Struggling to keep my sugar levels under control

By Mario

1 min read

I have had type 2 diabetes for about 20 years. No one in my family has the disease. I am afraid I have it thanks to my multiple exposures to Agent Orange in Vietnam, or so the VA says.

Still struggling to keep blood sugars under control

I am on SR Metformin 750 and Glipizide 10. I also have HBP. I stick to a very strict diet avoiding anything that increases blood sugar levels, however, I still can't see the levels under control. At times my fasting numbers are 140-160 and 3 hours after a meal 225-250. My A1c last time was 7.0.

I know these are not awful numbers, but it seems that it's starting to affect my organs. I just went through gallbladder surgery. My surgeon thinks that it was caused by my diabetes.

I am feeling so disappointed, and hopeless. It seems that nothing I do is helping.

Sorry to vent, but I am sure many of you feel the same way :)

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minelcannucciari Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="Mario" user-id="4273001"/>, I appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences with us. You are definitely not alone in your experiences and please feel free to use this place as an area to vent. It can be hard to do so much work, but not see the desired results. Have you had a chance to talk with your main doctor overseeing your diabetes care about your concerns? Thinking of you, Minel (Team Member)
minelcannucciari Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="Mario" user-id="4273001"/>, sorry for the double post! I did want to mention that we shared your story with our followers on Facebook, if you are interested in seeing their responses, please feel free to view here: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/Type2Diabetesdotcom/posts/2357319931084051' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.facebook.com/Type2Diabetesdotcom/posts/2357319931084051</a>. Best, Minel (Team Member)
Mario Member
Hi Minel, thank you for your kind words. In my history dealing with this monster I have had several Drs. who basically just have increased the dosage of the meds I take. My a1C number has always been under 7.2 and unfortunately they used that as the basis to say that it is under control. Even my endocrinologist says that,. I keep telling them that my spikes are bad in between. Sometimes in the morning is 78 3 hours after breakfast of 3 egg whites, whole grain toast, with a little bit of jam, veggies goes up to 230-250. I think spikes are damaging my organs. Because of my limited diet I continue to lose weight, In the last two years I went from 152 lbs to 135 now, I am 5'6" and again my Drs are not concerned. All I can do is keep trying and hope some day to be able to conquer this disease. Afain, thank you for your support. Mario
1. zezze Member
 <inline-mention username="Mario" user-id="4273001"/> I'm really sad for you because I know that feeling. I really hope I can help
2. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="CJ Winner" user-id="4563371"/>. It's been a while since you wrote this, so I thought I would reach out and see how you are doing. Were you able to stop the weight loss and get your A1C down? Have you seen an endocrinologist for a little more expertise? I hope all is well. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
Carol Ann Member
Hi Mario, I don’t know if you see an endocrinologist or a certified diabetic educator, but perhaps you could discuss the possibility of wearing a continuous glucose monitoring device to track your blood sugar levels. Maybe getting on insulin and one that is tied in with the glucose monitoring device would be a viable option for you so that when you spike, insulin would be automatically dispensed. Please don’t give up until you find a specialist who will take your concerns seriously if you feel this is not already being done.
Lori.Foster Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="Mario" user-id="4273001"/>. After reading through this thread and noting how overwhelmed you were when you wrote this, I felt the need to check in and see how you are doing. Were you able to get the continuous glucose monitor that <inline-mention username="Carol Ann" user-id="4134571"/> recommended? It seems that would be a good option for you. A dietician who specializes in diabetes could also help you figure out why you are getting spikes. I really hope you are doing better now. Thank you for your service. Warmest of wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
1. Mario Member
 Hi Lori, thanks a Million for your follow up. No change on my DT2. My A1c has improved down to 6.4.Same medications from the VA. My Dr issued a prescription for a CGM but the VA said NO, its only issued to those on insulin. The spikes continue even though I'm super careful with my diet. Still not able to gain weight, still at 135 lbs. Other than that life continues ..again, thank you!!!
2. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 I'm glad you have at least maintained your weight, <inline-mention username="Mario" user-id="4273001"/>, but I wish you had more support from the VA. That A1C sounds good though Please know we are here for you whenever you need support or a safe place to vent. You have a whole community of people who care. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member)