HIV and Diabetic

[PaulinNJ]

I'm HIV and diabetic (as well as have high cholesterol) and some of my meds specify taking them with 'high fat foods' which I have to do twice a day. I've eaten as healthy as possible, but when it comes to high fat foods, I am in a quandary. Since everything is under control as far as my diabetes, cholesterol, and HIV ("Better living through drugs"!) and my CD4's are 1200+ and undetectable ( i started out with a CD4 of 124 and around 70,000 viral load in 2001 with a few bumps n the road because of liver enzymes), my doctor is most concerned with my cardio (heart) as of late, and in fact, I have to talk to him about taking AVANDIA which I have been on a few years and see if I should switch. I'm just in a quandary about what to eat sometimes and ask for anyone perhaps with similar experience or knowledge to offer suggestions.
Here's my daily regimen:
Viracept 325 mgs 2 pills 2x day
Epzicom G5K 1x day
Viread 300 mg 1x day
Metformin 1000 mg 2x day
Tricor 145 mg 1x day
Zetia  10 mg 1x day
Avandia 4 mg 1x day
Quinapril 10mg 1x day
Glyburide 5mg 1x day
Omacor 2x day (pharm. fish oil to raise HDL)
Klonipin 2 mgs 1x day
Lexapro 10 mg 1x day
Provigil 200 mg 1x day
Thanks! Paul

[mikeyleerocks]

That's quite a regimen you've got there!

I was recently diagnosed as borderline diabetic and sent to a nutritionist.  Diabetes runs in my family, so with everything else my doc decided it best to eat right, etc...and avoid ever getting it.

My nutritionist gave me a simple guide to use and I've stuck with it for about 2 months now.  It really is just a different way of eating and while you can't be as spontaneous with meals, it has made me feel better and I've lost about 8 lbs (which I consider a good thing).

She gave me a small book put out by a drug company (of course) called Changing Life with diabetes.  The website is ChangingDiabetes-us.com.

The real trick is actually just a good diet for anyone.

I avoid most carbs since they turn into sugar (I can have some but try to avoid most).  Eat at least 3 balanced meals a day (I used to never eat breakfast, and skipped meals all the time).  Eat lots of veggies and fruits, and have a couple of snacks throughout the day.

The thing is I like to cook but would avoid it because cooking for one is time consuming and somewhat wasteful.  But with this I buy a bunch of veggies locally, cook them up throughout the week in different concoctions, make a big pot of soup, salads with lunch, start each day with yogurt and a banana, and drinks lots of water.

She's worked it out how many calories, how many carbs I should have per meal, per snack, per day - and it's not been hard to stick to.  The biggest problem is craving some fried chicken or french fries from time to time, or when I'm on the road (you'd be surprised how hard it is to find healthy food on the road once you know what to look for).

By the way,  I've never been one to stick to this kind of thing before.  But I am now and it's great.   I'm also supposed to get on an exercise regimen (which I'm looking forward to, just joined a gym) so I'm sure that will help all around as well.

Best of luck.

[aztecan]

Hey Paul,

Regarding the heart issues, my doc put me on 4.000 mgs of fish oil daily. I know that is probably the last thing you want to consider, but it has helped keep my triglycerides in check.

Mikeyleerocks had a good take on it. A sensible diet, moderate exercise and reducing stress all can help aleve cardiac concerns.

Good luck and let us know what the doc says.

HUGS,

Mark

[Queen Tokelove]

Wow, How are you dealing with the Metformin. I use to take it like you do and it kept me with severe stomach cramps. My doc just now took me off of it a few weeks ago. I use to take Advandia but asked my doctor to switch me to something else since I was reading about the side effects of Advandia. He put me on Actos. I also take Tricor but a way smaller dose than you, only 54mg and he just raised that from 45. My roomie takes the same mg as you with the Tricor.

I forget who posted this but I was told that there is no such thing as borderline diabetic.  I was told this by my nutritionist. You either are or you are not. It runs in my family as well and I was just diagnosed a few years ago. I really need to schedule my diabetes class, I keep putting that off. I don't eat much sweets but does love my veggies and salads. But also loves to eat nuts too, hey no jokes....