When dealing with diabetes, particularly in the early weeks after diagnosis, there are three key concerns. The first goal is to avoid spikes in blood glucose levels. The second goal is getting blood glucose levels to be consistently in the “target range” of 70 to 180mg/dL. The third goal is getting levels down to the “normal range” of 70 to 100mg/dL and a 90-day A1C of below 7 (for those diagnosed with diabetes). These three goals are the focus of a lot of time and attention and, particularly the third goal may take months to achieve. After being diagnosed a bit over 2 months ago, I have made progress on the first two but the third is elusive at the moment. It’s important to know this this is common … to temper expectations.

With Type 2 diabetes, it is often unclear how long blood glucose levels have been high so it may take a while to get them to come down to more manageable levels. It also may not be apparent which foods contribute to overall high levels of glucose in the blood and to high spikes. My first acts were dropping potatoes, rice, pasta/noodles, most bread, candy, cookies, ice cream, and milk from my diet. I cleaned out my pantry of anything that had relatively high total carbohydrate levels and various types of snacks regardless of their carbohydrate levels. And I started to walk more regularly – making sure I hit at least 5,000 steps per day. Some people are able to make more dramatic changes in their diet and exercise routines, but both my doctor and nutritionist encouraged me to do what works for me and what is sustainable.

I’ve learned two key points: this is a marathon not a sprint, and this is not a competition. To that end, I am focused on me. Although I experience some small spikes, I no longer experience the scary spikes. This is a dramatic change from where I was two months ago. I also am mostly in the target range. The goal in controlling diabetes is to be in that range (70 to 180) at least 70% of the time. My time in target range is about 85 to 90% of the time. My average blood glucose levels are still not normal but they are closer and I’m feeling better. I’m happy with my progress. Hopefully, I will continue to improve and will at some point reduce or even go off my medication. For now, I’m sticking to what I’m supposed to do.

I understand how easy it would be to fall back into bad eating habits of too many oh-so-comforting carbs. I miss pasta more than I can adequately put into words. I tried whole wheat pasta and not only was it not satisfying, but it still spiked my glucose levels. I had a few small pieces of potato in soup that also caused a small spike. Although I haven’t completely given up my two tablespoons of peanut butter, I need to switch to something with less sugar. So many changes.