As I said in a previous post, I finally found a health care provider who was
willing to prescribe insulin for use in combating my high fasting numbers. I
began using Lantus on January 15th. It hasn't even been a month yet
but I can tell you that, without any hesitation, I am in love with insulin!
What a difference it has made in my life. Wow.
The doctor had
me start out slowly at 10 units and then bump it up by 2 units every 2 days
until my fasting numbers dropped below 130. I went up and down with dosage for
a few days in the second week but I think I have found the correct dosage for
me. I have no idea what this dosage is compared to others, and that doesn’t
matter, but it feels as if it isn’t very high. I like that because I don’t want
to use more insulin than necessary. So what is so miraculous you say? Here are my
fasting numbers in the week before beginning Lantus: 160,170,168,170,182,168.
Here are my fasting numbers within a weekish of beginning insulin:
110,114,113,130,128,122. It isn’t difficult to see a difference. Love!
The lower
fasting numbers combined with the CDE’s Permission to Eat have made
a huge difference in my mood, outlook and general happiness on a daily basis.
One of the most poignant stories was the first time I went out to eat after
beginning Lantus. I opened the menu and thought, “what do I want to eat?” not “what
will do the least damage?”. That is a major shift in my thinking around food.
Guess what? I chose a salad, not because it was the best choice for my health
but because it sounded good and I wanted it. Score!
That brings up
another thing I’ve been thinking about regarding insulin use. I touched on this
a bit in my last post. Will I suddenly turn into this person who just eats
whatever she wants and damn the torpedoes? Big, resounding NOPE! I know better.
I have learned over my years living with diabetes that a lot of it is up to me
and my choices. I still need to eat a healthy diet. I still need to add
exercise to my day. I still need to pay attention. Insulin, and the better
fasting numbers, have allowed me to relax and not freak out about food. I am
still trying to eat a lowish carb diet but am willing to try adding some
healthy carbs back into my life. I’m freer to eat out and actually eat a ½ sandwich
or hash brown potatoes. I am not free to eat a whole sandwich with French fries.
I still struggle with some foods (potato chips…gah!) but I am not going to eat
something that I know isn’t good for me. For instance, we buy frozen popcorn
chicken at Sam’s Club that you just have to zap in the microwave for 2 min. I
adore it for its simplicity and taste. I mentioned to the CDE that I had such
trouble with my bg after eating said chicken. Her response: “Let’s break it
down. The only carbs are the bit in the breading. It shouldn’t be a problem.” I
had some for dinner tonight. Before eating: 114. Woot! 2 hours later: 204. I’d
call that a problem. Should I continue to eat the popcorn chicken just because
it “only has a bit of carbs in the breading” or should I be realistic and
realize that there are definitely foods I cannot eat, even in moderation? I
choose the latter.
I am a much
more relaxed person with diabetes these days. This small change has been
life-changing. Really! I’m still a little concerned about weight gain, the
price isn’t a huge issue at this level of insulin use combined with my
insurance, and I’m not intimidated in the least by the ½” needle. No big deal
(but DANG, a ½” needle looks ginormous the first time you have to poke it in
your belly!) Here’s the biggest plus: I feel like I’m in control again. I know
that diabetes will continue to rear it’s butt-ugly head from time to time and I
will most likely have to make further adjustments down the road, but I took
charge, I stood up for myself and I won. Kate is back!
