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RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/24/2014 7:32:30 AM

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I'm not a big soup eater except for the kinds I'm not supposed to eat (cream soups). I did have a bean soup while on a cruise a few years back that was really good and would love to try that. Usually though, I missing one or two important spices when I look up the recipe. Spices can get pricey.

I'm surprised the testing kits are expensive there. Here a kit can be bought for as little as $20" and comes with a few lancets which would last you quite a while for your needs.

(in reply to LadyConstanze)

RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/24/2014 7:48:13 AM

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You can buy them dirt cheap IF you have the reader (the machine where you stick the strip in with a drop of blood) and I think free when you have a prescription, again, I only need them every couple of months and the vet gives them to me, not a big deal.

As for cream soups, I tend to have the "fake" ones a lot, simple soup with a potato and then blend the potato, it will give it a creamy texture and before you're finished and serve it, just add a bit of skimmed milk. Also different beans have different tastes, I don't tend to follow recipes completely but freestyle a lot, a lot of spices can be replaced and buying them in plastic bags is a lot cheaper than in the little glasses and dispensers, again Asian and Mexican supermarkets offer great value for money. I use the clips to close the bags, so the spices don't lose their aroma.

If you like Asian food, a bit of olive oil and you marinate sliced ginger root and garlic in it for a day, then blend it with a hand mixer or food processor and put it into a container you can seal, as long as you always use a clean spoon to take it out, it will last for a long long time. A healthy way of adding an interesting taste to stir fries (kale works in stir fry), my stir fry really tends to be most of the veg I found reduced.

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RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/24/2014 8:03:05 AM

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IMO i think the pens are better. easier to use in public etc quicker too. they are just more convienent

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RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/24/2014 8:22:01 AM

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A healthy cream of broccoli (or cream of cauliflower, or a mix) soup

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/low-fat-full-flavor-cream-of-broccoli-soup/

EXCEPT I substitute the no fat evaporated milk (which probably has tons of hidden sugars) with something called fromage blanc made by Chez Eddy, a heart healthy restaurant. A great low fat substitute for cream or sour cream.

Here's that recipe:
1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup non fat yogurt (plain) best quality you can find

if you're using it as sour cream, add 1 t lime juice
1 t lemon juice

Whip it up in your blender, it lasts about a week. You can easily halve the recipe.

I also use it half and half with mayonnaise to cut some of that fat out.

Also, I make my own chicken broth.

My favorite way to eat kale:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/sauteed-kale-recipe.html

Have you heard of broccolini? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broccolini

That makes a nice change.

Mushrooms, how about a muchroom quiche?

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/over-the-top-mushroom-quiche

Instead of the cream, use the fromage blanc. Substitute low fat mozzarella for the cheese, and eliminate the pastry shell all together if you want to keep the fat and carbs down. Some times I do the pastry, it does make it better, but I try to resist.

How about spinach stuffed mushrooms?

http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Spicy-Spinach-Stuffed-Mushrooms-The-Pioneer-Woman-200140?columns=5&position=4%2F59

That's way to big of a recipe for one person, I'd quarter it. I would also make substitutions, using low fat mozzarella, fromage blanc, and a tablespoon or two of the cheddar cheese and maybe a Parmesan cheese. It's called spicy mushrooms, I wouldn't call it that unless I added 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes and a pinch of nutmeg with the spinach. That would make a kick ass recipe.

You know, one of these days I'm going to write a cookbook.

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RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/24/2014 4:54:09 PM

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Spinach stuffed mushrooms, two favorites!

My food budget is done for this month, but I'm going to make a list to make some of those things, including that olive oil ginger root thing LC mentioned.

The good news is no celiac's so I only have one thing for food restrictions not two.

(in reply to ChatteParfaitt)

RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/25/2014 3:01:18 AM

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Yeah, I love spinach too. You could easily turn the quiche into spinach mushroom quiche. That sounds wonderful.

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RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/25/2014 3:18:56 AM

MissImmortalPain

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I have been taking insulin for most of my life and to be honest I really don't care for the pens. I find them uncomfortable for some reason and have noted that there are times when they don't deliver insulin as well as a syringe does. There have been times when I have noted insulin loss, though minimal, when I take the pen off my skin. The docs have always said it isn't enough to make a difference but it bothers me so I use sharps.

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RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/25/2014 8:52:54 AM

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MIP,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. You are the only one who has offered a different opinion other than the convenience off the pens.

I actually have an endo appointment today where we will go over in mor detail the whole insulin thing. Especially how to use the syringes which I'm not familiar with. Even though I used the pens a couple times in the past, unsuccessfully in that they had no effect on my blood sugar, I see the syringes as different and they scare me a bit. Pehaps its all in my head. I think that the "dire" warnings about the possibility of dramtic blood sugar drop and me living alone havsomething to to with that. I suddenly have this worry that my BS will drop dangerously before I get to eat. It seems silly when I type it out, lol.

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RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/25/2014 9:48:52 AM

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I think you somehow missed my post.

I am not a fan of pens.
I find that they take much longer to inject and are less comfortable than the syringe.

I can understand how people would like the convenience of the pen but the ease and comfort of the syringe trumps the pen for me.

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RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/25/2014 11:08:28 AM

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LL,
The "big" difference between pens and vials are supposed to be for convenience for you. Your active pen does not need to be refrigerated whereas vials are always supposed to be. Although in my years I have asked many medical professionals about that and have been told that it is recommended to refrigerate the vials but they have never seen an issue with vials not being refrigerated. I have kept an active vial at room temp and the stock in the fridge without any issues. A biggie would be if you mix two types - using pens means you would need two injections; using vials you can draw from two vials in one needle needing only one injection. I have found that sometimes pens can be difficult when you rotate your injection sites - ex: your buttocks. Obviously the pen is longer so your reach is at a little bit of a different angle than the length of a needle, as well as I have had times where it just seems hard to hold it steady and push the button at the top of the pen - sometimes I would really struggle to push the button or the button would not release (maybe its just me); but I have kids who have at times given me shots with a pen and said it was hard for them to push on occasion too. I am not sure if any one else has had this happen to you with pens but if your are getting to the end of the pen...say 20 units and you need 30 units then you are kind of stuck. You again have two injections to finish the 20 units left in the one pen and another injection for the last 10 units from the new pen. Likewise when you can no longer dial up the pen and there is still insulin visible I feel like I am wasting. With the consent of my doctor and the expense of him laughing at me for being frugal, I have another script for syringes so that I can get every last drop. I have actually used a syringe with two different types of insulin in pens to mix so I don't have to have two injections. You just have to be very careful to make sure you then put a pen needle on the pen and release the air that you have now left from using a syringe. I am not recommending this to you or anyone else because of obvious safety reasons if you are not going to be 100% proactive in releasing the air; but as I said, I talked to my doctor about it and he didn't see a medical problem with me doing it as long as I was being careful. My insurance did cover two different types of needles without any problems, btw. You would be surprised at how much insulin is left in the pens after not being able to dial up anymore. One other thing I have noticed with pens, is if you push too hard too fast then pull the needle out right after sometimes the pen is still releasing the insulin, so you either have to go slow and steady or leave the needle there for a second or two after pushing the button.

I feel I have to say this but diabetes is without a doubt not a one size fits all. What works for some does nothing for others so please be very careful and pay close attention to your body and what works for you.

I have had many occasions where I have had needles in my purse and run-ins with different sorts of security. I have never had any one question me. Going thru security at our local court house for paperwork. I was upfront even before my purse went thru the x-ray machine that I had needles and such. I am a designated driver and went thru a DUI checkpoint. The officer commenting on all the drunks in the car and thanking me for driving but then asking the typical "does anyone have anything on them?". I told him I have needles and why and he just smiled. I was pulled over once because I forgot to get my care inspected and while I was pulling out my drivers license a needle landed on my lap. I got a look at first but when I showed the officer my gluclo-meter, insulin, etc. he said thank you for being honest with him.

I am not sure about what laws are in place for sharps; but here we do not have to have a name brand "sharps" container. You can use an empty milk jug, bleach container, etc. The main concern is it is contained and labelled so that others know and safe disposal.

(in reply to LadyConstanze)

RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/25/2014 11:48:01 AM

MissImmortalPain

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Fear can be a big factor in how we as individuals deal with being diabetic, LL, and trust me it is one I understand. I crashed (blood sugar drop) day before yesterday and was lucky to have a pet here when it happened. My son lives at home and knows what to do but he is 16 and I hate having to think about him having to "rescue" me. The pet that was here knows me very well and knew exactly what to do. My blood sugar was 42 and rapidly dropping. I always have something near me to bring it back up when it happens. Juice, a small(regular) soda, what the pet grabbed was a marshmallow and peanut butter. I carry little bits of candy in my purse when I travel. If I know I will be driving for an long while I bring travel sizes of peanut butter (peanut butter is a god send if you aren't allergic) You learn as you go how your body will react to different things and then you make sure you know what to do when things happen. I was a juvenile diabetic and am now what doctors call a brittle diabetic (my blood sugar swings whenever it feels like it and there is very little I can do about it) The one thing I have learned over the years is....PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY. Yes that is in all caps for a reason. You are going to hear a lot of opinions, suggestions, and knowledge from a lot of different people but as you listen to it remember that no one knows your body as well as you do. Find what is right for you.

To clairify something gigi said though....insulin in vials can be stored at room temp for up to thirty days as long as it is activly being used. Before it is opened or if it takes longer than thirty days to empty it should be in the frig. Don't let it get hot, you can take it with you but don't leave it in the car, and don't let it get to cold...cold can be just as bad as heat.

On a personal note I would also suggest that you make friends and family aware of what can happen and how they should react to it. My family took classes on how to give shoots, what to do doing drops, how my moods can change, when they found out I was diabetic. Now everyone in my life from family to friends to pets to even the kids know what to watch for and what to do.

Good luck

< Message edited by MissImmortalPain -- 2/25/2014 11:52:27 AM >

_____________________________

It is always by way of pain that we arrive at pleasure.

We must all go through a right of passage,and it must be physical, it must be painful,and it must leave a mark.

(in reply to LafayetteLady)

RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/25/2014 12:46:41 PM

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In Europe they use dogs for diabetics, apparently the dogs smell the change in blood sugar before it happens and alert the person, so the danger of fainting or actually falling in a coma seems to be eliminated, I just checked for the link and it seems they have it in the US too

http://www.diabeticalertdog.com/

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Those who do and those who don't!

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(in reply to MissImmortalPain)

RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/25/2014 3:47:40 PM

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Anjelika,

Yes, I did miss your post somehow. My apologies. Thank you as well. Since apparently my insurance believes you need to be blind to have the pens, I will be using vails and syringes.

(in reply to LadyConstanze)

RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/25/2014 4:21:03 PM

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MIP,

I met with the doctor today and we are on the same page now, which is comforting. As I said I am not getting the pens unless I go blind apparently, lol. Both my doctor and the slip from the pharmacy says its ok to keep active vials at room temperature. Although when I picked up the Humalog yesterday, I was in too much pain from physical therapy and concerned about eating (didn't actually start the insulin til today), I forgot to put it in the fridge. Doctor told me not to worry about it, just put the one I wasn't using in the fridge when I got home.

So I did my first shot by myself this afternoon. Two hours after eating my BS dropped a whopping 20 points. We talked about my worries, and the doctor pointed out that right now I shouldn't expect a major drop yet because we are just starting out and I'm taking minimal doses (before lunch was 20 units, that's minimal?!)

My blood sugar has dropped really low only once since my diagnosis, and that time it wasn't incredibly low.

The thing is that I live by myself and don't get a lot of company so there is no one to "educate". I'm on my own in this like most things. Knowing that right now, it is highly unlikely to be an issue calmed the fears a lot. Still I made sure my lunch was ready before I took the insulin so it was very soon after that I ate.

I get to go to the regional diabetes center for classes again like I wanted. Apparently you can go every four or five years. So I will speak to the nutrionist there.

The doctor also told me it was ok to do the Humalog only twice a day if I only ate two meals. I'm not a big breakfast eater, so I was concerned about that. Got the "skinny" on how little I can eat without worrying about the insulin. Just because if I know I have a long day, I was worried that wolfing down just a yogurt or piece of toast wouldn't be enough food with the insulin. Most days I will be home and for now I really don't intend to take the insulin with me since low blood sugar is so rarely an issue. Plus it gives me an excuse for some things that I have to keep to my insulin schedule, lol.

Now I just need to do the iodine uptake for my thyroid, then I can start that medication. My suspcions are that once we start getting that in line, there are going to be some major changes in all my numbers. Time will tell if I'm right.

I am really looking forward to next week when I go food shopping so I can try some of the recipes you ladies generously shared. Sadly, I think portobellos are out of budget and don't seem to go on sale. Does anyone know if "baby bellas" are just small ones? Those I can afford and a restaurant I used to work in sautteed portobellas with balsamic vinigar, I would like to try that.

I'm hoping that we can finally get this under control. The needles don't bother me at all (probably because veins are not involved)

Gigi,

We aren't required to use special sharps containers here either, but my local hospital provides them for free. When you fill one up, you bring it there and exchange it for an emtpy. Doctor's office charges for that.

LC,

I could get a dog for several reasons, both physical and psychological, but at this time and in my current house, it isn't fair to the dog. It also isn't fair to the queen of the house, my beloved "therapy" kitty. She never leaves my side and a dog would make her do that. She has given me so much love and comfort over the years, I wouldn't consider doing something that would make her feel uncomfortable in her home. She even snuggles under the covers with me at night! I know, crazy old sick lady with the cat. So cliche, lol.

Thanks everyone, ill let you know how thing are going...

(in reply to LafayetteLady)

RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/25/2014 10:50:40 PM

AthenaSurrenders

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20 units actually seems like a pretty big dose for starting out (though of course I don't know your build or how many carbs were in your meal, so I'm not saying it was wrong, I'm just surprised).

Re portobello mushrooms - if you're thinking of doing stuffed mushrooms you can use any type for that, as long as they have a cup to stuff. Portobellos are just nice and big. No reason you can't use your regular type and just make more of them. Just experiment with how long each variety takes to reach your preferred amount of done-ness.

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RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/26/2014 9:53:56 AM

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I know there are plenty of other large mushrooms that can stuffedd. Since I developed a taste for mushrooms I've wanted to try portobella, which is why I also asked if baby bellas were little portobellas, or even had a similar tast.

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RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/26/2014 10:10:54 AM

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In my experience, in WI, USA, without insurance, I use Novolin N Insulin, available WITHOUT prescription from any pharmacy for between $25 and $20 a vial (1000 units). Needles are also available for the asking. Lantus Pens cost about $110 and do require a prescription, (300 units per pen).

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RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/26/2014 10:21:22 AM

AthenaSurrenders

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quote:

ORIGINAL: LafayetteLady

I know there are plenty of other large mushrooms that can stuffedd. Since I developed a taste for mushrooms I've wanted to try portobella, which is why I also asked if baby bellas were little portobellas, or even had a similar tast.

Ah my bad. I had to look it up because we don't have them called that here. If they're brown mushrooms, then yes they are the same variety as portobellos just harvested smaller. We call them chestnut mushrooms here and they are delicious. I might just be uncultured but to be honest portobellos don't taste that different to me, they're just bigger. I've never taste tested them one beside the other so perhaps there is some difference I've just never noticed.

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RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/26/2014 3:06:32 PM

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Wow, captive, that's cheap. Two vials of Lantis are $527.99 and two of Humalong ar $468. I don't know much about the different brands, just those I use. I checked at my pharmacy today out of curiousity and they told me the pens are significantly higher in price. Thankfully I have insurance so it costs me nothing.

Yesterday my first pre insulin BS was 275, two hour after meal, 243 (not impressed). Dinner pre-insulin was 235 and two hour 1ii (ok, improvement, great). This morning, wake up/pre breakfast was 169 (yippee!) And two hour after (which was one little thing of yogurt), it went up to 303 (what the fuck?!). Then before lunch it had gone down to 198 and then up to 225.

So yesterday I was very encouraged and today I'm just like, "been here before," and completely bummed. I know I shouldn't expect a miracle, but I was hoping to just repeat yesterday. I'm not giving up and since this morning I had one of my worst migraines EVER (still only down to dull roar) which could affect it, I know, but its still not encouraging.

Oh well, figure I will take another ibuprofen then a long really hot shower to see if that knocks it out the. Rest of the way. Then figure out what to do with the pork chop I took out for dinner. Since I have been doing them with mushrooms and I'm out, I need to figure out something new and enticing.

And Athena, I've had the baby bellas and didn't notice a huge difference either. My biggest problem is that I will make the whole "pint" for my dinner. Same thing with the greens; that bag of spinach looks like a lot but if you cook it, it goes down to nothing. Since they are almost calorie free except for whatever I cook it with, and minimal carbs, its like a free food. Except they are expensive free foods, lol. And of course now I want both with dinner!

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RE: for insulin dependent diabetics - 2/26/2014 3:13:57 PM

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A question about the yogurt?
How many grams of carbs did it have?

I do pretty well with Greek yogurt and my diabetes doc actually prefers I use the full-fat version (but have less of it).

Fiber is your friend.
I add Chia seeds to yogurt.

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http://www.collarchat.com/m_3234821/tm.htm

30 fluffy points!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQjuCQd01sg

(in reply to LafayetteLady)

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