Diabetic for 5 yrs, but still confused!!

[Chi]

Hi all!

I’m a 28 year old female, and I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes 5 years ago. Although I have been Diabetic for 5 years, I still have a lot of unanswered questions. When I first found out, I was totally shocked, I understood that Type 2 Diabetes developed in the elderly, and/or overweight/obese. I was 23, and of average weight. My doctor said that because I didn’t fit the ‘criteria’ of a type 2 sufferer, it must be hereditary (although until this day, I haven’t been able to trace it to anywhere in my family)

I’ve learnt to deal with it as best as I could, I’ve been on Metformin, and had to change my diet, ect. But last week, I saw a specialist at my local hospital, and I was told I will need to start taking insulin, as well as my tablets. I knew this was inevitable, so it isn’t too much of a shock.

I guess the reason I’m posting this message, is I’d love to hear from other Diabetes sufferers who are in a similar situation.. I’d like to know how they may have coped with Metformin, and how they have coped with Insulin. Also has anyone else been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, who doesn’t necessarily fit the bill? Does Insulin make you gain weight? (My doctor says that if I continue on Metformin, as well as the Insulin, it wont??) And maybe someone who has had kids? One day I’m hoping to be a mother, and would like to know how having diabetes affects the process?

This is the first time, I’ve really opened up about this, and would be eternally grateful for some/any feedback.

Thanks!
Chi

 

[loopyloo]

Hi Chi, good to hear from you, we sound very similar!
I was diagnosed at 29, I am of average build also, the only diff is that I had glucose intolerence when I had my first child when I was 26.
Because I didn't fit the mould for a typical type 2, I was told I was prob type 1, (although after reading posts here - I think that I may be type 1.5)
Aynway to answer some of your questions:- I was put straight onto insulin, I've tried to look on the positive side, like free prescriptions! generally it's been ok, its been 6yrs now on insulin and 18mths ago I gave birth to my second child. There were more worries than before, but you get loads of help and regular checks, He was quite large, 9lbs 3oz !(i'm only 5ft 3, 9 1/2 st) and it was during the heat wave of 2006 (distant memory now)
Its not always easy and you do have to plan ahead alot more but I wouldn't change anything.
ps I have put on a bit of weight, but thats because I now feel able to eat a more varied diet, (I cut most carbs to try and control my bg level before starting on insulin)I am now learning to carb count and maybe enjoying the freedom a little too much - I love pasta!
Good luck for the future!

 

[chocoholic]

Hi,
Though older than you,I suppose I don't really fit the mould of Typical Type 2 either. I was 45 at diagnosis, no-one else in family with diabetes and was an average healthy weight. They ummed and aahed over me being Type 1 or 2 but settled on Type 2.
It does come as such a shock when you are not expecting it and I was actually amazed to see an advert on t.v. last night, classing diabetics as "disabled". Do I feel disabled no. To me disabled means being unable to do things. Well, with the exceptance of pigging out on sweet things, I do everything I did before diagnosis.
I hope you will find your life will be pretty much like any other non-diabetics. Eat sensibly, exercise and then look forward to all those children you will have and enjoy being a mother too.

 

[StephenFromScotland]

Hi Chi,
Yes I have the same conditions and was diagnosed at 32 and was never over weight,in fact i lost 4 stone before diagnosis and was also told that i didn't fit the bill and haven't had a history of it in any side of my family and was told that i was a case for being type 1 and 2 kind of like both,just like loopy here i am also on isulin but to be honest don't worry about the insulin in anyway,it will sort you out much better and make you feel better and i have still yet to feel pain from the needle,the fingerprick hurts a lot more!
Although i am male,
good luck with the babies!
It's the best thing that ever happened to us! our wee boy is now 7 months and im loving it