My husband was obviously sick for months, rapidly losing 50 pounds over about a 3-4 month period. I couldn't get him to go to the doctor until he was literally skin and bones with no muscle left whatsoever on his body.
He was diagnosed on Thursday with diabetes, he is 48 years old, 6'1" and 150 pounds now. Doc gave the diagnosis and a quick lesson on the meter, handed over a few papers and a prescription for Metformin. She told him to stick to 1500 calories per day until I said "No Way he needs to gain weight back" so she told him 2000 calories per day but didn't tell us how many carbs, sugars, whatever would be a good target for him. Just said to keep a food diary and testing diary to bring back in 2 weeks.
I've been researching for 2 straight days and am more confused than ever. I've limited his carbs and fats to around 100 both days but have no idea if he can have more or not. My 2 biggest concerns are:
1. How many carbs can he have per day?
2. Without getting too many carbs and too much fat, what can he eat to try to get more weight on? Can someone suggest a food or two? He is exhausted and just a pile of bones and skin.
I'm so confused by all this, he is upset and angry and not really wanting to deal with it himself right now but is willing to have me deal with it for the time being while he gets used to the idea and the huge change this will be on his lifestyle.
His numbers are between 320 and 380 with every test. Advice, support, ideas, all welcome. Thank you.

If you can bear with me for a few questions I can try to help. I am assuming he is Type 2. I was diagnosed back in February. I am 38. I was placed on both Levemir and Novolog insulin (5 shots a day) and also Metformin. I am appauled at your doctor. With Type 2, carbs are very important and what you must watch the most. Generally 45 g. of carbs per meal time is the most he should have. Protiens, meat and fish are very good for him. Of course everything in moderation. The weight issue at this point is a distant last to him getting his numbers in check. He has high numbers. My questions are, what was his A1C number?? That determines a lot. Also how much Metformin does he take a day? I know you are worried about his weight but getting him back healthy with the right numbers needs to be priority 1. As for meals, you actually have a lot of choices. I have 5 kids and don't have time for extra meal making, so for me I have found that frozen meals work best.... there are some good tasting ones out there. Both Healthy Choice and Smart ones are great... of course some taste better than others. The lasagna Smart Ones is very good. (personal preference).

Another thing to watch is his stress. That is amazingly a huge factor in elevated blood sugar. Exercise is also extremely important. I understand he is exhausted and as much as I know you will hate to hear this, it is because of his elevated numbers. The quicker he can get those numbers closer to 100 the more energy he will have I promise!!

I don't blame him for being angry and you confused. I was the exact same way and blamed myself for letting it "happen" to me. It's been almost 6 months now since my diagnosis. I have brought my A1C down from 10.7 to 6. For now I am down to one 25 unit of insulin at night and I fight everyday not to have to go back on the daytime insulin. As difficult as this disease is to live with at times, it's always worth the fight. It is a lifestyle change but in the end it will be worth it. Always here for support and I will check often.... Hang in there... BOTH of you.

I can't tell you how much it meant to me to see your reply. I'm really feeling lost. All I've been doing is research online and trying to get him to eat.
Thankfully, I knew that carbs were important so I've been watching carefully, but hearing that he could maybe have up to 45 carbs is a relief. I've been carefully weighing and reading and looking up the nutrition facts on every bite that has gone into his mouth. I've probably been over cautious, though, as yesterday he only had 73 carbs for the whole day and only 1050 calories. Its also hard to get him to eat. Even after 2 days like that, plus taking the Metformin, he is testing at 380 this morning so its a little discouraging.
I don't know what his A1C number is, the doctor didn't give us any further detailed information, unfortunately. I think I've decided to ask for a referral to an endocrinologist but have no idea if it will take a long time to get an appointment. I need someone who gives more information and better answers!
His dosage of Metformin is 500 mg twice per day. His stress level is pretty high, mostly because he is worried and tired and is the sole income earner in our family (we have 4 kids, 2 in college). Since he works construction, its pretty hard on his body.
I've talked him into trying to exercise a little bit, even though he does physical labor. He took 2 bike rides today but found that he had no stamina. Since he has no muscle left, it was difficult for him, poor guy. 6 months ago he was fit and strong, you know?
I've changed the whole family's diet, just to make it easier for him at least for now. The 2 kids at home will just have to deal with it for now!
Thank you, again, for responding. I had been checking and checking, not knowing how active this board is.
I'll try to find out more information, like his A1C number, from the doc office on Monday. Off to google A1C as I have no idea what it is...
Thank you thank you!

I'm glad I could help. Definately call Monday and get his A1C number. I am guessing it is between 5 and 7 which is why they didn't put him on insulin. The A1C number is an average number for his blood sugars. They should be between 5 and 7 for a good number. That doesn't mean he won't have highs when he checks his blood. But for an average A1C, they will medicate with metformin. If it goes above 7 they will be looking at insulin. I don't know where you live but try to see if there is a Diabetes Resource Center at your local hospital. If there is, get him there. They are nurses who specialize in diabetes with nutrition backgrounds. They can set up a diet and let you know (with his numbers information) what his carb intake should be a meal. It is amazing, how much information is out there and how confusing it can get. So if I can help make it more simple, let me know. I would suggest walking for exercise if he has no stamina. Walking is very good especially after the evening meal. Does he have to check his blood after all meals or just breakfast, lunch and dinner? I do all three plus two hours after evening meal. If you would like to talk more and not through a board, my email address is m_mordini@yahoo.com. I know what you are going through and how scary it all can seem. So if you need to talk or help with questions, just let me know.

Dr. B. at CHC in GA. Get away from the AMA and try Biological Medicine and get well!!!!

What your husband needs to do is see a specialist in diabetes which is an endocrinologist. A good physician would refer him to a good "Diabetes Self Management' class. YOU could probably attend as well. Most good hospitals have these classes available. You will learn tons of good info at these classes.

I have lived with type 1 for 55 years now with few complications, if any. I know the disease can be so overwhelming, but if you both go to these classes, it will make things so much easier for you.

Different hospitals have these classes, and I hate to say, some are much better than the others. Right now, the most important thing for you to do is have your hubby see an endocrinologist. Diabetes is a very serious disease, so you want the best treatment that you can get. The heck with a primary care physician. They do not have enough training in the treatment of diabetes.