Dusty The Diabetic

[Dusty Ayres]

I never thought it would happen, but this holiday season, The Fates slipped me a Mickey Finn in the form of diabetes! I'm now in the Toronto General Hospital sick with it, and my life's about to change completely.

I don't know what the future holds now, other than it involves needles every day and blood sugar tests for the rest of my life. In case anything else happens to me in the next little while, I'd just like to say I'm sorry for the way I came across in my posts and responses, and I bear no ill will or hostility to anybody. I wish everybody a happy New Year and hope that things will be great for everybody in 2011.

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

That sucks to have that type.

My Dad was borderline and didn't have to do the injections.

I hope it goes OK for you.

 

[RoJoHen]

I have always wondered exactly how people discover their diabetes. Do they just eat one too many cookies one day and then fall to the floor?

 

[RoJoHen]

I have always wondered exactly how people discover their diabetes. Do they just eat one too many cookies one day and then fall to the floor?

 

[Amaris]

My doctor told me.
Dusty, you have my sympathies. Remember, though, that having Diabetes doesn't mean life is over, or that you can't enjoy the foods and activities you once enjoyed. You can adjust, and it will take time and won't be easy at first, but in time you'll cope and carry on.

 

[wew]

I was first introduced to diabetes after being sent to a hospital suffering from severe diabetic symptoms, blood sugar 600+, a 14 for long term blood sugar, and 2000 for ketones, all which are dangerously high.

I've been put on medicine, but not insulin. So unless you've been informed that you need to continually take insulin, basic medication and diet can probably keep your diabetes in check.

It can be tough, and unfortnately, I've been quite stupid about managing my diabetes for several months, so I need to step up and get new bloodwork done. It will require some discipline in regards to taking the blood sugar readings and making sure you take any medicines you are prescribed.

 

[thestrangequark]

I was first introduced to diabetes after being sent to a hospital suffering from severe diabetic symptoms, blood sugar 600+, a 14 for long term blood sugar, and 2000 for ketones, all which are dangerously high.

I've been put on medicine, but not insulin. So unless you've been informed that you need to continually take insulin, basic medication and diet can probably keep your diabetes in check.

Not if Dusty is type 1. People need to remember that although they have the same name, type 1 and type 2 diabetes are two different diseases with different causes and treatments. If Dusty is type 1 he will have to take insulin.

Don't worry, though, Dusty, you'll get used to it. If you are type 1 and have any questions, feel free to ask me.

 

[Holdfast]

I have always wondered exactly how people discover their diabetes. Do they just eat one too many cookies one day and then fall to the floor?

Sometimes it's just that (minus the requirement for the cookie). They can go into a diabetic ketoacidosis, which can lead to coma, and it's potentially life-threatening if not treated promptly. I won't bore you with the reasons that ketones build up, it's slightly long-winded, but the interesting part of it is that ketones appear on the breath of diabetics who have high levels of them. They have a rather unusual sweet smell, often described as being "cloying" or like "pear drops", but only some people can smell it. There's a slightly boozy quality to it, but not quite. Others can't smell it at all. Work in a hospital for a while and you quickly discover whether you can or not (I can).

More commonly, esp. with the types of diabetes acquired later in life, it's a more insiduous process with polyuria and polydipsia being some of the common signs. Both those symptoms - the excessive urination and thirst/drinking - are caused by the high glucose levels. Putting it simply, there's so much of it swilling about in the blood that the kidneys don't work effectively to keep it in the bloodstream any longer and so it end up in the urine, which causes what's called an osmotic diuresis, as it pulls water out after it. The excessive water loss then makes you thirsty, through a hormonal effect.

 

[thestrangequark]

I have always wondered exactly how people discover their diabetes. Do they just eat one too many cookies one day and then fall to the floor?

It can be different depending on the type. I was 12 when I was diagnosed with type 1, and it had nothing to do with cookies, or any other sweets, for that matter . The body of a type 1 generally does not just abruptly stop producing insulin, but as the immune system kills of the islet cells of the pancreas, produces less and less over a period of time, until it produces no more. Most people's type 1 diabetes is triggered by an illness -- cold or flu like. This is what happened to me. I got sick with a stomach bug, but even after the symptoms went away I didn't feel well. Over a month I had less and less energy, was listless, dizzy, and constantly thirsty. Two weeks before I was diagnosed I began to rapidly lose weight, going from a healthy weight to dangerously underweight very quickly.

My mother had been taking me to the doctor but they never diagnosed me. Finally, after watching me drink an entire Big Gulp of 7 Up in under 5 minutes, and then ask for another, my mother put it together and asked the doctor to check my blood sugar. I wasn't comatose when we wen to the hospital, but my case of ketoacidosis was severe enough that I likely would have been within a two days.

 

[RoJoHen]

Yeah, that's what I was wondering. How suddenly does it happen, and what are the symptoms? Now I know!

 

[wew]

Sorry about that I forgot, although Type I definitely requires insulin, Type II, which usually occurs later in life can be controlled with medication.

Mines type II, my symptoms were being in a state of confusion, unable to focus, frequient urination, and an almost uncontrollable thirst. In fact the day I was diagnosed, I had drank 3/4s of a gallon of orange juice (not smart), 32 ounces of diet coke, and 40 ounces of water in less than 4 hours. Also had problems sleeping.

Other symptons also can exist.

 

[T'Baio]

This may sound trite, but it's not that big a deal.

When I was diagnosed with type 1, I just asked my doctors, what do I need to do? They said eat right, exercise, take care of yourself, take your insulin and any other medications. Okay. So I do that, and I'm fine. It's people with no will power to take care of themselves that it becomes a problem.

 

[Gryffindorian]

Welcome to the club. I was diagnosed two years ago and have been on medication (metformin) since then. I felt overwhelmed back then but have been able to manage it pretty well. I attended a diabetes seminar that really helped explain the condition and provide all the basics.

 

[thestrangequark]

This may sound trite, but it's not that big a deal.

When I was diagnosed with type 1, I just asked my doctors, what do I need to do? They said eat right, exercise, take care of yourself, take your insulin and any other medications. Okay. So I do that, and I'm fine. It's people with no will power to take care of themselves that it becomes a problem.

Though I agree with the general statement that it's not that big a deal, and I want to share that sentiment and offer encouragement to Dusty, it is also important to remember that not everyone is perfect, and it sounds awfully mean-spirited to say that someone who messes up their management has "no will power."

Though I had had perfect control for 12 years, 2 years ago I went through a phase of about 6 months when I was severely depressed and fed-up. I did not take proper care of myself during that time, and it had nothing to do with the will-power you're touting. Some diabetics have more trouble with control than others, it is simple as that. And frankly, the attitude that if one can't always be under perfect control one must be weak-willed, irresponsible, or "just not trying hard enough", does a lot of young diabetics a lot of damage. If you have perfect control and it comes easily to you, then that's great, good on you. However, one oughtn't just dismiss others as weak-willed -- you don't know their circumstances or how the disease affects them or their lives.

Dusty, for most people it is a little bit of a struggle. Most of the time it is easy to deal with, but everyone has their rough days, too. I'd suggest doing your own research into different diets and treatments once you're under control, discuss them with your doctors and experiment. Find what works for you.

 

[Locutus of Bored]

I'm sorry to hear that, Dusty. Best wishes on a speedy recovery in the hospital, and for your continued health.

 

[Ood Sigma]

I also have Type 2 diabetes. I was diagnosed about 18 months ago. My symptoms were also excessive thirst and unexplained weight loss. I'm currently on medication (glipizide). I took it seriously the first few months but not as much after that. I went to the doctor about 3 weeks ago and he got pretty upset with me so now I'm on a diet. I've lost almost 15 pounds since then (but I still have about 90 or so to go). I'm hoping at my next checkup to have drastically improved my numbers. Otherwise I'll have to go on insulin.

 

[Mary Ann]

I hope you'll be out of hospital soon, Dusty. I had diet-controlled gestational diabetes when pregnant with my youngest child and what I quickly discovered is how much sugar is in processed food. If you can, cook as many meals as possible from scratch as this will help you keep your blood sugar down.

 

[Dusty Ayres]

Thanks for the comments, everybody-I know what to do now!

 

[Nathan_Heller]

Ten years ago I was diagnosed with Type II when I went to the doctor for another reason. It was a shock and thought I was doomed, but with daily oral meds, evening insulin shots and diet change I felt great. The importance of a close rapport with your doctor or a diabetes educator is vital.

By the way, if you have to inject yourself it does get easier over time (take it from a big chicken)

 

[MadMan1701A]

Yeah, I'm sorry to hear that as well... I'm Type 2, but it does get better.

For the first couple of years, I was really angry about it, but now that I'm on a good meds combination, it's better.

Just remember, it's not all just about sugar in the food, its all the carbohydrates. A lot of people don't get that...