Diabetes - Sure, hit me!

[Johnny Stephens]

In my unending quest to experience as many serious medical conditions as I can, I can now proudly add Type II diabetes to the list. I just got a call from my doctor this evening (during my wife's birthday party, in between pieces of really good cake, no less) where he informed me that my blood sugar and long-term test were high.

Not a little high. REALLY HIGH. Possibly beyond the reach of oral medications already. We have been watching the A1C creep upward for many years, but it never got to the point where medication was needed ("watch what you eat, and we'll retest in 6 months").

About 2 weeks ago I noticed a change in my vision. I was suspicious of my new glasses, so I went in for a retest. My eye doctor said I had shifted two "steps" in both eyes in two weeks. She was suspicious of diabetes, and when I put it together with a noticeable increase in thirst and urination, I figured she was right. I went for the test earlier this week.

I know I said I would post more; I'm a bit embarassed that I now find myself reaching out when I have been mostly absent of late. I hope my sarcasm and making light of it doesn't offend - it's how I cope.

I've only known about this for a few minutes - I know there are more than a few here that are diabetics. Anyone know of a good diabetes forum a' la VR.com?

 

[Susan BAV]

Sorry to hear this. Diabetes can really complicate things, as you know. I hope you find some good answers to this new issue.

 

[terryj]

I am not the heart patient my husband is. But, I found out I have type 2 diabetes last April. I have since lost 37 pound(10 more to go) and I exercise daily. I test my blood sugar every morning. I take 2 pills a day. I started out with one but that wasn't enough. He said we could go to 3 and then it would probably be insulin shots after that. But,with the diet I am on and my exercise the numbers are getting better. I go in on the 20th of this month for my next fasting blood test. Good luck to you and if I can answer any questions I will be glad to try. I did buy several diabetic cookbooks and the recipes are actually pretty good.

 

[WayneGM]

Sorry to hear the news. I don't have any first hand knowledge of diabetes although my grandmother on my mother's side had it (took insulin shots daily) and lived to age 98. Good luck.

 

[sue943]

Another type II here, but I am diet controlled.

There is a plus side to being diabetic - if you get an infection your sugar goes wild! I am not suggesting you use this as a reliable check to see if you have the dreaded endocarditis but if your levels rise you can start looking to find out why.

 

[Superbob]

Diabetes Forum

Diabetes Forum

Hi Johnny,

If you go to the American Diabetes Association's website, www.diabetes.com, and then go to "Message Boards," and then go to the Type 2 area, there are some pretty good discussions.

Vr.com is one of a kind, as far as I can determine with my web-surfing, and I've noticed members haven't minded if I've posted diabetes-related info or questions from time to time. There are ways diabetes management and heart health intersect, plus there are so many caring people here.

I am sorry you got this news. I started being told I was "pre-diabetic" in the year before my OHS. I'm not going to bs you by telling you it's any fun, but in my case I've found that adjusting my diet and exercising has gotten my A1C down below the target. But it's a daily battle. I love sweets but I've found goodies baked with Splenda as a sugar substitute can be very tasty.

All best to you. I guess the good news is that it is possible to beat back Type 2 with careful management.

Cheers,

 

[catwoman]

Johnny:

My mom has Type II diabetes, is on insulin. Need for insulin was triggered by a shot of steroids when she had a stress fracture in her spine. Was on oral meds previously.
She sees an endocrinologist several times a year.

She could stand to lose some weight -- maybe 30-35 pounds is my guess. She did lose some weight via Weight Watchers and her blood sugar level improved dramatically. Didn't need as much insulin.

She's not computer-savy, so I'm not aware of any website for diabetics. There's bound to be many websites out there, though.

 

[Marguerite53]

Johnny, I can't imagine that you would offend anyone with your comments. You are sharing your frustration and that is just why we are here..to listen.

At my 6 month post-op with my cardio, she looked at my fasting blood test and said I was "screamingly close" to becoming a diabetic. Nice. So did I run home and clean out my food cupboards or start running marathons like I probably should have? No. Next week I go for the retest so we'll see if the changes I made in my day to day (improved eating habits, stepped up exercise, etc. ) did the trick, or at least will keep me at bay for awhile longer. I had been so concerned about any infections post-op that I'd been drinking 2-3 tall glasses of orange juice a day! I"m so hoping that was the culprit.

It seems that there may be a proportionately large number of diabetics here. I seem to recall in some thread or literature that heart valve patients maybe more at risk? Anyone remember? If so, perhaps we could start a new Forum heading regarding its risks and treatment.

I have a friend who successfully (and stubbornly...which I think the stubbornness is the most important ingredient here) watches what he eats, and exercises and was diagnosed with full blown type II. He looks great and seems to feel great! You might want to get a second opinion on whether or not you can be lifestyle controlled. Odd how this did come up right after the holidays when we are often the laziest and eat the most shockingly rich foods.

Best wishes as you sort through all this.

Marguerite

 

[Superbob]

Johnny,

I've found that if you go to www.diabetesdaily.com, they have a Forum and Chat room. Registration is free. (I've been meaning to look for something like this. Haven't tried it yet, so can't vouch for it. Maybe I'll see you there.) Using some diabetes search words may turn up other sites as well.

I should have mentioned that in addition to diet and exercise, I take 1000 MG of metformin (glucophage) twice a day. Haven't had any ill effects.

We had a discussion here recently of whether heart-valvers are more likely to be diabetic (complete with a poll I posted), and pretty much determined that's not necessarily so. But there are overlaps between managing diabetes and living in a heart-healthy way.

Again, best wishes to you.

 

[Karlynn]

Johnny, sorry to hear you are an over-achiever in the medical department. The good news is that unlike cancer and valve problems, you can make some changes that will help out. Best wishes as you tackle this new issue.

And I know that you still remain lovely and talented!

 

[Susan BAV]

Did you see what Sue wrote? Is it possible you have some unknown infection going on that has caused this to suddenly exacerbate?

 

[Harrybaby666]

Johnny.....I am sorry that you have it....I do as well...

Johnny.....I am sorry that you have it....I do as well...

I have had diabetes since 1993 and it has really been a struggle. I don't mean to scare you, but what I do want to tell you, is that if you need any support and if I can help you in any way, PLEASE...PLEASE PM me, or send me an email through VR.com, and I will help you the best I can. I am really sorry that this has been added to the heart issues amongst other things, but we will get through this one way or another. Please take care, and I hope your feeling better....Harrybaby

 

[Mary]

I'm sorry to hear this news, Johnny.
I hope you're able to get it under control; I know Robhol has done a great job with reducing his numbers.

 

[Nancy]

Gosh Johnny, that's a tough diagnosis to hear. Can't offer much info., but want you to know that you will be on my mind, and I wish you all the best. Like many other serious illnesses, diabetes treatments have made many excellent strides in recent years.

God Bless.

 

[sue943]

I wasn't meaning to suggest that high blood sugar could be an infection idicator to those without type II diabetes, I was saying that it did have a plus side. I have been type II since 2000 and when I had endocarditis late 2004 early 2005 my blood sugar was out of control and completely unrelated to what I was eating. With hindsight I ought to have realised it was a signal, I had just put it down to stress as my mother was ill. If it gets out of control again I will look at endocarditis early on.

 

[Susan BAV]

I wasn't meaning to suggest that high blood sugar could be an infection idicator to those without type II diabetes, I was saying that it did have a plus side. I have been type II since 2000 and when I had endocarditis late 2004 early 2005 my blood sugar was out of control and completely unrelated to what I was eating. With hindsight I ought to have realised it was a signal, I had just put it down to stress as my mother was ill. If it gets out of control again I will look at endocarditis early on.

Hi Sue - Of course not. But it reminded me of something I'd read about different things that can make the blood sugar suddenly flip out -- although that should cause a temporary change. Perhaps his doctors could be looking at the blood sugar situation backwards. What if there is already another problem that made the blood sugar skyrocket upwards like Johnny described?

 

[terryj]

My doctor said that high tryglycerides and diabetes are releated. I have high tryglycerides despite a near perfect diet for nearly a year. I started drinking green tea(not recommended for Coumadin users I suppose) and taking flaxseed oil pills 6 weeks ago to see if I can lower the tryglyceries. I guess I will see if it makes any difference when I doing my fasting blood test on the 20th. I do think they have helped my arthritis.