dsweir62

Q:

Awhile ago I went to a dietician and she gave me a list of fruits and vegetables that I could eat that were "free" (they did not count towards my carb intake). I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction to find out what these foods are again?

Amy Campbell

A:

“Free” foods are those foods that contain less than 20 calories and no more than 5 grams of carbohydrate per serving. Most vegetables fall into the free food category. These include salad greens, broccoli,... Read More

Momma Day's Girl

Q:

I can't seem to get my glucose under control. I am taking 850 mg of metformin twice daily, 500 mg of metformin once daily 6mg glimepiride once daily and once daily lisinop-HCTZ 20-12.5 tab and one 40mg pravastinb sodium daily. I have talked to my doctor and she recommended that I keep taking the meds as prescribed and make sure I eat the same time every day, not more than four hours a day. I am retired, so that is easy, but no results. My blood sugar stays from 140-228 — too high!

Dr. David Erani

A:

Metformin and glimepiride are diabetes medicines. They will help control your blood glucose. Lisinopril and HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide) are blood pressure medicines. Lisinopril is an ACE-inhibitor. ACE-in... Read More

Wellesley

Q:

I have just switched from Metformin to Metformin ER (extended release) and so far I am really pleased. My question is: The RX states that I should this pill with my evening meal. Does it really make any difference if I take it with breakfast (my preference) or with the evening meal?

Dr. David Erani

A:

The extended release formulation is designed to allow for gradual absorption of the medication over a 24-hour period. It is suggested that it be taken with a meal to minimize the risk of adverse gastrointes... Read More

stephabbou

Q:

I have been told I have charcot foot, and I'm trying to find good information on this situation. My surgeon wants to fuse my ankle, but I think there is a better option. Any suggestions? Any good websites I can visit? Where do I go for help in this situation?

Dr. David Erani

A:

Even though it was first described in 1868, there is still a lot that is not understood about Charcot foot. Also known as neuropathic joint disease, it always occurs in the setting of neuropathy. Diabetic ... Read More

theknaticpaul

Q:

Can I still drink liquor? If so, then how? Any safety measures? I am 19, I was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure last November 2012. Since then, I brought myself to a healthy lifestyle and improved my blood sugar from 250 to 147. I had mild stroke last October 2012, but it hasn't occurred again since my diet changes.

Amy Campbell

A:

First, please remember that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21. Second, given the health issues that you’ve experienced, it’s best to talk with your healthcare provider about the safety of dr... Read More

coolred63

Q:

Should I be worried? I was on Januvia but recently saw articles that said Januvia, byetta and other like meds were being investigated for causing pre-cancerous cells in the pancreas and causing pancreatic cancer. I stopped the Januvia as I did not want to take a chance on this happening. I am still on metformin and Glucotrol twice a day, and am still doing well as morning readings are 100-110 avg. and night readings are 135-155 avg. I am type 2 diabetic.

Dr. David Erani

A:

You should not be worried. While there is some evidence of an association between these drugs and pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, that is not the same as evidence that the drugs cause the conditions. Th... Read More

Dizzyblond

Q:

Is my insulin dosage a little high? I have had type 2 diabetes for 3+ years now, and am using insulin once a day. I have regular A1Cs done every three months. When I was first told I was diabetic, I was a 12. I am now a 6 and staying there. My blood pressure numbers have been under 100 and pretty consistent. It has been for about a month now, but my doctor still has me on 70 CCs every night.

Patty Bonsignore

A:

I am assuming your insulin dose is 70 units at night, not 70 ccs. This dose might be too high if it’s causing you to have blood glucose levels that are low. Your A1C is excellent, but with an A1C of 6 my c... Read More

Bell1020

Q:

I need help. I can't lose any weight, in fact I've gained 20+ pounds since March. I have type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease stage 3, HTN, and foot neuropathy. I am obese. I've tried cutting back quantities, calories, all salty products, but my BS is still going up. I've had to adjust my insulin intake to double (20 units) in order to bring it down. I usually eat 1200 calories daily, exceptions when we go out on special occasions. I'm disabled with back/hip replacements, so exercise is hard.

Amy Campbell

A:

You certainly are dealing with a lot of issues. My advice is to consider the following: meet with a dietitian who has experience with diabetes and kidney disease for guidance on meal planning and weight lo... Read More

Chopstix

Q:

Isn't bread supposed to be bad for diabetics? Why was it served as part of every meal while I was in the hospital? I had a bypass procedure done on Monday and they kept telling me my "sugars are too high" even though it was wheat bread. We don't eat much bread in my house. Checked BS at 11 p.m. and was 83 and 126 at 9 a.m. Have gone back to my herbs like I was before hospital stay and will keep monitoring....

Amy Campbell

A:

Bread isn’t necessarily “bad” for people with diabetes. However, like other carbohydrate foods, including rice, pasta, cereal, fruit and milk, bread needs to be “counted” as part of your meal’s carbohydrate... Read More