Can someone help: Diabetes monitoring

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

03/21/2013 10:02:34 PM · #1

First, I hope it's OK to ask for help like this. If not, a mod can delete the thread and my apologies.

I'm in a bit of a bad spot here and was hoping someone from the U.S could help me out. I've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Up until about 2 years ago I was fine but then my h1ac started to go up, I started to get infections more easily, it just sucked. I diet and I'm at the gym 3 days a week. I eat a mostly protein/fat diet with controlled carb intake (Between 100 and 150 grams). However, I've had to fine tune that as well as I was becoming hypoglycemic at times. There was no real reason for the sudden increase. I've been tested several times over the years but now it seems it's got me.

The problem was, I had no blood glucose monitor. In Japan, you aren't allowed to have a monitor or test strips unless you're a full-blown diabetic ON INSULIN. There aren't any preventative measures put in place. On one of the diabetes forums I used to get information, a gentleman was kind enough to send me a monitor and test strips. These are Reli On brand monitor and test strips found at Walmart. They are cheap and while the information can be off by a bit, it is a gauge I've been able to use to really fine tune my diet and exercise regime and even found some surprising number increases/decreases with certain food or activity.

I was very grateful for the chance to get things somewhat under control. My h1ac has dropped into the lower 6s and fasting levels are around 110. I still suffer from hypoglycemic like attacks and currently being evaluated by a specialist.

The help I need: The gentleman who sent me the monitor and strips is an older man and not quite as mobile as he'd like to be. He also didn't want me to pay for anything, which makes it harder for me to ask for anything. So, I'm hoping someone on here from the U.S could do me a big favor and PM me letting me know they can help. The Reli On monitor is only sold in the U.S as are the strips. They are the only affordable strips. I would order them online from Walmart to your address, along with something else that you may need from Walmart that you could scratch of your grocery list so that that could go towards postage fees. The shelf-life for the strips (I already have a monitor but should get a backup) is 2 years. I'm looking to buy as many strips as I can so that I don't become a pain in anybody's behind. I cover the cost, and postage is paid in the form of something you may need from Walmart...unless you have a better option.

So, if anyone is up for the task, I'd be most grateful. If there's another way of payment/postage that better suits you, I'm all ears. I've been on here long enough that people know me (I hope) and that I'm not doing anything bad here. While the Japanese government doesn't allow doctors to issue monitors and strips, buying your own is fine. Depending on the day, I can test my blood up to 8 times. On a day off I usually test in the morning and with a regular routine and diet know where my levels are at. I'm hoping to get into the mid 5's by next month, at which time I'll be testing less. There are still 'unknowns' that require testing. I'm on my last bottle of 50 strips...I'm trying to make it last. I only have 1 American friend here in Japan and so far he says he's heard no answer from family back home.

Also, if there's anybody else on here with diabetes, I'm all ears for more advice. I lift hard for muscle mass. I've wanted to switch to something for endurance training but that requires a change in diet and I don't want to do that unless I know I'm OK.

If you need anymore information from me before helping, please do PM me. I don't want to be a bother to anyone, but I'm in a bit of a desperate situation. This is long term so it means I have to stock up on supplies.

Thanks for reading.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

03/21/2013 10:41:48 PM · #2

Jason,
I will send you a PM. I'm ready, willing and able to help.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

03/21/2013 11:04:13 PM · #3

I'd be happy to help you out as well.

I was diagnosed as borderline several years ago, but with diet and exercise I've gotten my A1c well into the normal range.

Odd that they would not allow someone to have blood glucose testers as a preventive measure. You don't have to be on insulin to be considered diabetic. I suppose there is some reasoning behind it. Cost savings for socialized medicine?

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

03/21/2013 11:17:42 PM · #4

Originally posted by kirbic:

Jason,
I will send you a PM. I'm ready, willing and able to help.

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Thank you both. I did a quick check back here before I'm off to work. I'm relieved to see that I've got some help waiting.

In Japan, most are either type 1 diabetics and those that are type 2 are people who have a family history of it (Genetics). There isn't really an obesity problem here where people are diabetic by overeating. What I found odd was that even though I've got a strict diet, an intense workout regiment and almost no sugar in my diet, that my h1ac shot up suddenly. I count my calories (Have for years) and the only calories I drink are milk (Maybe a glass a day) and protein shake, which is just an easy way of getting the necessary amounts needed while keeping the calories low. Everything else is water. I'm a chicken, brown rice and veggies kind of person. I eat that for breakfast lunch and dinner. I switch the chicken for fish and the brown rice for sweet potatoes. My veggies vary but they are all low calorie/carb but nutrient rich, like spinach, broccoli, cabbage, peppers, onions, mushrooms etc. I use to drink quite a bit (alcohol) but stopped many years before this happened to me. Now I'm a once a month kind of drinker, and the day off and after I drink my blood sugar levels are low. So, I have no idea what is happening...I've just got to get things into order so I can feel good mentally knowing I'm in the 5s again.

Again, I appreciate your help.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

03/21/2013 11:24:36 PM · #5

I had sent a PM also immediately, but not mentioned it here, so that's at least 3 of us.

Ja-9

Nikon D750

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

03/21/2013 11:39:15 PM · #6

Now your up to 4 of us...anytime...just let me know when you need something done.

MacDonald

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

03/22/2013 02:32:54 AM · #7

I also have a new monitor and lots of strips to fit it - I only needed the stick but it came in a kit.. just let me know although I see many have already offered. Just a quick aside, I was allergic to a tablet they gave me and if my dog wasn't alert, 6 times my blood sugars went below 40 and she woke me. I know you might not have a lot of choice in meds if you must take any but do be aware that it's something to be aware of. Good Health!

FourPointX

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

03/22/2013 07:16:06 AM · #8

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

I had sent a PM also immediately, but not mentioned it here, so that's at least 3 of us.

+1=5... one of us can make something happen i'm sure

dtremain

Canon EOS 80D

Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II

03/22/2013 10:31:38 AM · #9

I'm not a dr., nor do I play one on TV. But, a sudden, unexplained change in blood sugar would not be considered normal in U.S. medicine - especially since your posts indicate you are doing all the things the dr.s here in the states would love to have their Type II patients do.
Blood testers, test strips, etc. are readily available on e-bay, but I don't know if folks can / will ship to Japan. That is basically where I get my Type II supplies - watching to make sure the strips don't expire too soon, and that they are "new".
I'd also do some investigation on the web about a sudden unexplained rise in blood sugar (esp. the A1c number) - what could cause it. If you could find a decent match to your experience, there may be other ways to get the Japan medical community to detect it.
I'd be a bit aggressive on trying to figure out what is going on.

Quick search yielded this site, which I thought had some good information:
//www.livestrong.com/article/153932-reasons-for-elevated-a1cs-without-diabetes/

Message edited by author 2013-03-22 10:37:06.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR

03/22/2013 10:54:56 AM · #10

Thanks everyone, I replied to you personally. I appreciate the help.

dtremain You would think so...but it's what's happening. Last week I saw a specialist who had me do a ton of tests and anemia was one of them. So...from the article, this MAY be one reason. I'll keep people updated as I go through this.

banmorn

Nikon D750

03/23/2013 11:26:02 AM · #11

I just got diagnosed in January. Count me in to help out if you ever need it. I am wondering if one of the new remote glucose monitors might suit you better?