spikes and testing

[Sienna]

I'm told I have type 2. The GP doctor, a nurse, a chemist and the do-your-feet-lady ALL said to me
"Don't go in for daily or several-times-daily testing of yourself. It is totally unnecessary because we will test you every so many months, its that finding that matters. Anyway, (they added meanly!) daily testing hurts."

But folk here do seem to test themselves, talk about "spikes" and different foods that cause them, and they try to get these spikes down quickly. Which suggests comparatively brief "spikes" DO matter. Why? Should I be testing to find what foods do what, if only to learn what to eat or avoid tomorrow?

I really don't have a goal to aim for, sugar, salt, starch, fat, all seem proscribed or risky. Protein in excess does in your kidneys and green veg does in the warfarin I take. What's ok?
Sorry this is so long.

 

[Lauras87]

Hi sienna

I can't speak for the T2's here about testing but the comment of it hurts is just stupid!

Have the doctors said anything about putting you on medication?

 

[Northerner]

Hi Sienna, unfortunately this is a very common view to take by healthcare professionals, that you don't need to test because they will test you every few months. But consider this: if your blood test in three months shows that your levels are high, even though you may think you have been eating healthily and sensibly, then how are you supposed to determine what it was that you have been eating that has caused it? You can't! There is no single 'healthy' diet for diabetes as people's tolerances fr different things varies, so what is perfectly tolerable for one person might send another person's levels through the roof. You might get away with it if you restrict your diet severely, eating very low carb, low GI meals, but this could mean a very restrictive and boring diet which can affect your quality of life. Far better to test so that you know exactly what things you can eat happily, what you need to restrict, and what you need to avoid. This isn't rocket science, it's simple common sense and logic. What is driving the HCPs objections to testing is the cost of the strips!

You won't need to test like this every time - once you have determined your tolerances for familiar foods you will only need to test when trying something new, or for the occasional 'spot check' to make sure everything is still on track. Some people are happy to hear that they don't need to test, but not everyone feels that way. If you are motivated to test and learn then you should be given strips on prescription and encouraged to do so - and to discuss your results so that the HCPs can see your progress.

If you haven't already done so, have a quick read of Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter. You might also find Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S useful as a guide to efficient testing. 🙂

Testing isn't fun, but it's preferable to letting levels remain poorly controlled and not knowing why.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Spot on Northie!

Couldn't agree more.

A lot of research seems to suggest that it is the variation (spikes) in BG that really put the body under strain and do the damage. Ping-ponging back and forth between 2 and 20 is no good for you even if your BG 'average' looks perfect. Granted you are unlikely to see those very low numbers without medication, but it is perfectly possible to see plenty of double-digit readings on D&E unless you learn how different foods affect you and which (and what quantities) can be handled successfully by your own body at different times of day.

 

[Sienna]

thank you Laura, Northerner and e.d.u.a.d. (youre not called Edward by any chance??)

Just trying to get it clear - firstly, self testing is useful to find out just what food does just what to ME personally; secondly it may be that short term erratic levels cause real harm, even within a satisfactory-average longer term level.

Oh ouch, it looks like pin cushion time. . .

 

[Northerner]

thank you Laura, Northerner and e.d.u.a.d. (youre not called Edward by any chance??)

Just trying to get it clear - firstly, self testing is useful to find out just what food does just what to ME personally; secondly it may be that short term erratic levels within the longer term average level cause real harm.

Oh ouch, it looks like pin cushion time. . .

Yes, yes and (I'm afraid!) yes! 😉 Actually, if you get a good finger pricker then it's not too bad. I use the Accuchek Multiclix which has also had the thumbs up from several other members and it is relatively painless. There are various tricks you can use also to try and minimise the pain, such as using warm hands, using the sides of the tips of your fingers, not the central pad (where there are more nerves), also not using your thumb or forefinger and using both sides of all remaining fingers to allow each one to recover. One useful tip I was given was to wait a couple of seconds after stabbing before gently squeezing for a blood drop - the finger's first reaction is to try and close the wound, but it will relax after a couple of seconds making the blood easier to get. Most meters only need a tiny amount 🙂

 

[Lauras87]

thank you Laura, Northerner and e.d.u.a.d. (youre not called Edward by any chance??)

Just trying to get it clear - firstly, self testing is useful to find out just what food does just what to ME personally; secondly it may be that short term erratic levels cause real harm, even within a satisfactory-average longer term level.

Oh ouch, it looks like pin cushion time. . .

I'm like northerner, I use a multiclix pen & it doesn't hurt.
I do the milking a cow routine for getting blood out