Diabetes - How does it affect your life, how do you treat it?

Things are not good, I feel like shit.

R1 sorry to hear that. It sucks, I've contemplated gastric bypass myself, I don't meet the weight requirements to be eligible for surgery, but I qualify because of the diabetes comorbidity. I figure I'll go for that if I have to start an insulin regimen.

I'm on a pretty strict diet right now (less than 1,200 calories a day and trying to stay around 100 grams of carbs.). Don't know how long I can keep it up, logging all my food meds and testing my blood 6 times a day. I'm also thinking of getting a constant glucose meter since my finger tips are starting to hurt a bit from all the finger pricking.

If you do as instructed, strict diet and enough exercise, hopefully you will be fine. I was OK for a few years, then everything went to hell.

I have a friend who insist she has been cured by using acupuncture. I think she is better because of Jardian? She says no. Anyway, she is doing great.

I'm interested too OP. I was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

From what i can tell - it's all about eating regularly and eating fresh foods with lots of fruit and vegetables, 30 minutes of exercise per day and having a positive outlook. I purchased one of those Type 2 Diabetes for Dummies books and it was incredibly helpful.

Type 1 diabetes you die from if not treated-it's an autoimmune disease, the cells that produce insulin are destroyed, and if you don't bring the blood sugar down by using insulin you will slip into a coma and die. In this day an age there are insulin pumps and artificial pancreas and continuous blood sugar monitoring, the outlook is not bleak and great strides are being made in living with type 1.

Type 2 diabetes is different in that you still produce insulin, but your body doesn't use it like it should. The term is insulin resistance. You can do a lot to make your body more friendly to the insulin it's producing on its own, weight loss has been shown to reverse Type 2 which is why gastric bypass is seen as a solution by many people. Seeing a nutritionist may be helpful to establish healthy eating patterns that reduce insulin resistance. The glycemic index is helpful is choosing what to eat, not all foods are created equal when it comes to digestion. When the insulin resistance becomes too much for the body to handle, then insulin is added. I have not been involved in the diabetes business in a long time, there are probably many new meds to try before they resort to introducing insulin.

As far as the multiple finger sticks you endure, I don't know if it's still in fashion to check two hours after eating, but those numbers are the most important. They tell the story of how well your pancreas works. Blood sugars should be normalized by then. If not, that means you may need to make physical and dietary changes. If those don't work, medical intervention may be needed.Check into those glucose meters that allow you to check other places on your body like the forearm so you can give your fingers a rest.

Small changes can lead to great results. Hope my info isn't too outdated. Best of luck to you. Diabetes is a real bitch even when in good control.

Thank you for that info R5.

You adults that were diagnosed as type 2, please make sure that type 1 has been tested and ruled out. I found out the hard way after 6 years of doing everything right that I was actually type 1, and that it was why I never could get it under control. When you get it in adulthood, it takes longer for the beta cells to wear out since you have more of them. So a slow progression may act like type 2 at first. I went into DKA and almost died until I got a correct diagnosis. Don't think that only children can be diagnosed, 40% of new cases are those older than 30. Misdiagnosis is really common in adults, general practice doctors generally aren't very educated about diabetes.

Also I should add that while a lot of people push for a keto style low carb diet, I have found that going plant based and gluten free has really increased my insulin sensitivity. Once you cut out saturated fat, that clogs insulin receptors, your body will use insulin more efficiently. I have dropped a lot of my basal units, since going plant based. I have type 1, btw. There is a lot of research out there, I have seen it firsthand so I am a believer. I wear a CGM now and can attest to the advantages, even though I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables they seem to go right through me and don't effect my blood sugar like you think it would with all those carbs.

I’ve been Type 2 for a year now. I take metformin and my A1C is 6. I feel ok but get tired a lot. I’m thinking of a drastic 800 calorie diet done through our local hospital but not sure if it’s wise for a diabetic. I’m assuming losing weight that quickly while on metformin will drop my blood sugar too much. Thoughts??

R9 I don't think you are in danger for getting blood sugar too dangerously low if you are not taking insulin. If you were to I think the liver would still be able to kick out glucose to keep it from being fatal.

R10, thank you!

I've been type 2 for 24 years, the disease runs on both sides of my family, and when I was diagnosed, I made a vow to take exceptional care of myself. I've adhered to a nutrition plan developed for Mr by a registered dietician. I went from exercising a few times a week to exercising at least a half hour to an hour daily. I initially had an A1C of 7.1, and lowered it to a consistent 5.7 - 5.9. It wasn't easy, but once I got in the groove, it became a lifestyle change. I wasn't really overweight, but I did take off twelve pounds. I also go to a metabolic specialist because they are much savvier that my PCP regarding what medications work with regard to each individual. My specialist told me that a weight loss of just five to ten pounds can reduce your blood sugar readings, so if you are significantly overweight, small steps will make a difference. Don't despair. It's no always easy, just don't give up. If you fall off the wagon, tomorrow is another day to do better. This is a lifetime commitment, and I wish you all well on your journey.

I'm now well into my sixties, and thus far have suffered no complication. Don't give up, it's worth the fight!

I do fine until I get depressed. Then I eat a pint of Haagen-Dazs. It happens. I'm not going to beat myself up over it. Usually, my numbers are good. A1C wavers between 5.7-6.3. Daily bloodstick is usually just above 100. I take metformin and Ozempic (injectable 1x week).

TBH, if I were to die tonight, I wouldn't mind.

I am telling the truth here. I was diagnosed just barely type 2 diabetic thanks to my lithium and huge weight gain. I take the pill forxiga for diabetes and my blood sugar is very nearly normal. I have not altered my diet whatsoever since my diagnoses and eat all kinds of sugar shit. I tell myself it is ok because of my nearly normal blood sugar. AM I wrong? My doctor will not spend two seconds explaining diabetes. I do not understand anything about it.

Can you ever totally get over type 2, such as with a huge weight loss or something, and never ever have it again?

If you lose the extra pounds, eat healthy, and take you meds, you will often be able to have the amount of medication substantially reduced, provided your A1C levels drop, which they generally do with weight loss, exercise, and a change in eating habits.

OP here. I've been able to adhere to my two meals a day lifestyle and my fasting blood sugars are now around 100mg/dl or lower.

My post meal blood sugar readings still seem high (150mg/dl to 175mg/dl.). But that's better than regular readings above 200mg/dl as I used to have after eating or 150+ mg/dl fasting blood sugar readings.

I'm also down about 20 lbs since I started this thread. Now I just need to maintain this lifestyle forever, I guess.

R17 That's great news OP. Keep up the good work. Remember to keep carbs and sugar to a minimum, keep your late day meal light, and be active and take walks whenever you can.

It's all about discipline. Avoid sugary drinks, fatty foods, and carbs. Exercise. Take your meds. Eat right. It's a little boring but I'd rather be alive.

Vegan diet completely normalizes your sugars.

Laugh all you want, it works

R4 if she’s been cured why is she still on jardiance?

R21 was for r3

Just received results from blood panel taken in late December. My A1 C was 6.5, and my albumin was 5.2. I've never been diagnosed with diabetes, and asked the nurse whether this one test was a definitive diagnosis. Of course, she didn't know. It's been nearly two weeks, and I still haven't heard from my PCP. I'm afraid to even so much as drink a glass of juice.

R 12 - congratulations! The key is to work closely with a nutritionist. I think there are easier ways to check blood sugar not involving needle sticks. My boyfriend is 69, and his health is going downhill fast. Very sad to watch. Won’t accept help and just doesn’t care .

Resisted and resented me trying to help him by cooking healthy meals etc. I couldn’t sit by and watch him die so we broke up.

Anyone else have a similar issue with a loved one ?

I've had Type 1 since I was 4 years old. Just celebrated my 40th anniversary with the cunt that is diabetes. The only benefit is that I'm the rare diabetic who's not fat.

i was just diagnosed with type 2 and a A1c of 13.4

Diabetes is horrendous—over the long run, if it’s not controlled, everyone will get horrendous eye and kidney problems. There are also circulation problems that could lead to amputations.

Lose your weight as soon as possible. Certainly take your meds but often that alone isn’t good enough. Increase your vegetable levels to the point they are the main part of every meal.

OP (self congratulatory-ish) update:

I just got back from the doctor and my A1c is 5.4, which is great for me.

I've been doing intermittent fasting, carb reduction and cardio 4 times a week since the original post and have lost 45 pounds.

I also have been allowed to drop the Trulicity, huzzah!

Well done, r28!!!

I got Type 1 when I was 6 and I'm 61 now. Type 2 is totally foreign to me. There have been major and miraculous treatments of and devices for Type 1 over the decades. It truly was prehistoric when I first was diagnosed. I recently started using the Freestyle Libre meter which can completely replace finger sticks over time. It seems that there is something new everyday as diabetes is the cash cow of the medical world. I have been truly lucky that the side effects that I have had over the years have been few in contrast to many of my peers. I have had neuropathy, some retinopathy (treated with laser) and a spell of seizures due to lows (haven't had one in over ten years). I am an anomaly though. I have been, I guess, blessed with genes that have allowed me to stave off the killer side effects that have felled so many others. I was never a "good" diabetic. I have been a lucky one. It is not a death sentence anymore and under the new medical protocols it is a possible to see a future without fear. So chin up it has gotten better!

I can not get my type 2 under control and I feel terribly guilty about it. I can not afford the better medications.

Diabetics should really consider becoming vegan. I've known a few that have and their sugar levels completely normalize within a month.

Except no cheese, r32. And don't even think about fake cheese. .

Actually, it's better to say diabetics should follow a plant based diet, r32. Vegan diets can be full of junk food.

I just got my feet cut off. Nuff said.

In 20 words or less, r34, can you explain the difference between "vegan" and "plant based"?

I was diagnosed prediabetic and found the work of Dr Bernstein and Dr Jason Fung most helpful. I keep mainly low carb and fast 3 times a week. My a1c is 4.7

You should sue your doctor. It was established in 1974 that type 2 diabetes is completely reversible by making dietary changes.

R1, 400 calories of carbs isn't ideal-- you should really try to reduce this and replace with protein-- the carbs = sugar and 1/3 of your calories should definitely not be carbs!

R31, you absolutely CAN control your Type 2. It means giving up some things.

I’m seeing some good evidence of the plant-based diet (don’t think it needs to be vegan) being very beneficial for all types of diabetics. For instance, I can’t see any argument against including eggs and fish.

A friend has reversed her diabetes by becoming vegetarian. Very low A1C since the change, but it's not easy for most people.

R41 there is no plausible way giving up meat alone did anything to her a1c. Your friend cut out a lot more than just meat (which has a negligible impact on blood sugar and insulin production).

A couple years agoI was on prednisone and it ballooned my weight up to 258lbs. Once off I bottomed out at 230lbs. Then a few months later I started pissing ALL of the time, lost my appetite and looked excellent at 193lbs. Started not feeling well at all. Had blood work and my numbers were off the charts! I was quickly placed in the ER for more tests - I had pancreatic necrosis! That lead to being Type 2 Diabetes. They wouldn't let me leave the hospital until I could inject insulin on my own. I demanded to take Metformin. My weight went back up to 228lbs after the hospital (due to drinking lots of water and rehydrating myself). Forced myself to lose weight and I am down to 212lbs. I am no longer diabetic and my A1C is in the normal range and has been for a year. I eat two meals a day - some type of fish, lots of fresh green beans, mushrooms, spinach, cucumbers. Also chicken - white meet only! For a treat I will allow myself to eat a banana with some peanut butter and that is once or twice a week. In addition to keeping my diabetes at bay for now, my cholesterol has dropped to its lowest number in years. So diet (and exercise) does play a huge factor.

Metformin was a godsend for me. I was diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic back in 2016, weighing in at 301 lbs. When my doctor put me on metformin, it totally killed my appetite and inadvertently caused me to lose a lot of weight. I'm down to about 210 now, close to what I would like to be, around 170. My A1C went from about 8.9 down to around 5.7. Metformin unfortunately gives you the major shits though.

R44 here again, I forgot to add, I completely ditched diet sodas and switched over to either unsweetened iced tea or just plain water. It totally changes your palate.

I concur with plant-based, I've talked about this in other threads. Stunned with the progress and reduction in insulin.

R46 How do you get enough protein when plant based?

R31 sorry to hear you are having such trouble. As to the inability to afford the drugs you need, call the company of the medication you want. So many offer some sort of 'hardship' program. They give coupons or a discount card, and ask the pharmacist if they can recommend something. Perhaps a comparable one that has a discount program. And don’t beat yourself up. Many small steps can make big progress. And I always recommend getting a dog if possible. Unconditional love and a reason to get out and walk. I have an Alexa programmed to tell me to exercise, to take my meds, and to otherwise nag me into compliance.

R38, not if someone has a sleep disorder or other condition which prevents the body carrying out a normal rate of healing.

Agree R49- sleep is critical to our health (people do not seem to realize this)- and on that note, don't take narcotics or other drugs- marijuana is really really helpful and not so horrific for your organs!!!

R32, I have a friend with type 2 and I've been reading more and more about how sometimes, for type 2, proper diet(I think vegan) can reverse it. Apparently cinnamon can help with sugar cravings--not the cassia one, which contains coumadin, but the other. Ceylonese?

R33 I'm a vegan and have found a decent cashew-based brand called Miyoko. Really good. But not low fat.

r51 Parmigiano-Cashiano? Cashew Romano?

Did I or did I not specify NO FAKE CHEESE? And who said anything about fat?

Fuck you. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Eat shit, r53. Or your so-called cheese, which is anything but a good intention.

Drop dead. Yesterday.

Why should I drop dead? You're the one who decided to infect us with faux fromage. It would have been one thing if someone had asked about faux fromage. But no, the opposite was in play.

Go play with your tofu dildo.

Girls, girls, girls! You're both ugly.

That's amazing OP-R28, well done!

If you don't mind, can you tell me how often you fast? ^ R58

Definitely look into intermittent fasting. Small meals sprinkled throughout the day actually is terrible for T2. The key is to heal your insulin resistance. There are a number of Facebook pages devoted to it—you can ask questions and read other experiences with people with similar issues. It’s the only reason I really still hang on Facebook. Dr. fung’s pages are very helpful.

^ that’s what I get for jumping to the bottom of the thread without reading all the posts. Congrats OP!

R59 I follow the 18:6 intermittent fasting protocol. I eat two meals a day, one at 11:30AM and the other at 6:30PM, (30 minutes after I take my Glipizide) no snacks and just have black coffee in the morning.

My fasting blood sugars have decreased from >140mg/dl to less than 100mg/dl.

R60 Yup, I've read Dr. Jason Fung's books, The Obesity Code and The Diabetes Code, too

Thanks OP, you've clearly shown that it works. R59

Dr Fung is revolutionizing treatment for diabetes. And no need for drugs either, no products to buy. Just fasting plus low carb.

I was prediabetic before I had gastric sleeve surgery in 2016. I’ve lost 90 pounds. I would love to lose another 50, but I feel fantastic!

[quote]Just fasting plus low carb.

In other words, you are not to enjoy eating again, ever.

R67 , correct.

I don't eat bread, potatoes, booze or desserts (other than fruit).

I'm trying to reprogram myself to not seek enjoyment from eating, just sustenance.

Actually R68, if you can do that congrats-- I wish I had that much self control.

R36

Vegan: includes junk/ processed food (e.g: white flour).

Plant based: only unprocessed (or minimaly processed) whole food (e.g: chickpea flour).

Not me but my spouse was diagnosed with Type II diabetes about a year ago. Testing his A1C it came back as a 9 which isn't good. Just put him on Metformin. But we made radical changes to diet - no sugar and low to no carb. His A1C three months later was 6.2 and now it's 5.3. He is no longer consider diabetic. We still maintain a keto diet with occasional forays on my part into carbs. We've both lost over 30lbs which is really good.

Now I didn't have diabetes. But I had the weight from consumption of sugar and carbs. But we've been exploring low carb and that's acceptable. Like I make Gugieres - 2 to 4g of carb for each biscuit using wheat flour which is 88g of carbs per cup. Now almond flour is 7g of carb or 28g per cup. Much better.

Now I just have to get some yeast and see if it likes the stevia/erythritol mix. If it does I can make bread again.

And for sweeteners we use stevia/erythritol. And I want to

[quote]I'm trying to reprogram myself to not seek enjoyment from eating, just sustenance.

Sounds like the end of life. How miserable.

If you fast you can have more carbs than if you just do low carb. I still eat potatoes, fruit and other unprocessed carbs and the occasional dessert. But I fast at least 3 days a week.

R72 Sure, I suppose, if your life revolves around food.

OP, which type is it?

[quote]Sure, I suppose, if your life revolves around food.

It is my favorite thing.

R75 Type 2, I was diagnosed 17 years ago.

My A1C is 6.1. I eat whatever I want, just not as much of it as I used to want, or think I needed.

Low levels of magnesium can cause type II.

What test do you do to know your magnesium level?

Good question, r80. I know there is a blood test, but it's not a very accurate since most of the magnesium in our bodies is not stored in blood.

The best test is to start taking it and see if you feel better. If you take too much you will simply poop it out, so start slow.

I tried a powdered supplement called, Natural Calm. I liked that, it's magnesium citrate.

Magnesium oxide will just pass right through you, don't bother with it.

I started to take magnesium, but doing so made it take half an hour to wipe my ass every time I took a shit, so I stopped.

So, R81, it's magnesium outside.

This cat

I'm turning 30 this year and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 21. I'd had a bunch of weird telltale symptoms (constant thirst, having to pee all the time, blurred vision). I finally went to the ER one night and they did a simple blood sugar test, which was over 500 mg/dL. I went through a "honeymoon" phase over the next year where my pancreas bounced back, but the islet cells inevitably died off and I started having to take insulin. I hate it, but I am unfortunately stuck with it. It runs in both sides of my family. At least people with T2 can usually get rid of it by eating right and exercising; we T1s are stuck with it for good, and just have to manage it.

My recent A1C was awful (9.0), largely because I've been holed up due to quarantine, eating high glycemic foods, and not being as on top of correction doses, so I'm trying to get back on top of it. The worst part of being a T1 is that you have to worry about hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which is terrifying. The lowest I've been was in the 30s, and it was a petrifying experience. I never want to have it happen again.

My type 2 diabetes is classified as "managed" or "in remission." My A1C was originally 9.1 in 2015, and I lowered it gradually to 5.9-6.3 by 2017, where it stayed until this March, when it measured 7.4. I was sick for six weeks in February and March, possibly with covid-19, and ate less well than I had been. It was more difficult to shop and cook, and I ate more chips and pasta than I had been.

I don't know what it's going to be when sequestering is over. I don't have another doctor's appointment until September.

I have taken 500 mg of Metformin twice a day since 2015. I hardly ever eat anything with sugar in it. I've been less perfect at avoiding other carbs, but I eat more meat and vegetables, though getting to the store has been frustrating since March. Fruit, generally speaking, is disappointing. I used to eat a portion of berries every day with oatmeal, but that's kind of gone by the wayside now that shopping is such a pain in the ass.

This morning's blood draw read 111. I had turkey and mashed potatoes for dinner, 2 scrambled eggs for breakfast, and 2 oz. of pasta w/Marcella's tomato sauce for lunch. Plus limeade w/sugar mixed with San Pellegrino, something I never do, to drink all day. My blood sugar would be lower if I hadn't had the limeade.

DIABEETUS INTENSIFIES!!!!!!

Please look into the ketogenic diet, diabetics.

It’s not exactly fun, giving up all but 20g carbs, but it can keep your sugars stable and save your life.

R37, I am now about halfway through reading Jason Fung's "The Diabetes Code." Finally, in the last chapter, he's getting around to what to eat.

R88 only T2 diabetics should really pursue a ketogenic diet. If you are T1, this can be really dangerous and you should consult your endocrinologist first. Unfortunately, so often when people talk about diabetes, they're only really referring to T2 (probably because it's so much more common), and many people don't even know there are different types. T1 and T2 diabetes are very different diseases that share the same symptom (high blood sugar).

R 12. My heart goes out to you. My Ex was mid sixties, in denial about what his type 2 diabetes was doing to him. I constantly cooked healthy meals, but he stuck with Chicken Bakes, Cheeseburgers and whole milk from Costco.

I so loved him. He let me go to Kaiser with him for a check up. I was honest with doctors because I love him.

He was silent and mad on ride home. I went out for an errand. Returned. He had left so fast he didn’t take his clothes.

There is a Diabetes between type I and II. They call it Mody or Type I 1/2. I have it. It's complicated and researchers are puzzled by it.

r25 Type 1 are typically not fat. It's the Type II who are the fatties.

I’m tired and I don’t give a mother fuck!

I feel awful most of the time, I crave sweets most of the time and my sugar is always out of control. Yes, I am out of control and ashamed. I confess to everyone...just another weakness.

Just don’t do what my aunt did and totally ignore her diabetes. She took her meds (So she says) but did not control her diet or exercise. Or even check her blood sugar for 8 years.

Now she has very bad eyesight, and stage 4 kidney disease. The doctor told her she has to be on a special renal/diabetic diet to preserve what little kidney function she has left. If she doesn’t the next step is dialysis! My uncle told me she’s doing good with the diet but not checking her blood sugar and taking her meds as scheduled. He checked her blood sugar the other day and it was 260! I told him she’s got to take her medication on schedule.

Anyway bottom line don’t ignore it!

My grandma had her leg amputated because she didn’t watch her diet or take her insulin.