Over the last 5 years of writing this blog, I’ve tried to focus on the things I’ve made or learned how to make. My personal story continues around me while I’m making stuff, of course. I’d like to share my challenges with Type 2 Diabetes and how biofeedback is helping me meet those challenges. Currently, I’m taking three different meds to try to control my blood sugar. Decisions needed to be made about whether it was time to consider insulin to control things. Let me say…I was terrified I’d be stuck with daily shots for the rest of my life! Maybe that’s what it took for me to face things. While I was waiting for an appointment with a pharmacist/specialist to discuss all this, I started a very restricted low-carb diet. I also increased my blood sugar testing to 4x/day. Eating only protein and vegetables was tough but pricking my fingers 4x/day was very tough!
With that as the background, I had my appointment with the specialist. Discussion focused on my choices for the future. Luckily, before insulin, I was going to try a new med (new to me) called Glipizide XL. I was to continue eating the protein/vegetable diet and wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor called Dexcom G7. Here is the box:
With Bert’s help, the monitor was stuck to my arm and covered with a patch. The device has a little needle in my arm that checks my blood sugar every 5 minutes! No pain! Amazing! Then I started the new meds. It took a day or two for the new meds to get in my system. I could watch how my body reacted to the foods I ate…in real time! What an eye-opening experience! The best part was I didn’t have to prick my fingers 4x/day! Made my fingers very happy. Here is what the read-out looks like on my phone:
Then, I can switch to another chart and see my average glucose # and the GMI…I think that’s equivalent to the A1c…maybe? Maybe the health professionals in my family can send me info about that (smile). Luckily, the specialist can also read my charts from his office so he knows how things are going.
Reading these numbers certainly keep me focused on what I’m eating every day and how my blood sugar responds overnight when I’m not eating at all.
This monitor lasts for 15 days. Since I’m not on insulin, my insurance will not pay for this device. However, with a prescription I can pay for it myself…about $40 each. I may consider wearing one for another 15 days, just to make sure the meds have stabilized and I can continue to keep track! Especially, since in the next 3 weeks I have major baking to do for the Auxiliary Bake Sale! I think the monitor will help keep me honest!
This whole experience has reinforced what I’ve read about biofeedback. The research shows when you’re tracking physiological functions like blood sugar, heart rate or pain perception, biofeedback can be used to improve health in conjunction with changes to thoughts, emotions and behavior. This experience has shown me how powerful biofeedback can be.
So, while I’m watching my charts and sticking to my diet I’m finding I really need to stay busy! Luckily, I’ve got lots of fleece and have been cranking out coats for my beloved greyhounds! Here are some I just finished!
Now I just have to continue monitoring when I start my marathon baking! Wish me luck!
Please email me directly if you have questions, comments or advice at maryjkisner@gmail.com.
