Jorr--my father also has diabetes. My frustration with him is that I don't think he takes it as serious as he should. My fiance's mother also has it. When she was first diagnosed she followed the diabetes diet and lost so much weight that she could stop taking the medication. She has since gained it back but mostly due to carelessness. Oh, and my Dad's brother has it. Needless to say, it's not looking good for me or my kids...You can still live a normal life, you just have to be more conscious of what you eat and be more active...Good Luck!

Tiff, they did set me up with a dietary specialist for next week. I am going to have so many questions about food in my mind, like how to get people not to force food on me with that old "O come on, this one dinner won't hurt you" line. Or "Its Thanksgiving only once a year, eat."

Dear Jorr ~ I hope you in no way think I was only suggesting that your diabetes could or should be controlled by diet only. I only wanted to offer my Mom's experience.

I also know you live in northern Minnesota, as does my Mom, and she had to push her HMO a bit to have a consult with a dietician as none reside in her area and they only do appts periodically.

Again to share that "her" experience has been greatly successful with diet and exercise, but as Neopolitan offered above, many need insulin.

Either way, don't be worried, diabetes is a very controllable disease if the patient is compliant. I am hopeful that your doctor told you that this morning. If not, there is much educational material available.

Thinking of you, Tiff

Hi Jorr ~ We were posting at the same time. I also can offer this to you regarding what you said about people pushing you to eat something and whatnot. My Mom still can eat many things, she just off sets it with other things. And I am being very general here, so please don't take this in any way verbatim, she just has to watch her sugar, and watch her carbs, etc, keep everything level.

I am pleased they set you up with a consult, they will teach you as they taught her, I should learn more as well as I am sure I am next in line here to get it.

Please keep us posted!
Only with the best intentions for your good health, Tiff

Rant: Diabetes. My "annual" exam in '02 showed a fasting Blood Glucose of 106 when normals were up to 110.
Then in '05, it was still 106, but the upper normal level had been lowered to 100. Followup hemoglobin A1C was 5.2 (nl 4.0 -6.0). Mom gained a ton of weight in her 60's and 70's and developed DM which disappeared after a 70# weight loss.

Rant: Illnesses - best wishes to all facing adversity.

GT: highly recommed a dive/snorkle at the "wreck of the Rhone".

Rant: I used to be fairly talented with a manual SLR, but my digital photography is primitive at best.

Rave: Cooler weather for most all.

Feliz fin de semana.

M

Today's article on CNN - vegan diet reverses diabetes

http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/07/28...eut/index.html

Can diabetes be ever reversed? Oh, well, it's not my article!

Jorr: hang in there - it's not the catastrophic news that it would have been a few years ago.

I was diagnosed during a routine physical about ten years ago. It took about 3 months to control, using only diet and exercise. I was then able to control it completely for about five years with only diet and exercise. Since it is both chronic and advances with age, I then had to begin controlling it with one pill a day. My doctor says with today's medication and some discipline on my part, there is no reason my blood sugar count can't remain normal well into my 80's or 90's.

Jorr, take good care of your feet. That may sound strange, but it's very important for diabetics. Current research estimates about 60% of our population has diabetes, and most of those are not yet diagnosed. My dad had diabetes and lived a great, long life with it. There's hope for all of us!:)

Rave: had a great time on vacation: the tour of Ohio, DH high school class reunion,reconnecting with college roommates. Loved Columbus symphony concert on the lawn with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, R&R Hall of Fame, Cedar Point, University Circle in Cleveland.

Rant: 10days worth of yard work, laundry and ironing for the weekend.

Will add prayers for all with "issues"

Jorr--Sorry to hear that. I have no words of wisdom for you, but I wish you well.

Rave--We have a wedding to go to near Mt. Hood in a couple weeks. Found a great place to stay today, and they offer military 1/2 price...even retired! So I booked the last king spa room for a steal!!!

Jorr, my best wishes to you -- take care!

((F)) Good Wishes to you Jorr!

RAVE: Jorr, thankfully you are intelligent and can act as your own advocate!

RAVE: STW, best wishes and prayers for your ongoing trouble!

RAVE: #2 son in community theater play that is sold out for the entire weekend!

RANT: Above son cannot remove stage makeup from eyes, esp. eyeliner, and has photo taken anyway for learner's permit . . . my son the Visigoth?

RANT: HVAC systems gone bad! Condensers on pans that corrode and must be replaced for big bucks!

RANT: Entire storage room of Christmas decorations must be unpacked, dried out (or thrown away), repacked in plastic containers because of water that dripped on floor for two days from above bad condenser!

RANT: Bad condenser failed two days after BOTH SEPTIC TANKS HAD TO BE PUMPED. A certain delicacy prevents me from discussing the situation that led to the discovery of septic tank problems!

RAVE: HVAC and plumber both came the SAME DAY I called. HVAC guy said, "I can recognize panic when I hear it!"

RAVE: DH just told me he wants to go to Giverny this year!

Jorr - It is very overwhelming when you first get diagnosed. (I am not diabetic but am a nurse so have experience with it from that side.)

Sometimes when you first get diagnosed, you get tons of information thrown at you before you even have had time to digest the news. Your anxiety, denial, anger, sadness, or fear could be so high right now that it makes it harder to figure out what the heck to do first. The info can be in one ear and out the other. You might want to bring a family member or friend along who can listen to the instructions too.

Take it day by day and learn one thing at a time. There are tons of resources on the web and if you are in a health plan, they might have what they call a "disease management" program which will hook you up with a clinicians to help you. It depends on your insurance but you could call your plan and at least ask.

Its all a bunch of jargon in the beginning so just take it a little at a time. But dont panic - you have probably had it for a while anyways and it wont all get resolved overnight.

Take care and let people help, answer questions and that sort of thing. Lori.

Rant: I went to my third funeral in four weeks yesterday. Enough!

Rave: DC in five days!

Rave: NYC trip in the fall. Can't wait for that one!!!

Hi jorr, you have received some good thoughts here.

Jorr, one of my stepsons had not been feeling "quite right". But he and his 8 month pregnant wife moved from CA to DC/Virginia due to a Master program and working for a government agency. He than flew back to CA as he was best man in a long time friends wedding. So he was quite busy.

One morning when the alarm went off he did not wake up. Fortunatly his wife did. He was in a coma. He was hospitalized for several days. Fortunatly we did not lose him. He was in a diabetic coma. The situation was so scary as you can imagine.

Many years later, he has a beautiful life, a fantastic career, three beautiful sons and is doing so well thanks to dedicated doctors and medical people.

So being diagnosed before you have a life threating episode jorr is a good thing! My very best wishes to you.

Hi, LoveItaly! I hear California should be getting some relief from the high heat!

My rant: We're one week into a home remodeling that will be going on for weeks. The sound of the air compressor and the nail gun have already driven me nearly around the bend!

Rave: I found an unopened bottle of Jack Daniels in my cupboard yesterday, so maybe I can cope after all!

Hi there Smalti! Open up that bottle of Jack Daniels and start drinking, there is nothing like workmen in the house for weeks to drive one insane, lol. Been there, done that. Only cure is to get a bit tipsy!!

STW, my very best to you..and do get at least a second opinion from another Dr., I have done that in the past, it is amazing what another Dr's opinion can be. You are in my prayers.

GoT, glad we got your rant and raves straightened out, lol!

ethel, I am so sorry for all your problems while you are trying to plan your wedding. May good fortune come to you and yours.

Dear Scarlett and P_M, have a wonderful time together in beautiful Portland!!

BTilke, I sure hope you get some cool weather. We have gone from 113 to mid 90's and right now it is 68 degrees. Pure paradise!!

OSBelle, after reading your question I too was going to suggest you call a reputable electrical company. Having had a pool and grandbabies I understand your concerns.

Hi there mms and mikemo!!

To everyone dealing with illness, various problems and stress in your life I wish you proper medical care, good answers to your problems and serenity instead of stress.

I hope everyone has some joyous hours this weekend.

rave:
I confirmed my apartment through Untours for two weeks in Kandersteg, CH next year, and nonstop air on United IAD-ZRH.

Good idea about the electrician...so obvious, can't imagine why I didn't think of it...guess because the pool company 'wired' all the pool eq. originally.
Thanks!