Have you ever used a meter to check you blood sugar? High insulin levels can be caused by several conditions, but can also indicate the onset of insulin resistance. BJ

I agree with BJ.  This will make your doctor’s appointment go ever so smoothly.  Go buy a cheap meter at Walmart and start checking your blood sugar and noting your symptoms at the time.   BL "As the waves pass the rock, their shape is changed.  There is a hologram of the rock within the wave that comes forward and crashes on the beach, then there’s a reflected wave back."   Ralph Abraham   "I’d like to learn to windsurf."  BL

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all. I am new here. I was diagnosed with Hyperinsulinemia (HIGH insulin level) caused by another hormonal disorder and have been on Glucophage since mid 1999. I take a 500 mg pill 2 times a day. But it was making me kinda sick and my doc said I could reduce it to once a day. I have had 2 glucose tolerance tests and my sugars were always perfectly normal and reacted normal, just my insulin was too high. Anyways, I have been having medical insurance problems and problems finding a new doctor in the area and other stuff. And haven’t had a full length glucose tolerance test in a few years. But since, some odd symptoms have occured. One that I do not recall happening before, but rather within the last year or so, is.. if I fall asleep, if even just for a few minutes, or waking up in the morning.. upon waking up I will have an extreme hunger. I mean, so bad I will be shaking and wanting to cry and rush to get some food ASAP. It doesn’t happen everytime, but about 90% of the time. It doesn’t really matter how much I have eaten previously or what I had eaten, or how I have taken my medicine. It still happens. After I eat, I am fine. But sometimes get a feeling of high blood sugar afterwards. I do not believe these "attacks" are necessarily a low blood sugar attack, but maybe an insulin reaction of sorts? Sometimes, if I feel like this and don’t get anything to eat, it will subside on it’s own. I don’t pass out or anything. Never did, for any matter. So, I guess my main question is.. is this a major sign of actual diabetes? Or just my insulin? I have a doctor appointment set up in 2 weeks, so hopefully this will be all straightened out and figured out then. As for other symptoms.. like frequent urination, nausea, etc,.. Not really. Sometimes if I have taken a cold medication or its that time of the month, I might have to urinate every 10 mins!! And I wont even drink anything. Thats whats so funny, I hardly EVER get thristy (a NON sign of diabetes).. and don’t drink much fluid throughout my day. If I do, I still have to urinate alot or feel sick. I dont think my body requires much for some reason! LOL. I think I have a very fast metabolism. So, pretty much.. I don’t have many symptoms. Diabetes symptoms are so vague.. in the sense that, these things could account for anyone.. anyone healthy. But anyways, are there any other more specific symptoms I should be looking at and is this "extreme hunger upon waking up" a big sign? Thanks.

Have you ever used a meter to check you blood sugar? High insulin levels can be caused by several conditions, but can also indicate the onset of insulin resistance. BJ

Response:

Hello all. I am new here. I was diagnosed with Hyperinsulinemia (HIGH insulin level) caused by another hormonal disorder and have been on Glucophage since mid 1999. I take a 500 mg pill 2 times a day. But it was making me kinda sick and my doc said I could reduce it to once a day. I have had 2 glucose tolerance tests and my sugars were always perfectly normal and reacted normal, just my insulin was too high. Anyways, I have been having medical insurance problems and problems finding a new doctor in the area and other stuff. And haven’t had a full length glucose tolerance test in a few years. But since, some odd symptoms have occured. One that I do not recall happening before, but rather within the last year or so, is.. if I fall asleep, if even just for a few minutes, or waking up in the morning.. upon waking up I will have an extreme hunger. I mean, so bad I will be shaking and wanting to cry and rush to get some food ASAP. It doesn’t happen everytime, but about 90% of the time. It doesn’t really matter how much I have eaten previously or what I had eaten, or how I have taken my medicine. It still happens. After I eat, I am fine. But sometimes get a feeling of high blood sugar afterwards. I do not believe these "attacks" are necessarily a low blood sugar attack, but maybe an insulin reaction of sorts? Sometimes, if I feel like this and don’t get anything to eat, it will subside on it’s own. I don’t pass out or anything. Never did, for any matter. So, I guess my main question is.. is this a major sign of actual diabetes? Or just my insulin? I have a doctor appointment set up in 2 weeks, so hopefully this will be all straightened out and figured out then. As for other symptoms.. like frequent urination, nausea, etc,.. Not really. Sometimes if I have taken a cold medication or its that time of the month, I might have to urinate every 10 mins!! And I wont even drink anything. Thats whats so funny, I hardly EVER get thristy (a NON sign of diabetes).. and don’t drink much fluid throughout my day. If I do, I still have to urinate alot or feel sick. I dont think my body requires much for some reason! LOL. I think I have a very fast metabolism. So, pretty much.. I don’t have many symptoms. Diabetes symptoms are so vague.. in the sense that, these things could account for anyone.. anyone healthy. But anyways, are there any other more specific symptoms I should be looking at and is this "extreme hunger upon waking up" a big sign? Thanks.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 03:53:35 Fri, 1 Aug 2003misc.health.diabetes 19:18:02 Sat, 26 Jul 2003misc.health.diabetes : I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody : being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ? : Possibilites are pancreas transplants, or stem-cell implants, but the latter is in the very early stages of research AFAIK. Martin, please quote correctly.  I did not ask that question. I’m puzzled by that: I didn’t think you asked that either. Oh, well…

mistakes happen. Mack Type 1 since 1975 http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org http://www.insulin-pumpers.org  In tribute to the United States of America and the State  of Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife and  terrorism.

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03:53:35 Fri, 1 Aug 2003misc.health.diabetes – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 19:18:02 Sat, 26 Jul 2003misc.health.diabetes : I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody : being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ? : Possibilites are pancreas transplants, or stem-cell implants, but the latter is in the very early stages of research AFAIK. Martin, please quote correctly.  I did not ask that question.

I’m puzzled by that: I didn’t think you asked that either. Oh, well… — London, UK              Home Page:      http://www.tucana.demon.co.uk                          Web Shop:      http://buy.at/tucana           Mobile Phone Ring Tones:      http://www.ringamoby.com "Everything I do and say with anyone makes a difference." Gita Bellin

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19:18:02 Sat, 26 Jul 2003misc.health.diabetes : I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody : being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ? : Possibilites are pancreas transplants, or stem-cell implants, but the latter is in the very early stages of research AFAIK.

Martin, please quote correctly.  I did not ask that question. Mack Type 1 since 1975 http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org http://www.insulin-pumpers.org  In tribute to the United States of America and the State  of Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife and  terrorism.

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Ok, so I am a little cynical.  How do we get a med like Rezulin on the market that almost kills everyone who takes it and after all these years we can’t approve stem cell implants?  Is there a diabetes medical machine (meds, syringes, test equip, lancets, pumps, insulin, orals) that would be too huge a business to shut down if diabetics were "CURED".  I’m not saying there is, but I do wonder sometimes.

Ahh. Stem cells is its own social, not scientific, problem. The religious right at least in the US is deeply concerned about anything that smacks of using fetal tissues, lest it lessen the "every fetus is a sacred baby" belief they foster. It’s key to their objection to legal abortion, along with their "womens is for havin’ babees, and mens is for bringin’ home the supper" attitudes about women’s rights. Given their objections to birth control of *any* kind, it’s no surprise that they object to anything that might harvest fetal tissue in any way, shape, or form. The research is ongoing, but with much less funding, overseas. Something like 15 years ago a bunch of the US researchers went to France where they could get funding without various FDA restrictions. I haven’t heard about them in ages, so I assume they’re running into other problems.

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Ok, so I am a little cynical.  How do we get a med like Rezulin on the market that almost kills everyone who takes it

The liver risks from Rezulin were something like one in 50,000; the later returns may have increased this.   There are not that many drugs on the market which are this safe. It is not clear that the substitutes for Rezulin, which do not seem to have the liver problems, are any safer when used with insulin; they have other problems, and the effects are not as clear, just increased risks.         and after all these years we can’t approve stem cell implants?

Have we even tried that many stem cell implants for all diseases? Stem cell implants are also expensive.                 Is there a diabetes medical machine (meds, syringes, test equip, lancets, pumps, insulin, orals) that would be too huge a business to shut down if diabetics were "CURED".  I’m not saying there is, but I do wonder sometimes.

Stem cell implants would only work for type 1, anyhow, IF they worked.  The amount of testing for any treatment is considerable. — This address is for information only.  I do not claim that these views are those of the Statistics Department or of Purdue University. Herman Rubin, Deptartment of Statistics, Purdue University

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Ok, so I am a little cynical.  How do we get a med like Rezulin on the market that almost kills everyone who takes it and after all these years we can’t approve stem cell implants?  Is there a diabetes medical machine (meds, syringes, test equip, lancets, pumps, insulin, orals) that would be too huge a business to shut down if diabetics were "CURED".  I’m not saying there is, but I do wonder sometimes.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ? There have been some successful pancreas transplants for Type 1. Some Type 2’s who changed their lifestyle have shown no further diabetes symptoms, and some Type 1 cases caused by hemochromatosis (excess iron in the blood) are successfully treated by blood-letting, which also treats a  bunch of other problems for them. I mean, through herbal remedy, or self healing or something weird or anything? If there were, we’d hear a lot more about it. Given the lack of proof or lab tests for the "I’m cured, I’m cured, hallelujah rubbing the kneecap of the magic buddha cured me! $29.95 at this website!" sorts of claims, I really don’t think it works.

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19:18:02 Sat, 26 Jul 2003misc.health.diabetes : I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody : being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ? If I remember there was some work done with anti rejection drugs over 20 years ago.  They were reporting positive results but nothing further since. (So Common today)

There’s an intersting new transplant drug regime called the "Edmonton protocol" that seems to use far, far lower levels of the immuno=suppresants with good results. The old levels of immuno-suppressants and potential problems seemed to cause complications worse than most cases of Type 1 diabetes, and there simply aren’t enough beta cells in the organ donor pools to supply all Type 1 diabetics, so it hasn’t had much success so far. I have mixed emotions about these premature releases. They give false hopes so often.  When my neuropathy  was acute, I saw press release after press release but to this day none have showed up as a viable drug. In my bitter moments I suspect most are ploys to secure grant money.  But we do throw money with the hope that there will be a hit sometime.

It helps get funding for the research. Plus if you don’t publish your preliminary results, you can’g get NIS funding or university funding or venture capital. They want the peer-reviewed articles to help establish that your data are believable and your product legitimate. After the recent stock frauds of the Diasensor and the Futrex non-invasive glucometers that never worked and clearly relied on false or wildly optimistic interpretations of their data, I think we’ve been reminded to see the data. Cure is used by spammers so often and in money drives. But nothing has changed much in  my 28 years of looking.  The "control thing" is the best item I have noted.  In my case it works.  But no cure and I will be surprised if there is one.                                              Guy

I’m keeping my fingers crossed on the Sugartrak (www.sugartrak.com, non-invasive glucometer) and on the W. Virginia immunoresponse work for us Type 1’s.

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19:18:02 Sat, 26 Jul 2003misc.health.diabetes : I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody : being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ?

If I remember there was some work done with anti rejection drugs over 20 years ago.  They were reporting positive results but nothing further since. (So Common today) It was a study to try to define some basic items related to our understanding of diabetes. I have mixed emotions about these premature releases. They give false hopes so often.  When my neuropathy  was acute, I saw press release after press release but to this day none have showed up as a viable drug. In my bitter moments I suspect most are ploys to secure grant money.  But we do throw money with the hope that there will be a hit sometime. Cure is used by spammers so often and in money drives. But nothing has changed much in  my 28 years of looking.  The "control thing" is the best item I have noted.  In my case it works.  But no cure and I will be surprised if there is one.                                              Guy

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19:18:02 Sat, 26 Jul 2003misc.health.diabetes : I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody : being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ? :

Possibilites are pancreas transplants, or stem-cell implants, but the latter is in the very early stages of research AFAIK. — London, UK              Home Page:      http://www.tucana.demon.co.uk                          Web Shop:      http://buy.at/tucana           Mobile Phone Ring Tones:      http://www.ringamoby.com "Everything I do and say with anyone makes a difference." Gita Bellin

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Only two cures: 1. Pancreas transplant. 2. Islet cell transplant (experimenting now in Canada).

Alan, You forgot the 3rd – The big dirt nap. — Bob Gootee, back into my hole When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : : : : Hi All, : : I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody : being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ? : : I mean, through herbal remedy, or self healing or something weird or : anything? : : There is no cure.  Don’t believe anyone who tells you there is.  But if you : look hard enough, you’ll find someone who will tell you this. : : : — : Type 2 : http://users.bestweb.net/~jbove/ : DAMN! really? the little blue men yesterday told me that if I found pixey dust it would cure me.. I was working on a weekend field trip.. Just break my heart why don’t ya.. LOL RK :

No no no, that was "Magical Pixie Server Dust" when your server crashes you sprinkle it on the server and the problem is solved. Mack Type 1 since 1975 http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org http://www.insulin-pumpers.org  In tribute to the United States of America and the State  of Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife and  terrorism.

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Hi All, I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ?

There have been some successful pancreas transplants for Type 1. Some Type 2’s who changed their lifestyle have shown no further diabetes symptoms, and some Type 1 cases caused by hemochromatosis (excess iron in the blood) are successfully treated by blood-letting, which also treats a  bunch of other problems for them. I mean, through herbal remedy, or self healing or something weird or anything?

If there were, we’d hear a lot more about it. Given the lack of proof or lab tests for the "I’m cured, I’m cured, hallelujah rubbing the kneecap of the magic buddha cured me! $29.95 at this website!" sorts of claims, I really don’t think it works.

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Hi All, I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ? I mean, through herbal remedy, or self healing or something weird or anything? thanks Cameron

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I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ?

No. Well, I guess death would cure it, but it’s not a very useful cure as far as I can tell. — Today, on Paper-view: Pulp Fiction!

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Hi All, I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ? I mean, through herbal remedy, or self healing or something weird or anything? thanks Cameron

AFAIK the only way is to get a kidney/panceras transplant. When a person with diabetes needs a new kidney they usualy do the panceras too. regards, Steinar

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Hi All, I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ? I mean, through herbal remedy, or self healing or something weird or anything?

There is no cure.  Don’t believe anyone who tells you there is.  But if you look hard enough, you’ll find someone who will tell you this. — Type 2 http://users.bestweb.net/~jbove/

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: : :

: Hi All, : : I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody : being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ? : : I mean, through herbal remedy, or self healing or something weird or : anything? : : There is no cure.  Don’t believe anyone who tells you there is.  But if you : look hard enough, you’ll find someone who will tell you this. : : : — : Type 2 : http://users.bestweb.net/~jbove/ : DAMN! really? the little blue men yesterday told me that if I found pixey dust it would cure me.. I was working on a weekend field trip.. Just break my heart why don’t ya.. LOL RK :

Response:

Only two cures: 1. Pancreas transplant. 2. Islet cell transplant (experimenting now in Canada).

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ? I mean, through herbal remedy, or self healing or something weird or anything? thanks Cameron

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Cameron, I went to an acupuncture lady for allergies a couple of years ago.  (It really helped for about 6 mos., by the way!)  She told me she could cure my diabetes (T1) with acupuncture methods.  I mentioned this to my endo, and he giggled hysterically!  I went back to her, to have her give it a try. (I must have been having a gullible day-I don’t know why.)  She stuck some needles in me which was fine, but then she stuck one in my bellybutton!!!! I about came off the table.  (I’m weird about my bellybutton!)  I took it out, and have never been back!  (I’m also back on Allegra for allergies, too.) The only cures for T1 are pancreas transplant and islet cell transpant.  (At least I believe that they have had success with the islet cell transplants.) From experience, be wary of "natural" cures.  They are not valid.  (plus, they stick needles in the bellybutton!) Hope this helps. Steph

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ? I mean, through herbal remedy, or self healing or something weird or anything? thanks Cameron

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Hi All, I’m just wondering, has there ever been a case, anywhere, of somebody being cured of type 1 (or 2) diabetes ? I mean, through herbal remedy, or self healing or something weird or anything?

The pancreas transplant is worse than the disease.  The quality of life is terrible due to the necessary suppression of the immune system. Also, a person’s life span under such medication is greatly curtailed, and is generally only in the single digits. They have been working on transplanting islet cells.  Dr. Denise Faustman and her research group had been stalled for years in making their cells unrecognizable by the immune system.  The problem was that on rare occasions, the human body could recognize the new cells and start rejecting them. The best way to get rid of Type 1 is to have been found not to have Type 1 diabetes in the first place.  Then you just throw everything away, except for your blood glucometer for monitoring purposes.  Over my 38 years of diabetes (I), I have known several people to whom this has happened. As for Type 2, however, it does happen at times that when the patient loses their excess weight, the diabetes will disappear.  And it stays away for as long as the weight is maintained under control.  But they are in the minority. Michel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – thanks Cameron

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I had chronic heartburn before.  Eliminating the offending foods gets rid of the heartburn immediately.  On LC, I don’t eat enough of any of the offending foods to have a problem.  It seems like all the culprits are high carb, combined with some other food that is high in acid content . Duffy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey Doug, congrats with your progress! calorie control and figuring out your stallers I have a tiny question though, you said: (2) Complete elimination of heart-burn and night-time acid reflux. Before starting the diet I would have this occasional *extremely frightening* problem where I would wake up in the middle of the night choking and not being able to breath. I didn’t even know what it was until I read about it on the Internet. I would have to run to the bathroom and cough up what felt like acid and it would leave my throat burning for hours. Very very scary! Since starting low-carbs this is completely gone! Because of this and (1) above I have had nothing but peaceful nights of sleep each an every night. This alone is worth low-carbing. did the heartburn disappeared lets say right after you began low-carbing (1st week or so) or after some weight? to me it was because i wasn’t exposed to offending foods anymore since my purpose on lc wasn’t losing weight. Some people think that lc is the cure for loads of ailments (I do! LOL) but others will say that the weight loss that helps with things such as heartburn, joint pain etc. what do you think? keep up and take care!

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey Doug, congrats with your progress! calorie control and figuring out your stallers I have a tiny question though, you said: (2) Complete elimination of heart-burn and night-time acid reflux. Before starting the diet I would have this occasional *extremely frightening* problem where I would wake up in the middle of the night choking and not being able to breath. I didn’t even know what it was until I read about it on the Internet. I would have to run to the bathroom and cough up what felt like acid and it would leave my throat burning for hours. Very very scary! Since starting low-carbs this is completely gone! Because of this and (1) above I have had nothing but peaceful nights of sleep each an every night. This alone is worth low-carbing. did the heartburn disappeared lets say right after you began low-carbing (1st week or so) or after some weight?

It disappeared immediately after starting! to me it was because i wasn’t exposed to offending foods anymore since my purpose on lc wasn’t losing weight. Some people think that lc is the cure for loads of ailments (I do! LOL) but others will say that the weight loss that helps with things such as heartburn, joint pain etc. what do you think?

I do think it is a cure for lots of things. But not joint pain so far. I think I might have gout. I have all the symptoms in the big toe on my right foot. I don’t think that has gotten better yet. doug

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Hey Doug, congrats with your progress! calorie control and figuring out your stallers I have a tiny question though, you said: (2) Complete elimination of heart-burn and night-time acid reflux. Before starting the diet I would have this occasional *extremely frightening* problem where I would wake up in the middle of the night choking and not being able to breath. I didn’t even know what it was until I read about it on the Internet. I would have to run to the bathroom and cough up what felt like acid and it would leave my throat burning for hours. Very very scary! Since starting low-carbs this is completely gone! Because of this and (1) above I have had nothing but peaceful nights of sleep each an every night. This alone is worth low-carbing.

did the heartburn disappeared lets say right after you began low-carbing (1st week or so) or after some weight? to me it was because i wasn’t exposed to offending foods anymore since my purpose on lc wasn’t losing weight. Some people think that lc is the cure for loads of ailments (I do! LOL) but others will say that the weight loss that helps with things such as heartburn, joint pain etc. what do you think? keep up and take care!

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Today is Day 141 on low carb. So far I’ve lost 15.5 kg = 34 lb. This averages to 1.68 lb/week, which is a figure that seems to be holding steady over the last couple of months. Some things I’ve noticed: * The simpler I eat the better my weight loss. In other words, the less I use processed foods of any kind and the more I buy raw ingredients and make it myself, the better my weight loss seems to be. * Unfortunately, I do seem to be one of those people whose weight loss is adversely affected by aspartame-sweetened products. I can pretty much predict that if I eat diet Jello-brand jello for dessert in the evening I will not show a weight loss the next morning. Why is this, I wonder? I haven’t yet tried making jello from gelatin, unsweetened kool-aid and stevia as some have recommended. * Butter and mayo really don’t seem to be that bad for the diet. Neither do macadamia nuts, if I eat them within reason, like one 2 oz bag every couple of days. I switched my mayo from 1 T = 0.1 carb + 100 calories to a different brand where 1 T = 0.4 carb + 50 calories. It just seemed less wasteful calorie-wise. * I don’t completely avoid beef, but try to eat mostly fish or chicken instead. It’s just as satisfying to me, but almost half the calories. * I’ve had a major revelation regarding dinner portion sizes! Without even realizing it, it seems my portion sizes have grown over the years to where I was thinking (don’t laugh!) that about 400-500 gm of the main entr

This sounds a bit like a condition called "reactive hypoglycemia". Ingestion of a relatively large bolus of sucrose (e.g. eating ice cream) may cause an oversecretion of insulin which results in low BG fairly quickly.  In your case, this may manifest itself as sleepyness. Reactive hypoglycemia isn’t diabetes but it is a sign that your body responds to a large ingestion of sugar in a specific way.  You might be able to enjoy your ice cream desert (goodness knows I do) by choosing no-sugar or low-sugar varieties (some that are currently available are quite good IMHO). Cheers – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I haven’t had a physical in two years.  I’ve noticed lately if I eat a desert at night it makes me fall asleep in my chair, I can’t hardly stay awake, is that a sign of diabetes? Tom

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In my case…..thirsty, thirsty, thirsty, dizzy, and my feet felt so dry…..of course the thirst and dizziness are classic symptoms. The diabetes was ruining the nerves in my feet, and now I don’t have much feeling in them anymore.  I know they are there, but loss of feeling is terrible.  Otherwise they are okay, but do bother me at night. There is nothing to getting a blood glucose test….pleas have it checked out, as you won’t be sorry. Rosalyn Bradley

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Anyway, the point I’m making is not that I think the original poster has diabetes, but that he should be taking his postprandial fatigue seriously. It may well be nothing, but it can’t hurt to get it checked out.

I doubt if it is nothing, but it probably isn’t diabetes either (though agreed, he should get checked). Do some searches for "metabolic syndrome".  It is characterized by hyperinsulinemia.  Sometimes blood sugars can be elevated and it can lead to Type 2 diabetes, but it is possible to have this without blood sugars ever being abnormal. Here are the criteria– http://www.ahaf.org/whatsnew/H_Metabolic_Dec_2002.htm http://www.cacr.ca/news/2000/0009reaven.htm BL

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I don’t think you could reasonably deduce fatiue alone as a symptom of diabetes. Other symptoms would generally be there as well.

Generally, though perhaps not to a degree that one would particularly notice them. I was diagnosed in September after getting a general check up which included some blood tests. I went for the tests not because I suspected there was anything wrong with me; I went because I was about to start on an exercise program and wanted to check the general state of my health before I started. I expected to be told that I need to get my cholesterol and BP down. In retrospect I realised that I’d been experiencing thirst/polyuria and fatigue for approximately two years. Even if a doctor had specifically quizzed me on diabetic symptoms before diagnosis, the only thing I would have been able to report would have been the fatigue. I’d only experienced polyuria intermittently during the two years preceding diagnosis. The mid-afternoon fatigue was a regular occurrence, but not severe enough to prompt me to visit a doctor – though in retrospect it was fairly severe and I *should* have questioned it. I’m just stupid sometimes I guess Anyway, the point I’m making is not that I think the original poster has diabetes, but that he should be taking his postprandial fatigue seriously. It may well be nothing, but it can’t hurt to get it checked out. It may well be the result of other things.

Indeed. A simple blood test which takes 2 minutes should give the answer.

Agreed Cheers, John Carney.

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I haven’t had a physical in two years.  I’ve noticed lately if I eat a desert at night it makes me fall asleep in my chair, I can’t hardly stay awake, is that a sign of diabetes? Possibly. Postprandial fatigue was the most prominent of my symptoms before diagnosis.

High blood sugars after eating put ME to sleep in no time, so as I see it, it’s a classic symptom of SOMETHING not being right.  Get yourself checked out. Absolutely Beav

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I haven’t had a physical in two years.  I’ve noticed lately if I eat a desert at night it makes me fall asleep in my chair, I can’t hardly stay awake, is that a sign of diabetes?

If you`re worried about something healthwise (and you must be or wouldn`t have posted) then my advice, fwiw, is get to your doc for a checkout, asap. I hope there`s nothing wrong, but you need knowledge more than you need hope. Al. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Possibly. Postprandial fatigue was the most prominent of my symptoms before diagnosis. High blood sugars after eating put ME to sleep in no time, so as I see it, it’s a classic symptom of SOMETHING not being right.  Get yourself checked out. Absolutely Beav

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think this is what the poster meant: http://www.diabetes.org/main/application/commercewf You don’t need to have a physical, just have your blood tested. Also do a Google search for: diabetes symptoms www.google.com Here’s one (look at type 2 diabetes): http://www.diabetes-and-symptoms.com/index.php3 The problem you described is NOT a classic diabetes symptom. I’m sorry John, but fatigue IS a classic symptom of diabetes. He said he got sleepy after eating. That happens to almost everybody even if they don’t have diabetes. True, but the fact that it is bothering him enough to go looking for answers suggests that it is unusual for him to feel this way. So it’s probably a recent development and much more severe than a pleasant drowsiness. He also said he ate the desert at night and he didn’t say how much he ate. I don’t see how either of these points is relevant.

My point is, maybe he is eating a larger desert than he was before and that’s what’s making him tired. He didn’t say. One person just posted that his blood pressure was up. Someone asked if he was eating more salt and the person said yes. High blood pressure is a symptom of diabetes but he probably doesn’t have diabetes if the high blood pressure is caused by eating too much salt. Eating too much and falling asleep happens to a LOT of people that DON’T have diabetes. If his desert is the same size and he is eating it at the same time and just recently he has started to get tired, I think he should have his blood tested. Does he get tired after breakfast or lunch though? Does he get tired if he eats this desert at 2pm? Maybe he’ll add some more info.

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My point is, maybe he is eating a larger desert than he was before and that’s what’s making him tired. He didn’t say.

Then why didn’t you raise any of this in your original reply instead of telling him emphatically that his problem wasn’t a "classic diabetes symptom"? My point is that what he was describing *could* be a symptom of diabetes and that instead of simply dismissing it, he should get checked out – especially seeing as he hasn’t had a checkup in a couple of years. One person just posted that his blood pressure was up. Someone asked if he was eating more salt and the person said yes. High blood pressure is a symptom of diabetes but he probably doesn’t have diabetes if the high blood pressure is caused by eating too much salt.

I don’t think that poster was asking if his/her BP was a symptom of diabetes. I agree that often people asking questions need to provide more information (though frequently they won’t know what information to provide), but you didn’t *ask* for more information – you just flat told him that what he was describing was not a classic symptom of diabetes, which is an extraordinary statement in light of the incredibly small amount of information given. Eating too much and falling asleep happens to a LOT of people that DON’T have diabetes. If his desert is the same size and he is eating it at the same time and just recently he has started to get tired, I think he should have his blood tested. Does he get tired after breakfast or lunch though? Does he get tired if he eats this desert at 2pm? Maybe he’ll add some more info.

Maybe Cheers, John Carney.

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I don’t think you could reasonably deduce fatiue alone as a symptom of diabetes.

Of course not. Other symptoms would generally be there as well. It may well be the result of other things. A simple blood test which takes 2 minutes should give the answer.

Agreed.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think this is what the poster meant: http://www.diabetes.org/main/application/commercewf You don’t need to have a physical, just have your blood tested. Also do a Google search for: diabetes symptoms www.google.com Here’s one (look at type 2 diabetes): http://www.diabetes-and-symptoms.com/index.php3 The problem you described is NOT a classic diabetes symptom. I’m sorry John, but fatigue IS a classic symptom of diabetes. Cheers, John Carney.

I don’t think you could reasonably deduce fatiue alone as a symptom of diabetes. Other symptoms would generally be there as well. It may well be the result of other things. A simple blood test which takes 2 minutes should give the answer.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think this is what the poster meant: http://www.diabetes.org/main/application/commercewf You don’t need to have a physical, just have your blood tested. Also do a Google search for: diabetes symptoms www.google.com Here’s one (look at type 2 diabetes): http://www.diabetes-and-symptoms.com/index.php3 The problem you described is NOT a classic diabetes symptom. I’m sorry John, but fatigue IS a classic symptom of diabetes. He said he got sleepy after eating. That happens to almost everybody even if they don’t have diabetes.

True, but the fact that it is bothering him enough to go looking for answers suggests that it is unusual for him to feel this way. So it’s probably a recent development and much more severe than a pleasant drowsiness. He also said he ate the desert at night and he didn’t say how much he ate.

I don’t see how either of these points is relevant. Again, the very fact that he is asking questions implies that this energy crash is atypical for him. There’s not enough in his post to draw any conclusions.

Agreed. You can’t rule it in *or* out as a symptom of anything. If *I* had thought to get myself checked out when I started experiencing *unusual* mid-afternoon energy slumps, I would have caught my diabetes at least 18 months earlier than I did. Cheers, John Carney.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think this is what the poster meant: http://www.diabetes.org/main/application/commercewf You don’t need to have a physical, just have your blood tested. Also do a Google search for: diabetes symptoms www.google.com Here’s one (look at type 2 diabetes): http://www.diabetes-and-symptoms.com/index.php3 The problem you described is NOT a classic diabetes symptom. I’m sorry John, but fatigue IS a classic symptom of diabetes.

He said he got sleepy after eating. That happens to almost everybody even if they don’t have diabetes. He also said he ate the desert at night and he didn’t say how much he ate. There’s not enough in his post to draw any conclusions. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Cheers, John Carney.

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I think this is what the poster meant: http://www.diabetes.org/main/application/commercewf You don’t need to have a physical, just have your blood tested. Also do a Google search for: diabetes symptoms www.google.com Here’s one (look at type 2 diabetes): http://www.diabetes-and-symptoms.com/index.php3 The problem you described is NOT a classic diabetes symptom.

I’m sorry John, but fatigue IS a classic symptom of diabetes. Cheers, John Carney.

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I haven’t had a physical in two years.  I’ve noticed lately if I eat a desert at night it makes me fall asleep in my chair, I can’t hardly stay awake, is that a sign of diabetes?

Possibly. Postprandial fatigue was the most prominent of my symptoms before diagnosis. Get yourself checked out. Cheers, John Carney.

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This can be a sign of diabetes. The only good way to find out is to get your doctor to do/arrange a blood glucose test. Henry Mydlarz Melbourne Australia

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I haven’t had a physical in two years.  I’ve noticed lately if I eat a desert at night it makes me fall asleep in my chair, I can’t hardly stay awake, is that a sign of diabetes? Tom

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Or old age !!! — "You haven’t lived until you’ve died !"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I haven’t had a physical in two years.  I’ve noticed lately if I eat a desert at night it makes me fall asleep in my chair, I can’t hardly stay awake, is that a sign of diabetes? Tom

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I haven’t had a physical in two years.  I’ve noticed lately if I eat a desert at night it makes me fall asleep in my chair, I can’t hardly stay awake, is that a sign of diabetes?

So make an appointment for a check-up and bloodwork and see what’s going on. Kosta, T2 www.oznik.com

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I think this is what the poster meant: http://www.diabetes.org/main/application/commercewf You don’t need to have a physical, just have your blood tested. Also do a Google search for: diabetes symptoms www.google.com Here’s one (look at type 2 diabetes): http://www.diabetes-and-symptoms.com/index.php3 The problem you described is NOT a classic diabetes symptom. John C

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – thanks but my teeth are fine! I haven’t had a physical in two years.  I’ve noticed lately if I eat a desert at night it makes me fall asleep in my chair, I can’t hardly stay awake, is that a sign of diabetes? *Maybe*. Hit the www.ada.org website and poke around…

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thanks but my teeth are fine! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I haven’t had a physical in two years.  I’ve noticed lately if I eat a desert at night it makes me fall asleep in my chair, I can’t hardly stay awake, is that a sign of diabetes? *Maybe*. Hit the www.ada.org website and poke around…

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I haven’t had a physical in two years.  I’ve noticed lately if I eat a desert at night it makes me fall asleep in my chair, I can’t hardly stay awake, is that a sign of diabetes?

*Maybe*. Hit the www.ada.org website and poke around…

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I haven’t had a physical in two years.  I’ve noticed lately if I eat a desert at night it makes me fall asleep in my chair, I can’t hardly stay awake, is that a sign of diabetes? Tom

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The doctors said to wait (neuro ophthalmologist). They offer no other treatment.  I find that I am beginning to ignore the left eye.

What is it you are supposed to wait for?  I don’t know much about this, obviously, but can you get a second opinion?  Until you get proper treatment, have you considered intermittently putting a patch over the good eye?   Can’t one lose eyesight in an eye if one continues to ignore it?   Perhaps the patch might helps strengthen it.  You also might want to get some cellular levels of magnesium, calcium, other minerals, etc. done Diabetes patients are often low in magnesium, and zinc, and possibly that could have an effect on your eye muscle. Good luck with this. BL

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hello folks. has anyone suffered an occurrence of double vision, due to diabetic paralysis of one of the muscles around the eye?  I have that right now. I’ve had diabetes symptoms for about a year now.  I suppose we all hate diabetes. I hope my eyesight returns to normal. The medial muscle for the left eye does not pull. The left eye fails to track right after the midpoint. Therefore, I see double when looking right. I just turn my head or close an eye. The doctors said to wait (neuro ophthalmologist). They offer no other treatment.  I find that I am beginning to ignore the left eye. I write here in search of any one that has or has had the symptom in hopes of gaining a treatment regime. My GP at the local doc-in-a-box has nothing to advise.  Is this a neuropathic etiology? What drug should be prescribed? Amitriptyline? (sorry, I can’t leave an email address for fear of spam. I get more than 50 e-mails a day that are spam and I cannot take more. Please reply to the message in the ng.) greg please forgive any misspellings or typos)

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Just a question (yes, being a newbie I am going to have them for a while…sorry ) Are any other ladies on Norplant/Implanon and doing low carb? I am curious to know how it has effected their loss/maintenance. Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups. T

Hi. I have some questions about diabetes symptoms and was wondering if some of you could help me out. I know someone with diabetes who really doesn’t take very good care of himself and I don’t think there is any changing that. But, anyway, I am concerned about certain aspects of his health, but I don’t have enough knowledge about diabetes to know if the problems he has are associated with diabetes or other problems. Could you please tell me if you think the following symptoms are associated with the diabetes: gum disease/tooth loss, poor vision, shortness of breath, high body temperature (gets hot easily..sweating)

Each except shortness of breath.   Other problems such as his excessive thirst or sudden craving of sweets I have read are common symptoms of diabetes, so I’m not as worried about those. I also read that diabetes slows healing down, but is that just for cuts and bruises or does it also slow the healing of colds?

Sure.  A diabetic who does not keep good control of their blood sugar feeds the diseases and infections with the excess sugar in their blood. They are, in effect, a giant petri dish. Now, here is a big concern for me lately. Does diabetes have much of an effect on the skin for any of you? This diabetic person I know, he has

[snip] What you describe does not sound like diabetic complications to me. A person that does not take care of themself when they know they are diabetic often come around when the first serious symptom appears. Unfortunately, that’s when the least help can be afforded them. Any idea why he thinks it is NOT in his best interest to take care of himself now?  Would it help for him to talk it out in alt.support.diabetes? Jude —                  - Coming Soon –  BestOrgs.NET         Oak Park, IL  708-848-0134  URL: http://www.pobox.com/~jcrouch

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Sure.  A diabetic who does not keep good control of their blood sugar feeds the diseases and infections with the excess sugar in their blood. They are, in effect, a giant petri dish.

Okay, thanks. Cause I was wondering if that could be why it takes him forever to get over a cold. Plus his cuts and scrapes last a long time. He eats almost like he doesn’t have diabetes. Sometimes he’ll eat sugar free foods, but for the most part it looks like he’s on no diet at all. I guess that’s pretty harmful, but I don’t know how to get him to change his ways. What you describe does not sound like diabetic complications to me.

Darn it. I feel like I’ll never know what’s causing it for sure. I know I shouldn’t try to play doctor, but I can’t help it. I’m going to see my doctor this week, so maybe she’ll know. I really worry a lot, so I want to find out for peace of mind. A person that does not take care of themself when they know they are diabetic often come around when the first serious symptom appears. Unfortunately, that’s when the least help can be afforded them. Any idea why he thinks it is NOT in his best interest to take care of himself now?  Would it help for him to talk it out in alt.support.diabetes?

I don’t know why he is the way he is, but I know there is no changing it. Sometimes he’ll be out of both his blood pressure and diabetes medicines for over a week and not even go to the doctor to get a prescription until I raise a fit. It stresses me out, but I can’t change him, so I just worry. He won’t talk about diabetes, I’m not even supposed to know he has it really. It’s not something he talks about. The way he takes care of himself in general is ridiculous. Not only does he rarely see his regular doctor, but I couldn’t tell you when the last time was he went to the dentist or the eye doctor. So when I notice he is starting to lose teeth, or he complains about his failing eyesight (which was always bad) I don’t know if it’s from not taking care of himself, from the diabetes, or from some other condition. So I search the internet and try to find out and I know I shouldn’t, but I do. And I just worry. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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Hi. I have some questions about diabetes symptoms and was wondering if some of you could help me out. I know someone with diabetes who really doesn’t take very good care of himself and I don’t think there is any changing that. But, anyway, I am concerned about certain aspects of his health, but I don’t have enough knowledge about diabetes to know if the problems he has are associated with diabetes or other problems. Could you please tell me if you think the following symptoms are associated with the diabetes: gum disease/tooth loss, poor vision, shortness of breath, high body temperature (gets hot easily..sweating) Other problems such as his excessive thirst or sudden craving of sweets I have read are common symptoms of diabetes, so I’m not as worried about those. I also read that diabetes slows healing down, but is that just for cuts and bruises or does it also slow the healing of colds? Now, here is a big concern for me lately. Does diabetes have much of an effect on the skin for any of you? This diabetic person I know, he has a couple..well I guess you’d call them age or sun spots, which I guess is natural, he’s over 50 now. But he also now has two small brown spots on the right eyelid. I don’t think they’d just appear there for no reason, but I’d like to get an idea of what could cause them. I don’t know if that could be attriuted to aging or sun exposure, since it’s on the eyelid. To make matters worse, I saw "spots on the nose, eyelids, and inside the mouth" on an AIDS symptoms list. So now I’m very concerned that the spots on his eyelid could be serious, but I am a worry-wort so I could be jumping to conclusions, like I always do. But still, I have read so many similar symptoms for both dibetes and aids, I guess because they both affect the immune system..am I right?? Has anyone else noticed that? But the small brown spots on the eylid..does anyone know if that’s rare and what could cause it, if not the diabetes. I know this is a long post with a lot of questions, but any that you could answer would be so appreciated. It’s very hard when you have a loved one who basically refuses to see the doctor (unless absolutely necessary to get a new prescription). I find myself playing doctor, wondering what’s wrong, hoping it’s nothing more than the diabtes, which I already know that he has. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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Yes, Dr. Martin, thank you!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dr. Martin:  Just wanted to thank you for being here all the time!  (And up so late too!)  Your professionalism really stands out as you have always been thoughtful, considerate and generous with your time.  I appreciate your answering my *general knowledge* questions. buglady take out the dog before replying <snip good advice

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Dr. Martin:  Just wanted to thank you for being here all the time!  (And up so late too!)  Your professionalism really stands out as you have always been thoughtful, considerate and generous with your time.  I appreciate your answering my *general knowledge* questions. buglady take out the dog before replying

<snip good advice

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Dr. Martin:  Just wanted to thank you for being here all the time!  (And up so late too!)  Your professionalism really stands out as you have always been thoughtful, considerate and generous with your time.  I appreciate your answering my *general knowledge* questions.

Aw shucks! J.

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There are certainly several approaches one could take in this case.  My preference would be to treat the Cushings soon.  Dogs with cushings require higher doses of insulin because the excess corticosteroids secreted by the adrenal gland(s) interferes with the action of insulin.  If you wait until a normal blood glucose curve is established you may find that your dog becomes dangerously hypoglycemic when treatment for cushings is started because insulin requirements could suddenly drop.  Your dog’s nose condition (which I don’t quite understand) may throw another wrench into the works.  If this condition requires immunosuppressive drug therapy (azathioprine) then it may worsen when the Cushings is treated because the high levels of corticosteroids may be aiding in the treatment of the nose condition. Given the complicated nature of this case, I would definitely consider asking for a referral to a board certified internal medicine specialist. J. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dr. Martin, Thanks for you info.  I took Fred into the vet this morning to have the ACTH stimulation test done; however, after reviewing his records the second vet realized that Fred had already had that test performed before his rhinoscopy. He then consulted the vet who performed the rhinoscopy and they both agreed to increase his insulin by 10-20% every week, have the glucose curve done after each week, and see if they can control his Diabetes before starting him on his Cushings therapy.  His glucose is still in the dangerous levels (400’s and even 490 this weekend).  I can definitely see that there are several opinions on which to treat first.  We are to increase his insulin to 13 units starting this evening (he’s been on 11 units twice a day for two days, but he’s still drinking excessively and urinating).  On Friday, he goes for another curve. I’m not trying to point fingers or assess blame, I just want Fred to get better.  Do you think I should take him to an endocrinologist vet?  Is there such a thing?   Will the insulin work better if his Cushings was treated? Thank you very much!! Wendy My 9-year-old terrier mix has just been diagnosed with Cushings and Diabetes.  Here’s the kicker, he was fine until we had a rhinoscopy procedure done on him approximately a month and a half ago.  He was diagnosed with rhinitis (nose infection) and put on prednisone.  We objected to the prednisone medication but were assured that it was a very mild dose.  After he was done his medication he continued with excessive drinking and urination.  It worsened after he finished the prednisone.  At first the vet thought it was just the side effects of the medication; however, after further examiniation and tests, he was diagnosed with Diabetes.  His Cushings was diagnosed prior to this surgery through the pre-surgery blood tests.  He was on 9 units of Humanlin N insulin twice a day.  Now he’s up to 11 units.  He weighs approx. 60 pounds.  He still has reading of 350-425 blood glucose.  We now have another vet telling us that we should treat the Cushings first and that the Diabetes may control itself.  Any advice???  Routine peoperative blood work will not diagnose Cushings Syndrome. Generally cushings is diagnosed with an ACTH stimulation test or a low dose dexamethasone suppression test,  usually followed by a high dose dexamethasone test to determine if the cushings is due to a pituitary tumour or an adrenal tumour.  All of these tests require a short stay in hospital to take repeated blood samples.  If your dog has been diagnosed with cushings with any of these tests then it needs to be controlled with medication in order to better control the diabetes.  The excess cortisol secreted in cushinoid dogs interferes with the action of insulin. Unfortunately it is highly unlikely the diabetes will go away once the cushings is controlled. J.

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Here are some links so you can gather information.  Personally I think it sounds a little weird that your dog was prescribed prednisone *after* they thought he had Cushings disease.  I’d go with the second vet or even get a third opinion.  If your dog hasn’t had the suppression or stimulation tests, I would think that would be the place to start. Cushings links: http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/ceps/PetColumns/CUSHINGS.HTM http://www.vetinfo.com./dcushing.html http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Zoo/3190/ http://www.io.com/~lolawson/cushings/ Diabetes links: http://www.weir.net/~lglass/page6.htm http://www.original1.com/diabetes/ Good luck to you and your pup buglady take out the dog before replying (thanks to Dr. Martin for replying!)     Prior to his rhinoscopy, he had pre-op blood work done which showed he had Cushings disease but not Diabetes.  After his rhinoscopy he was prescribed prednisone     <snip

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Dr. Martin, Thanks for you info.  I took Fred into the vet this morning to have the ACTH stimulation test done; however, after reviewing his records the second vet realized that Fred had already had that test performed before his rhinoscopy. He then consulted the vet who performed the rhinoscopy and they both agreed to increase his insulin by 10-20% every week, have the glucose curve done after each week, and see if they can control his Diabetes before starting him on his Cushings therapy.  His glucose is still in the dangerous levels (400’s and even 490 this weekend).  I can definitely see that there are several opinions on which to treat first.  We are to increase his insulin to 13 units starting this evening (he’s been on 11 units twice a day for two days, but he’s still drinking excessively and urinating).  On Friday, he goes for another curve. I’m not trying to point fingers or assess blame, I just want Fred to get better.  Do you think I should take him to an endocrinologist vet?  Is there such a thing?   Will the insulin work better if his Cushings was treated? Thank you very much!! Wendy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My 9-year-old terrier mix has just been diagnosed with Cushings and Diabetes.  Here’s the kicker, he was fine until we had a rhinoscopy procedure done on him approximately a month and a half ago.  He was diagnosed with rhinitis (nose infection) and put on prednisone.  We objected to the prednisone medication but were assured that it was a very mild dose.  After he was done his medication he continued with excessive drinking and urination.  It worsened after he finished the prednisone.  At first the vet thought it was just the side effects of the medication; however, after further examiniation and tests, he was diagnosed with Diabetes.  His Cushings was diagnosed prior to this surgery through the pre-surgery blood tests.  He was on 9 units of Humanlin N insulin twice a day.  Now he’s up to 11 units.  He weighs approx. 60 pounds.  He still has reading of 350-425 blood glucose.  We now have another vet telling us that we should treat the Cushings first and that the Diabetes may control itself.  Any advice???  Routine peoperative blood work will not diagnose Cushings Syndrome. Generally cushings is diagnosed with an ACTH stimulation test or a low dose dexamethasone suppression test,  usually followed by a high dose dexamethasone test to determine if the cushings is due to a pituitary tumour or an adrenal tumour.  All of these tests require a short stay in hospital to take repeated blood samples.  If your dog has been diagnosed with cushings with any of these tests then it needs to be controlled with medication in order to better control the diabetes.  The excess cortisol secreted in cushinoid dogs interferes with the action of insulin. Unfortunately it is highly unlikely the diabetes will go away once the cushings is controlled. J.

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My 9-year-old terrier mix has just been diagnosed with Cushings and Diabetes.  Here’s the kicker, he was fine until we had a rhinoscopy procedure done on him approximately a month and a half ago.  He was diagnosed with rhinitis (nose infection) and put on prednisone.  We objected to the prednisone medication but were assured that it was a very mild dose.  After he was done his medication he continued with excessive drinking and urination.  It worsened after he finished the prednisone.  At first the vet thought it was just the side effects of the medication; however, after further examiniation and tests, he was diagnosed with Diabetes.  His Cushings was diagnosed prior to this surgery through the pre-surgery blood tests.  He was on 9 units of Humanlin N insulin twice a day.  Now he’s up to 11 units.  He weighs approx. 60 pounds.  He still has reading of 350-425 blood glucose.  We now have another vet telling us that we should treat the Cushings first and that the Diabetes may control itself.  Any advice???

 Routine peoperative blood work will not diagnose Cushings Syndrome. Generally cushings is diagnosed with an ACTH stimulation test or a low dose dexamethasone suppression test,  usually followed by a high dose dexamethasone test to determine if the cushings is due to a pituitary tumour or an adrenal tumour.  All of these tests require a short stay in hospital to take repeated blood samples.  If your dog has been diagnosed with cushings with any of these tests then it needs to be controlled with medication in order to better control the diabetes.  The excess cortisol secreted in cushinoid dogs interferes with the action of insulin. Unfortunately it is highly unlikely the diabetes will go away once the cushings is controlled. J.

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Sorry for the confusion.  He was having chronic nose discharge.  Prior to his rhinoscopy, he had pre-op blood work done which showed he had Cushings disease but not Diabetes.  After his rhinoscopy he was prescribed prednisone (twice a day for five days, once a day for five days, and then half a pill every other day until the end of the pills).  I think it was a 5 mg. pill.  A few days after the last prednisone pill, we noticed he was drinking and urinating excessively. After urinalysis it was determined he in that ketone situation and diabetic. After two days at the emergency center, they concluded he needed 9 units of insulin.  He still has glucose levels of 350 to 425, but no ketones.  His insulin was then adjusted to 11 units.  However, today he’s still drinking excessively.  He’s also currently on Azothiprine (sp?) every third day for his nose condition.  His nose is cleared up but now we have a dog with both Cushings and Diabetes.  Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.  We feel so guilty that we’ve done this to him.  I’d take that runny nose anyday over this!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a little confused about the order of things!  Are you saying he was: 1.. diagnosed with rhinitis and then put on prednisone? 2.  You decided to do surgery, then the pre-op blood tests showed Cushings and diabetes? How long after the end of the course of prednisone were the blood tests run? Was he weaned off the pred slowly?   Was the Cushings diagnosis from the cortisol levels in the blood or did they do the dexamethasone suppression test in combination with ACTH stimulation test? Maybe if you can answer these questions Dr. Martin can chime in here! Vet Merck manual says that dogs with Cushings show moderately elevated blood glucose.  The endocrine system is complicated with direct and indirect feedback loops.  Hard to adjust just one thing, without something else getting affected.  I’d at least talk to the second vet about his treatment plan. buglady take out the dog before replying My 9-year-old terrier mix has just been diagnosed with Cushings and Diabetes.  Here’s the kicker, he was fine until we had a rhinoscopy procedure done on him approximately a month and a half ago.  He was diagnosed with rhinitis (nose infection) and put on prednisone.  We objected to the prednisone medication but were assured that it was a very mild dose.  After he was done his medication he continued with excessive drinking and urination.  It worsened after he finished the prednisone.  At first the vet thought it was just the side effects of the medication; however, after further examiniation and tests, he was diagnosed with Diabetes.  His Cushings was diagnosed prior to this surgery through the pre-surgery blood tests.  He was on 9 units of Humanlin N insulin twice a day.  Now he’s up to 11 units.  He weighs approx. 60 pounds.  He still has reading of 350-425 blood glucose.  We now have another vet telling us that we should treat the Cushings first and that the Diabetes may control itself.  Any advice???

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I’m a little confused about the order of things!  Are you saying he was: 1.. diagnosed with rhinitis and then put on prednisone? 2.  You decided to do surgery, then the pre-op blood tests showed Cushings and diabetes? How long after the end of the course of prednisone were the blood tests run? Was he weaned off the pred slowly?   Was the Cushings diagnosis from the cortisol levels in the blood or did they do the dexamethasone suppression test in combination with ACTH stimulation test? Maybe if you can answer these questions Dr. Martin can chime in here! Vet Merck manual says that dogs with Cushings show moderately elevated blood glucose.  The endocrine system is complicated with direct and indirect feedback loops.  Hard to adjust just one thing, without something else getting affected.  I’d at least talk to the second vet about his treatment plan. buglady take out the dog before replying – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -My 9-year-old terrier mix has just been diagnosed with Cushings and Diabetes.  Here’s the kicker, he was fine until we had a rhinoscopy procedure done on him approximately a month and a half ago.  He was diagnosed with rhinitis (nose infection) and put on prednisone.  We objected to the prednisone medication but were assured that it was a very mild dose.  After he was done his medication he continued with excessive drinking and urination.  It worsened after he finished the prednisone.  At first the vet thought it was just the side effects of the medication; however, after further examiniation and tests, he was diagnosed with Diabetes.  His Cushings was diagnosed prior to this surgery through the pre-surgery blood tests.  He was on 9 units of Humanlin N insulin twice a day.  Now he’s up to 11 units.  He weighs approx. 60 pounds.  He still has reading of 350-425 blood glucose.  We now have another vet telling us that we should treat the Cushings first and that the Diabetes may control itself.  Any advice???

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My 9-year-old terrier mix has just been diagnosed with Cushings and Diabetes.  Here’s the kicker, he was fine until we had a rhinoscopy procedure done on him approximately a month and a half ago.  He was diagnosed with rhinitis (nose infection) and put on prednisone.  We objected to the prednisone medication but were assured that it was a very mild dose.  After he was done his medication he continued with excessive drinking and urination.  It worsened after he finished the prednisone.  At first the vet thought it was just the side effects of the medication; however, after further examiniation and tests, he was diagnosed with Diabetes.  His Cushings was diagnosed prior to this surgery through the pre-surgery blood tests.  He was on 9 units of Humanlin N insulin twice a day.  Now he’s up to 11 units.  He weighs approx. 60 pounds.  He still has reading of 350-425 blood glucose.  We now have another vet telling us that we should treat the Cushings first and that the Diabetes may control itself.  Any advice???

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Just an update on how Fred is doing.  We went back to the internal medicine vet.  We came very prepared (thanks to all of you on this board).  We let her know that our confidence level was at an all time low and she even offered a second opinion. Her thoughts are this about Fred’s treatment.  His Cushings disease is caused by tumor on his pituitary gland.  This is treated with Lysindrin (sp?) which is a toxin.  She wants to stabilize his Diabetes and then start him on this drug.  So far he’s up to 15 units of insulin twice a day and he’ll probably end up with about 20 by the time it’s all over.  She wants his Diabetes symptoms to subside so that we can be better prepared to see the symptoms that he’s receiving too much Lysindrin. Fred is doing much better.  He goes in for another glucose curve this week. He hasn’t been drinking or urinating nearly as much and his spirits are much better.  I think it helps that our spirits are much better too.  I’ll keep you posted on how he does on his Cushings treatment. Thanks again for all those concerned.  Thanks to the vets for your expertise and concern. Wendy (Fred and Wilma, too)

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just an update on how Fred is doing.  We went back to the internal medicine vet.  We came very prepared (thanks to all of you on this board).  We let her know that our confidence level was at an all time low and she even offered a second opinion. Her thoughts are this about Fred’s treatment.  His Cushings disease is caused by tumor on his pituitary gland.  This is treated with Lysindrin (sp?) which is a toxin.  She wants to stabilize his Diabetes and then start him on this drug.  So far he’s up to 15 units of insulin twice a day and he’ll probably end up with about 20 by the time it’s all over.  She wants his Diabetes symptoms to subside so that we can be better prepared to see the symptoms that he’s receiving too much Lysindrin. Fred is doing much better.  He goes in for another glucose curve this week. He hasn’t been drinking or urinating nearly as much and his spirits are much better.  I think it helps that our spirits are much better too.  I’ll keep you posted on how he does on his Cushings treatment. Thanks again for all those concerned.  Thanks to the vets for your expertise and concern. Wendy (Fred and Wilma, too)

  Concurrent cushings and diabetes is a difficult problem to treat and can be done a number of ways.  The approach your vet is taking is a perfectly legitimate way to proceed.   The most important thing is for your vet to treat the problems in a manner she is experienced in.  As long as the blood glucose is monitored daily during the lysodren induction stage things should go smoothly. Good luck, J.

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Our 7 year old Carin Terrier developed diabetes about 4 months ago, and has not responded well to insulin.  The vet has upped the dose several times, but our dog has losts much of his former energy.  We were giving him a shot every morning with 14 units of insulin.  He is also on a special high fiber diet. Two weeks ago, he stop eating and was vomiting.  He has been at the vets every since.  They say he has cushings disease and have him on Lysodren.  His blood sugar is up and down and they cannot control it very well.  They are now giving him two shots each day, morning and night.  I’m not sure we were controlling it well during the last 4 months at home either.  We visited him today and he now seems almost nomal.  We can probably take him home in two days if they can reduce the Lysodren, but I’m not optimistic about his future.  Giving him two insulin shots a day ( a two person task even for the vet)is also a major problem with our busy lifestyles.  Working and going on business trips, this will be difficult or impossible at times, and even at the animal hospital they see his blood sugar going from one extreme to another. From what I read about cushings, the outlook is not good.  I’m wondering are we prolonging life or prolonging death?    Any experiences or advise someone might have would be appreciated. Ron

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(snipped) From what I read about cushings, the outlook is not good.  I’m wondering are we prolonging life or prolonging death?    Any experiences or advise someone might have would be appreciated.

The successful treatment of Cushings seems to vary widely. I have one of the success stories (so far). Flyssa has been under treatment for 2.5 years now, and has far more energy and life than she did before the treatment started. I know that others have had different results, but the Cushings alone can often betreated. Don’t give up yet. Wendy Kyzyl Kum Salukis – Smooth & Feathered

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Hi Marina – Have you been on the same brand of G/CS all along, or have you changed?    If you changed, when? When did you develop the itching? If you were allergic to something in the G/CS, I would think it would manifest much sooner than it apparently has (assuming there has been no recent change in brands).    I got the impression the itchiness is a fairly recent development. It could also be coincidental, though, and have nothing to do with the G/CS.    You could be allergic to something else. But your diabetes-connection seems highly doubtful.    The "net" is a rumor-mill, and you have to be careful who you listen to if you’re in it for more than entertainment. We’ve had some very good discussions on the relationship between glucosamine and insulin-resistance here in ASA. You might try doing a search in Deja News on "diabet*" specifying ASA, also one on "insulin" in ASA (see ||||WELCOME NEWBIES, below, for instructions).    Suffice it to say there is no proof at all yet, just some speculation. You do not mention whether you’ve had your blood glucose ("BG") tested.    I’ve been testing mine about once a year, and it does not seem to be affected at all by my steady intake of G/CS.    Several diabetics taking G/CS  have posted here that their BG levels seem not to be affected, either, and a couple said their BG levels went *down* after they went on G/CS, so they are closer to normal again. FWIW, I have always had very sensitive skin.    All kinds of things make me itch.    But I cannot tell that taking G/CS has had any effect on my skin whatsoever.    I’d be looking for another cause, if I were you. HTH Cush Cush’s OA & G/CS Page http://pages.prodigy.net/cushman4/index.htm Cush’s Bad Back Page http://pages.prodigy.net/cushman4/badback.htm ||||WELCOME NEWBIES, ASA POSTING TIPS|||| http://pages.prodigy.net/cushman4/tips.htm Marina wrote  I was so happy  until I started to develop one of the – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -symptoms of diabetes-severe itching. Nothing has helped the itching; no cream, powder, estrogen, etc., etc. Last time I saw my doctor, he seemed puzzled and prescribed a combination estrogen/testosterone, and that too didn’t help.  I found on the internet that the intake of glucosamine can sometimes disrupt the production of insulin

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For over a year, I have taken Glucosamine/Chondroitin for a painful knee trying to postpone knee replacement as long as possible (the other one has been replaced and the surgery hasn’t been entirely successful) so I want to avoid that experience again. The glucosamine/chondroitin has worked wonders for me and although the cartilage is practically gone, I am pretty well pain free. I was so happy  until I started to develop one of the symptoms of diabetes-severe itching. Nothing has helped the itching; no cream, powder, estrogen, etc., etc. Last time I saw my doctor, he seemed puzzled and prescribed a combination estrogen/testosterone, and that too didn’t help.  I found on the internet that the intake of glucosamine can sometimes disrupt the production of insulin (that’s as much as I can understand from the medical language). I have not seen a doctor yet about my find, as I am afraid he will immediately take me off of glucosamine. I wonder if anyone else has experienced anything like that? what to do? give up the glucosamine or start taking insulin? what a choice! Other than the severe itching, especially at night, I don’t show any other diabetes symptom such as extreme thirst, weight loss (I only wish…) Anyone has experienced same symptoms? Thank you. Marina

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It’s possible that I have hypoglycemia or diabetes but I’ve also been diagnosed ADD. I recently started going to a psychiatrist who prescribed me Ritalin (20 mg SR) and prozac (10mg) but I swear it makes my hypoglycemia and/or diabetes symptoms much worse. I tried to explain my concerns and plan to get tested again (the fasting blood test didn’t indicate hypo/diabetes but I can’t ignore the symptoms). I’ve only taken the prozac for 2 days and I think I’m going to stop both meds until I know for sure.  Does anyone know if diabetics or hypoglycemics aren’t supposed to take Ritalin and/or prozac? I don’t want to have any more hunger fits and lightheadedness and I think these meds are making it

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Well, I have problems with sugar and I HATED Prozac, made me nauseous and anxious, and I gained 20 lbs. on it. (you are supposed to lose weight) don’t know… I will say one thing, the symptoms could also just be the way your body responds to stress, rather than any medical condition like diabetes and/or hypoglycemia. And when your antidepressant kicks in, you might find alot of symptoms go away, because you are calmer. I found that on Effexor and Prozac, alot of symptoms went away.  So try it for at least the number of weeks it takes to kick in. If you don’t like it, you can always try something else. And look into the possibility of Candida. Jennifer Snow Wolff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s possible that I have hypoglycemia or diabetes but I’ve also been diagnosed ADD. I recently started going to a psychiatrist who prescribed me Ritalin (20 mg SR) and prozac (10mg) but I swear it makes my hypoglycemia and/or diabetes symptoms much worse. I tried to explain my concerns and plan to get tested again (the fasting blood test didn’t indicate hypo/diabetes but I can’t ignore the symptoms). I’ve only taken the prozac for 2 days and I think I’m going to stop both meds until I know for sure.  Does anyone know if diabetics or hypoglycemics aren’t supposed to take Ritalin and/or prozac? I don’t want to have any more hunger fits and lightheadedness and I think these meds are making it

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