The Magic Bus Trip

Dean · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 6:27 pm Post subject: Blood Glucose

I've just read several posts about people taking their BG or concerned about their BG. Recently, I had mine tested and it was a bit high. I then tested a couple weeks later and it was down quite a bit, so, who knows. However, I was told that the machines and strips are now extremely affordable, so I am going to buy one. You can get a machine for $10 - 20 and strips to go with it for $20 for 50 strips. That's not bad, and I would encourage everyone to get one and test yourself at least once a week. I think it is a better test of true health (and impending illness) than any scale or body fat measurement could be.

I think in August we could have a Carnivore Challenge in the Ward where we could all take our FBG readings every week to see how we are all doing and how our WOE affects this.

What do y'all think?

Sunny

_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

kateryna · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 6:30 pm Post subject:

I'll check it out, as I've done so in the past and the equipment here (in Canada) is very expensive. Actually, I've never had my BG tested that I'm aware of. A challenge sounds exciting though. Cool

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Carnivore (Jun 12/09) 227/196.2/137 Max. wt: 247 (Jul-08)
"I don't want to live a little, I want to live a LOT, and I want to live WELL! Kateryna

Dean · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 6:38 pm Post subject:

There are MANY people walking around with elevated BG and don't know it. This is how people end up with damaged arteries that lead to strokes and heart attacks. Tissue damage in all our organ systems is caused by elevated BG and insulin. Yah, carbs are killers and were never meant to be a part of our diets. While we can certainly handle a few, most people consume TONS of carbs, and hence the diseases of civilization are rampant. The metabolic issues are severe. Running our cells on glucose vs. fat is at the heart of the problem. The former is really a defense mechanism just to get the sugar out of the blood, whereas the latter is how we evolved. Most cells have mitochondria which thrive on FFAs, NOT the byproduct of glycolysis (glucose metabolism).

Kate, perhaps you can order one online. I'll check around and post some links in this thread. They have really come down in price over the years.
_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

kateryna · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 6:44 pm Post subject:

Thanks Dean and I'll check with my son's godmother who's a pharmacist. Maybe she can get me a discount. I think when I checked previously, if you pay the outrageous price for the meter you get free testing strips forever or vice versa. You get the meter and have to pay through the nose for the strips. I'll have to pay attention next time I go. Oops

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Carnivore (Jun 12/09) 227/196.2/137 Max. wt: 247 (Jul-08)
"I don't want to live a little, I want to live a LOT, and I want to live WELL! Kateryna

kateryna · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 6:57 pm Post subject:

Phoned a pharmacy, the meter is free and a box of 100 strips costs from $74 to $80 (cdn). So 100 strips would last me 2 years if I read my BG weekly. Do you really think I can stop myself from checking them daily?
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Carnivore (Jun 12/09) 227/196.2/137 Max. wt: 247 (Jul-08)
"I don't want to live a little, I want to live a LOT, and I want to live WELL! Kateryna

Dean · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 7:06 pm Post subject:

Kate,

Did you ask the pharmacy what the least expensive strips are? Here they range from $20 for 50 to $100 for 50. The machines are all about $10 - 30. You have to get a machine that will match the strips. Start by finding the least expensive strips and see what the machine for those strips costs.
_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

y0u · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 7:37 pm Post subject:

Many doctors GIVE AWAY the machines..they get them as samples from pharmacy companies. A friend gave me hers she got free. I ran out of strips so I don't do it any more..those suckers are expensive!

But I agree Dean, it's important to test and it's a great way to figure out which foods cause insulin spikes.. Great idea..
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Flap-a-doodle-kick-a-poodle-kitty-kitty-cow-cow ~ Fat Freddy's Cat

kateryna · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 8:15 pm Post subject:

Ok here's the scoop here in my province. I'm like a kid with a new toy.

The cheapest strips are $60 for 100. The needles are $12 for 250. The meter is free.

Pharmacist ran me through the procedure (got 10 free strips and needles with meter) and after 6 hours since last meal of 4 egg omelet with mozza and bacon and side of bacon my BG was 75 (4.2 in Cdn).

Now that was good and phamacist told me to take a reading upon waking up and then 2 hours after breakfast (I don't eat breakfast usually so maybe I'll do it on Saturday mornings).

So I'm all ready and raring to go with the challenge Grin

6 hours since breakfast and I'm still feeling stuffed by the way.

However, I don't think it's the BG that's the problem with me. I did a free Blood Pressure test. 152/102. So it's my blood pressure we need to address Sad

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Carnivore (Jun 12/09) 227/196.2/137 Max. wt: 247 (Jul-08)
"I don't want to live a little, I want to live a LOT, and I want to live WELL! Kateryna

y0u · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 8:57 pm Post subject:

If I can find some strips really cheap I might be up for it..but so far I haven't found any I can afford. I have a OneTouch Ultra2 brand glucose meter. strips seem to run like $70 for 100..and there is no way I will pay that.

Kateryna....good news about blood pressure and the way you are eating..it should improve on it's own. But there are supplements you can take that can help as well. I am not a doctor so I am not going to give you medical advice..but I lowered mine through diet and exercise and supplements. It used to be through the roof and I used to take medication for it. Now it's fine. Good luck.
_________________
Flap-a-doodle-kick-a-poodle-kitty-kitty-cow-cow ~ Fat Freddy's Cat

Kim · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 11:21 pm Post subject:

I got a new glucose monitor at Walgreens. The monitor was $14.99 with a rebate of the full price. It came with 10 strips. The walgreen strips to go with it are cheaper than some of the other brands.

Kim

Bobi · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 1:26 am Post subject:

I've tested my glucose levels over the years since I am predisposed to diabetes...I'm always around 50-60, which means I should be fainting!! Bah Humbug!! I feel fine, and at least I'm not over 300-500 which could mean I'd be going into a coma!!
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Bobi

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MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

I actually recently sold the meter I had. I had used it while pregnant because I almost failed my GTT - so I started checking my numbers - they were decent considering I was eating SAD. Didn't think I'd have any use for it anymore.

I wish there was a home insulin level test - now that I'd LOVE to see the results of!

Willeke · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 7:04 am Post subject:

Please don't forget to take into account that the doctors have changed the standard values in the last decade or so (same for blood pressure and cholesterol).
When my ex#1 got juvenile diabetes in the seventies, 6 was the normal value that he should strive for, that's 108 in your units. Now that is called HIGH. He was not supposed to get under 4 (72), and I can tell you that 4 is not a value that makes you feel optimum - and neither does the rest of the family, for at that value some persons gets very irritable and even aggressive. Hahahahaha maybe they're trying to sell more antidepressants this way, killing two birds with one stone!

I see that Bibi has no problem with a lower BG, but I do believe that you'd feel more energy at a slightly higher reading! (sorry yOu that I had put your name here at first, now edited out)

As long as my readings stay under 6 I am happy. They did that even during my slip-up period on HC, so I'm not going to worry about it.
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Willeke

y0u · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 7:13 am Post subject:

Willeke · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 7:22 am Post subject:

yes I am, so sorry!!! I'll edit it!
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Willeke

kateryna · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 12:27 pm Post subject:

Well took my BG test this morning upon waking up and it's 4.4 (79.2). This is after fasting for about 14 hours. BG is supposed to be highest upon waking right? I'll try again 15 - 30 minutes after a meal and see what happens but if it doesn't go up I don't know if BG is an issue for me or maybe it's something else.
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Carnivore (Jun 12/09) 227/196.2/137 Max. wt: 247 (Jul-08)
"I don't want to live a little, I want to live a LOT, and I want to live WELL! Kateryna

Bobi · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:35 pm Post subject:

If I had any more energy than I already have, I would really drive my family and friends nuts!!! I have extremely high energy levels at my glucose level readings, but as anyone here on the Bus will tell you...I am W E I R D!!! Just ask jeff and Dean!!! LOL

_________________
Bobi

NEVER GET OFF THE BUS, EVER!!!

Find low gas prices in your area:

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Willeke · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:41 pm Post subject:

Yes, I suppose that is different for everybody as well! I can't say I ever thoght were cranky either <g> ah well, aybe my ex just was a cranky so-and-so <g>
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Willeke

kateryna · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 7:23 pm Post subject:

Well had food at around 11:00 am. Half an hour later took my BG. It was 75 (4.2). I ate a curried shrimp omelet with cheese and bacon. BG didn't move at all. Strange.
_________________
Carnivore (Jun 12/09) 227/196.2/137 Max. wt: 247 (Jul-08)
"I don't want to live a little, I want to live a LOT, and I want to live WELL! Kateryna

Kim · Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 7:03 pm Post subject:

I don't think it's strange at all. I think that is good. My glucose is higher in the am (I don't think this applies to everyone though) and 2 hrs after I eat, my bg is lower than what it was before I ate. I think that's a good sign.

Kim

kateryna · Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 11:38 pm Post subject: