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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dinah on July 4, 2011, at 10:59:30
I've gotten pretty good at just observing my anxiety without acting on it. I was pretty proud of the fact that I rarely reach for a Klonopin or even a Risperdal anymore. Just idly observe that I'm very anxious. That my heart is pounding quickly. That my hands are tingling. Etc.
Well, it turns out that my body cranks out a lot of stress hormones, and that my blood sugar level responds more to anxiety than is typical, per my doctor. This does make sense given my long history and kindling theory. I know my diabetes usually gets worse, on a permanent basis even, after stressful periods of time at work. And on a short term basis, it shoots up worse with anxiety than with pasta.
She wants to put me on more medication, then possibly on insulin in a couple of months. I think I've grown used to that idea, and have spoken with my therapist about ways we could make it safe for me to have insulin in the house those times when I have strong suicidal ideation.
But I'm putting off starting the medication to see if I can bring down my anxiety levels and thereby lower my fasting blood sugars.
My therapist says there's nothing actually wrong with my strategy of just observing my anxiety. Just that it isn't enough. He suggested adding breathing exercises, and physical exercise as well.
Since my hard won technique has proven not so good for my health, I'm looking for other suggestions on anxiety reduction. Does anyone have any favorites?
I like my endless games of Bubbles or Bejeweled, but I suppose I'll have to pay attention to how my blood sugar reacts. I'm also planning to start using my despised CPAP again, and possibly adding back a miniscule amount of Klonopin to my bedtime meds, since the early morning anxiety seems to be causing most of the problems with fasting blood sugars.
Any other suggestions?
Posted by Phillipa on July 4, 2011, at 11:12:38
In reply to Anxiety and diabetes - Suggestions?, posted by Dinah on July 4, 2011, at 10:59:30
Dinah I'm sorry you may have to start insulin I know in the past you dreaded that but glad to hear you have come to terms with this. As for anxiety I wish I knew I have been using bike riding so long it's boring and with bad back it hurts. Excercise does help both with stabalizing blood sugar and stress. So you are a facebook game player also. A Lot I know also play those games. Phillipa
Posted by emmanuel98 on July 4, 2011, at 18:58:37
In reply to Re: Anxiety and diabetes - Suggestions? » Dinah, posted by Phillipa on July 4, 2011, at 11:12:38
I went through a three week period of intense, constant anxiety. Have never been anxious before and it was the worst feeling in the world. Meditation and mindfulness exercises helped, but only while I was doing them. As soon as I stopped, the anxiety came back. Being with friends and exercise also helped, while they lasted. But ultimately the only thing that stopped the anxiety in its tracks was xanax. After a week of taking it, my body readjusted and I didn't need it anymore. So this probably isn't much help for chronic, long-term anxiety.
As far as insulin and SI go, could you have your husband store and administer the insulin for you? I was addicted to opiates and have had three surgeries since I quit. My husband hides and doles out the percocet.
Posted by Dinah on July 5, 2011, at 15:56:21
In reply to Re: Anxiety and diabetes - Suggestions? » Dinah, posted by Phillipa on July 4, 2011, at 11:12:38
Not on facebook, on my iPod. :) I still haven't signed up for facebook.
I guess I've come to terms with it, or the inevitability of it. :(
I thought I might try to start some stretching exercise again. That used to be my favorite type of exercise, and the type that I turned me into a tensionless puddle.
Posted by Dinah on July 5, 2011, at 16:00:59
In reply to Re: Anxiety and diabetes - Suggestions?, posted by emmanuel98 on July 4, 2011, at 18:58:37
I've had that reset experience - with Risperdal. It gave my body a bit of a break from the flood of adrenaline, and helped me regain equilibrium.
I mentioned to my husband the idea of his holding my insulin for me, just at the times I didn't feel safe with it around. He wasn't thrilled about the idea tho he didn't outright refuse. I'm not very enthusiastic about asking him again. I suppose it's something I'll have to deal with by myself.
Posted by Daisym on July 5, 2011, at 16:19:28
In reply to Anxiety and diabetes - Suggestions?, posted by Dinah on July 4, 2011, at 10:59:30
Have you tried biofeedback or neurofeedback? Both are very good at helping you tune in to your body and control things. Sort of the opposite of trying to tune out.
You also might try adding chromium to your vitamin intake. It really helps use the available insulin over time. Ask your MD. It is available over the counter and has no huge side effects that I'm aware of.
Walking is absolutely the best thing you can do for both anxiety and diabetes. Get a tread mill, and make yourself walk for 1/2 hour when you get up. You'll help your metabolism all day as well as your anxiety. Although - I walk at night because I want to off load the anxiety of the day. Once you've established a cycle, doesn't matter that much. Just watch the night time lows.
Posted by Phillipa on July 5, 2011, at 21:02:08
In reply to Re: Anxiety and diabetes - Suggestions? » Phillipa, posted by Dinah on July 5, 2011, at 15:56:21
Dinah I don't feel it's inevitable that you will need insulin. One good thing is that new meds daily for type II coming out. I like the treadmill ides (read ahead) for you since you work and sometimes long hours. Any way some weight loss? As I know that will help. Phillipa
Posted by Dinah on July 5, 2011, at 22:37:39
In reply to Re: Anxiety and diabetes - Suggestions?, posted by Daisym on July 5, 2011, at 16:19:28
Night time highs are actually my problem. My daytime levels are ok in comparison.
For some reason, walking is something I have never grown to enjoy. It could be because it's intemperate so much of the year here, or perhaps because I've got a slightly irregular gait that makes long distance walking less than comfortable. We've got an exercise bike that I sometimes use. I do need to get in shape. On our last vacation, I was unable to walk any distance at all uphill. I hate that.
I really liked biofeedback. Unfortunately I think biofeedback guy is the only person who offers it locally. And we did not suit *at all*. I wish I could find someone else.
Posted by Dinah on July 5, 2011, at 22:44:23
In reply to Re: Anxiety and diabetes - Suggestions? » Dinah, posted by Phillipa on July 5, 2011, at 21:02:08
Those new meds are being yanked off as fast as they're being put out. It makes me downright nervous. Altogether, insulin doesn't look so bad.
There are worse things.
Posted by Phillipa on July 6, 2011, at 19:35:56
In reply to Re: Anxiety and diabetes - Suggestions? » Phillipa, posted by Dinah on July 5, 2011, at 22:44:23
Dinah agree true about the meds being pulled off also. During pregnancy Daughter took insulin and it helped her to feel good. Phillipa
Posted by lucielu2 on July 9, 2011, at 16:53:32
In reply to Anxiety and diabetes - Suggestions?, posted by Dinah on July 4, 2011, at 10:59:30
I also suffer from anxiety, and how I deal with it, when I'm able to deal with it constructively, depends upon its level of intensity. If I just need to relax, I have a real beginner's yoga tape I watch. It's filmed on Hawaii and the instructor leads through this conscious relaxation bit with a lovely, soothing voice. I'm no contortionist, so the appeal of this is just lying down and feeling my body relax. I have a couple of tapes like that, and if you're interested in the details (you can order them easily from Amazon), just Babblemail me. But if the anxiety level's higher, then I need physical activity, e.g. walk or treadmill. If it's just an existential malaise, I read :-)
Posted by Dinah on July 10, 2011, at 11:20:50
In reply to Re: Anxiety and diabetes - Suggestions?, posted by lucielu2 on July 9, 2011, at 16:53:32
I think I have a few old VHS tapes. I'll have to look for them. I was also thinking of doing the stretching part only of my old aerobics tapes. I think the aerobics part would kill me. :) And if we can get my son's Wii working, I've been wanting to try Wii fit.
The funny thing is that as soon as I was officially given an appointment to start insulin, my blood sugars started being lower than they had been in months. Just from the appointment! I think my pancreas got scared.
Posted by lucielu2 on July 10, 2011, at 11:36:34
In reply to Re: Anxiety and diabetes - Suggestions? » lucielu2, posted by Dinah on July 10, 2011, at 11:20:50
Maybe not so surprising since stress hormones do raise blood sugar...
The yoga tapes I use are by Rodney Yee. The first one is A.M. Yoga (and P.M. Yoga, on the same tape). He starts with a 10 minute guided relaxation bit followed by a stretching routine. It is filmed on a beach in Hawaii and the surf in the background is very soothing. The whole thing is about 1/2 hour long. I don't like the P.M. routine as much, not sure why. He also has a yoga for relaxation tape but I don't have that one. I'm with you, I find stretching very relaxing and beneficial, and I love the sound of the ocean. I'm putting myself to sleep just talking about it :)
Posted by Anemone on July 13, 2011, at 20:58:28
In reply to Anxiety and diabetes - Suggestions?, posted by Dinah on July 4, 2011, at 10:59:30
I don't know anything about diabetes or anxiety drugs, but my family uses reflexology and tai chi type exercises for illnesses. We massage certain spots on the body especially palms and bottoms of feet, it helps get to the inner organs. Also some herbal teas and Chinese medicine things.
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