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Letters to the Editor
October 2005
August Was a Good Read From Cover to Cover
I was pleased to read that by controlling his carbohydrates, Scott King made a major impact on his blood sugar that resulted in fewer lows (“How a Diabetic Guy Trimmed Down”, August 2005).
I was amazed when I read that all but one of the long-time type 1s featured in the “Gifts of Experience” article had an A1C of 6% or less, and the one exception had an A1C of 6%-7%.
Then I turned to the Jay Hewitt article (“Triathlete Sees Diabetes as an Opportunity, Not an Obstacle”). I was simply stunned: His A1C was 5.9%.
You are to be commended for holding up these examples of people who have truly achieved control over their diabetes.
If I had followed the ADA diet recommendations and the ADA control targets, I’d surely be dead now. I’m glad that your magazine does not buy into their weak-willed fatalism and the lie that diabetes is a progressive disease. Only untreated and uncontrolled diabetes progresses.
I’m a non-insulin-dependent type 2, diagnosed just over two years ago with an A1C of 11.8%. I was one sick puppy.
In 90 days, my A1C dropped to 5.5%, and it has drifted downward from there. My most recent A1C (in December 2004) was 4.7%. I lost 30 pounds before diagnosis (unintentionally) and 70 pounds postdiagnosis (intentionally). My BP has dropped from 140/90 to 110/70. My blood chemistry is indistinguishable from a person of superior health.
I achieved this with metformin, a massive vitamin and supplement program, and an ultra-low-carb diet and exercise.
Every diabetic is capable of achieving what I have done, though not many will actually do it. However, your magazine does a wonderful job getting out the message that good control is achievable and is the correct goal to strive for.
Jeff Grossman
Beaverton, Oregon
Reader Loved the Gifts
I loved “The Gifts of Experience” in the August 2005 issue. I’m fairly isolated when it comes to talking to anyone with diabetes who takes care of themselves. I was very interested in what the “veterans” ate, and what their A1C was. Please publish more articles like this.
Judy Morris
San Antonio, Texas
Amazing Results, and Hopes, With Byetta
I am a 50-year-old woman with type 2 for the past five years. I was at the limit of my medications (metformin 2,000 mg per day and Amaryl 8 mg per day). Then I read your article on Byetta in the July 2005 issue (“Byetta Now Available for Type 2s”).
I have been on Byetta for the past two months and am amazed at the results. My morning sugars were running close to 200, even after fasting for 12 hours. They are now below the low 90s. I started on 5 mcg for one month and am now on the 10 mcg dose. I’ve been able to cut my Amaryl morning dose in half and hope I can keep reducing it.
I have experienced the nausea, some days worse than others. I found that, instead of waiting longer to eat within that one-hour time frame, if I eat right after injecting, I do not have the nausea.
Some benefits are that I do not have the appetite I had. When eating out, I can eat only half of my portions. I have less hunger throughout the day and do not wake up hungry. My appetite is less and my stomach is not as bloated. I am sure that the pounds will start dropping in the long term.
I return to the doctor in three months and am very excited to see what my AIC and my weight loss will be. My last A1C was 7.3.
Pat Davis
My endocrinologist recommended Byetta and provided me with a 30-day trial sample. This is day one, and I definitely feel the appetite-suppressant effect.
I will update you about my progress with BG levels and weight loss. I am hoping my insurance will cover it. I really hope so, because I think it might really be something good.
Jackie Troya
Arcadia, California
Illustration Sums Up Living With Diabetes
I am an RN who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 28 years. I have spent countless hours speaking to others about diabetes. One message that I want to make clear is how much attention and energy it takes to keep our blood glucose in target range and the consequences of uncontrolled blood glucose.
Diabetes has been around for thousands of years, yet it remains the number one cause of new blindness, nontraumatic amputation of the lower extremities and end-stage kidney failure. If we want to avoid these complications, we must learn whatever it takes to manage the disease. Sure the medical teams give us advice, but they are not with us once we leave the office. We are the ones who decide when to eat, what to eat, how much to exercise, etc. If we do not do what it takes to control our blood glucose, we—not our physicians— will face the complications of the disease.
It is the patient and the patient alone who is ultimately responsible for managing [his or her diabetes]. That is why all diabetics should see their diabetes healthcare team with a thirst for education and knowledge, striving for the best possible control.
My ideas were expressed on paper by a very dear friend, Clement Wiederholt. I call it “The Balancing Act.” I hope you can print it in Diabetes Health, as I feel it will speak volumes to your subscribers.
Debra Hull, RN
Skidmore, Missouri
Categories: A1c Test, Blood Glucose, Blood Sugar, Diabetes, Diabetes, Insulin, Jay Hewitt, Letters to the Editor, Losing weight, Type 1 Issues, Type 2 Issues
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Oct 1, 2005
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Diabetes Health
Diabetes Health is the essential resource for people living with diabetes- both newly diagnosed and experienced as well as the professionals who care for them. We provide balanced expert news and information on living healthfully with diabetes. Each issue includes cutting-edge editorial coverage of new products, research, treatment options, and meaningful lifestyle issues.
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Topics
- Diabetic / Diabetes Health
- Type 1 / 1.5 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Blood Glucose / Sugar
- High/Low Blood Sugar / Fast Acting Glucose
- Insulin- Pumps, Pens & Syringes
- Continuous Glucose Monitors, CGM, Infusion Sets
- Type 2 Medications
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia
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