybe not part of a team for some).
I know some people that have other doctors and specialists on their team for various medical problems. When it is possible, I also advocate making your pharmacist part of the team, but this is often more difficult for some. The biggest advantage to this is the communication and not prescribing conflicting medications and treatments. More doctors are working this way with knowledgeable patients who are willing to take charge. Even some insurance companies are finding out that there are less duplicate tests when one doctor orders the tests and shares with the rest.
Not everyone can have a team approach. This is because some people live in remote areas or in areas where the distance is great just to see a doctor. Other people find a doctor that is capable and has kept him or her-self up-to-date on diabetes and associated complications.
Diabetes is a 24/7 problem that requires a positive attitude and attention to detail for control. Most of us get derailed periodically. Sometimes we are able to determine the cause. Other times we never discover the cause, but are still able to regain control. The latter is the most frustrating and I am not immune to this.
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