Extremely Worried i have diabetes

[xxmoonlight]

Hi. I’m extremely worried I have diabetes. I am 18 years old & I am at a healthy weight. My diet also seems to be okay/normal. I don’t eat too much sugar or fat. However, I am extremely worried as I have been getting diabetes symptoms and it runs in my family, as my dad has it. The symptoms I have been getting are extreme fatigue, weakness, increased hunger and headaches with occasion dizziness. Whilst I do understand they could be related to another condition, I have convinced myself it’s diabetes. I will ring my doctor up soon but I’m just worried and scared at the moment. Has anyone been in a similar situation? What would you recommend doing? Sorry for the rant. I appreciate any comments.

 

[Deleted member 527103]

Talking to your doctor is definitely the best thing to do.
However, if your Dad has diabetes, does he have a blood sugar monitor?
If so, you can test your blood sugars to get an indication. I would recommend testing when you have NOT eaten recently as everyone's blood sugar will rise after eating.

 

[Daibell]

Hi. Yes, do borrow your Dad's meter if you can but use new lancets. Your symptoms aren't specifically those for diabetes. Thirst and unexpected weight loss at age 18 might suggest T1, and T2 is less likely at your young age. You can always ask a chemist for a spot finger prick test.

 

[xxmoonlight]

Hi. Yes, do borrow your Dad's meter if you can but use new lancets. Your symptoms aren't specifically those for diabetes. Thirst and unexpected weight loss at age 18 might suggest T1, and T2 is less likely at your young age. You can always ask a chemist for a spot finger prick test.

Thanks I forgot to mention I have been slightly thirsty but I think drinking 1.5L of water for my age is normal?

 

[Mbaker]

Firstly, don't worry. If you have diabetes, do something about it. I was 48 when I was diagnosed and have made the best version of myself since. If you don't have diabetes, also do something; treat your body like a temple so that you will be fit and healthy enjoy the great years of life you have ahead of you vibrantly.

Either way, do what is required to win.

 

[Rissa]

I’m in the same boat. I’m also worried, going to try and get into the doctor tomorrow. I’m a bit older than you though I’m 29 so I was just reading about LADA since I don’t fit into any of the age groups for type 1 or 2,

I hope you get into the doctors soon

 

[Rokaab]

I’m in the same boat. I’m also worried, going to try and get into the doctor tomorrow. I’m a bit older than you though I’m 29 so I was just reading about LADA since I don’t fit into any of the age groups for type 1 or 2,

Actually Type 1 can hit at any age (oldest I've heard of was 97), and Type2 is now being diagnosed in much younger people as well, so don't your age really factor into it too much

 

[Marie 2]

LADA is type 1. It just is a description of it being adult onset slower progressing type 1. Kids have a tendency to lose insulin production fairly quickly but an adult takes longer, it can take weeks or years to actually lose total production of insulin.

The first place to start is to test your blood sugar levels, when you first wake up, before you eat and 2 hours after. That will tell you if you are having a blood sugar issue. Maybe you could borrow a meter from someone or they are fairly cheap to buy. A doctor can do an A1c and a blood glucose test.

 

[Andydragon]

I’m in the same boat. I’m also worried, going to try and get into the doctor tomorrow. I’m a bit older than you though I’m 29 so I was just reading about LADA since I don’t fit into any of the age groups for type 1 or 2,

I hope you get into the doctors soon

Actually Type 1 can hit at any age (oldest I've heard of was 97), and Type2 is now being diagnosed in much younger people as well, so don't your age really factor into it too much

I was diagnosed type Feb 11th 2008 (which was my birthday, so I remember) at age 31 so age isnt always a factor into either.

It's also therefore not so new that type 2s are diagnosed younger. I do know my age was and has been questioned but nope, type 2. I also had the whole weight loss but excess glucose in urine can cause that in either type (also why dapaflaglozin and similar helps weight loss)

I haven't looked recently but I have read articles of school children and type 2 also.

All of that said, Getting the right diagnosis is important and if symptoms don't tally then get checked but age and weight loss are only potential actors in the condition, not a definite aspect of a diagnosis.

There are tests to support the more accurate diagnosis, Speculation is one thing to help suggest tests to confirm and offer advice but ultimately medical diagnosis is needed. They can be wrong which is why symptoms and getting the right tests are advised And Misdiagnosis Can cause significant problems

 

[Andydragon]

Hi. I’m extremely worried I have diabetes. I am 18 years old & I am at a healthy weight. My diet also seems to be okay/normal. I don’t eat too much sugar or fat. However, I am extremely worried as I have been getting diabetes symptoms and it runs in my family, as my dad has it. The symptoms I have been getting are extreme fatigue, weakness, increased hunger and headaches with occasion dizziness. Whilst I do understand they could be related to another condition, I have convinced myself it’s diabetes. I will ring my doctor up soon but I’m just worried and scared at the moment. Has anyone been in a similar situation? What would you recommend doing? Sorry for the rant. I appreciate any comments.

Getting checked and getting an answer either way is important. You are feeling ill and therefore you are doing the right thing

If it is diabetes. How you treat will dependent obviously on what type but both are manageable. Getting the answer hopefully will help a bit with the anxiety and then support of the forums and your family are Available

Is there anything in particular you are worried about? You say your father has it, can you speak to him?

 

[xxmoonlight]

Getting checked and getting an answer either way is important. You are feeling ill and therefore you are doing the right thing

If it is diabetes. How you treat will dependent obviously on what type but both are manageable. Getting the answer hopefully will help a bit with the anxiety and then support of the forums and your family are Available

Is there anything in particular you are worried about? You say your father has it, can you speak to him?

Thanks for your reply. Yes my father has type two and that is what I was most worried about as I have seen that it can be due to genetics. I will speak to the doctor if my symptoms persist as soon as possible. Thanks for your time and reply I appreciate the support

 

[Andydragon]

Thanks for your reply. Yes my father has type two and that is what I was most worried about as I have seen that it can be due to genetics. I will speak to the doctor if my symptoms persist as soon as possible. Thanks for your time and reply I appreciate the support

My father was type 2 as well. So understand the concern and it is a serious condition but can be managed very successfully, knowing what the answer is will help support you taking that control

Good luck!

 

[VashtiB]

As everyone has said- even if it is diabetes of whatever variety it will not be the end of the world. If it isn't diabetes then hopefully after you treat whatever it is you will have learned something about diabetes and hopefully that awareness can help you never develop type 2 or at least not until you are much older.

if it is diabetes the type matters but whatever type you have there are people here willing to listen and help- people of many different ages and types. That is one of the strengths of this forum that everyone can find someone who has been in their shoes and can offer support. Even those not in your shoes are a wealth of support and advice.

Let us know what the dr says.