Test Strips reduced for Type 2 diabetics in Canada!

Have you heard about this?

The number of test strips available to diabetics in Ontario has been reduced, and drastically reduced for anyone not on insulin!!!!

How are people supposed to test a minimum of 5 times a day with only 200 test strips per year?

I usually get 300 test strips a month, I'm on 2 types of insulin, and I will now only get 250 test strips per month.

However, my husband, who had to stop taking metformin for health reasons, will now only get 200 test strips per YEAR! His doctor told him to test at least 5 times a day. Now he can only test once every other day. He'll have to start using some of my test strips, just to keep track.

This STINKS!

And the Canadian Diabetes Association supports it!

I can't believe this!

http://www.diabetes.ca/get-involved/community-news-entry/association-responds-to-changes-to-ontario-public-coverage-of-smbg-test-str/

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/teststrips/bg_teststrips.aspx

Why is all this misinformation circulating about type 2?

I'm amazed by the ignorance of people purporting to know about diabetes. This includes doctors and pharmacists, and even other diabetics.

One thing that keeps popping up for me is that everyone is quoting outdated and incomplete information regarding the genetics and causes of type 2.

There aren't 6 or 7, or even 13 genes that can involved in type 2.

In fact there are at least 38!

That's right - 38!

This information was published in the summer of 2010. Check the dates on internet sources you quote people! Please look for more up to date info!

And the more of these defective genes you have, the greater the likelihood of getting it.

Your family history should be a clue. Mine is rife with diabetes and weight problems caused by insulin resistance and defective genes, on BOTH sides of my family.

Other factors that contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes include, among many many others:

Beta blockers can increase your risk by 20 to 50%. If you already have the genes (look at your family history), and your doctor prescribes beta blockers, your chances increase dramatically even if nothing else changes.

Beta blockers can be enough to tip you over the edge into diabetes. I know because this happened to my husband and almost happened to my sister. Luckily I found out about this and let her know in time.

Other factors include under active thyroid - check, had that ALL my life! Its still undertreated because I can't tolerate the dose of thyroid hormone that I actually need.

Certain medications for other conditions - check, I was never told of the risks involved with certain treatments until well after the damage was done. This can include treatments for PCOS, asthma, infections, and much more.

Exposure to pesticides, and highway smog. Yep, been there, done that, it was not my choice, but none the less, I have to suffer the consequences of it.

Family history: I have not one, not two, but several people with diabetes in my close family. According to scientific research my chances of getting type 2 were pretty much 100%, given my family history. This probably goes back several generations. 

Other factors, for me include injuries from accidents that kept me from exercising.

Inflammation and allergies: Yes, this can have an effect!

Inherited joint disorders: which have not only kept me from riding my bike, roller skating, and dancing, (all of which I love). They have also put me into a wheelchair. I cannot get enough exercise to stay fit, let alone fight back against insulin resistance.

Insulin injections: yes, they saved my life, but they are also making me gain weight, and increasing my insulin resistance. Its a lose/lose situation for me.


Update, since this was originally written, I have read further articles that state that there are over 40 known genetic factors involved in getting Type 2 diabetes. 

Essential Resources for Diabetics

The best page for help with daily testing: Jennifer's Page at
http://alt-support-diabetes.org/newly-diagnosed/testing


Right click on this link and save to hard drive, for a printable page of Jennifer's testing guidelines, for the USA:
How to test to get results


Right click on this link and save to hard drive, for a printable page of Jennifer's testing guidelines, for Canada and anyone else using the mmol/L system:
How to Test to Get Results, for Canadians


Great reliable online information about diabetes:

Blood Sugar 101
Blood Sugar 101

David Mendosa's Diabetes NEW website

http://www.mendosa.com/

 and his blog at

http://www.mendosa.com/blog/




Recommended Books


Diabetes for Dummies, or

Diabetes for Dummies for Type 1, or

Diabetes for Dummies for Canadians

The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by Gretchen Becker. This is a really good book for anyone with type 2 diabetes, even someone whose had diabetes for a few years.

And for low carb recipes, have a look at The South Beach Quick and Easy Cookbook.

Also look at Protein Power: The High-Protein/Low-Carbohydrate Way to Lose Weight, Feel Fit, and Boost Your Health--in Just Weeks! (Paperback) By Michael Eades

Also, sign up at TuDiabetes...
http://www.tudiabetes.org/

If you're a Canadian  diabetic you can join a new group at Facebook called 
Canadian Sugar (Diabetics)
Canadian Sugar at Facebook!

If you're a Type 2 diabetic and English speaking, this group might interest you:

Diabetes - Type 2 - Living With It!
Type 2 - Living With It! (Group at Facebook)

The Most Common Question Newly Diagnosed Diabetics Ask

Q: Did anyone else feel like their life was over when they were told they were diabetic?  

I'm depressed and scared - please help!  

A: Whether they want to admit it or not, most diabetics were  scared when their doctor said to them - "You have diabetes". 

No one wants to hear those words.

 

I suspected it and it was still a big shock to hear those words.

Diabetes killed my grandmother and I saw firsthand how much she suffered. That only served to make me more diligent about controlling my blood glucose, so that I don't suffer the same fate.

So, yes, everyone is scared of what it means, but the good thing is that now you know what's wrong and you can start taking control of your health.

There will always be things you can't control, but you CAN control what you put in your mouth and how much insulin or other meds you take, and how much exercise you get.

Life is NOT over. Your life has just taken a different path that the one you thought you were on. 

Look at this as an opportunity to get your health back on track, and you'll be able to look back in a couple of years and say it was the best thing that ever happened to you, because it was the day your life started to turn around for the better.

I'm doing much better than I was the day I was diagnosed, and you can too.