zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,876
|
Post by zeke on Dec 28, 2016 11:01:38 GMT -8
I have been recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. I am 65 years old, 6'1", 210 pounds. Not obese, so this came as a surprise. It was discovered at my annual fitness check, during routine blood work. This is a private matter to many people, but I am choosing to disclose some personal info in the hopes of aiding others, as well as gleaning info from those who have already gone through the first several years of treatment.
My Dr has taken an odd approach, allowing me to return in Feb for a second set of blood work before having me start the daily prick and Glucose Level monitoring. This sets me back 90 days in starting, but I am doing some things on my own. Just don't have a GL meter and test strips yet. I'll get them in Feb I guess.
I began to wonder about some changes in my health during the Summer. I had a constant thirst, and an accompanying need to pee. I craved sweets, and overdid it on a couple of memorable occasions. I lost 5 pounds, while doing nothing. Seriously, for about 3 months I sat at my desk and ate cinnamon rolls. Looking back, all of those things were signs I should have been going to a Dr. Good thing I hit the magic 65 and Medicare forced me into an appointment.
So for now, I am changing my diet voluntarily. Fewer carbs, meaning no more baked potatoes and less pasta. More sweet potatoes and brown rice. I already didn't eat white bread, but I hear Sour Dough is OK for D2. I will continue eating steamed veggies, lean meats, and fruit. My breakfasts will be a good-for-me cereal with 1% milk. Lunches will continue to be a whole grain bread sandwich, but I will need to change from regular Coke to Zero. All snacks will be fruit. Those crackers and cookies I was buying when they were 2 for 1 are out the window. Desserts will be my most missed food group. I have loved my pies and my dark chocolate. All too well it seems. I also read where a general guideline is, If you eat it with the skin on, it's OK for D2. Apparently, this is not true in regards to baked potatoes. That 1-beer-a-day thing has to become history, as well.
My blood work came back with an A1c of 11.4, non fasting. I don't think it would've mattered to fast, as the immediate 90 days prior is when I had been gorging on bad food. I'll see how it looks in late Feb after this mostly ill informed trek on my own.
Not that this is the only thing found by Medicare exams. I was also due for a new glasses prescription, and the Optometrist found a high pressure in both eyes. 28/32 Sent me to an Ophthalmologist where they acted like it was an Emergency once I saw the Dr, (the closest appt was 3 weeks out). He prescribed me some drops called Latanoprost and they have cut my pressure in half. Both eyes are now at 14. I understand 21 is the top measurement they think is in the healthy range. No damage to the retina or the optic nerve. Seems they caught it in time, before I did permanent damage. I had no clues about this ailment, so I am happy the timing was right for my next eye glass check. I was diagnosed with Glaucoma, but they think these drops will do the trick.
Both Drs think I can continue my current level of activity for 2 decades or more. That was good news. I bumped up some of my miles on the bike, so maybe those sugars can be burned off. We'll see.
Now, what do I want from sharing all of this? Possibly helping others in my same boat, or learning from those who already have gone through similar health issues. I know BlueBear has dealt with Diabetes, but it has always been my understanding his is D1. I'd love to hear from other D2 patients / victims.
|
|
bp2go
Trail Wise!
California
Posts: 1,329
|
Post by bp2go on Dec 28, 2016 11:29:47 GMT -8
And how! But I have been gathering stories from other diabetics that show me that many doctors have odd ways of dealing with diabetes, not so great for the patients! Yes, zeke and I have been in communication about diabetes 2. Me? I have been dealing with it for almost five years. When I saw zeke mention his doctor's casual attitude (A1c 11.4, come back in 90 days, we will check it again.) I had to ask if that was really what happened? No info on daily testing for glucose? Do NOT wait, start now!! So in my own attempt to give zeke some advice based on my own experiences, we decided a public conversation might help others who either are also quiet about it, or maybe don't know if they are pre diabetic! That is the first important point we can make: you think you're fine, but do you KNOW you're fine? Both zeke and I are now aware that we were too unaware. Now we are dealing with a disease we might have nipped in the bud if only we had had a blood test. So here we are, out of the shadows and talking about it. Do you have type 2? If yes, let's compare notes. I think many doctors are handing out different ideas, some good, some doctors not so well informed! I know because I started off with one who was clueless.
|
|
|
Post by autumnmist on Dec 28, 2016 12:07:18 GMT -8
Thanks to both of you for sharing your experiences and alerting others. I think that for years there's been a perception that people who really, really have a high sugar diet are the typical candidates for Type 2 diabetes, but I recall reading, perhaps in one of my herbal magazines, that that's not the only factor. In a comment which probably should be posted on the retiree thread, I'm not remembering as well as I used where I read an article about other factors, more or less hidden type factors, which were surprising contributors to Type 2 diabetes. And sugar is added to so many foods, even basic canned goods, that it's often in so many more foods or drinks than the obvious ones such as candies and pop. And there's the high fructose corn syrup factor and proliferation in foods as well. I don't know if the HFCS expands the range of foods with sugar, but it's an interesting concept. (Another good reason to grow our own food.) I too was shocked at the wait and see and back in 90 days approach. zeke , was this a primary care doctor or an internist? I would be thinking about finding another internist if you're not already seeing one, or finding a different one as this is really too casual an approach. I would also ask for a monitor, strips and the "just a little poke" stick so you can start that immediately and help determine what's effective and what's not. Why wait 90 days to find out if the changes are working? I can understand if the doctor felt the levels might be distorted and wanted to give them a chance to level out, but that can be done by monitoring, not just waiting. And I would ask for a fasting glucose test; as I understand, that's typically the standard. Beyond that, I wanted to offer a comment on Zeke's ophthalmologist's experience. I think the "emergency" approach was legitimate and wise, and you're fortunate that the staff acted so quickly. My father has LTG, low tension glaucoma, and has been taking Latanoprost for at least a few years, maybe like 3 or 4. His ophthalmologist, a prominent one in this area, has kept his pressure level since the initial diagnosis, through use of Latanaprost. It's well worth it, and we're grateful that he decided on this course of treatment. And just a comment on the script: the little bottle of Latanoprost needs to be kept refrigerated after purchase, until actually opened for use. Then it can be kept at room temp. Dad's had no side effects from use of these eye drops. For short and long term planning, one standard size bottle of 0.005% solution lasts about a month. It's definitely worth taking. And, welcome to Medicare.
|
|
BlueBear
Trail Wise!
@GoBlueHiker
Posts: 3,224
|
Post by BlueBear on Dec 28, 2016 12:54:29 GMT -8
zeke, thanks for the heads-up. Yes, my diabetes has always been Type-1, childhood onset (the insulin-producing part of my pancreas quit when I was 10, never produced insulin again), so in a lot of ways it's a different game, in some ways it's not. I am home w/ the whole family right now, but I do have some feedback, some of it mirrors what's already been said. I'll come back and pitch in where I can be helpful. The nice thing is, generally speaking, it basically forces you into habits that will make you generally healthier anyway. But it can be a slog. Hang in there, and definitely keep active! More soon, - Mike
|
|
bp2go
Trail Wise!
California
Posts: 1,329
|
Post by bp2go on Dec 28, 2016 13:16:32 GMT -8
people who really, really have a high sugar diet... One big misconception (in my own experiences) is that sugar is the problem. Sugar is just the easy target, but only because it is pure glucose. The real problem is carbohydrates! Carbs are inescapable unless you only eat meat and drink water! So carbs are the thing to know about, and there are levels of evil! Pure sugar is the sugar high people know about. BAM! It is in your system right away. Not good. Then you learn that there are long-chain polysaccharides, usually more conveniently referred to as low-glycemic load foods. That means they take longer to convert. So diabetics should turn to a vegetarian diet, either totally or mostly depending on the green and leafy stuff. and other above-ground vehetables. Root veggies are not all great! All salads? Heck no. In fact black beans are high on the list and grass-fed beef makes a nice easy chili.. Chickpeas become hummus. Etcetera etcetera. BTW, pasta and converted rice are okay to have. Another surprise to learn that while white breads are bad, sourdough bread is actually a good choice. Fermented foods are good for everyone, so yogurts (make sure it's not loaded with sugar! Get used to plain; I like it a lot) and saurkraut are big favorites. In talking with zeke, I was really surprised that he apparently was just monitored out after hearing the big number! Little discussion of changing the diet, no mention of starting the daily GL testing. And as I mentioned to zeke already, fasting or not fasting blood tests are for other results, but A1c is a 90-day average and fasting or not, you get the number. An 11.4 is very high. My start point was 11.5. I asked the doc if I should go vegan? He said "Oh, they've tried that." And what? they died? they were not changed in any way? I switched my diet, started reading about carbs, and in six months I was back down in the 6+ range. So two important tips for anyone who wants to avoid this stuff: 1) do NOT simply rely on an optometrist for an eye exam! Mine simply dismissed me as maybe wanting reading glasses. Then I went to a real eye doctor (ophthalmologist) who detected sugar in my blood while doing an eye exam; 2) if you get a blood test for any reason, be sure to at least be aware of the glucose level indicated. That will NOT be an A1c, it is just a number for that moment in time. but it should be maybe between 100 to 120, higher is no bueno.. Again, the simple daily numbers are collected and converted to a decimal number (normal would be 5.5±) The purpose of this thread is to make casual skeptics aware that type 2 is a sneaky disease and it can get started without a lot of symptoms. Yes, you want to know a blood test is worth the money.
|
|
reuben
Trail Wise!
Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
Posts: 11,133
|
Post by reuben on Dec 28, 2016 14:27:27 GMT -8
I'm not a doctor, but this may be worth a read. I've begun incorporating some of it (emphasis on "some of it") into my own life, despite not being diabetic. Some of it has the ring of truth, such as how constantly keeping insulin levels high leads to long term issues such as obesity and diabetes, how "refined" and "enriched" foods/grains are bad, etc. On the other hand, some of it sounds like the latest fad, notably the title - "The Obesity Code - Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss". And yes, there are other faddish sounding things inside the book as well, but then, I'm not a doctor. Be your own judge. Pick and choose the parts that sound right to you and your doctor. It's certainly not expensive, and could help. Good luck, and good health.
|
|
|
Post by autumnmist on Dec 28, 2016 20:55:21 GMT -8
Good points about diabetes and vision; diabetic retinopathy is definitely something to consider and strive to avoid if you're a diabetic.
|
|
mk
Trail Wise!
North Texas
Posts: 1,217
|
Post by mk on Dec 29, 2016 13:15:27 GMT -8
A couple of thoughts: maybe the doc was trying to give you a shot at reducing your numbers through lifestyle/dietary changes zeke? Although that doesn't really mesh with not giving you any advice about how to achieve those things ... And my understanding is that even when eating fruit (which is sugar, albeit "natural sugar"), to always include a protein source. For instance, a little peanut butter with your banana, or cheese with your apple or, better yet, pear. Same with carbs. Include a little protein to help slow the sugar rush. As an informal survey, are you on any statins for cholesterol zeke and bp2go? I've read somewhere (no longer know where!) that statins cause blood sugars to go up. Scary disease, diabetes. The damage it's doing is silent -- until it isn't.
|
|
zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,876
|
Post by zeke on Dec 29, 2016 13:55:01 GMT -8
No statins as of yet. Cholesterol was fine. Blood Pressure was fine also. As for my Dr, I have no idea what he was thinking, as the exchange was short, and one sided. "You have Diabetes. Take this pill twice a day. We'll recheck the numbers with a fasting blood test in 90 days." That was the extent of it. Since then, I have taken it upon myself to get a meter, and asked him for the Rx for the strips. Now, at least I can check my own numbers. Dietary changes can be logged and used with the record of the GL numbers. If & when I see changes, I can narrow down what food helped, or didn't.
|
|
bp2go
Trail Wise!
California
Posts: 1,329
|
Post by bp2go on Dec 29, 2016 14:35:15 GMT -8
a fasting blood test in 90 days If that is a quote, ask to see his license! Fasting blood tests are for info on organ functions. The A1c is an average of every day of every week for 90+ days. Fasting for a few hours before the blood draw will not affect the count of cells that are glycated (sugar coated!) Those hemoglobin cells last for a specifc amount of time (four months) but for some reason 90 days is enough to allow counting and averaging how much sugary blood is coursing through one's veins. In other words, eat or don't eat, that one morning snack is not likely to dusrupt the results of the previous 90 days. Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, I just ask a lot of questions. In starting a PM conversation with zeke, I was amazed that he had not been instructed in use of a glucose meter! In several exchanges, we covered lots of points to see clearly that zeke needed some help. I have been down this road, so I did some pushing. The notion then was to "go public" to see if others might be unaware! Since this thread is getting little attention, I'd hope that;s a good thing; i.e., nobody else with type 2 chiming in. But the absolute reason for posting this at all is to make people aware of a potential problem: to discover if there is a trouble on the horizon, eke and I were oblivious. Not any more. If and when I see changes... No "if" about it. You should see a big change in your AM test numbers as soon as you limit the carbs at dinner! Not the usual advice given, but my own plan is to skip carbs after 5PM. Salad and some chicken or salmon. My numbers are great, yours can be too. Of course I have said it several times already, but the daily number is NOT the A1c, it is just a moment in time. The full story develops until your Feb. appointment. That will be a bit wobbly since it will be a 50/50 mix of unconcerned eating and then a flurry of eating better choices. But of course your A1c will drop. I speak from experience.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,666
|
Post by rebeccad on Dec 29, 2016 22:48:34 GMT -8
I am following this with interest, even though I don't have any diabetes. My brother does have D2, though, and while we've not discussed it much I'm paying attention on his behalf
|
|
|
Post by rwtb123 on Dec 29, 2016 23:51:19 GMT -8
lifestyle/dietary changes I would have to agree with mk here.In my(unprofessional)view,(non-hereditary)diabetes is one of a number of interconnected chronic diseases of aging and should serve as a significant warning sign that lifestyle/dietary changes are needed to maintain health going forward. I have posted my views on lifestyle and diet before ,and how optimization can vary for individuals, and how you should take a holistic approach so no need to rehash all of that here.But, I also agree with mk to not only look at the glycemic load of individual foods but food combinations,as well. I will ,also, note my focus has always been on preventing the onset of chronic disease, rather than what to do if you progress to early stages.
|
|
bp2go
Trail Wise!
California
Posts: 1,329
|
Post by bp2go on Dec 30, 2016 7:24:40 GMT -8
I meant to add a comment yesterday to thank mk and now rwtb123 for the input. In fact yes to the ideas mentioned by mk. Some protein with a piece of fruit does slow the glycemic hit (but I don't feel any rush when I eat a mandarin, so I don't bother.) And as for the statin increasing sugar level? Yes, some. It is described a slight, so I accept that. In fact my cholesterol total is like 110, I asked my doc why I even take a statin? But I didn't get an answer! All the TV commercials that show attentive doctors having nice chats with patients? Where is that happening? I get 15 minutes and I'm shown the door! But I like the times I have called American Diabetic Association for info. Terrific resource, never a rush through Q&A. So changes on lifestyle and diet? That is absolutely what a diabetic will do. Not an option. Well, there is an option: ignore it. My friend is a taxi driver, has a few really overweight clients who have her delivering their treats and have ended up with amputations and then death! So hell yes, I chose to take this seriously.
|
|
mk
Trail Wise!
North Texas
Posts: 1,217
|
Post by mk on Dec 30, 2016 7:44:24 GMT -8
really overweight clients who have her delivering their treats and have ended up with amputations and then death! This was my sister -- she died of cardiac arrest 8 years ago when she was 51, after years of dealing with Charcot foot and then amputations of both feet. It was a sad, sad decline for us to watch. Her doctors were pretty attentive and she did spend time with a dietitian, as well, but to no avail. You can't help those who won't help themselves. My takeaway has been, like rwtb123, to do what I can to try to prevent this disease. My husband is now on metformin, in addition to a statin and a bp med, but I can't get him to make permanent changes, either. My diet has been regressing lately, but thanks to this discussion, I have a renewed energy to take back the control. Thanks for bringing it out in the open bp2go! I was curious about statins because they seem to be overwhelmingly prescribed -- and I'm not convinced that they are indicated for everyone who is on them. And I believe that the side effects may be more prevalent and damaging than either acknowledged or known. I'm trying hard to avoid those things, too!
|
|
|
Post by autumnmist on Dec 30, 2016 7:54:21 GMT -8
Not to challenge anyone or be discouraging, but statins have major side effects, beyond possibly increasing the risk for diabetes. Do some research on Lipitor, Zocor and Crestor as well as the class action lawsuits against them. Everyone I know who's take any statin stopped after a few months b/c of the side effects. That's obviously not a representative sample of all those who are taking statins, but they were family or friends, and their experience was relevant for consideration.
|
|