It's finally happened

[Gryffindorian]

No, I haven't quite gotten laid yet.

As of today, 08/26/09, I am officially diabetic, according to my doctor anyway. My latest lab results (blood work) indicate that I have elevated fasting blood glucose, among other things, so I've been on put on diabetic medication starting today. *Sigh* This news came as no surprise, since I figured it was only a matter of time before I was diagnosed. I have a family history of diabetes (both parents, three sisters), and it's always been a question of "when" rather than "if." I've probably been diabetic longer than I realized, which would explain the lack of energy and frequent use of sick leave at work. Hmm.

I'm just saying that realization doesn't make things any easier. Add Metformin to my growing list of meds. Now this makes me feel old.

 

[Gryffindorian]

So does anyone else have chronic health conditions or is taking meds? Maybe we could form a club or something

 

[The Boy Who Cried Worf]

Welcome to the club! Two years diabetic for me. Currently I am on Metformin, Glucotrol and Actos. I should take better care of my self, but I still don't. Maybe being passive-aggredssively suicidal has something to do with it. Don't get too bummed though. There is a lot you can do to treat and manage diabetes.

 

[Amaris]

Welcome to the club, as has been said. I've been considered diabetic for more than a year now. I take Avandamet and Januvia. You didn't get it too many years after me. I try to take care of myself, though, and eat right.

I'm also hypertensive, and take Bisoprolol and Benazepril. I've been hypertensive since I was 22, so that really sucks. Anyhoo, there are ways to manage it, and as long as you take your meds, eat right and exercise, you can live a long and happy life, and that is the truth.

Oh, and I too, have not been "laid". So I'm there with you on that one, as well.

J.

 

[RandyS]

So does anyone else have chronic health conditions or is taking meds? Maybe we could form a club or something

I have both cerebral palsy and high blood pressure, and am on medications for both.

Does that count?

Oh, and I also have a family history of diabetes, (my mom, my grandma, and both uncles) but have so far escaped it myself.

Of course, like I said above, I have other things to worry about, so I hope I don't get diabetes. Don't need it.

 

[the Dagman]

No diabetes (yet. It does run in the family however). But I do have a chronic sleep disorder that landed me on permanent disability. It has also led to severe depression at times and leaves me in a state of permanent sleep deprivation. No treatment has been effective in treating it. They used to have me on various meds for the depression. But I switched to using medical marijuana because it actually works.

 

[thestrangequark]

I'm diabetic as well -- type 1 though, so a bit different from what you're dealing with. I take two types of insulin anywhere from two to six injections a day, test my blood sugar at least four times daily, set my alarm for the middle of the night most nights to avoid Dead-In-Bed Syndrome, watch what I eat, exercise, and so on. It's a pain in the ass, but don't let it bring you down. People go through ups and downs in their self-care. I've fallen off the wagon before and got back on, but that's just the way it goes.

The positive aspect is that you know what you can do to help manage your diabetes and improve your health. Knowing doesn't necessarily make it easier, but it does give you power. If you haven't already, I'd suggest researching as much as you can. I'm sure you know that type 2 diabetes can be largely controlled with diet and exercise alone - that's a great amount of power you have over your illness. Even with type 1 I've learned what power I have: I'm training for a round of bike tours next year, and have been biking between 20 and 60 miles a day; since I increased my daily exercise by 50%, I require 75% less insulin to control my blood sugar. It's pretty cool.

And two other suggestions: check out stevia for your sweetening needs. We've already got enough nasty chemicals going into our bodies, we don't need aspartame and sucralose on top of them. Also, keep having the sex. It's good exercise.

 

[OdoWanKenobi]

I have a family history of diabetes as well (father, and two uncles) but at least so far, I've escaped it. I hope I never have to deal with that.

 

[Gryffindorian]

Thank you all for the wealth of information and moral support. TSQ, I've heard of Type 1 (they used to refer to it as Juvenile Diabetes, but nowadays even kids can get Type 2 diabetes), but didn't realize the challenge.

I have four sisters and a brother (I'm the baby), the majority of whom have diabetes. Two of my sisters were the first to get diabetes due to weight issues. My third oldest sister is very fit and active and is the only woman in the family who's not diabetic. Although she's in good shape, my second oldest sister was diagnosed in her early 40s and had been on high-blood pressure medication prior to that.

I exercise every day (even when I quit my gym membership) and still got diabetes due to poor diet. I'm also thinking that the SSRI I'm taking (for anxiety) has contributed to the elevated blood sugar. In addition, I'm taking Prilosec twice a day for acid reflux and Simvastatin for high cholesterol. Occasionally, I take Claritin for nasal allergies, too. I'm a walking pharmacy, man!

Good luck to us all, and the best of health.

 

[JustKate]

I have asthma - does that count? It's not severe, though, and it's really well controlled so long as I behave myself (take my meds during the allergy season, that is). Life goes on, you know? I don't like taking medicine twice/day six months of the year, but gosh, breathing is a wonderful thing.

 

[The Boy Who Cried Worf]

Thank you all for the wealth of information and moral support. TSQ, I've heard of Type 1 (they used to refer to it as Juvenile Diabetes, but nowadays even kids can get Type 2 diabetes), but didn't realize the challenge.

I have four sisters and a brother (I'm the baby), the majority of whom have diabetes. Two of my sisters were the first to get diabetes due to weight issues. My third oldest sister is very fit and active and is the only woman in the family who's not diabetic. Although she's in good shape, my second oldest sister was diagnosed in her early 40s and had been on high-blood pressure medication prior to that.

I exercise every day (even when I quit my gym membership) and still got diabetes due to poor diet. I'm also thinking that the SSRI I'm taking (for anxiety) has contributed to the elevated blood sugar. In addition, I'm taking Prilosec twice a day for acid reflux and Simvastatin for high cholesterol. Occasionally, I take Claritin for nasal allergies, too. I'm a walking pharmacy, man!

Good luck to us all, and the best of health.

Don't worry your still a rookie. I think I have you beat somewhat. I take Lipitor and Niacin for cholesterol and Protonix for acid reflux. I take an SSRI for depression and anxiety, but I also take Wellbutrin with it. Plus I had a heart attack five years ago so I have to take two beta blockers to slow my heart down. Damm I think I'll o to the gym tonight, I could really use it.

 

[Geckothan]

I have chronic nasal and tonsil problems, hayfever and Social Anxiety. Nothing really serious, though I've got a whole bunch of serious chronic health problems in my family (diabetes, asthma, hypothyroidism, high b.p., high cholesterol) so I'll probably end up with one of those eventually. Not on any medications though (I'm turning down SSRI prescriptions left, right and center on my quest to find a psychiatrist who will prescribe me some benzos though), am I still eligible to join the club?

 

[Vulcan Princess]

I have hypoglycemia, so I'm probably eligible for the club. I'm able to control it by diet, though. A lot of the diet advice for hypoglycemia and type II diabetes is similar. Basically, don't eat a lot of simple carbohydrates on an empty stomach, and snacks and small meals are better than big meals.

Remember to take care of yourself. My aunt is diabetic, and she doesn't take very good care of herself, and she's pretty sick as a result.

 

[LeahBoBo]

I am a Type 2 Diabetic as well and on all the meds. I find it curious that so many people are being diagnosed with the disease. It's almost like when they were throwing all the kids on drugs for being ADD. Anyway, I try to watch my diet. I don't exercise nearly as much as my doctor would like, but I'm working on it.

 

[thestrangequark]

Thank you all for the wealth of information and moral support. TSQ, I've heard of Type 1 (they used to refer to it as Juvenile Diabetes, but nowadays even kids can get Type 2 diabetes), but didn't realize the challenge.

There's a bit of confusion because the two diseases share names and symptoms, but different causes. Type 1 is autoimmune; for some unknown reason the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing islet cells of the pancreas -- so as opposed to an insensitivity to insulin, there is just no insulin at all.

I have four sisters and a brother (I'm the baby), the majority of whom have diabetes. Two of my sisters were the first to get diabetes due to weight issues. My third oldest sister is very fit and active and is the only woman in the family who's not diabetic. Although she's in good shape, my second oldest sister was diagnosed in her early 40s and had been on high-blood pressure medication prior to that.

One important thing to remember is that there is a strong genetic component to type 2 diabetes. Even though there are undeniable behavioral causes like poor diet and exercise habits, developing diabetes is not entirely one's fault. I have a friend who was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. He is a serious athlete with a black belt in karate, he eats a generally healthy diet, but was victim to the genetic side of the disease. So while you have power over diabetes and your health, you can't beat yourself up about having the disease.

I am a Type 2 Diabetic as well and on all the meds. I find it curious that so many people are being diagnosed with the disease. It's almost like when they were throwing all the kids on drugs for being ADD. Anyway, I try to watch my diet. I don't exercise nearly as much as my doctor would like, but I'm working on it.

The increase in diagnoses of type 2 diabetes is directly related to the increase of processed, unhealthy foods in our diets and decrease in physical activity. Unlike ADD, for which the causes of increased diagnoses are arguable, with type 2 diabetes it's pretty much straightforward. I do have a level of skepticism when it comes to business side of health, though, especially in the US.

 

[Amaris]

Agreed, TSQ. I find it interesting and a bit alarming that most of us are in our 20's and early to mid 30s, ranging from very good to poor health, and we have diabetes, cholesterol issues, high blood pressure. When I was 22 and diagnosed with hypertension, it was more uncommon, but in the past 7 years I've been seeing more and more people get diagnosed at the same age I was. The same for diabetes and other health conditions.

J.

 

[Gryffindorian]

My oldest sister and my mom sometimes experience hypoglycemia (especially when they've skipped a meal or after doing some strenuous activity without getting enough to eat). I hear it's very unpleasant, and they immediately drink a cup of fruit juice or regular soda, or eat candy, to boost their sugar levels (sometimes to elevated amounts) just to recover. Diabetes can be very tricky because one has to maintain a constant balance. Having consistently high blood glucose isn't very good, as complications can occur in the long run; on the other hand, you need just enough so that you don't feel faint or weak.

DJ, my dad has had two bypass surgeries and two strokes in his lifetime and has been taking anti-hypertensive, statin, and blood thinner medications (in addition to his diabetic medicine).

Asthma is not something that runs in my family, but I have friends and co-workers who are affected and have had to deal with breathing problems from time to time.

TSQ, I've just remembered that my oldest sister also administers insulin shots to herself. It would appear she struggled keeping her blood glucose down, so her physician prescribed her insulin. She doesn't get much exercise and doesn't eat very healthy all the time; her kidneys are starting to get affected. I always thought Type 2 diabetics didn't have to do that (remember a time when Type 2 was labeled "non-insulin dependent"?). Wow, times have really changed, if not our understanding of medicine.

 

[The Boy Who Cried Worf]

My oldest sister and my mom sometimes experience hypoglycemia (especially when they've skipped a meal or after doing some strenuous activity without getting enough to eat). I hear it's very unpleasant, and they immediately drink a cup of fruit juice or regular soda, or eat candy, to boost their sugar levels (sometimes to elevated amounts) just to recover. Diabetes can be very tricky because one has to maintain a constant balance. Having consistently high blood glucose isn't very good, as complications can occur in the long run; on the other hand, you need just enough so that you don't feel faint or weak.

Now that you have been diagnosed you should take some glucose tablets or gel with you every where you go. If you eat regularly you shouldn't have a problem, but you never know so it is always good to be on the safe side. Sometimes if you don't eat, but still take your full amount of medication that can cause an attack to. When I get them I most feel feverish and shaky and nauseous.

DJ, my dad has had two bypass surgeries and two strokes in his lifetime and has been taking anti-hypertensive, statin, and blood thinner medications (in addition to his diabetic medicine).

We have a lot in common unfortuantely. My dad had a history of heart problems as well. That runs in our family even more than diabetes. My dad's problem was he was very stoic and didn't want to worry any of us so he kept a lot of his symptoms to himself when he was younger and it caught up to him when he was older and he would develop one health problem after another. I am kind of the same way. I endure a lot of minor discomforts until they become major discomforts.

 

[thestrangequark]

Agreed, TSQ. I find it interesting and a bit alarming that most of us are in our 20's and early to mid 30s, ranging from very good to poor health, and we have diabetes, cholesterol issues, high blood pressure. When I was 22 and diagnosed with hypertension, it was more uncommon, but in the past 7 years I've been seeing more and more people get diagnosed at the same age I was. The same for diabetes and other health conditions.

J.

Indeed, it is alarming. I'm fortunate enough to be in very good health otherwise, I have good cholesterol and low blood pressure without the aid of medication. I always led a very active and healthy lifestyle, and frankly, one of the worst things about being diagnosed was the (admittedly limited) teasing I received immediately after. Kids then, like most people now, didn't know the difference between the two types, and told me it was my fault. I knew better, and I've come to know better now that even type 2 isn't necessarily one's fault. It's pointless laying blame, anyway -- all one can do is try their best.

My oldest sister and my mom sometimes experience hypoglycemia (especially when they've skipped a meal or after doing some strenuous activity without getting enough to eat). I hear it's very unpleasant, and they immediately drink a cup of fruit juice or regular soda, or eat candy, to boost their sugar levels (sometimes to elevated amounts) just to recover.

Hypoglycemia is certainly unpleasant. With type 1 it is far more common than with type 2. I have a weirdly high tolerance for it, though. There have been a few occasions on which I've been up and about and coherent with a blood glucose in the 20's. The lowest I ever got was 19, and I was aware enough to check it and treat it myself.

Diabetes can be very tricky because one has to maintain a constant balance. Having consistently high blood glucose isn't very good, as complications can occur in the long run; on the other hand, you need just enough so that you don't feel faint or weak.

More than that, hypoglycemia in diabetics is deadly, though this is far more common in type 1 than type 2. My older brother also had juvenile diabetes. He passed away when he was 16. He was driving home from a tennis match (he was quite an athlete), and his blood sugar dropped. They found him pulled over, with all his supplies out to test his sugar, but he just didn't have enough time.

TSQ, I've just remembered that my oldest sister also administers insulin shots to herself. It would appear she struggled keeping her blood glucose down, so her physician prescribed her insulin. She doesn't get much exercise and doesn't eat very healthy all the time; her kidneys are starting to get affected. I always thought Type 2 diabetics didn't have to do that (remember a time when Type 2 was labeled "non-insulin dependent"?). Wow, times have really changed, if not our understanding of medicine.

Yeah, my medic alert bracelet reads "Type 1 Insulin-Dependent Diabetic". And I have heard of type 2 diabetics taking insulin injections. As far as I understand it, type 2 occurs when the body becomes desensitized to insulin, or simply can't make enough insulin to meet the demands of an inactive lifestyle and poor diet. Sometimes adding even more insulin is the best way to go. I do my best to take as little insulin as possible, because it affects more than just your blood glucose levels. Like other hormones it affects mood, and it also aids in the storage of body fat. Not to mention that the insulin I take is made from E. coli -- which just seems icky.

I do hope you do well, and that your sister's health improves.

 

[Gryffindorian]

I'm very sorry to hear about your brother and to have that happen at such a young age. You're right. I forgot about the more serious effects of hypoglycemia (iirc, one could go into state of coma if the blood glucose dropped to dangerously low levels). My relatives' have gone down as low as the 50s. Your readings were even lower!

I have still a lot to learn; I'm due to attend a diabetes seminar in a couple of weeks.

P.S. My family uses Splenda sweeteners.

To DJ: I've always been a hypochondriac at heart. I always run to the doctor when I don't feel right.