Karbstruck
Well-Known Member
Hi Folks
I suspected I had diabetes for quite a few years before I plucked up the courage to ask my Dr for a test. I had symptoms of thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, over-eating, but not feeling satisfied and problems with my teeth and gums. I researched these symptoms on the internet and knew I probably had diabetes, but was too much of a coward to go for a test.
I hadn't seen a Dr for 7 years, but recently needed antibiotics for a chest infection, so I asked for a diabetes test and the result was that my HbA1C was a staggering13.8 and
Fasting Glucose 18.2mmol/L. (I'm sure some of it was the scrumptious mince pies that a friend gave me before Xmas)
My Dr (who is excellent) was very cross with me for not looking after myself. He prescribed one 500g Metformin daily, but later when I saw a diabetes educator, she upped it to two Metformin (with Dr's consent). I wasn't happy about taking drugs, but realised I needed help rather urgently.
Since then I have radically changed my diet to no sugar and no grain based carbs. I tried the Burgen bread for a while, as it was so hard to resist toast for breakfast. Two slices sent my BS too high, so I reduced it to one, then tried replacing it with yoghurt and fruit. I try to low carb, but am not yet very organised with meals, so any advice would be welcomed.
I do an hour's walk nearly every day now, whereas I wasn't exercising at all before, apart from lots of gardening, but that doesn't help much with losing weight. So far I have lost about 8 lbs since I was diagnosed late December and my fasting BS varies between 5.9 to 6.9. I am now 13 stone and aiming to lose a lot more if I can. I am 67 years old.
So if anyone reading this scared to get tested for diabetes, don't hesitate, as, what I didn't realise was that damage to pancreas and beta cells might not be reversible, although I did know about the other complications of diabetes. I wish I hadn't put off diagnosis for so long, as I feel much more positive now that I have a plan of action. My Dr and diabetes educator are very pleased with my progress so far and are very supportive. When I asked about eventually getting off Metformin, the educator happily agreed, but said to stick with it for now.
Although this is my first post, I have been lurking on this forum for quite a while and have learned so much from the advice and from other people's struggles, so thanks to all of you for sharing. It has helped me immensely and I love the humour in some of the posts. It really lightens things up to know that everyone is subject to temptations now and then.
I suspected I had diabetes for quite a few years before I plucked up the courage to ask my Dr for a test. I had symptoms of thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, over-eating, but not feeling satisfied and problems with my teeth and gums. I researched these symptoms on the internet and knew I probably had diabetes, but was too much of a coward to go for a test.
I hadn't seen a Dr for 7 years, but recently needed antibiotics for a chest infection, so I asked for a diabetes test and the result was that my HbA1C was a staggering13.8 and
Fasting Glucose 18.2mmol/L. (I'm sure some of it was the scrumptious mince pies that a friend gave me before Xmas)
My Dr (who is excellent) was very cross with me for not looking after myself. He prescribed one 500g Metformin daily, but later when I saw a diabetes educator, she upped it to two Metformin (with Dr's consent). I wasn't happy about taking drugs, but realised I needed help rather urgently.
Since then I have radically changed my diet to no sugar and no grain based carbs. I tried the Burgen bread for a while, as it was so hard to resist toast for breakfast. Two slices sent my BS too high, so I reduced it to one, then tried replacing it with yoghurt and fruit. I try to low carb, but am not yet very organised with meals, so any advice would be welcomed.
I do an hour's walk nearly every day now, whereas I wasn't exercising at all before, apart from lots of gardening, but that doesn't help much with losing weight. So far I have lost about 8 lbs since I was diagnosed late December and my fasting BS varies between 5.9 to 6.9. I am now 13 stone and aiming to lose a lot more if I can. I am 67 years old.
So if anyone reading this scared to get tested for diabetes, don't hesitate, as, what I didn't realise was that damage to pancreas and beta cells might not be reversible, although I did know about the other complications of diabetes. I wish I hadn't put off diagnosis for so long, as I feel much more positive now that I have a plan of action. My Dr and diabetes educator are very pleased with my progress so far and are very supportive. When I asked about eventually getting off Metformin, the educator happily agreed, but said to stick with it for now.
Although this is my first post, I have been lurking on this forum for quite a while and have learned so much from the advice and from other people's struggles, so thanks to all of you for sharing. It has helped me immensely and I love the humour in some of the posts. It really lightens things up to know that everyone is subject to temptations now and then.
Thanks for telling us about your early experience after being diagnosed. I've been following the suggestions on this forum and almost all of the neuropathy in my feet and hands are already gone, so, hopefully there was no irreversible damage. Glad that you walk an hour daily. I'm a walker myself except that due to the Arctic climate that I live in I've slacked off, but, am forcing myself to start going out again.
