Just found out I have diabetes

[Lathum]

I was hoping maybe some others are in this boat and this thread may be a good spot to share info.

So the other day I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I found out because we were getting life insurance and my blood tests came back showing high sugar. I got tested by my doctor and sure enough.

I am adopted and don't know my family medical history but he thinks I am likely pre disposed as I am not obese and don't have too bad eating habits. I do eat a lot of carbs and like alcohol, so those obviously contributed, but it likely was a matter of time.

For now I was prescribed metformin and testing my blood sugar daily. Once I get my levels down I can go off the medication and manage with diet and exercise, that is my goal for now.

I am trying to look at it as a positive, a chance for some lifestyle changes and I am glad I know now rather than 10 years from now when real complications arise. The diet change will be hard as I am a vegetarian, so eat a lot of carbs. Alcohol is out for now.

So anyway, I am still digesting it all and trying to find where to begin making these changes.

[Groundhog]

My fiance has type 1, diagnosed when she was 18 - also most likely genetic, being Vietnamese it probably went undiagnosed for people in her family history. With type 2 I guess the good news is that with some (well, a lot) of self control hopefully you can fight it off. A colleague of mine, the opposite of obese, was diagnosed a few years ago and he took it very seriously, almost scientifically, and adjusted his entire lifestyle with great results. I don't think everyone has that level of self control, but it's certainly possible.

My fiance mostly ignored hers for about 10 years and has only recently made efforts to control it properly, with mixed/frustrating results at times. It's a nasty thing and it's difficult to stay vigilant and maintain a strict lifestyle.

[JonInMiddleGA]

My info on the subject is largely 2nd or 3rd hand, but I'd still like to offer an "aw shit, that sucks, take care of yourself" anyhow.

[stevew]

Don't know personally from experience but the testing supplies and insulin pens look pretty uninvasive. Hopefully you don't have to deal with that for a long time.

[Kodos]

Sorry to hear this. Like others said, at least you can do stuff to help your health with Type 2. Take care of yourself.

[Izulde]

My dad got officially diagnosed when he was in his late 60s/early 70s and he's still here and doing fairly well in his mid-80s.

He doesn't do perfectly with his diet and I don't remember the last time he exercised, but he maintains a strict eating schedule every day, which has helped immensely.

[cartman]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Sorry to hear this. Like others said, at least you can do stuff to help your health with Type 2. Take care of yourself.

+1

Low blood sugar sucks, but if you are going to suffer from diabetes, then Type 2 is the one to be diagnosed with. The new medicines that are out there for Type 2 are pretty awesome. And for the people with Type 1, the new continuous glucose meters paired with an insulin pump have helped folks greatly.

[BYU 14]

Will only echo what others have said, try and stay on a timely eating regimen and if there is any consolation it is very manageable with diet and exercise. Take care of yourself...

[Radii]

So sorry to hear that man, it fucking sucks. My grandmother was diabetic, my mom has been since I was around 10 or so, and I was diagnosed type 2 a few years ago. I brought it on myself with lifestyle, but I have been around people managing diabetes literally all my life.

If you're only on metformin and nothing else, that's good, its the first line of defense, and unless you get really unlucky with the side effects (which some people do, so keep an eye out if anything weird and new pops up once you start taking it) its pretty much a wonder drug, it won't drive you into low blood sugars, it just helps regulate everything and it does it well. Most other meds that come after Metformin are much scarier b/c they can tank your blood sugar and drive it down too low, which is basically the worst feeling in the world.


What did they do to diagnose you? Did you have an A1C, or was it just from one blood sugar reading, or from one of the test where you drink some sugar drink to see how you react or whatever?



I took Metformin for about a year, but was able to get off it through diet, and have successfully had checkups every 3-6 months over the last 2 years where my A1C has got progressively lower every single time. While I may well have problems in the distant future no matter what thanks to my awesome genes, for the last 6 months if you looked at my bloodwork or my medicines or how I deal with food daily, you would have no idea I'm diabetic at all. It can be done.

If you have any questions about anything at all, or want any advice or need any support of any kind, don't hesitate to ask.

[oykib]

Sorry to hear that, man. I'll be praying for you to have the best outcome possible.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Radii

So sorry to hear that man, it fucking sucks. My grandmother was diabetic, my mom has been since I was around 10 or so, and I was diagnosed type 2 a few years ago. I brought it on myself with lifestyle, but I have been around people managing diabetes literally all my life.

If you're only on metformin and nothing else, that's good, its the first line of defense, and unless you get really unlucky with the side effects (which some people do, so keep an eye out if anything weird and new pops up once you start taking it) its pretty much a wonder drug, it won't drive you into low blood sugars, it just helps regulate everything and it does it well. Most other meds that come after Metformin are much scarier b/c they can tank your blood sugar and drive it down too low, which is basically the worst feeling in the world.


What did they do to diagnose you? Did you have an A1C, or was it just from one blood sugar reading, or from one of the test where you drink some sugar drink to see how you react or whatever?



I took Metformin for about a year, but was able to get off it through diet, and have successfully had checkups every 3-6 months over the last 2 years where my A1C has got progressively lower every single time. While I may well have problems in the distant future no matter what thanks to my awesome genes, for the last 6 months if you looked at my bloodwork or my medicines or how I deal with food daily, you would have no idea I'm diabetic at all. It can be done.

If you have any questions about anything at all, or want any advice or need any support of any kind, don't hesitate to ask.

No sugar test. I had a blood test done for blood sugar and a1c. Blood sugar was 136 and a1c 6.5%. As long as I get a1c to less than 6 I can go off the meds. I read the side effects and was really nervous but luckily nothing. I am currently 6-1 and 215 so I should be able to get the exercise part down easily. The diet is what is going to be tough. Almost 40 years of eating whatever I want is going to be hard to manage.

Do you find WHEN you eat is as important as what?

I also found an app I may get called Mynetdiary, hopefully that will help. I really need to get educated on what food effect me in what ways. For now it is very overwhelming and I'm still processing.

I have cut out alcohol, I was your typical few beers 4-5 nights a week and the occasional drunken binge with buddies. I think that alone will help a lot with the exercise. Plus it appears Merformin + alcohol can be very bad.

Anyway, I will likely be hitting this thread up as things move forward.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

[CU Tiger]

First off, sorry for the news but this doesnt have to be a huge negative if you dont let it.

While not diabetic I am acutely aware of the disease as it has had a major impact on my family and I was diagnosed as "borderline diabetic" at 18 years old.

Ive done a ton of reseach and will be glad to share any advice I can.

That said I think the following example illustrates my greater overall point than any I can make.

In 1995 within a couple weeks of each other my Dad and my Uncle were both diagnosed as Type 2 diabetics. It wasn't a huge surpise as literally every male in my family tree was diabetic as far back as they began diagnosing it basically.

I was much closer to my uncle than my dad, so this isnt a relational bias story.

My Dad became militant about his diet and walks a few miles a night. During his adaptation phase he essentially pissed a bunch of people off. He refused to attend family dinners unless he had a dietary option, (typically he and the step mom cooke dthis themselves and brought with them) 20 years later he is diet controlled and lives a "normal" life.

My uncle was much more of the free spirit "something is going to kill me either way" type. He took his meds but continued to eat what he wanted when he wanted and generally disregarded his body.

He has lost one eye and part of both of his feet. He is confined to a wheelchair and disabled today...now he is battling to get his health bakc in order but it is largely too little too late.

My only advice is this. Learn your body. Learn your numbers. Be disciplined and live.

[Logan]

Sorry to hear buddy but sounds like you can handle this!

[Barkeep49]

Lathum,

I am sorry for the bad news but admire the way you're looking at the situation. I wish you nothing but the best of luck.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

My uncle was much more of the free spirit "something is going to kill me either way" type. He took his meds but continued to eat what he wanted when he wanted and generally disregarded his body.

He has lost one eye and part of both of his feet. He is confined to a wheelchair and disabled today...now he is battling to get his health bakc in order but it is largely too little too late.
.

This is why I am glad I found out about it now, so I can control it.

It is something I will have to manage the rest of my life with self control, something is certainly going to kill me either way, likely this, but not for a LONG time and I will be damned if I won't be there to walk my daughter down the aisle and meet my grandkids...

[Scoobz0202]

Sorry to hear about the diabetes. Like you have mentioned, and others, the good news is it is type-2 as with effort you can maintain it without needing insulin. The majority of those that I have seen in the hospital that later in their life have neuropathy tend to be those who never followed the correct medicine regimen (whether it be due to lack of education, just not caring, or inability to afford their medicine) and personal changes needed.

Follow the medicine regimen and attempt to make the changes to the best of your ability and you should be able to control. Some people do that and it still doesn't keep the blood sugar in check but they are the minority. Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of low/high (more likely low) blood sugar and what you can do to improve the signs (drink a cup of orange juice, eat a snickers bar, etc.) and hopefully the medicine, exercise, diet take care of the rest for ya.

Best of luck.

[hollmt]

Originally Posted by Lathum

No sugar test. I had a blood test done for blood sugar and a1c. Blood sugar was 136 and a1c 6.5%. As long as I get a1c to less than 6 I can go off the meds. I read the side effects and was really nervous but luckily nothing. I am currently 6-1 and 215 so I should be able to get the exercise part down easily. The diet is what is going to be tough. Almost 40 years of eating whatever I want is going to be hard to manage.

Do you find WHEN you eat is as important as what?

I also found an app I may get called Mynetdiary, hopefully that will help. I really need to get educated on what food effect me in what ways. For now it is very overwhelming and I'm still processing.

I have cut out alcohol, I was your typical few beers 4-5 nights a week and the occasional drunken binge with buddies. I think that alone will help a lot with the exercise. Plus it appears Merformin + alcohol can be very bad.

Anyway, I will likely be hitting this thread up as things move forward.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Hey Lathum,

I am Type 1 and have been so since February of 1998. I was actually in Basic training (about my 8th week in) and started getting sick but thought it was the crud that lots of recruits get. Long story short on that, when I finally got diagnosed my sugar was 891. You didnt misread that. They tested me again because they thought something was brokd

Anyway, to answer some of your questions and to offer some other advice here for you. Everybody reacts differently to everything. So no one master system works and you will need to figure some stuff out on your own in regards to what certain foods do to you, when you eat etc. I find for myself that my initial intake of food after fasting overnight blows my sugar up if there is the slightest amount of carbs/sugar in the food. So...I just dont eat any carbs in the morning at all and just eat protein (eggs, bacon, whatever). It is important that you do set some regimen up to eat at set times if at all possible. Get used to your portion sizes and how to judge them (especially when you go out to eat or are at family functions). My biggest word of advice...if you dont know the exact carbs/sugar in a food you are about to eat UNDERESTIMATE it. If your sugar goes up because you underestimated the carb/sugar count you can adjust accordingly when you feel it in your system. If you overestimate and your sugar drops too low....THATS BAD NEWS! I have preached to many friends that I would much rather have a temporary high sugar level than a temporary low sugar level anyday. The feelings of the two are completely different and the low is much, much more dangerous to you and people around you especially if you are behind the wheel.

As for drinking, again take note that everyone is different. A friend of mine who is also Type 1 drinks like a fish and seemingly has no problems with it. I on on other hand can drink small amounts and am fine...until a counter reaction occurs later in the night and my sugar drops extremely low. So, to work with that, and knowing how I react, I adjust accordingly before I go to bed.

I would recommend keeping a good journal. You can get a little book, or download one to track your blood sugar at times during the day, before and after meals. It might be beneficial to also set your alarm once in the middle of the night to test your sugar then too. High sugar levels during sleep can cause an unrestful sleep.

Exercise is always good so keep that up. Keep your eyes and eye appts up to date, check your feet, circulation (legs especially) in your extremeties. Another thing people forget is your teeth and gumlines. Make sure you staty current on your dentist appointments and watchthe gingivitus and pareodontal disease.

The mai thing though is forming habits and realizing that everyone is different. Having a good support system to realize that you have new dietary needs is good. Make sure that they also know the signs of you having low blood sugar! They might notice your mood change, but they also need to look for other signs (confusion, clumsiness, slurring, focus).

My doctor told me once, that diabetes itself does not kill a person (as morbid as that sounds) but it is all the side effects that COULD happen that does. It just affects everything in your body in different ways.

Make sure you penis still works!

Anyway, if you have ANY questions at all, feel free to ask me and I will assist the best I can. I've dealt with this now for 16 years and I am still chugging along.

[Lathum]

Thanks!

[Subby]

Good luck man. Sounds like something you should be able to get control of pretty quickly. Sorry you have to go through it.

[digamma]

Agreed. Good luck. I think the diabetes technology is pretty rapidly advancing these days. Hopefully it is very manageable for you.

[Ben E Lou]

Pretty ignorant of the subject here, but good luck as you fight through it all.

[Abe Sargent]

GOod luck! My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Radii]

Originally Posted by Lathum

I had a blood test done for blood sugar and a1c. Blood sugar was 136 and a1c 6.5%.

This is good. I mean, both are clearly high (assuming the 136 was fasting) and need to be better but they're not that far out there. When I was diagnosed diabetic my A1C was 7.5%. My last 5 were 5.3, 5.2, 5.1, 4.7, and 4.2. The last two were after switch to a very low carb diet, the ones in the low 5's were very good but I wasn't satisfied with how hard it was to maintain that. Compare this to my mom who has been hospitalized for blood sugars over 500 and A1C's above 11%, etc.

Do you find WHEN you eat is as important as what?

Not as important, but it does matter. There's a balance to find where you don't want to eat all the time but you don't want to wait too long between meals because low blood sugar is the devil. I'll second the suggestion for eating very few carbs for breakfast, a lot of this feels cyclical to me, once I get on a cycle of eating something that spikes my blood sugar a ton, causing it to crash back down, causing me to feel sick and hungry so I eat something that spikes it way back up again, etc... its hard to break that. So if I start every day with something that will make me nice and full and keeps the blood sugar steady, its easier to do everything else well.

For now it is very overwhelming and I'm still processing.

It is overwhelming, but it will be ok. Its unbelievable how different people react to different foods, so while there's a ton of general information available for you, in the end figuring out how to best manage your blood sugar is a very individualized process and you'll need to be patient and allow for the fact that it won't be perfect while you're learning. There may be a ton of trial and error involved in figuring out what foods give you the most problems. Take comfort in knowing that where you're at now is comparatively not that bad, and that just by knowing what's going on and taking it seriously, you're already doing better than a shockingly huge % of people in your situation.

I have cut out alcohol, I was your typical few beers 4-5 nights a week and the occasional drunken binge with buddies. I think that alone will help a lot with the exercise.

Probably so, its a good start for sure.

[panerd]

Lathum:

First of all sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Like others have said it sounds like you have the right attitude and mindset and will learn to live a long life with just a different lifestyle. What did the life insurance company end up doing? I can imagine the quote they gave you initially has changed dramatically.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by panerd

Lathum:

First of all sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Like others have said it sounds like you have the right attitude and mindset and will learn to live a long life with just a different lifestyle. What did the life insurance company end up doing? I can imagine the quote they gave you initially has changed dramatically.

Haven't heard back yet. Not excited to.

[MizzouRah]

Good luck Lathum.. thoughts and prayers to you.

[Schmidty]

Originally Posted by BYU 14

Will only echo what others have said, try and stay on a timely eating regimen and if there is any consolation it is very manageable with diet and exercise. Take care of yourself...

Very true. My wife has type 2 as well, but she won't take her metformin.

Really, your diet is a big thing. I know that's hard sometimes though. I'm "lucky" in that I have a Hyperthyroidism.

Good luck.

[CraigSca]

I found out the same way (life insurance) at the age of 25. My mother got it when she became pregnant with me at the age of 30, and my aunt had it an early age as well, so apparently we're blessed with the gene.

Anyway, I'm on 65 units of Lantus in the morning, and then take two Metformins (extended release), one with lunch and one with dinner. I found the extended release Metformin much more tolerable than regular (I don't react to medications much, but the Metformin was making me nauseous every night). I am now officially in control and now attempting to get life insurance again - it stinks having the same rates as a smoker due to something I can't control, but such is life.

I will say one thing - just because you can't feel it, doesn't mean diabetes isn't doing its damage. Treat it for real - it's something that's very easy to ignore because you don't feel sick. But ignore it at your own peril.

Good luck - I'm no expert, but as a diabetic veteran of 20 years, if you have any questions, feel free to pm me.

-Craig

[tarcone]

If you drink soda, start with diet Mt. Dew. Its an easier transition to diet sodas. Type 1 diabetic since 1987.

Good luck.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by tarcone

If you drink soda, start with diet Mt. Dew. Its an easier transition to diet sodas. Type 1 diabetic since 1987.

Good luck.

I drink an occasional diet coke is all.

[Alan T]

Just saw this thread. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I wish you the best in managing it.

[ColtCrazy]

Both my parents were diagnosed with it about 10 years ago and have managed it well. I wish you the best.

[Warhammer]

Careful with the diet sodas, there are some studies out there that show the sweeteners in diet sodas can still cause issues in diabetics.

[Lathum]

Ran is my first ever 5K today as part of my commitment to better health. Finished a few seconds over 30 minutes. Am ecstatic about it.

I broke down crying at the finish line. Not because of the accomplishment, but because 3 months ago I was diagnosed with a disease that is a death sentence for many not willing to change their lifestyle. I decided to own my diabetes, not the other way around, so I can be here with my family for a longtime. Today was a big step towards that.

I go for a doctor visit on Oct. 4th. I'm excited for the results. My scores have been in line, I am eating better and feel better and have lost close to 30 lbs in 3 months.

The only motivation I have ever needed in my wife and kids.

[Groundhog]

Congrats dude, that's excellent news AND an excellent achievement!

[BYU 14]

Congratulations and great job, that is a big accomplishment!!

[BillJasper]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Ran is my first ever 5K today as part of my commitment to better health. Finished a few seconds over 30 minutes. Am ecstatic about it.

I broke down crying at the finish line. Not because of the accomplishment, but because 3 months ago I was diagnosed with a disease that is a death sentence for many not willing to change their lifestyle. I decided to own my diabetes, not the other way around, so I can be here with my family for a longtime. Today was a big step towards that.

I go for a doctor visit on Oct. 4th. I'm excited for the results. My scores have been in line, I am eating better and feel better and have lost close to 30 lbs in 3 months.

The only motivation I have ever needed in my wife and kids.

Congratulations.

[Logan]

Good job bud.

[JAG]

Congrats Lathum, well done.

[TroyF]

congrats sir.

[Mota]

My son is 10 and has had Type 1 diabetes since 18 months old.

It's hard work and a pain in the butt pretty much all the time, but he lives his life as normal as most kids and is an awesome hockey player.

Hopefully with it being Type 2 you will be able to manage it without drugs.

I would just suggest that you give diabetes the respect it deserves by taking care of yourself, exercising and moderating certain foods. Also remember that you're still a person and need to live your life. One of my mom's friends got a borderline reading, pretty much stopped eating in fear, and has never recovered from it. The weakness from under eating has caused far worse effects than the diabetes did.

[Bigsmooth]

Great accomplishment! Congrats.

[MizzouRah]

Well done indeed!

[Galaril]

Congrats and great job

[Lathum]

So tonight is mt doctor appointment and I just got my test results back from the lab.

My A1c has dropped from 6.5 to 5.8. I am eccastic about it. It feels great to know the changes I have made are making a big difference.

My weight is down to 198 and I have more energy. The changes haven't been that difficult. I just try and moderate my intake.

I know there is still a lot of work to be done, but seeing results is really uplifting.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Well done! Keep it up!

[Kodos]

Nice to see you're making progress. Keep it up!

[MizzouRah]

Keep up the good work!