Hayden_McCall
Member
- Messages
- 14
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
Back at the end of March, I was going through a stretch where I was constantly thirsty. I could drink 32 oz. of water and 10 seconds later felt like I'd dragged my tongue across Death Valley. I couldn't quench my thirst. As a result of drinking so much, I was in the bathroom constantly. 2-3 times an hour. Additionally, I was constantly tired. I'd sleep 8 hours, wake up, and be so exhausted I could go right back to sleep. I eventually called 911 because I wasn't even comfortable with the idea of driving.
Upon arriving at the hospital, I was told I was experiencing ketoacidosis. My blood sugar was literally off the chart. I spent days in the hospital on an insulin drip and an IV before I could even be put on food. Once on food my blood sugar sky rocketed and they had to take me off again. When they finally released me, my blood sugar was still at 365.
I was prescribed Lantus and Humalog. But with no insurance the meds ran in the THOUSANDS per month. I applied for assistance through both drug manufacturers. My doctor filled out the paperwork and all I had to do was send it in. But I didn't. I'd been reading about how people combatted diabetes with a low carb diet. So I dove in head first.
I came back to my primary two weeks later. I'd gotten my blood sugar to the 200's. My doctor was ecstatic. He said "So the meds are working. That's great." Then I told him I didn't send in the documentation. I'd lost 12 lbs and lowered my blood sugar significantly by drastically reducing carbs and exercising on my Peloton bike for 45-60 minutes a day. He thought it was great, but said I really needed insulin. He prescribed me a 70/30 that they sell OTC at Walmart and wanted me to take 35 units every morning. He said if I could get my blood sugar to 125-225, he'd take me off insulin and prescribe me Metformin. We set an appointment for two weeks later. When I returned to visit, I informed him I was within range for Metformin. He was ecstatic that the 70/30 had helped. Then I told him I hadn't taken it. He didn't understand. I told him I'd continued the low carb diet and exercise. I'd lost another 8 lbs. He really wanted me to up my carbs. He wanted me eating more carbs per meal than I was eating in a day. So he prescribed the Metformin, which I've bought but never used.
I have an appointment with him on may 30th. I'm now routinely at 130 or less, and have even hit double digits for my morning reading after an overnight fast. I'm now down nearly 30 lbs since April 1st. I'm eating well, getting great exercise, sleeping like a champ, and have outstanding energy. My mood is as upbeat as it's ever been. I'm not sure I'd have gotten here without my diagnosis. I knew I didn't want to be taking injections the rest of my life or experiencing other complications.
I'm the last few weeks I've read Grain Brain, The Big Fat Surprise, and Good Calories Bad Calories. All have been a huge revelation. I recommend all of them be read.
I know everyone is different, but I hope if anyone else is in a similar position, that this serves as hope that with some steadfast dedication, it may be possible to tackle this condition without medication.
Upon arriving at the hospital, I was told I was experiencing ketoacidosis. My blood sugar was literally off the chart. I spent days in the hospital on an insulin drip and an IV before I could even be put on food. Once on food my blood sugar sky rocketed and they had to take me off again. When they finally released me, my blood sugar was still at 365.
I was prescribed Lantus and Humalog. But with no insurance the meds ran in the THOUSANDS per month. I applied for assistance through both drug manufacturers. My doctor filled out the paperwork and all I had to do was send it in. But I didn't. I'd been reading about how people combatted diabetes with a low carb diet. So I dove in head first.
I came back to my primary two weeks later. I'd gotten my blood sugar to the 200's. My doctor was ecstatic. He said "So the meds are working. That's great." Then I told him I didn't send in the documentation. I'd lost 12 lbs and lowered my blood sugar significantly by drastically reducing carbs and exercising on my Peloton bike for 45-60 minutes a day. He thought it was great, but said I really needed insulin. He prescribed me a 70/30 that they sell OTC at Walmart and wanted me to take 35 units every morning. He said if I could get my blood sugar to 125-225, he'd take me off insulin and prescribe me Metformin. We set an appointment for two weeks later. When I returned to visit, I informed him I was within range for Metformin. He was ecstatic that the 70/30 had helped. Then I told him I hadn't taken it. He didn't understand. I told him I'd continued the low carb diet and exercise. I'd lost another 8 lbs. He really wanted me to up my carbs. He wanted me eating more carbs per meal than I was eating in a day. So he prescribed the Metformin, which I've bought but never used.
I have an appointment with him on may 30th. I'm now routinely at 130 or less, and have even hit double digits for my morning reading after an overnight fast. I'm now down nearly 30 lbs since April 1st. I'm eating well, getting great exercise, sleeping like a champ, and have outstanding energy. My mood is as upbeat as it's ever been. I'm not sure I'd have gotten here without my diagnosis. I knew I didn't want to be taking injections the rest of my life or experiencing other complications.
I'm the last few weeks I've read Grain Brain, The Big Fat Surprise, and Good Calories Bad Calories. All have been a huge revelation. I recommend all of them be read.
I know everyone is different, but I hope if anyone else is in a similar position, that this serves as hope that with some steadfast dedication, it may be possible to tackle this condition without medication.