Hello, new to the forum.

[loraine3977]

I wander constantly from 'sensible' to complete denial', I must confess. Diagnosed as only a little into the Type 2 NIDD range, after expecting my family diabetes inheritance to hit me for years, I was initially freaked out by the horror stories of amputations, strokes, etc., and the totally obsessive people on forums who tested their BS levels after every meal, etc., and I just decided "this is absolutely not for me".
As an incurable sweet tooth (and I mean incurable!), my Hba1c increased just a little from 6.6 to 6.8 and my doctor stressed to me how vital it was to keep control, so I joined a natural weightloss group and, by smaller portion sizes, reducing snacks between meals, missing desserts, avoiding the biscuit bin at work, and replacing my sugar in tea/coffee with sweetener, I lost 6.5kg of weight before Christmas. But with three family birthdays, including my own, in early January, I've put 2.5kg back on. So once again feeling in the 'total denial' and rebellious stage.
Is it really as bad as they say? Are we all on the slippery slope to self destruction, or is this just a pharmaceutical company/ medical practice beatup to get our money and make our lives a misery?
Even my doctor has revised her diagnosis of Type II from an Hba1c level of 6.5 up to 6.9. At this level, I'm not even a diabetic. I certainly never feel ill in any way. No headaches, no shakes, no numbed feet, good eyesight, etc. I am 62 now, so am I really on the path to an early death, or should I just relax and live my life to the full, as I want to do?

 

[4ratbags]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Definately diabetic Im afraid. The problem with complications in regard to diabetes is you may not get any but you could also hit the jackpot and get everything. It can definately be a rollercoaster ride, one your on for life. I am technically no longer diabetic but I know I will always be diabetic, its a ride Im never getting off. I know it can be hard but if you can find the thin line where you are happy and your numbers are stable then it takes the whole unstability aspect away. Have a good look through the forum and if you have any questions just ask. I will tag @daisy1 who will post some great information for you to read.

 

[Mike d]

Are we all on the slippery slope to self destruction

No, of course not ... but you (as your quote suggests) are in fact, in denial. You might be fine today, but it will creep up on you. Suggest you do something about it and now.

should I just relax and live my life to the full, as I want to do?

Absolute "no" to that as well. The word "relax" does not apply to diabetics. At least not to those who wish to live the fullest life they can. Listen to your GP and take charge

 

[Prem51]

I deleted my earlier post because I had quoted a figure of 6mmol/L as diabetic, from memory, but that was wrong it is 7mmol/L (=HbA1c 42) before you are prediabetic, and at over 7.7mmol/L (=HbA1c 47) you are diabetic.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/hba1c-units-converter.html
So you are not diabetic yet. But you probably are on the way to becoming diabetic unless you control your blood sugar levels.
I was prediabetic at 62, but continued eating biscuits, chocolate, cake, icecream etc and wasn't exercising, and was then diagnosed as diabetic last September when I was 64, and like you I don't have any symptoms . You really don't want to go there if you can avoid it. Once you are diabetic you always will be, with all the restrictions and possible complications that can result.

You did well in losing 6.5kg which probably helped reduce your figures. Your doctor is trying to impress on you that you need to modify your diet or you will probably progress to being diabetic. I wish my doctor had been more informative about the probability of me becoming diabetic. She did mention it in passing at my annual blood test in 2014, but I thought it was just the usual doctor trying to scare me story. I wish I had listened and taken action then

You still have time to take action and return to a safer path. Or you can ignore the medical advice and continue on the slippery slope towards the cliff edge. It's your decision.

 

[4ratbags]

Hi @loraine3977 I was just wondering if you could clarify the units used with your Hb test. I was reading it as 6.8% which means you are diabetic but as Prem51 stated if it is in fact 6.8mmol/L then you are in fact just pre diabetic.