Diabetes Talking

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Each trip to the grocery store ends with my crying in the car because I’m so confused by everything I’m reading.  It’s a crazy time in my life right now. snipsnip I was diagnosed in November and I’ve already forgotten the crying in the grocery store parking lot part. Shopping was impossible at first, but it didn’t take too long to figure out – a month maybe. Of course, oh wow.  Took me FAR LONGER than that!!!!  A good 6 months at least!

A month sounds pretty arrogant on reread. But at least I figured out to stay out of the bakery and middle isles and start with salads and protein and apples, pears, dark bread, and peanut butter. I expect it’ll be another 20 years before I get the kinks worked out, though! I’ve been totally obsessed for the entire time, studying, testing, writing everything down. I have a log for food and blood numbers and a diary for all the crazy thoughts. I have every hope that this thing will actually improve my life over the long run. Hang in. Janet_el, type 2

Response:

This post not CC’d by email  YMMV.  Your mileage may vary is almost a mantra here at misc.health.diabetes.  Diabetic differ in how they respond to various foods.  The one certainty is that regular testing of blood glucose levels 1 hour and 2 hours after meals will soon tell you what works and what doesn’t, how much is OK and how much isn’t. YMMV usually applies to a little bit of everything in life. I got a note from UPS today that they tried to deliver a package to me while I was out.  It was the glucose monitor from my insurance company.  I hope to start testing tomorrow to start to do some tracking of my own.

G’day G’day Sonya,  I thought I was testing heaps initially at five times a day. That was till I read Jennifer’s story which inspired me. http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/quentin/jennifers_story.htm At the time my GP told me I had made the fastest progress he had ever seen in dropping HgbA1c. On coming here I discovered my results were good but not exceptional.  My strategy is to get thoroughly jealous of people who do better than I do and use that emotion in a constructive way to figure out how they did it.   Like what is the difference that is making the difference. The emotion lasts for an incredibly brief time so I have to capture it while it is useful to capitalize on it. IMHO Jennifer was doing better than me because she was testing eight times a day.  Being better informed led to better results. It’s that simple. Now I only test routinely twice a day.  As I stagger out of bed before waking and at 9 pm which is a couple of hours after my evening meal. That is when I have supper. I toss in a few random 1 hour checks during the day, checks when I have eaten differently and whenever I notice some symptom eg twitching, whatever. Best wishes, — Quentin Grady       ^  ^  / New Zealand,       #,#< [                     / /     "... and the blind dog was leading." http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/quentin

Response:

 YMMV.  Your mileage may vary is almost a mantra here at misc.health.diabetes.  Diabetic differ in how they respond to various foods.  The one certainty is that regular testing of blood glucose levels 1 hour and 2 hours after meals will soon tell you what works and what doesn't, how much is OK and how much isn't.

YMMV usually applies to a little bit of everything in life. I got a note from UPS today that they tried to deliver a package to me while I was out.  It was the glucose monitor from my insurance company.  I hope to start testing tomorrow to start to do some tracking of my own.

Response:

I should do a journal for my crazy thoughts too.  I'm pretty obsessive myself.  Since diagnosis on the 11th, I've kept a binder with exercise logs, food logs, weight, test results, etc.  I have a spreadsheet for blood glucose numbers once I start testing.  

I keep thinking that someday, people like us will have an awful lot to contribute to the medical field.

Response:

And also, in case your recent eating habits have changed, what are your favorite foods, what kind of treats do you like, etc. -- so the RD can help you work them into a permanent eating plan. bj

- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - I'm trying to get an appointment with a nutritionist/diabetic specialist to get some help.    Yes, a Registered Dietitian is an excellent idea.    For several days before your appointment with your Registered Dietitian, make a list of what you ate, the quantity of what you ate, along with the date and the  time of day you ate.  You might also list how you were feeling when you ate (hungry, upset, nervous, etc.)   Also list the date and time and duration of your exercise (if any) for that time frame. Then, take all of this information with you to your appointment with your Registered Dietitian...    signed, Earl, type 2, age 63, who has been thru the mill... Plus one more thing that would be handy, your bg

measurements at the 2 - Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - hours after meals point.

Response:

Susan, It gets better. I am long past 22, I am 50. I had to and did lose over 100 lbs, which took a year and I have had it off for 2+. I had bad neuropathy, which is better, and my eyes are really bad, but getting better. You are young .... that counts in your favor. Do what you need to lose weight  and learn learn learn .... Listen, I never had any faith in my ability to lose weight, gain control and get better. I thought everyone at the gym was a tupid jerk and it was never going to work ...big duh moment, drumroll please ..... It DOES. Really, and as much as i hate to admit it I do feel better, REALLY better. Getting sugar control is everything and getting started on exercise is a big part. Yeah, like I hate it ... some days i want to go and hide or run away rather than go to the gym, but  I do go. I like sweating better than most meds. I am taking meds, right now for a limited time, due o a problem I had, but I had been off all med for almost three years. I only took them briefly.        Don't fall into the mind-set that alot of overweight people do. You CAN succeed, not the other way 'round. Not every day is a sure fire winner. God knows I have had rough spots. But the outcome is worth it. I am better. Gather up a support team, a cheerleading squad, so to speak. I had my whole neighborhood involved. It wasn't a beauty contest, it was for life .... I had everybody cheering me on, and it was great. I had a bunch of detractors .... yeah, that happens ... good thing I didn't listen to 'em !  Every now and then I let myself have a day off. I have found, though that I don't misbehave too bad. I am way too guilty. Hey it ain't the end if the world. I still go out and have a good time, but I have learned how to balance all this. Be smart. I did it, you can too. Rainbow

Response:

I was diagnosed in November and I've already forgotten the crying in the grocery store parking lot part. Shopping was impossible at first, but it didn't take too long to figure out - a month maybe.

Wow!  That seems quick.  I've only had one embarrassing shopping moment.  I found a salad dressing that doesn't contain partially hydrogenated (sp?) oils and sugar at the produce market I like to use. The owners there are great and pointed me to the dressing.  It's wonderful and I went to get some the other day but they were out.  I asked if they had more in back and they told me they wouldn't have any until Monday.  I've been practically living on salads for a week and that was a little too long for my brain to handle and I cried a little in the store.  Luckily the guys there know me really well and were really supportive.  The owner even promised to order a case just for me that he'll keep in the back for when I need it. Of course, I've been totally obsessed for the entire time, studying, testing, writing everything down. I have a log for food and blood numbers and a diary for all the crazy thoughts.

I should do a journal for my crazy thoughts too.  I'm pretty obsessive myself.  Since diagnosis on the 11th, I've kept a binder with exercise logs, food logs, weight, test results, etc.  I have a spreadsheet for blood glucose numbers once I start testing.   I'm testing a software program (I think it's called Life Form) that seems to track everything possible.  I might even pay for it when the shareware period is up. I'm feeling more positive about this whole thing today, but tomorrow is another day and I'm already sick of eggbeaters and chicken salads.

Response:

Well, I've certainly quite a large number of positive changes in my health habits.  Oddly, diabetes might turn out to save my life...

I understand completely.  I was thinking that earlier today.  It's certainly making me have to quickly make some changes that are mostly positive.  I've been saying for a long time that I need an exercise program... and I've walked every day since the doctor first suspected diabetes on 1/3.  That's a big deal for someone who works at home and usually doesn't even leave her desk for 10-12 hours a day.

Response:

Each trip to the grocery store ends with my crying in the car because I'm so confused by everything I'm reading.  It's a crazy time in my life right now. snipsnip I was diagnosed in November and I've already forgotten the crying in the grocery store parking lot part. Shopping was impossible at first, but it didn't take too long to figure out - a month maybe. Of course,

oh wow.  Took me FAR LONGER than that!!!!  A good 6 months at least! - Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text -I've been totally obsessed for the entire time, studying, testing, writing everything down. I have a log for food and blood numbers and a diary for all the crazy thoughts. I have every hope that this thing will actually improve my life over the long run. Hang in. Janet_el, type 2

Response:

Each trip to the grocery store ends with my crying in the car because I'm so confused by everything I'm reading.  It's a crazy time in my life right now.

snipsnip I was diagnosed in November and I've already forgotten the crying in the grocery store parking lot part. Shopping was impossible at first, but it didn't take too long to figure out - a month maybe. Of course, I've been totally obsessed for the entire time, studying, testing, writing everything down. I have a log for food and blood numbers and a diary for all the crazy thoughts. I have every hope that this thing will actually improve my life over the long run. Hang in. Janet_el, type 2

Response:

eating any sugar.  I'm a little confused between the two schools of thought on diet for diabetics.  I don't know if I need to do the no-fruit, no carb diet, or the ADA diet that allows carbs.  I'm trying to get an appointment with a nutritionist/diabetic specialist to get some help.  

the vast majority of dieticians will lead you towards a higher carb level.  Doing something different have to be decision you make on your own. It's all very overwhelming.  

YES.  It definitely is! I find myself feeing a lot of stress most of every day.  It's upsetting to realize this is a chronic condition. It's not as upsetting as being diagnosed with something terminal, but still the chronic part is difficult to deal with.  

YES.  For months and months, there was a little thought lingering in my head that eventually, I would heal and this would go away. My doctor tells me that my age is an advantage because I can make major changes in my life now and live a normal life from here on out.   I hope that's the case.

Well, I've certainly quite a large number of positive changes in my health habits.  Oddly, diabetes might turn out to save my life...

Response:

This post not CC'd by email I am quite overweight myself.  I have a little over 100 lbs to lose, but I'm not going crazy to lose it.  I've stopped drinking sodas and eating any sugar.  I'm a little confused between the two schools of thought on diet for diabetics.  I don't know if I need to do the no-fruit, no carb diet, or the ADA diet that allows carbs.  I'm trying to get an appointment with a nutritionist/diabetic specialist to get some help.  

G'day G'day Sonya,   YMMV.  Your mileage may vary is almost a mantra here at misc.health.diabetes.  Diabetic differ in how they respond to various foods.  The one certainty is that regular testing of blood glucose levels 1 hour and 2 hours after meals will soon tell you what works and what doesn't, how much is OK and how much isn't. I found that by controlling those post prandial spikes as the after dinner surges of blood sugar are called I was able to lose weight. What is over looked is that the insulin resistance which is a fundamental cause of T2 diabetes also contributes to obesity.  It is one of the better bets that as you control bg you will find you have more energy and will benefit more from exercise than you might have in the past. It's all very overwhelming.  I find myself feeing a lot of stress most of every day.  It's upsetting to realize this is a chronic condition. It's not as upsetting as being diagnosed with something terminal, but still the chronic part is difficult to deal with.  My doctor tells me that my age is an advantage because I can make major changes in my life now and live a normal life from here on out.   I hope that's the case.

There is every reason to think so.  Let us assume people are being diagnosed sooner with great awareness among GPs of diabetes.  In the past the average time before discovery of T2 diabetes was said to be six years.  By that time changes that would have lead to complications had been allowed to progress unchecked. Presumably some died of complications before diagnosis.   Think of that early diagnosis as a blank cheque for a life you might not have had, had it not happened.  Only you get to write the amounts for the bonus you have received. Best wishes, -- Quentin Grady       ^  ^  / New Zealand,       #,#< [                     / /     "... and the blind dog was leading." http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/quentin

Response:

Yap!  Time is passing so fast.  Just came to mind because of the new movie out Thirteen Days.  Stars Kevin Costner..pant!  I wouldn't have minded sharing a bomb shelter with him! Chris

- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - remember when we were all going to die because of the Cuban Missile crisis, and we are still here. Chris - If she's only 22, she doesn't remember the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Response:

I'm trying to get an appointment with a nutritionist/diabetic specialist to get some help.

   Yes, a Registered Dietitian is an excellent idea.      For several days before your appointment with your Registered Dietitian, make a list of what you ate, the quantity of what you ate, along with the date and the  time of day you ate.  You might also list how you were feeling when you ate (hungry, upset, nervous, etc.)   Also list the date and time and duration of your exercise (if any) for that time frame.  Then, take all of this information with you to your appointment with your Registered Dietitian...    signed, Earl, type 2, age 63, who has been thru the mill...  

Response:

- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - I'm trying to get an appointment with a nutritionist/diabetic specialist to get some help.    Yes, a Registered Dietitian is an excellent idea.    For several days before your appointment with your Registered Dietitian, make a list of what you ate, the quantity of what you ate, along with the date and the  time of day you ate.  You might also list how you were feeling when you ate (hungry, upset, nervous, etc.)   Also list the date and time and duration of your exercise (if any) for that time frame.  Then, take all of this information with you to your appointment with your Registered Dietitian...    signed, Earl, type 2, age 63, who has been thru the mill...

Plus one more thing that would be handy, your bg measurements at the 2 hours after meals point.

Response:

I have been diagnosed with T2 for about a month now. I am on metaformin, taking 2 tablets three times a day.

Susan - I'm 33 and having a lot of the same questions that you are.  I was diagnosed exactly a week ago (1/11) and I'm still freaking out about it.  Each trip to the grocery store ends with my crying in the car because I'm so confused by everything I'm reading.  It's a crazy time in my life right now. From what I'm reading, you can and will have a normal life if you re-learn how to eat, add exercise to your life and maintain a reasonable weight.   I am quite overweight myself.  I have a little over 100 lbs to lose, but I'm not going crazy to lose it.  I've stopped drinking sodas and eating any sugar.  I'm a little confused between the two schools of thought on diet for diabetics.  I don't know if I need to do the no-fruit, no carb diet, or the ADA diet that allows carbs.  I'm trying to get an appointment with a nutritionist/diabetic specialist to get some help.   It's all very overwhelming.  I find myself feeing a lot of stress most of every day.  It's upsetting to realize this is a chronic condition. It's not as upsetting as being diagnosed with something terminal, but still the chronic part is difficult to deal with.  My doctor tells me that my age is an advantage because I can make major changes in my life now and live a normal life from here on out.   I hope that's the case.

Response:

remember when we were all going to die because of the Cuban Missile crisis, and we are still here.

Chris - If she's only 22, she doesn't remember the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Response:

Oh yeah .... one more thing..... 2 out of 3 of my doctors thought I could do without meds almost forever, as long as I paid attention to my diet & exercise ..... I realize I am older than you, but  I have a feeling that a doctor might agree that the fastest way o a long life is a lifelong change o an acceptable diet and exercise program.

Response:

Susan, Yep, it hit me the same way. I was and still am worried. The key to it is - stay worried, or rather *concerned* is a better word for it. Put your concern to good use. There are few diseases, if any, where the outcome can depend as much on your attitude as diabetes. Fight the disease by losing weight, excercising often and intensively and medicating. Keep on checking for complications. Keep on reading this newsgroup. Find yourself a doctor or diabetic specialist who is familliar with diabetes. Worrying is generally not good, but if it gives you a spur to look after yourself, then it is all for the better. Better than the unfortunates who stay blissfully ignorant and un-worried about what can befall them until it is too late. We hope to hear from you on this newsgroup for some decades yet..... I have been diagnosed with T2 for about a month now. I am on metaformin, taking 2 tablets three times a day. To tell you the truth I hadn't realised that diabetes, no matter what type was so serious, I guess ignorance can be bliss  Now that I have been finding out more, in part thanks to this NG I have to admit I am becoming quite worried about this disease and it's many complications. I have my blood sugar steady between 5.0 and 8.0 and have

-- Henry M. Age 52, Type II Melbourne, Australia

Response:

- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - I have been diagnosed with T2 for about a month now. I am on metaformin, taking 2 tablets three times a day. To tell you the truth I hadn't realised that diabetes, no matter what type was so serious, I guess ignorance can be bliss  Now that I have been finding out more, in part thanks to this NG I have to admit I am becoming quite worried about this disease and it's many complications. I have my blood sugar steady between 5.0 and 8.0 and have made big changes to my diet and lifestyle.  However I know there is still much to be done.  The hardest part for me will be losing the weight, but I have found that knowing that your health is in serious doubt if not looked after is better than any will power that I have been able to muster before. Most of the information I have found however tends to be geared more towards people, forty and over since they are the group most at risk from this. The trouble is I am 22 years old and becoming more worried about my future, especially since I found out that it deteriorates. Hopefully I will be able to get my weight to a more suitable level and I am hoping that diet alone can control my diabetes or at least a reduction in tablets However from what I have been able to gather this won't be a permanent solution and as I get older my treatment will have to change. Basically what I want to know is what I can expect? I am working under the assumption that I will be in control of my diabetes but what are my chances? Will my diabetes deteriorate even though I am doing everything right? And, I guess I am asking will this deteriorate to such a point that it will shorten my life span? I am sorry if I am being morbid, . . .[snip]. . . thanks to who ever reads this. Susan

  I agree with Julie’s post, nobody knows what will happen.  You do the best you can and hope that it is good enough.  I have some opinions on this, however.  Most of the surveys and statistics you read are based on people who were treated for diabetes before we had many of the modern medicines and techniques.  Consider:   a.  The docs now know that keeping your HbA1c below 7% is crucial. They didn’t always know or care and therefore their patients drifted all over the place.  Keep those bG’s down, and get below HbA1c of 7%. Many of us aim for below 6% in the fond hope that it will convert us into "normies" as far as complications and premature death.   If you want to get into that "normie class" consider:   b.  You must be aggressive and make certain you are getting the best advice and the best care.  Your doc should be able to put together a med plan which allows you to eat in moderation and keep your HbA1c well below 7%.  That means hitting the 6.7 mmol/L fasting bG and 7.8 to 10 mmol/L "two-hour-after-meal" targets.  If your doc is not giving you the tools,  get very aggressive, obnoxious, and oven obstreperous but do something.   (Hint. . .of course your doc has run an HbA1c, given you the results, and expects to run another one every six months for the rest of your life.  If not, re-read preceeding paragraph.)   c.  You young Type 2’s have the opportunity to turn into dedicated fitness addicts and go symptom-free after a bit.  It’s hard, but posters regularly sign on to the forums and report that they have done it.  If you go half-way towards becoming a dedicated fitness addict, it seems that you have a good chance of stabilizing on some combo of oral meds and keeping your HbA1c’s in the good range.   d.  Al’s fear-monger post #1.  I was misdiagnosed as a Type 2 and put on the same meds you are on.  They worked for a while until I slowly lost my insulin then everything went to H** when I became a full bore Type 1.  Unless your doc runs some special tests (the C-peptide test), he/she really doesn’t know if you are a Type 2, or a slowly developing Type 1 like me.  If your bG’s start going out of control, and the addition oral meds work more and more poorly, get aggressive again and demand the tests to find out if your are making any insulin.   Keep coming back.  Reading these forums every night has significantly improved the quality of my life.  (It gets easier too.) — Old Al (T1x since 94, 35 units H + U via 4 injections daily)     A retired engineer who shares his experiences

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been diagnosed with T2 for about a month now. I am on metaformin, taking 2 tablets three times a day. To tell you the truth I hadn’t realised that diabetes, no matter what type was so serious, I guess ignorance can be bliss  Now that I have been finding out more, in part thanks to this NG I have to admit I am becoming quite worried about this disease and it’s many complications. I have my blood sugar steady between 5.0 and 8.0 and have made big changes to my diet and lifestyle.  However I know there is still much to be done.  The hardest part for me will be losing the weight, but I have found that knowing that your health is in serious doubt if not looked after is better than any will power that I have been able to muster before. Most of the information I have found however tends to be geared more towards people, forty and over since they are the group most at risk from this. The trouble is I am 22 years old and becoming more worried about my future, especially since I found out that it deteriorates. Hopefully I will be able to get my weight to a more suitable level and I am hoping that diet alone can control my diabetes or at least a reduction in tablets However from what I have been able to gather this won’t be a permanent solution and as I get older my treatment will have to change. Basically what I want to know is what I can expect? I am working under the assumption that I will be in control of my diabetes but what are my chances? Will my diabetes deteriorate even though I am doing everything right? And, I guess I am asking will this deteriorate to such a point that it will shorten my life span? I am sorry if I am being morbid, I would go to the doctor and talk to him but to you the truth I am sick of seeing the doctors just now. The last month I have been at the doctor’s more times that I have been in my entire life! Besides I feel its more assuring talking to those who know exactly what I am going through, no matter how well meaning the doctor. Sorry for going on and thanks to who ever reads this.

I don’t think there’s any way to predict what will happen to you.  Some people seem to do everything right and still have complications.  All you can do is the best job you can.  Diabetes can be very frustrating at times because just when you think you have it figured out, things change.  Read as much as you can and learn as much as you can.  If your Dr. or hospital has classes you can attend, sign up for them.  You can learn a lot from them.

Response:

This post not CC’d by email I have been diagnosed with T2 for about a month now. I am on metaformin, taking 2 tablets three times a day. To tell you the truth I hadn’t realised that diabetes, no matter what type was so serious, I guess ignorance can be bliss  Now that I have been finding out more, in part thanks to this NG I have to admit I am becoming quite worried about this disease and it’s many complications. I have my blood sugar steady between 5.0 and 8.0 and have made big changes to my diet and lifestyle.  However I know there is still much to be done.  The hardest part for me will be losing the weight, but I have found that knowing that your health is in serious doubt if not looked after is better than any will power that I have been able to muster before. Most of the information I have found however tends to be geared more towards people, forty and over since they are the group most at risk from this. The trouble is I am 22 years old and becoming more worried about my future,

G’day G’day Susan,   Well there is some good news.   Exercise works better for younger people.  Darn it.   As they say in the gym … middle age is when you have to work twice as hard for half the gain.   Exercise will also work better now you have your blood sugar levels lower.  You will be surprised at how other minor ailments clear up. One day when I was feeling a tad sorry for myself I happened to meet an old friend.  I say an old friend but she was really much, much younger than me.  In former days she was a boisterous aerobics instructor seeming indestructible.  From the angle of her head I thought she had her neck in a brace.  Then I realized she had rheumatoid arthritis.  I felt tears come to my eyes … a mixture of pity for her and gratitude for myself that I could go to the gym and live a life with many freedoms that she would be for ever denied. especially since I found out that it deteriorates. Hopefully I will be able to get my weight to a more suitable level and I am hoping that diet alone can control my diabetes or at least a reduction in tablets However from what I have been able to gather this won’t be a permanent solution and as I get older my treatment will have to change. Basically what I want to know is what I can expect? I am working under the assumption that I will be in control of my diabetes but what are my chances? Will my diabetes deteriorate even though I am doing everything right? And, I guess I am asking will this deteriorate to such a point that it will shorten my life span? I am sorry if I am being morbid,

Heck no.  Recognizing your own mortal nature is step one in dealing with diabetes.  It is like playing cards with the grim reaper and knowing you have to cheat.  Those who are in denial haven’t even realized they’re on playing field and the start whistle has blown.   OK so now you know the stakes of the wager … how to play the game. These are my thoughts, others play it differently.   You might like to read Jennifer’s story for one woman’s perspective, http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/quentin/jennifers_story.htm Anyway here is my current strategy. Step one: Monitoring bg like it was going out of fashion. After a  few months it might be practical to monitor twice a day BUT when you are starting out it needs to be much more frequently to find out how food reacts with you and your medication. You may find the medication has to be increased.  Mine did. Doctors find it safer to increase dosages slowly because everyone is different. Some go for testing five times a day, some eight in this initial learning phase.   At least that is what I have observed with the kick ass crowd who have good HgbA1c to show for it. Step two: Watching the progress of HgbA1c downwards. This is the clock of ages.  The lower the level the less glycated (sticky) your red cells are.  The less sticky they are the less prone they are to oxidation. The less oxidized they are the less they cross link.  Which means the less aged you are.  Expect to get younger.   I’m not kidding.  Maybe you realize that by now.  Expect to get physically younger as you get bg under control. Very recent research has shown HgbA1c to be the best indicator of many available in predicting CHD even among non-diabetics. That is quite a surprise. Step three: Watch the ratio of HDL:TG. HDL is the good cholesterol. TG is triglycerides. The reason this ratio is important is because it is a reasonable indicator of the size of the LDL particles.  The bigger the better. The HDL:TG ratio is also a quick and dirty measure of insulin sensitivity. Exercise is one the better recognized ways of raising HDL. There are a heap of others.   A few years ago much of this was unknown.   IMHO the players can expect better outcomes as knowledge improves. All the stats are old stats.  We can write new ones. Best wishes Susan, — Quentin Grady       ^  ^  / New Zealand,       #,#< [                     / /     "… and the blind dog was leading." http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/quentin

Response:

Susan, You’re right, the possibility of complications does exist for anyone with diabetes, but you do have two points in your favor. You are still young, your years of having diabetes is in the early stages which means that if you can keep your BG normal or near normal most of the time you may very well be able to hold off any complications until better or more permanent treatments are available. I think that for anyone who is just starting out with diabetes, if normal or near normal BG can be maintained most of the time, I think that current and forthcomeing research for curing diabetes as well as making advances in the understanding and treatments for diabetic complications holds tremendous promise for those individuals. I think the necessary technology for all this research into diabetes and diabetic complications really didn’t come about until just the last 10 years, and I anticipate that progress will come about even faster over the next 10 to 12 years. If your doctor does not object, you may also want to look into suggested nutritional support for diabetes such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Gina

Response:

Dear Susan,  I understand your fear.  I was diagnosed last May.  I don’t have long time experiences to offer.  Also, I am almost 50.  Some of our issues are different but the bottom line is everyone wants to live as long as God has given us, hopefully in good health.  I found as the weeks pasted that it became easier to just get on with life and not think about diabetes all the time.  I can plan a meal without sweating over the choices. Exercise has become part of my ‘almost’ every day plan.  Overall my health is much better, as is my mental and emotional state.  This is something you will adapt to in time.  I know you can do it!  You are strong and smart enough to take control to have the life you want.  Yes, there will be challenges, every life has them.  This is NOT a burden too heavy to carry. Keep reading and join in the discussions you will gain much insight on how to make this work for you.  Don’t think too far down the road for now.  Hey I remember when we were all going to die because of the Cuban Missile crisis, and we are still here.  There is another group alt.support.diabetes where we talk about your type of concerns.  Please visit there also. You will not be alone.  We are all doing this together. Chris

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been diagnosed with T2 for about a month now. I am on metaformin, taking 2 tablets three times a day. To tell you the truth I hadn’t realised that diabetes, no matter what type was so serious, I guess ignorance can be bliss  Now that I have been finding out more, in part thanks to this NG I have to admit I am becoming quite worried about this disease and it’s many complications. I have my blood sugar steady between 5.0 and 8.0 and have made big changes to my diet and lifestyle.  However I know there is still much to be done.  The hardest part for me will be losing the weight, but I have found that knowing that your health is in serious doubt if not looked after is better than any will power that I have been able to muster before. Most of the information I have found however tends to be geared more towards people, forty and over since they are the group most at risk from this. The trouble is I am 22 years old and becoming more worried about my future, especially since I found out that it deteriorates. Hopefully I will be able to get my weight to a more suitable level and I am hoping that diet alone can control my diabetes or at least a reduction in tablets However from what I have been able to gather this won’t be a permanent solution and as I get older my treatment will have to change. Basically what I want to know is what I can expect? I am working under the assumption that I will be in control of my diabetes but what are my chances? Will my diabetes deteriorate even though I am doing everything right? And, I guess I am asking will this deteriorate to such a point that it will shorten my life span? I am sorry if I am being morbid, I would go to the doctor and talk to him but to you the truth I am sick of seeing the doctors just now. The last month I have been at the doctor’s more times that I have been in my entire life! Besides I feel its more assuring talking to those who know exactly what I am going through, no matter how well meaning the doctor. Sorry for going on and thanks to who ever reads this. Susan

Response:

I have been diagnosed with T2 for about a month now. I am on metaformin, taking 2 tablets three times a day. To tell you the truth I hadn’t realised that diabetes, no matter what type was so serious, I guess ignorance can be bliss  Now that I have been finding out more, in part thanks to this NG I have to admit I am becoming quite worried about this disease and it’s many complications. I have my blood sugar steady between 5.0 and 8.0 and have made big changes to my diet and lifestyle.  However I know there is still much to be done.  The hardest part for me will be losing the weight, but I have found that knowing that your health is in serious doubt if not looked after is better than any will power that I have been able to muster before. Most of the information I have found however tends to be geared more towards people, forty and over since they are the group most at risk from this. The trouble is I am 22 years old and becoming more worried about my future, especially since I found out that it deteriorates. Hopefully I will be able to get my weight to a more suitable level and I am hoping that diet alone can control my diabetes or at least a reduction in tablets However from what I have been able to gather this won’t be a permanent solution and as I get older my treatment will have to change. Basically what I want to know is what I can expect? I am working under the assumption that I will be in control of my diabetes but what are my chances? Will my diabetes deteriorate even though I am doing everything right? And, I guess I am asking will this deteriorate to such a point that it will shorten my life span? I am sorry if I am being morbid, I would go to the doctor and talk to him but to you the truth I am sick of seeing the doctors just now. The last month I have been at the doctor’s more times that I have been in my entire life! Besides I feel its more assuring talking to those who know exactly what I am going through, no matter how well meaning the doctor. Sorry for going on and thanks to who ever reads this. Susan

Response: