vietnam vets & type 2 presumtive agent orange

[mr ernie]

Looking for Vietnam Vets with Type 2, I am newly diagnoised (august 2009)

I am a literal loss, as the Doc's are not responsive.

What should I do when my Blood Sugar goes to 390, I have been over 250 many times.

Thanks <edited>

[SamQKitty]

Not sure I understand your post. What do you mean when you say the docs are not responsive? Are they not advising you as to how to treat your diabetes? Are you getting care through the VA? With numbers that high, you probably need, at the least, oral medication. Also, if you're not much overweight, they should confirm that it is, indeed, T2 by doing both a c-peptide and a GAD antibody test, if they haven't already done so.

Regardless of what caused this, you need treatment for it.

Ruth

[mr ernie]

Originally Posted by SamQKitty

Not sure I understand your post. What do you mean when you say the docs are not responsive? Are they not advising you as to how to treat your diabetes? Are you getting care through the VA? With numbers that high, you probably need, at the least, oral medication. Also, if you're not much overweight, they should confirm that it is, indeed, T2 by doing both a c-peptide and a GAD antibody test, if they haven't already done so.

Regardless of what caused this, you need treatment for it.

Ruth

I am being treated, I take 20 units of Levimer Insulsin and Metformin,
I filed a claim with the VA for the diabetes, as under law I am presuaded to do so, I quess the biggest problem is I have know idea how to bring down high blood sugar level (i.e. 350) and I have not been told what fods are the ones I need and what to stay away from, (I know the obvious).

Thanks Ernie

[SamQKitty]

Ernie,
I'm not familiar with the VA, so I don't know if they have this available, but many people when first diagnosed are referred to a diabetes education program, as well as to a registered dietician. That is where you'd get info on what foods to eat.

For the most part, it is carbohydrates that raise your blood sugar. That means sugars, bread, potatoes, rice, starchy vegetables like peas and corn. Doesn't mean you can't have them, but it does mean you have to limit the quantity you have, especially at one meal.

The American Diabetes Association puts out information on something called the "Exchange Diet", which is basically a food group eating plan. You might be able to get the booklet through them. But I would definitely ask for a referall to a registered dietician.

You didn't tell us whether or not you are overweight, and whether or not you had the C-peptide and GAD antibody tests. Unfortunately, there are still doctors out there who assume that if you're much over 21, it must be T2; however, people can develop T1 at all ages. It's very important to make sure which type you have, as if it's T1, you'll need a better insulin regimen than you're currently getting. If it's T2, you might have to increase the metformin.

As for what you can do to bring your numbers down rapidly...harder to do on long-acting insulin like Levemir, but as long as you're not producing ketones, you can do some exercise. Even a slow stroll will help. To check for ketones, get some ketostix at the drugstore...the instructions are on the bottle. Do not exercise if your blood sugar is over 250 AND you're producing ketones, but if you don't show ketones, you can do some exercise to bring it down.

Do push for more and better treatment...you're not being well-served if no one is educating you on what to do, especially with numbers running that high.

Ruth

[mr ernie]

Originally Posted by SamQKitty

Not sure I understand your post. What do you mean when you say the docs are not responsive? Are they not advising you as to how to treat your diabetes? Are you getting care through the VA? With numbers that high, you probably need, at the least, oral medication. Also, if you're not much overweight, they should confirm that it is, indeed, T2 by doing both a c-peptide and a GAD antibody test, if they haven't already done so.

Regardless of what caused this, you need treatment for it.

Ruth

Actually I did see an Endocronoligst, but she did not feel comfortable
treating a Vietnam Vet who had filed a claim under the Presumtive
diease (agent orange) which congress added type 2 diabets in 2001.
I have had an A1C test in august which showed my henoglobin level at 8.4
A1C is supposed to cover all, in order get a diagnosis of Diabetes.
I do take Metformin 2 x daily and 20 units of levimer.
Thanksfor your response, every one has been so helpful.

Best Regards, Ernie