I'm refocused on my self-care and I got lab work done and a doctor's visit. My blood sugar is in the borderline range, so I'm having to stop eating sugar as a way to cope with caring for my mom and dad.
I am so proud to say that I have stopped all sugar except for very dark chocolate. I'm also focused on activities that make me happy to decrease stress. I'm starting my exercise program too. I burned off about 5 pounds of fat and that feels good. I figure that if I can accomplish this now, while under stress as a caregiver, I can do anything!
I want to buy a blood glucose monitor to help me see what affects my blood sugar so that I can use that feedback to motivate me to make more diet changes if needed.
Does anyone here have any experience with blood glucose monitors and which ones are the best kind?
I look forward to continue to improve my self care.
Most of the blood meters that I used over the years were pretty good. The cost of the test strips can be pricy, though, so, I'd check out the prices of the strips and if you're going to use insurance to pay for them, explore that with your insurance company. With my Medtronic pump, I have to use Contour. I think they are rather reasonable, but, still not cheap. Over the years, I've also used Accucheck and One Touch Ultra. I'm not sure if they are still available.
I was pretty much in the same boat as you. I'm in the pre-diabetic stage and have been for quite some time. My dad died of Pancreatic Cancer due to his diabetes back in 2004.
I wish I could say I've stopped all sugar. My mom's side of the family all love anything sweet and sugary. I buy the dark chocolate too but, I'm sure I don't have the percentage you buy as I don't like it. I actually eat a small square of the 72% or 78%. I was exercising 7 days a week for at least a half hour until a crisis with my mom's health came up and haven't been able to get back on track so I commend you for all you're doing while being under the stress as a caregiver!
I bought a new meter last year and my husband did a lot of research on the brands. I used to use the "One Touch Ultra 2" but, now use the "Contour Next." I've read that the "AccuChek Aviva Plus" is very good as well according to "The 8 Best Glucometers of 2020."
I really like it - I hope that helps and good luck with everything!