Diabetes Resources

Kasa

This might be a long-shot, but does anyone here have any suggestions for good books or magazines about living with Type 2 diabetes?

My MIL was recently diagnosed and she's clueless as to how to take care of herself, specifically in regards to the foods that she can and cannot eat.  And her doctor doesn't seem to be helpful. 

I'd like to get her a book or perhaps a magazine subscription on the subject.  Specifically, I'm looking for something very easy to read that offers practical advice and recipes.

Any suggestions?  Thanks!

goodgollie

Hi Kasa.  That is too bad about your mom.  Being diagnosed with diabetes is a life-changing experience.  I see newly diagnosed diabetics all the time and they are always a little anxious and unsure of how to take care of themselves.  The first thing I recommend she do is find a good endocrinologist to monitor her.  Dr. Pomeroy and Dr. Dienes are on the diabetes management team at Spectrum and are VERY good.  Secondly, she needs to go to outpatient self-management training. This is recommended for all newly diagnosed diabetics.  She will be instructed by nurses and specialty Registered Dietitians on how/when to check her blood sugars, give herself her medications and how to count carbohydrates.  She will probably need a referral from her doctor for this training, but it should be covered by her insurance with that referral. 

I do not recommend getting a magazine initially.  There is so much to learn and there is a lot of misinformation in magazines.  Once she gets her basic education, then perhaps her endocrinologist can recommend a good book or magazine to continue her learning process. 

I hope this helps!  It takes a lot of learning and some motivation in the beginning.  However, studies show that patients who get good education and care from the initial diagnosis are the ones who do the best with their longterm management.  If you have any questions at all please PM me!

Kasa

Hi!  This is great, thanks so much! 

Unfortunately, my MIL (not my mother... big difference... ha!) lives in a small town up north, so the Spectrum recs aren't helpful.  And I'm not even sure there is a local endocrinologist, although I'll look into it. 

The self-management program sounds like exactly what she needs, but again, I'm not sure if there is such a thing locally.  I'll do some digging and find out.  Although, to be honest, I'm concerned she wouldn't go, even if there is one.  She's... difficult.  But DH and I are trying to help her if she'll let us.

A couple of more serious issues she has -- her primary care physician just moved out of town and she doesn't have a new one yet (and doesn't seem concerned about finding one).  Also, as of January 1, she may very well not have any health insurance.

I'll look into local endocrinologists and self-management programs.  Thank you for these suggestions!  I appreciate your help.

goodgollie

Kasa:

Hi!  This is great, thanks so much! 

Unfortunately, my MIL (not my mother... big difference... ha!) lives in a small town up north, so the Spectrum recs aren't helpful.  And I'm not even sure there is a local endocrinologist, although I'll look into it. 

The self-management program sounds like exactly what she needs, but again, I'm not sure if there is such a thing locally.  I'll do some digging and find out.  Although, to be honest, I'm concerned she wouldn't go, even if there is one.  She's... difficult.  But DH and I are trying to help her if she'll let us.

A couple of more serious issues she has -- her primary care physician just moved out of town and she doesn't have a new one yet (and doesn't seem concerned about finding one).  Also, as of January 1, she may very well not have any health insurance.

I'll look into local endocrinologists and self-management programs.  Thank you for these suggestions!  I appreciate your help.

No problem!  I hope she can find a good PCP, endo and training class.  There are training programs all over the state so hopefully you can find one close to where she lives.  If she is losing her insurance she should be able to sign up for some sort of medicare/caid to be able to manage her diabetes.  I see so many newly diagnosed patients just not do anything or they get a lot of misinformation over the internet, etc.  Needless to say, their outcomes are never very good.  Just be supportive and encouraging.  Good luck!

Kasa

Thanks again, goodgollie!  I just forwarded to your recommendations to my husband.

amaretto*sour

goodgollie, do you work with diabetics? I'm not diabetic (yet), but I have a lot of trouble with my blood sugar dropping rapidly. I've had to be pretty strict with making sure to eat often, but it's getting harder to control...I don't have health insurance, so I can't see the doctor. Is there any way to reverse this? As I get older, it seems to get harder and harder to keep my blood sugar from dropping really fast.

laurainMI

Goodgollie gave tons of great advice.

My dad's a diabetic, but I really don't know much about it.  I use this cookbook to find new dishes to cook for him.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/184-2483786-6893561?asin=B002RIFXL4&AFID=Froogle_df&LNM=|B002RIFXL4&CPNG=&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B002RIFXL4&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

 

MissyNa

As previously mentioned there is a TON to learn when you're diabetic. In my mind a class is a MUST when first diagnosed. It's also good to take one every few years as a refresher. Your FIL should really go as well. They will teach him what to do if your MIL has an episode.I know how difficult your MIL can be though. I know my mom gets a diabetic magazine or two. I'll find out which ones she likes best and let you know. Check out the American Diabetes Association website. There is some very good information on there including books to read, recipes and support boards.