Medical issues (not gross, but scary)

[Giggle Goose]

I went to a specialist on Friday to follow up on a previous issue. While everything was fine, she asked out of the blue: "You've had a diabetes test and everything, right?" And I say "no, that's never been an issue." But then I began thinking...

Diabetes runs in my dad's family, and I've always had a lethal sugar addiction; along with being an emotional/stress eater. I'm definitely overweight; but I wouldn't call myself obese. But, I'm also only 23, and I try to stay somewhat active.

The specialist told me that my previous symptoms were possible signs of pre-diabetes. I was pretty panicked, and next Friday I'm going to my primary doctor for a blood glucose test. I can't eat for 12 hours beforehand, but luckily it's in the morning! So while I don't think I have it; it's very possible that if I keep letting myself go I'll end up with type 2.

I must admit I'm very nervous. I'm not sure if I've noticed before, but does anyone around here have diabetes or are/have been close to it? Hearing from a professional that my weight and bad habits could leave me with a life-long affliction was definitely the greatest motivator I've had in while. I have a HUGE incentive to make a change---and quick! Or even if you've had a test before, what should I expect? Your thoughts and contributions are appreciated.

[AccountingDrone]

Type 2 diabetic here, since 1980. Started out gestational but t decided it liked me and stayed. For many many years I was able to control it with diet and exercise, but I had some serious health issues start roughly 10 years ago that made my body do a long slow slide into needing medication for control.

Catching it young and fast is good - you can change your lifestyle and make the effort to get it under control before it can do any damage.

If you want to keep it under control, or prevent it from coming the basic advice you will get from any doctor is to start to exercise [taking a half an hour walk 3 times a week works just as efficiently as going to a gym and you can walk with a friend, or a puppy] and change your diet to have more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and both smaller and lower fat proteins. Instead of fruit juices, eat the whole fruits and get the fibre and benefit - fruit juice is mainly fruit flavored sugar water made by mother nature instead of a factory. Change to drinking non nutrative sweetened iced tea or iced coffee, crystal light type powdered mixes from sugary starbucks-oid coffe shakes or sodas. Consider getting some of the vegetarian friendly cookbooks like Moosewood - good tasting and fairly healthy whole grains and legumes, lots of veggies and many of them are lacto-ovo rather than strict vegan is a good way to wean yourself off a steak and potato diet.

My brother also ended up with type 2, and while he has a rather physical job [warehouseman for a machineshop] his diet sucked. He sort of went overboard and lived on salads for about 6 months, dropped around 20 lbs and actually normalized his a1g to midrange normal - he maintains by watching his diet and working in to a more normal eating pattern. Big difference from the 'pub grub' style diet he had before. His major change was switching from soda to crystal light.

[Der Cute]

My *optometrist* of all people told me to get tested for Diabetes - my dad has it, and my Optometrist saw little specks on my retinas - an indicator.

I went and took the test, expecting to be told I have Diabetes. (I'm 5 foot tall, weigh 180 on a good day, and all the fat sits right around my middle.)

So I went in after fasting, slugged down this sugary disgusting gloppy drink, and then went into a sugar coma - literally almost passed out due to me feeling so fatigued.

I tested just fine.

So go in there with open eyes and open mind. If you have a family history - you might have it. You might not.

Either way, good luck.

Cutenoob

[Slytovhand]

Nope.. don't have it, don't intend to either!

But... my father got T2 from not enough exercise (and not the best diet). Also probably from drinking, and (if you're into natural therapies and all - from not enjoying life... having the 'sweetness' sucked out!)

My brother told me a few years ago, when he went to the doctor about this issue, that the doctor told him to cut down on his drinking, or he may get it as well. So, I had to ask him "Just how much do you drink, such that you're getting told to cut down to stop diabetes???" "Only 2 or 3 after work... every night after work".

Ummm... that's technically an alcoholic!

So... just a suggestion, if you drink as well, be aware of that side of things too!

Perhaps try a good Liver-cleansing diet for a while, and definitely get out and enjoy yourself and life... (walking helps - it removes stress if you just relax into it).

[bookworm]

I had one doctor who was convinced that I had to be diabetic because of my weight and my family history (I have it on both sides). They tested me everytime I went in to see her. I only did the 12 hour fasting one once, but every other time they did a finger stick. Always perfectly normal.

One time I ate a big candy bar before I went in. I actually tested a bit low that time!

My dad is T2. If you do turn out to be diabetic, the absolute best thing you can do for your overall health is to keep the diabetes under control. I'm amazed at the wide affect diabetes has on everything health-wise, from how well you heal from even minor injuries to how well your bowels work. (You really don't want to know how I know that, other than I've been caring for my Dad for about 1.5 years now.)

I guess my point is don't stress about it too much yet. If I were still seeing the above doctor, she'd still be testing me every six months just because she can't believe I'm not diabetic.

[BookstoreEscapee]

The good thing is if it is pre-diabetes you still have time to get your habits under control and outsmart it. Try not to panic...it doesn't help anything. If you can bring someone with you for the test (especially if you have to drive) that would probably be a good idea. Not eating for 12 hours + drinking gloppy sugary stuff = probably not the best time to be behind the wheel. Good luck

[Cats]

My dad is type 2, diagnosed last year. He's done very well, and the only thing he has to do is take that drug that helps prevent diabetic complications and test his sugar to make sure his levels are fine (which is pretty standard anyway). He's on a controlled diet now, dropped a lot of excess weight from it, and is probably healthier than he's been in years, despite the diabetes.

So yeah, even if you do develop it, no need to panic. It is a manageable disease, but you'll need to stay on top of it and take care of yourself.