Pre Diabetes

[BuckeyeNuts]

Hello everyone!

I do not trust doctors anymore. I got results back today...pre diabetes. They say that their is no cure for type 2 diabetes...I think they are not being truthful and just want me on their drugs. I believe it can be reversed with diet and exercise...and possibly a few vitamins, herbs or minerals.

Has anyone here sent their diabetes packing? If so...what would you recommend? I realize that you are not doctors...but I trust people that have actually had this thing more then doctors that are merely prescription pad jockeys.

Thanks! V

[F16 1UB]

Hello everyone!

I believe it can be reversed with diet and exercise...

Thanks! V


:laugh: :blahblahblah:For those of us that aren't diabetic I guess you'd classify all of us as pre-diabetic. Diet and exercise should handle your issues. I'm no medical expert but I did stay at Jill & Johns Red Neck Inn once.

Slim & Not So Trim

F16

[Russ_Boston]

Not a doctor but you can stave off diabetes (type II) with diet and exercise. You see it all the time on Biggest Loser. Those people lose the weight, exercise like crazy and get off their pills. Diabetes, as you know, is nothing to fool with. Get yourself on a relatively strict diet which limits (not eliminates) your carbs and hit the gym for some weights and the road for some cardio.

It can be done but you need to be consistent with it.

Good Luck - Russ

[graciegirl]

It takes four years of college and three years of post graduate training and then several years of residency in Endocrinology to become one of those pad jockeys who jerk you around about diabetes.

Getting regular exercise, eating a lowfat diet and losing a few pounds will sometimes reverse your slide into diabetes. Taking extra vitamins and supplements without proper medical supervison can sometimes cause you trouble with a capital T. The holistic trend is also padding someone pockets. I am sticking with traditional medicine.

[SteveFromNY]

Pre-Diabetes means your blood sugar is above 100 and below 125) Not too long ago, diabetes was defined as a blood sugar level of over 140. recently (a few years ago) they refined that definition to being over 125. I guess the real message is keep an eye on your sugar levels and keep them below 100.
I was diagnosed pre-diabetic as well, as my sugar was running around 110-115. Adding exercise and watching the "white foods" as my doctor described the "bad" carbs (white bread, white rice, potatoes and sugar) did reduce it.
I bought a meter to use to meter to use to keep track of my sugar at home.
My doctor did in fact make the diet and exercise suggestion so I would either see another doctor for another opinion or specifically ask why this doctor did not prescribe diet and exercise for your particular case.

[Boomer]

Hello everyone!

I do not trust doctors anymore. I got results back today...pre diabetes. They say that their is no cure for type 2 diabetes...I think they are not being truthful and just want me on their drugs. I believe it can be reversed with diet and exercise...and possibly a few vitamins, herbs or minerals.

Has anyone here sent their diabetes packing? If so...what would you recommend? I realize that you are not doctors...but I trust people that have actually had this thing more then doctors that are merely prescription pad jockeys.

Thanks! V

Mostly I post silly stuff, except for sometimes when I post about real estate or about the economy in general. But this morning I am going to preach a sermon.

I could be nice and say, "Oh my. Oh dear. You sound upset. Ohhhh, you poor thing."

But nope. I am going to say, "That was a number your doctor showed you. Your doctor wants your attention. Your doctor does not want to have to give you drugs."

Here's the good part though. That diet and exercise thing you are talking about. A very good friend of mine, an RN, in fact, has headed off her need to go on insulin by dropping weight and walking every day and exercising indoors when the weather is just too awful to take a walk.

I kind of doubt that your doctor started chasing you around the office trying to shoot you up with insulin for a pre-diabetes reading. Your doctor wants just the opposite for you. Your doctor wants you to head this thing off at the pass and to not need insulin.

I probably do not need to preach about the things diabetes can do like take out your vision and mess with your heart, along with demanding a toll from just about every part of your body. This thing is nothing to mess with.

Actually, you sound more than upset right now, you sound angry. That's OK. Direct that energy toward exercising, getting a handle on what you eat, and educating yourself about diabetes. You are right about that part.

A pre-diabetes diagnosis should mean that you are still in the driver's seat. But do not ignore that number. I'll bet that your doctor told you to go the diet and exercise route. (Insulin or no insulin, that advice always stands.) With diet and exercise, you may be able to keep that insulin out of your life for a very, very, very long time. Maybe forever. It has been about 3 or 4 years since my friend got the same scare you just got. And she is still fighting off insulin with exercise and diet. It is not easy for her. She was not into exercise or diet before. It is amazing what getting scared can do.

You asked about vitamins, herbs, and minerals. I would not pretend that there is a magic bullet for diabetes, not one that comes in a bottle anyway. But, like I keep saying, I really do know someone who is still doing well because she was scared into diet and exercise. But I also know people who ignored what they needed to do. I seem to know a lot of diabetics. That's why I think I have the right to preach to you this morning.

I wish you the best. And I hope you will let us know how you are doing. Keep an eye on that number. Stay aware and work hard. It's not easy, I know.

End of Sermon. (But after all this big long sermon where I defend the doc, sort of, it just occurred to me to say that if your doctor did not talk about diet and exercise, get a new doctor.)

Boomer

[billethkid]

then you may want to consider changing doctors.....per all the comments above.
My wife was "pre-diabetic" a couple of years ago. The first thing the doctor said was...work at cutting down sugar consumption in everything you eat...cut out all the cookies, cakes, ice cream, juices, etc, etc. Eat/drink only sugar free products or no sugar added. This alone will make a big difference and wis difficult for most to do....but if you don't you won't remain pre-diabetic....you will graduate to diabetic.
And yes exercise...daily...is another difficult task you need to undertake.
It's pretty simple. If you do both you will most likely return to normal. There are of course exceptions.
The choice is yours.
Don't forget to can your doctor if he is recommending medication...unless it is for other reasons not mentioned.

BTK

[chelsea24]

This subject is very close to my heart. My mother was diagnosed with diabetes at 59. Back then they didn't go to the doctor as often as we do nowadays. By 63 she had passed away. I'm not trying to scare you, but my mom did not listen to anything the doctor told her to do. She went into a depression, took the pills sometimes (we tried to watch her) stopped eating (the worse thing you can do) deteriorated to the point of having to take insulin shots everyday, and at 63 died of heart failure -- diabetes related.

My mother's entire side of the family had diabetes. My two aunts (watched themselves and lived to a ripe old age) my grandmother lost both of her legs to this awful disease. Consequently, I am always being checked. My eating habits are not the greatest either. So your post is helping me too.

My point is first get a second opinion. There are too many doctors that are just pad jockeys. But, if you do receive the same opinion and advise from another doctor as well, please, please listen to him.

And as stated above, it is so controllable. Bad Carbs -- good-bye, diet, exercise, eat small portions six times a day. Diabetes is simply something that cannot be ignored.

I was 26 when my mom died. I was angry at her for not taking care of this because I adored her and wanted her with me forever. I'm sure your family feels the same way.

OK, lecture over. :) Maybe I did want to scare you after all. Take action now!

Here's a website I like that might help. It helps for Pre-diabetes too.

http://www.dlife.com/dLife/do/ShowContent/dlife_media/tv/?s_kwcid=d-life|2037173423&gclid=CPO70YGLw5gCFQFqxwodhDMb0w

[Russ_Boston]

The first thing the doctor said was...work at cutting down sugar consumption in everything you eat...cut out all the cookies, cakes, ice cream, juices, etc, etc. Eat/drink only sugar free products or no sugar added. BK

I would only caution against the 'sugar free' thing for one reason. Remember that ALL carbs and starch get converted to glucose in your body. Use low glycemic carbs in place of others http://www.glycemicindex.com/

If you have a sugar free cookie the carbs will still convert but the total carbs will be less due to the lack of added sugar. But it is a good start.

Try one of these books: http://www.glycemicindex.com/diabeteshandbook/

[diskman]

Hello everyone!

I do not trust doctors anymore. I got results back today...pre diabetes. They say that their is no cure for type 2 diabetes...I think they are not being truthful and just want me on their drugs. I believe it can be reversed with diet and exercise...and possibly a few vitamins, herbs or minerals.

Has anyone here sent their diabetes packing? If so...what would you recommend? I realize that you are not doctors...but I trust people that have actually had this thing more then doctors that are merely prescription pad jockeys.

Thanks! V

I didn't listen when my doctor gave me this warning to lose weight and restrict the things I eat:ohdear:. Now I have been suffering with type II diabetes since 97 and it is not fun:ohdear:. Heed his warning and take action as I am told you can prevent getting it.
The only people I have heard who got rid of diabetes effects are those who have had Gastric Bypass.

[rshoffer]

weight loss is the key
aerobic exercise
reversing sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) by resistance training (weight lifting)
eliminating refined carbohydrates
minimum of 40 grams of fiber a day--- take metamucil with every meal
chromium picolinate 200 micrograms


go to www.lef.org and learn about cinnamon as well as other supplements and tips.

Type II diabetes is a lifestyle problem for most people. It is due to "insulin resistance" (insulin doesn't work like it should on insulin receptors)... unlike Type I diabetes where the pancreas cannot make insulin.

[BUC]

Several years ago my Doctor told me the same , my A1c number was alittle high and he suggested I change my diet and exercise. I didn't and now take medicine for Tp2 diebeetes: however last year I lost 44lbs and plan to lose another 30-35 this year. I waited to long and may never get off pills, but I still feel better than I have since I was 40 years old. Good Luck!

[mitchbr47]

I think what hasn't been mentioned in the discussion is your relationship with the doctor and how much confidence you have in their advice. I too am a pre diabetic with blood sugars near 120. As someone stated earlier, the criteria for diagnosis has changed. Her advice was diet and exercise and loose some weight. I have seen the ravaging effects of this disease with my daughter diagnosed when she was 12 and now my mom in hospice care at age 89.

[Russ_Boston]

Mitch - In my training as a nurse I've seen the horrible effects of this disease first hand, both Type I and Type II. My youngest cousin has type I and he has been helped greatly by the use of his insulin pump (and strict carb control and monitoring of course). I wish your daughter the best and we should all do what we can to stave off this disease while we can.

[Mikitv]

My husband was diagnosed a few years back with type II and at first it was his number was pre-diabetes and then it was Type II. He is taking glucophage for it and trying to diet and exercise. Hard at times. We do the small meals and test his sugar. We did learn that some of the over counter meds he was using for pain helped to spike his sugar. Do go to some of the diabetic web sites and read up on everything. Mayo Clinic also has a very good book out that I just saw at Barnes and Noble. No matter what type of medical care you need, you have to be informed and ask questions. If not happy with you doctor, try some else. Good Luck.

[Boomer]

I am glad that BuckeyeNuts started this thread. This topic is so important. I know I already preached here this morning, but here I am back. Diabetes is a hot button with me. I have seen a lot of it.

When I checked back in, just now, I saw that a couple of other things have come up here as the thread continues.

Insulin pumps. Mr. Boomer's family has two Type I diabetics, both now in their 60's. Both have had insulin pumps for quite a while and have called them "life changing." Both are thin and try to take care of themselves, but they have had the disease for more than 50 years. We are all so glad the pump has worked out so well for them.

We have a friend who is a Type II. Unlike the friend I wrote about this morning, this one has struggled to diet and exercise. An active organizational social life and lots of white food meals out did not help I know. His diagnosis was more than 10 years ago. He finally had to start insulin, but now his doctor is having difficulty adjusting his insulin dose effectively. He is looking into a pump, but insurance companies seem to really give Type II diabetics a hard time about paying for a pump.

Depression has been mentioned here, too. A diabetic, Type I or Type II, probably knows that moods can be a problem sometimes. Blood sugar swings can play havoc with mood. Sometimes I can be pretty bossy if I think I need to be. I know I can act like Lucy in "Peanuts," but not all the time, just when I think it could be really important. Anyway, I actually made someone I know go for a blood test because his moods had become so erratic. Guess what. Type II.

At least a pre-diabetes reading may turn out to be quite manageable. There is so much good information available. And hospitals often have classes. Learn everything you can.

And again, good luck to you BuckeyeNuts. And thanks for starting the discussion here.

Boomer Lucy

[villager99]

a good resource is the villages diabetes support group that meets monthly at la hacienda. check the thursday rec news for times and meeting guest speakers

[The Great Fumar]

IF YOUR DOCTOR IS TELLING YOU THAT YOUR PRE-DIABETIC THEN YOU HAD BETTER PAY ATTENTION....HE IS NOT JUST WATCHING YOUR BLOOD SUGAR, HE IS WATCHING YOUR HEMOGLOBIN AIC HE WANTS IT BETWEEN 4.2AND 5.8 .....IF YOU ARE 5.9 OR ABOVE , YOU ARE PRE-DIABETIC .....NOW HE WANTS YOU TO WATCH YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS AND THROUGH DIET AND EXERCISE HE WANTS THEM BELOW 100 .......THIS CAN GET A LITTLE TRICKY BECAUSE ITS NOT JUST WATCHING YOUR SUGAR INTAKE , ITS YOUR CARB INTAKE....THEY TURN TO SUGAR BIG TIME , (for example ) PASTA'S ARE A BAD FOOD SO YOU HAVE TO CUT WAY DOWN ON IT.....
NOW, WHY DO WE GO TO ALL THIS TROUBLE, HEART AND KIDNEYS NOT TO MENTION YOUR CIRCULATION ......
NOT TRYING TO SCARE ANYONE BUT IF YOUR DOCTOR GIVES YOU ADVICE, THEN TAKE IT, HE DEALS WITH IT EVERYDAY AND KNOWS WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT.....
MY ADVISE , PAY ATTENTION , IT COULD GIVE YOU A NICE LONG LIFE.


FUMAR ..:icon_hungry: :ohdear:

[graciegirl]

IF YOUR DOCTOR IS TELLING YOU THAT YOUR PRE-DIABETIC THEN YOU HAD BETTER PAY ATTENTION....HE IS NOT JUST WATCHING YOUR BLOOD SUGAR, HE IS WATCHING YOUR HEMOGLOBIN AIC HE WANTS IT BETWEEN 4.2AND 5.8 .....IF YOU ARE 5.9 OR ABOVE , YOU ARE PRE-DIABETIC .....NOW HE WANTS YOU TO WATCH YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS AND THROUGH DIET AND EXERCISE HE WANTS THEM BELOW 100 .......THIS CAN GET A LITTLE TRICKY BECAUSE ITS NOT JUST WATCHING YOUR SUGAR INTAKE , ITS YOUR CARB INTAKE....THEY TURN TO SUGAR BIG TIME , (for example ) PASTA'S ARE A BAD FOOD SO YOU HAVE TO CUT WAY DOWN ON IT.....
NOW, WHY DO WE GO TO ALL THIS TROUBLE, HEART AND KIDNEYS NOT TO MENTION YOUR CIRCULATION ......
NOT TRYING TO SCARE ANYONE BUT IF YOUR DOCTOR GIVES YOU ADVICE, THEN TAKE IT, HE DEALS WITH IT EVERYDAY AND KNOWS WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT.....
MY ADVISE , PAY ATTENTION , IT COULD GIVE YOU A NICE LONG LIFE.


FUMAR ..:icon_hungry: :ohdear:
:agree:

[ouma1938]

The Great Fumar speaks the truth. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled and even reversed. Check you blood before and after eating, frequently, and have you A1C checked by your doctor regularly. Mr. Ouma was all set to have lapband surgery to lose weight and control his diabetes when they realised that he had had very extensive surgery 3 years ago to remove a tumor on his bile duct. The area was left with a lot of scar tissue so it was decided that the lapband procedure would be too dangerous. I was devastated but then Mr. Ouma announced that he would lose the same amount of weight without the lapband....and by golly he did. His sugar levels are now below 110 - down from the high 200's and low 300's - and his doctor says that the diabetes is well on its to be being reversed totally. It can be done, diet excercise, and wathc the carbs. Its so important, its such a terribly devastating disease.

[SteveFromNY]

Nurse practitioners cannot make diagnoses and I don't think they can prescribe medicine. Correct me if I am wrong.

In NY a nurse practitioner can write a prescription. I don't yet about that in FL.

[Russ_Boston]

I would tend to agree with Gracie. Please avoid using words like 'healed'.

The two products mentioned have some proven merits as preventative measures but not cures once the disease process has begun. The first one is a fiber blend product and fiber (soluble) is good at binding to glucose etc. and should be part of anyone's daily habits. But you can get soluble fiber in many forms and you don't need supplements to obtain (Fiber one brand cereal, bread etc.)

The second product resveratrol has been shown to have some possible benefits (found in red wine, search:the French paradox etc.) but so far no positive human results have been found when resveratrol has been used outside the natural products.

I'm not discounting homeopathic solutions but please discuss them with your doctor before considering.

[Boomer]

I have to question if this man cured someone of cancer. If that were true, ethically, altruistically, and financially, this would be front page news. It is very dangerous to further misleading statements like this in my humble opinion. People are very afraid of cancer and will clutch at straws and choose treatments that are not medically proven, and avoid treatments that might save their lives. I know you are very sincere and mean well, but I have to respectfully disagree.

So much of holistic medicine and sales of alternative treatments and supplements are based on bashing of the traditional medical community...again, in my humble opinion. Like Russ Boston says, I might be wrong.

GG, You said it perfectly. Thank you.

I would like to add something.

I don't know anything about the products that are being mentioned here. But I tend not to buy into claims like that. And besides, there are miracle-claiming products that I have heard of that are the stuff of multi-level sales organizations. I don't buy into that concept either.

Boomer

[tony]

If this thread appears disjointed it is because I have put some questionable posts on hold while I await information to help me with their veracity, among other considerations. Other posts here were also put on hold because of their genuine attempt to respond to the questionable posts.

At this point, this thread is hanging by a thread. If it disappears, it is because I could not verify certain assertions.

Please bear with me.

[KayakerNC]

GG, You said it perfectly. Thank you.

I would like to add something.

I don't know anything about the products that are being mentioned here. But I tend not to buy into claims like that. And besides, there are miracle-claiming products that I have heard of that are the stuff of multi-level sales organizations. I don't buy into that concept either.

Boomer

I think BuckEye has been removed.
The postings went from what sounded like a genuine concern to something that resembled the claims in spam email. Very strange.

[BuckeyeNuts]

I think BuckEye has been removed.
The postings went from what sounded like a genuine concern to something that resembled spam email. Very strange.

I am concerned. Why should I be removed? We are talking about diabetes, doctors and homeopathic remedies...what is the big deal? Some in here believe that homeopathic things are not the way to go...I composed a letter about personal experience and those of others I know teaching the benefits of certain things...some of them relating to cancer. I certainly am not making any money from the sale of these items...I own a pest control business.

I thought a message board was a place to discuss things...that is simply what I am doing. I don't mind a moderator verifying things to keep his community safe either...I admire it. I am not standing in my pulpit saying to not visit a doctor or only use homeopathic means either. I am saying...here...look at this thing...do some research...it may help you as it did my friend or relative.

I am sure that a few things in my unposted letter are things many of you have never heard of...that is fine. Check them out if you are so inclined or don't...I am only trying to be of help, not start a huge ordeal.

I am just upset that my nurse practitioner said that type 2 diabetes can NEVER be cured. That is a lie. I am finding out that with exercise and diet changes...and a combination of vitamins, herbs, homeopathic remedies and even a drug...my diabetes will never get worse, will go away and I will be cured. :a040:

[BuckeyeNuts]

If this thread appears disjointed it is because I have put some questionable posts on hold while I await information to help me with their veracity, among other considerations. Other posts here were also put on hold because of their genuine attempt to respond to the questionable posts.

At this point, this thread is hanging by a thread. If it disappears, it is because I could not verify certain assertions.

Please bear with me.

hey Tony...I am not here to start trouble...nothing close to it. I just wanted to discuss diabetes and as threads go...they often make turn after turn. I never thought merely discussing homeopathic remedies would be such a hot topic. I appreciate you protecting your online community. If you feel my post will start a world war...please...you have my blessing not to post it. Being thought of as a spammer is almost as bad as someone calling me a liberal. :)

[tony]

Oh my goodness, Buckeye, I would never, ever accuse you of being a liberal.

I am just kidding with you, of course. I don't believe you are a spammer. We don't care much for them around here, you know.

Your posts bordering on something curing cancer, though, give me pause for consideration. I think I will leave them out, and if people want to contact you about your suggestions, they can.

I appreciate your effort to help people, but I don't think our forum is the proper forum for disease-curing remedies. There are plenty of forums out there for that kind of discussion. Recommending that people look into certain products seems harmless, but honestly when we read about a "cure" for cancer a little bell in my head rang.

[rshoffer]

In NY a nurse practitioner can write a prescription. I don't yet about that in FL.they can do both.

[rshoffer]

I would tend to agree with Gracie. Please avoid using words like 'healed'.

The two products mentioned have some proven merits as preventative measures but not cures once the disease process has begun. The first one is a fiber blend product and fiber (soluble) is good at binding to glucose etc. and should be part of anyone's daily habits. But you can get soluble fiber in many forms and you don't need supplements to obtain (Fiber one brand cereal, bread etc.)

The second product resveratrol has been shown to have some possible benefits (found in red wine, search:the French paradox etc.) but so far no positive human results have been found when resveratrol has been used outside the natural products.

I'm not discounting homeopathic solutions but please discuss them with your doctor before considering.diabetes and resvertrol.... early HUMAN trials

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/25/60minutes/main4752082_page4.shtml

[chelsea24]

Oh my goodness, Buckeye, I would never, ever accuse you of being a liberal.

I am just kidding with you, of course. I don't believe you are a spammer. We don't care much for them around here, you know.

Your posts bordering on something curing cancer, though, give me pause for consideration. I think I will leave them out, and if people want to contact you about your suggestions, they can.

I appreciate your effort to help people, but I don't think our forum is the proper forum for disease-curing remedies. There are plenty of forums out there for that kind of discussion. Recommending that people look into certain products seems harmless, but honestly when we read about a "cure" for cancer a little bell in my head rang.

Tony! That's because you're a ding-dong! Hahaha! :1rotfl: OK, I couldn't resist that one! :shocked:

[Russ_Boston]

diabetes and resvertrol.... early HUMAN trials

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/25/60minutes/main4752082_page4.shtml

Thanks for the link.

[BuckeyeNuts]

[Material removed for copyright infringement. Tony, Admin]

[KayakerNC]

You said in an earlier post: "I really could care less if you try stevia or not. It is up to you...I'm done."
Done....and yet......here you are again.:blahblahblah:

[graciegirl]

I would be much more open to your arguments if you didn't vilify the FDA. Many people who use alternative medicine also argue that the traditional medical community are all not to be trusted.

[BuckeyeNuts]

I would be much more open to your arguments if you didn't vilify the FDA. Many people who use alternative medicine also argue that the traditional medical community are all not to be trusted.

In this instance...it only makes sense to vilify them. Think about it for a second.

Ever since stevia was introduced...the FDA has disallowed it. Not approved it. Yet they had no reason to take this stance whatsoever. The things they said about it are unbelievable. They labeled it an unsafe food additive...and restricted its import. Their reason was that "toxicological information on stevia is inadequate to demonstrate its safety."

This very sentence is in direct opposition to their own FDA guidelines which state...any natural substance used prior to 1958 with no reported adverse effects should be generally recognized as safe. Stevia has never had ANY reported adverse effect on anyone, quite the opposite.

Then, finally in 1994, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act forced the FDA in 1995 to revise its stance to permit stevia to be used as a dietary supplement, although not as a food additive. This again contradicts themselves...because it simultaneously labels stevia as safe and unsafe, depending on how it is sold.

But then finally...when another big business...Coke...and Pepsi...when they decide they want to start using it...well...the FDA gives it their blessing.

How messed up is that? So, do you understand what I have been saying about the politics of the FDA? I sure hope so...I cannot explain it any better, but I respect you enough to take the time to do so.

[BuckeyeNuts]

You said in an earlier post: "I really could care less if you try stevia or not. It is up to you...I'm done."
Done....and yet......here you are again.:blahblahblah:

Santa...you are being rude...I suggest drinking a couple shots of prune juice and taking a nap. Love ya...:throwtomatoes:

[Boomer]

Good Morning, BuckeyeNuts,

I can see that this thread has a fork in it. That happens sometimes.

But what I want to do is bring it back to the pre-diabetes issue. I have written about diabetes in this thread and in another one somewhere long ago. I do not have it, but my real world has many diabetics in it. And I love them all. And I want them to take care of themselves.

Here is what I want to say to you. If you have not had the A1C test, will you please check with your doctor. I cannot explain this test clearly, but Mr. Boomer had it last week. He had the A1C because his family has diabetes in it. Both Type I and Type II.

Diabetes can come on without giving you symptoms you know. Mr. Boomer wanted to know more than what the simple glucose test that everybody gets told him. I think that test is basically a snapshot.

The A1C is also just a blood test. I am not talking about the glucose tolerance test where they used to put you in a room and you were starving and then they would feed you some really sweet stuff and then they would take some blood and on and on it went. I don't even know if they do those anymore.

So anyway, BuckeyeNuts, the A1C is a simple test. Give them a little blood and they can tell what that blood has been doing for a long time. Not just the snapshot take of the glucose reading everybody gets at a physical.

I hope you will check into this test if you have not already done so. (Mr. Boomer's turned out fine.) We have seen so many things, up close and personal, that diabetes can cause. Type I and Type II can beat you up. Type II can be a vicious beast just like Type I. But I know people who are controlling their pre-diabetes and Type II beautifully. And our Type I's are doing OK, too. They have insulin pumps now. But each of those people is under a doctor's care. Not the care of the Internet.

Doing your homework on your medical condition can be a good thing. I posted here a couple of days ago about a friend whose Internet search headed off a potential mess with a knee replacement. But please, BuckeyeNuts, do not rely on just what you read.

Boomer

[KayakerNC]

Santa...you are being rude...I suggest drinking a couple shots of prune juice and taking a nap. Love ya...:throwtomatoes:
I apologize for any seeming rudeness. I really must learn to stop feeding the trolls.

[BuckeyeNuts]

Good Morning, BuckeyeNuts,

I can see that this thread has a fork in it. That happens sometimes.

But what I want to do is bring it back to the pre-diabetes issue. I have written about diabetes in this thread and in another one somewhere long ago. I do not have it, but my real world has many diabetics in it. And I love them all. And I want them to take care of themselves.

Here is what I want to say to you. If you have not had the A1C test, will you please check with your doctor. I cannot explain this test clearly, but Mr. Boomer had it last week. He had the A1C because his family has diabetes in it. Both Type I and Type II.

Diabetes can come on without giving you symptoms you know. Mr. Boomer wanted to know more than what the simple glucose test that everybody gets told him. I think that test is basically a snapshot.

The A1C is also just a blood test. I am not talking about the glucose tolerance test where they used to put you in a room and you were starving and then they would feed you some really sweet stuff and then they would take some blood and on and on it went. I don't even know if they do those anymore.

So anyway, BuckeyeNuts, the A1C is a simple test. Give them a little blood and they can tell what that blood has been doing for a long time. Not just the snapshot take of the glucose reading everybody gets at a physical.

I hope you will check into this test if you have not already done so. (Mr. Boomer's turned out fine.) We have seen so many things, up close and personal, that diabetes can cause. Type I and Type II can beat you up. Type II can be a vicious beast just like Type I. But I know people who are controlling their pre-diabetes and Type II beautifully. And our Type I's are doing OK, too. They have insulin pumps now. But each of those people is under a doctor's care. Not the care of the Internet.

Doing your homework on your medical condition can be a good thing. I posted here a couple of days ago about a friend whose Internet search headed off a potential mess with a knee replacement. But please, BuckeyeNuts, do not rely on just what you read.

Boomer

Thanks for the post. I did have the a1C test and it was 6.9. I have been testing my levels daily and have stumbled onto something very strange. I think I have something called "Dawn Syndrome". In preparation for my body to awaken, my liver must be pumping out glucose right before or as I wake up because my morning, fasting levels are much more high than 2 hours after I eat. It is frustrating and makes me wonder about the validity of my readings.

My morning readings have been 115 to 125. But at night, 2 hours after dinner...they have been between 84 and 97. It makes no sense to me...shouldn't my levels be lower when I wake up?

This problem would also make the A1C test invalid as well. My morning syndrome would give off a false reading.

Has anyone ever had this problem that could relate to me if I am on the right track? My current and soon to be past doctor is basically no help...I am pretty much my own doctor now. I just use them to write prescriptions and do tests.

I am going to seek out a specialist in 3 weeks...someone who actually knows what they are doing and cares at least a little bit.

[BuckeyeNuts]

I apologize for any seeming rudeness. I really must learn to stop feeding the trolls.

I would be happy to accept your most humble apology...but you see...you apologize out of one side of your mouth and call me a troll with the other. You would offer to shake my hand and stab me in the back with the other.

I am not posting controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant or off-topic messages in this online community with the intention of provoking other users into an emotional response or to generally disrupt normal on-topic discussion.

People do not need to agree on everything. This is my thread about diabetes Sir. You have not tried to help out one iota. All you do is cause division and I wish you to stop posting to my thread unless you can be civil and offer something positive.

Calling me a troll is offensive. You are a nasty little man...please go away.

[Mikitv]

My husbands morning readings where always higher so just before he goes to bed and takes his last medications he has a piece of cheese and slice of lowfat ham. Made all the difference with his morning readings, don't know why for sure but it does work.

[BuckeyeNuts]

My husbands morning readings where always higher so just before he goes to bed and takes his last medications he has a piece of cheese and slice of lowfat ham. Made all the difference with his morning readings, don't know why for sure but it does work.


Yes! I just read that...eat a handful of nuts or cheese before bed and the readings are more correct. I will try this. What I want to know now is...what do I need to do so I don't have to eat cheese and nuts before bed. Can this dawn syndrome be fixed or will it go away?

I also take Synthroid in the morning...I wonder if that is raising the levels. My doctor said no...it wouldn't. I have read on medical sites that synthroid..."affects" blood glucose levels...but none of them say how.

[serenityseeker]

Hello everyone!

I do not trust doctors anymore. I got results back today...pre diabetes. They say that their is no cure for type 2 diabetes...I think they are not being truthful and just want me on their drugs. I believe it can be reversed with diet and exercise...and possibly a few vitamins, herbs or minerals.

Has anyone here sent their diabetes packing? If so...what would you recommend? I realize that you are not doctors...but I trust people that have actually had this thing more then doctors that are merely prescription pad jockeys.

Thanks! V


Hey Buckeye. Just thought I would take the time to give you a little info from an Internist's point of view.
The bad news is you got a dignosis of pre-diabetes, the good news is you got a diagnosis of pre-diabetes.
It stinks and is scary to receive this kind of info, but you have a heads up alot of people do not get. You are in the early stages of something that could potentially be bad, and you have the opportunity to grab it by the throat and control it. Pre-diabetes is a relatively "new" categorization of diabetes. As more and more information is gathered over the years the numbers for elevated blood sugar and cholesterol do seem to ratchet downwards, as we find out more about the cumulative damage of the various levels.
So what to do? Certainly lifestyle changes as some have outlined above are the top priority in not only avoiding medicines, but in staving off full diabetes for as long as you can. Keep it simple.
-Exercise at least 5 days a week with a target of 30-60 minutes each session(eventually) as long as your doc feels you are heart healthy enough to pursue it.
-Avoid the "white stuff" as much as possible (refined white flour and sugars, white rice and white pastas) and look for whole wheat and sugar alternatives.
-Watch your calories. Most of us eat more than we need to.
-Lose weight if you need to.

As far as medicines go you may indeed need some. The American Association for Endocrinologists recomends the above noted lifestyle modifications as first line treatment along with aggressive treatment of risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol (which may also eventually respond to exercise and diet changes). Even moderately elevated blood sugar can significantly increase the risks of heart disease when coupled with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, so sometimes medical treatment of these is really in your best interest. Additionally, if the lifestyle changes don't correct the sugars, those with "pre diabetes" and other risk factors DO likely need to be treated with medicines for blood sugar.

Bottom line is you can likely correct this by really changing your life. Can you send it packing forever? Not sure beacause everyone is different, but you can certainly inprove your chances of it and your health in general. Be prepared that some medicines may be recomended, and by all means get a second opinion if you are not comfortable..no doctor worth his salt should mind that. Just don't take this lightly, this is your "red flag" moment, we all don't get those so take advantage of it.
Anyway, a little free advice and it is worth about what you pay for it lol.

I wish you luck and lots o' health.

Take care

[BuckeyeNuts]

Hey Buckeye. Just thought I would take the time to give you a little info from an Internist's point of view.
The bad news is you got a dignosis of pre-diabetes, the good news is you got a diagnosis of pre-diabetes.
It stinks and is scary to receive this kind of info, but you have a heads up alot of people do not get. You are in the early stages of something that could potentially be bad, and you have the opportunity to grab it by the throat and control it. Pre-diabetes is a relatively "new" categorization of diabetes. As more and more information is gathered over the years the numbers for elevated blood sugar and cholesterol do seem to ratchet downwards, as we find out more about the cumulative damage of the various levels.
So what to do? Certainly lifestyle changes as some have outlined above are the top priority in not only avoiding medicines, but in staving off full diabetes for as long as you can. Keep it simple.
-Exercise at least 5 days a week with a target of 30-60 minutes each session(eventually) as long as your doc feels you are heart healthy enough to pursue it.
-Avoid the "white stuff" as much as possible (refined white flour and sugars, white rice and white pastas) and look for whole wheat and sugar alternatives.
-Watch your calories. Most of us eat more than we need to.
-Lose weight if you need to.

As far as medicines go you may indeed need some. The American Association for Endocrinologists recomends the above noted lifestyle modifications as first line treatment along with aggressive treatment of risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol (which may also eventually respond to exercise and diet changes). Even moderately elevated blood sugar can significantly increase the risks of heart disease when coupled with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, so sometimes medical treatment of these is really in your best interest. Additionally, if the lifestyle changes don't correct the sugars, those with "pre diabetes" and other risk factors DO likely need to be treated with medicines for blood sugar.

Bottom line is you can likely correct this by really changing your life. Can you send it packing forever? Not sure beacause everyone is different, but you can certainly inprove your chances of it and your health in general. Be prepared that some medicines may be recomended, and by all means get a second opinion if you are not comfortable..no doctor worth his salt should mind that. Just don't take this lightly, this is your "red flag" moment, we all don't get those so take advantage of it.
Anyway, a little free advice and it is worth about what you pay for it lol.

I wish you luck and lots o' health.

Take care

hey, thank a lot! I am fighting it head on...one reason I am here asking people about it. I am taking Metformin 500 mg ER once a day. At first is was like a laxative for a few days...well, laxative is putting it mildly...but I think it will help a lot from what I have read. My BP has always been perfect and my cholesterol is in the good range...weird thing is...my triglycerides are high. One time a couple years ago...they were 1200! They are down to under 300 now, still too high.

Anyway, I am grateful for the warning and have been gung ho about it ever since...bordering on excessive. I have a treadmill and a dog, so I do more walking now than ever. I found an awesome SWEETENER...but it sure is hard to give up noodles, bread, potatoes and rice. I found an awesome 100 whole wheat bread, but I guess if I mention the brand name, my post will be deleted for copyright infringement?

Thanks for taking the time to help me bro...

[Russ_Boston]

I don't think the website has any issues with you naming a type of bread. MANY things are recommended by members without being deleted. I wouldn't consider that an ad. I use Fiber One whole wheat bread with 7 grams of fiber per slice. Delicious too!

[BuckeyeNuts]

I don't think the website has any issues with you naming a type of bread. MANY things are recommended by members without being deleted. I wouldn't consider that an ad. I use Fiber One whole wheat bread with 7 grams of fiber per slice. Delicious too!

Thanks Russ...I will add that to the shopping list. I was having trouble finding a 100 percent whole wheat bread without High Fructose Corn Syrup...about 95 percent of the labels I read ha that junk. Awful!

[serenityseeker]

hey, thank a lot! I am fighting it head on...one reason I am here asking people about it. I am taking Metformin 500 mg ER once a day. At first is was like a laxative for a few days...well, laxative is putting it mildly...but I think it will help a lot from what I have read. My BP has always been perfect and my cholesterol is in the good range...weird thing is...my triglycerides are high. One time a couple years ago...they were 1200! They are down to under 300 now, still too high.

Anyway, I am grateful for the warning and have been gung ho about it ever since...bordering on excessive. I have a treadmill and a dog, so I do more walking now than ever. I found an awesome SWEETENER...but it sure is hard to give up noodles, bread, potatoes and rice. I found an awesome 100 whole wheat bread, but I guess if I mention the brand name, my post will be deleted for copyright infringement?

Thanks for taking the time to help me bro...

Anytime.

[rshoffer]

Anytime.SS is right on re the white flour carbs.... another "foodstuff" to absolutely eliminate 100% is high-fructose corn syrup. This dangerous sweetener sneaks into everything... soft drinks for sure but many "juices" are laced with it and it is a killer to your triglycerides. If your not on coumadin ask your doc about omega-3 fish oil to help bring down yout TG's. Again, www.lef.org is a good site to learn more about omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil).

[Russ_Boston]

Fiber one nutrition label:

http://www.generalmills.com/stream_image.aspx?rid=31656

[BuckeyeNuts]

Fiber one nutrition label:

http://www.generalmills.com/stream_image.aspx?rid=31656

Thanks Russ...that looks good. However, I have a brand at our local store that you might want to look at...it probably doesn't taste as good as the one you posted but, check out the nutrition facts at the bottom of the page of this link...

http://www.naturesownbread.com/NAT_Varieties/Variety.cfm?CategoryID=100&ProductID=7

Also a new bread called Natures Pride 100% Whole Wheat.

http://www.naturespridebread.com/

I really like the taste of Natures Pride.

[BuckeyeNuts]

SS is right on re the white flour carbs.... another "foodstuff" to absolutely eliminate 100% is high-fructose corn syrup. This dangerous sweetener sneaks into everything... soft drinks for sure but many "juices" are laced with it and it is a killer to your triglycerides. If your not on coumadin ask your doc about omega-3 fish oil to help bring down yout TG's. Again, www.lef.org is a good site to learn more about omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil).

You sure have that right about high-fructose corn syrup...it seems to be in everything Americans consume. I have been taking the fish oil for a few months and I found a good one that doesn't make ya burp that fishy taste...ew. I also have been taking one vitamin E a day for awhile now. I found a pure form of it...completely un-synthesized! It is called Unique E by A.C. Grace...very expensive! But it is awesome stuff compared to that cheap stuff they pass off as vitamin E. I will check out that website...thanks.

[JohnN]

diagnosed as pre-diabetic, I had a reading of 230 and A1C of 7.9
had never been above 125 or so before.. but

my doc is giving me 3 months to make improvements or we go to treatment

today's reading is 119, one month into my diet/exercise routine, I'm thrilled but this is a lifestyle thing. cut out the bad carbs and sugar, eat smaller balanced meals through the day.

A1C is a 3month moving average as that is how long sugar binds to proteins, it's pretty accurate of an average over that time.

I don't believe in "cures" (I've had cancer), just under control (diabetes) or in remission.

[JohnN]

PS - that 230 reading was a one-time thing and doc says he won't put me on meds based on one reading, I've not ever been over 125

[SALYBOW]

Russ was right when he pointed out that all carbs contribute to diabetes. It is necessary to watch the carbs in some good things including fruits as well. Failing to do so could sink the ship in your struggle to avoid becoming diabetic. A second thought is that the number he was looking at is a one time measure of the blood sugar, on thet day, at that time. I do believe that you should be vigilant about diet and exercise, but it might be a good idea oi have a fasting blood sugar and a Glucose tolerance test drawn. An A1C (I think it is called) will also tell you important info.
A diagnosis of diabetes is life changing so your upsettedness :cus: is appropriate but don't kill the messenger as they say. Be proactive! :pepper2: Blessings, Sally

[Talk Host]

This is a reminder that amateur advise on this or any forum does not substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment and recommendations.

[Ohiogirl]

My SO was diagnosed about 2-3 yrs ago as pre-diabetic, with a glucose (fasting) reading over 100. This was confirmed by a second test. His doctor sent him to consult with a dietician - you can read the same things they will tell you, (or hear it from your spouse or SO) but some people need to hear it from a qualified source.

He cut out a big glass of OJ every morning (he thought he was doing a good thing by drinking orange juice every day), and made a conscious effort to eat more fruits and vegetables, especially fresh. We cut out a lot of white bread, cut back on potatoes, eat only whole grain pasta and brown rice. He substituted Joint Juice (we buy it at Sam's by the case) which has 25 calories, 6 carbs and gluclosamine. Has a citrusy taste which you actually like after a while.

I would describe him as somewhat active but not as active as he will be when we move to TV this fall - he likes to swim laps and play basketball and that is just easier to do when you are retired with sports pools nearby and more time. Can also find same-age or close basketball players in TV. Right now in winter he only walked the dog and shovel snow for exercise - now that it's spring/summer we bike on some weekends but not all. I think TV will be good for both of us exercise-wise, just easier to get to and more time to do it.

Back to the point - his blood sugar has gradually come down - last week it was 65! So yes - it can be done, and in his case hasn't been that hard. It helps that I like to cook and use lots of olive oil and fresh fruits and veggies and whole grains. I think it is hard to control your diet if you eat out a lot. Easier and cheaper to cook at home most of the time. We will probably eat out once or twice a week in TV, but not 3-4 times as a lot of people we've met do.

[ConeyIsBabe]

Hello everyone!

I do not trust doctors anymore. I got results back today...pre diabetes. They say that their is no cure for type 2 diabetes...I think they are not being truthful and just want me on their drugs. I believe it can be reversed with diet and exercise...and possibly a few vitamins, herbs or minerals.

Has anyone here sent their diabetes packing? If so...what would you recommend? I realize that you are not doctors...but I trust people that have actually had this thing more then doctors that are merely prescription pad jockeys.

Thanks! V

BuckeyeNuts ~ I agree! Both my parents had diabetes and I have a family history of Parkinsons, Alzheimers and low-IQ. I was never diagnosed with pre-diabetes but I WAS prescribed cholesterol-lowering meds for my high number. Well, being anti-drug totally ~ I chose to alter my eating lifestyle and went from a high chol of approx. 265 to 174 in six months just by changing the way I eat and minimal exercises.

Now, I don't take any prescription meds. If I can do it, anyone can. I say "ya gotta wanna". It does take sacrifice and most don't want to do that so they will take the meds :loco:

[diskman]

I didn't listen when my doctor gave me this warning to lose weight and restrict the things I eat:ohdear:. Now I have been suffering with type II diabetes since 97 and it is not fun:ohdear:. Heed his warning and take action as I am told you can prevent getting it.
The only people I have heard who got rid of diabetes effects are those who have had Gastric Bypass.

Last week I was put on a low dose of 5 units of insulin, it is not fun injecting yourself every day and sticking your fingers 4 times a day. I didn't listen when they told me i was pre-diabetic 20 years ago. I have been a know diabetic since 1997.:icon_hungry::ohdear::blahblahblah:

[JenAjd]

I'm type 2 diabetic and was monitored for maybe 4 or 5 years before diagnosis and tried with diet/exercise to stave it off. THERE IS NO "CURE" for diabetes...it is a progressive disease and would recommend that a good care is needed! Doctors are NOT trying to line their pockets with this. I took the diabetic class offered thru Monroe Heart (Medicare p!ays for it) and it was excellant!!!
As an aside to this...I have family members who have type 2 diabetes and if not addressed properly the side effects of heart disease, neuropathy and more are hideous. Diet and exercise are still in my program

As for the person who had an A1c of over 7 here....my doctor would say you have diabetes!!! I just had my check-up and my provider says moving downward from that number is wanted! My most recent A1c was 6.5, down from 6.8. I was just diagnosed in late July ('10) and am on 2X/daily Metformin. I exercise 1 hour daily and try to count the carbs and eat healthy.

[graciegirl]

This is a reminder that amateur advise on this or any forum does not substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment and recommendations.

What he said.

[wesmin]

I am currently in a 6 month program of diet and supplements. I am taking supplements from Apex Energetics. Some of the supplements are sold only to healthcare practitioners. Type 2 is a short circute in your body due to internal inflamation of a numer of organs and glands. Your body is in overload and fatigued from overe production of insulin and fights it. Gary Null has been writting about prevent and cure of type 2 for years.

[batman911]

I have a question about carbs. For those of us who exercise (running & weight training) seriously. I always believed that you need some carbs to fuel your muscles. That is why runners initially deny their body carbs prior to a marathon and then carbo load right before the run. How can you exercise with no fuel? Anyone have an answer?

[K9-Lovers]

People who are pre-diabetic or diabetic don't usually run marathons, also I'm sure some do. The type of exercise that is recommended is walking, swimming, biking, but not in a tri-athlete sort of way. Therefore, they don't need to carbo load before exercising.

Also, "good" carbohydrates are encouraged (and should be eaten by everyone, not just diabetics) that have a low glycemic rate. That way, the blood sugar does not spike.

[brostholder]

Hello everyone!

I do not trust doctors anymore. I got results back today...pre diabetes. They say that their is no cure for type 2 diabetes...I think they are not being truthful and just want me on their drugs. I believe it can be reversed with diet and exercise...and possibly a few vitamins, herbs or minerals.

Has anyone here sent their diabetes packing? If so...what would you recommend? I realize that you are not doctors...but I trust people that have actually had this thing more then doctors that are merely prescription pad jockeys.

Thanks! V
I would guess that you posted this because you are upset. Your doctor said you are pre-diabetic. He did not say you had type 2 diabetes. You can certainly reverse this with diet and exercise if there is nothing else going on. But your doctor is absolutely right. If you are prediabetic, I am guessing your fasting blood sugar is above 100 but below 130. If this is true, here is what is happening in your body. Due to the high sugar levels, your body is making more insulin to deal with it. After a while, your cells become less sensitive to all the insulin they are getting so your body has to make even more insulin to get the same reduction in blood sugar. After having to make too much insulin for too long a time, those insulin producing cells get burned out. Before that happens, your doctor may try to put you on some drugs that help decrease blood sugar production, increase blood sugar elimination, etc. If those don't help he may try some drugs that increase your cells sensitivity to the insulin you are still producing. If those fail, then you may have to try injecting insulin. (this is a bit of a simplified explanation for a complicated disease).
But all this is way down the line. You can still avoid all this by life style changes....i.e. weight loss, carb control, exercise.
By the way, doctors do not get paid by the number of prescriptions they write. I know it is sometimes tempting to shoot the messenger, but if you don't have faith that your doctor has anything but your best interests at heart, then I would recommend getting a second or even a third opinion. If you think your doctor has been untruthful to you about your health status, then I would make a complaint to the state medical board.

[Talk Host]

I would guess that you posted this because you are upset. Your doctor said you are pre-diabetic. He did not say you had type 2 diabetes. You can certainly reverse this with diet and exercise if there is nothing else going on. But your doctor is absolutely right. If you are prediabetic, I am guessing your fasting blood sugar is above 100 but below 130. If this is true, here is what is happening in your body. Due to the high sugar levels, your body is making more insulin to deal with it. After a while, your cells become less sensitive to all the insulin they are getting so your body has to make even more insulin to get the same reduction in blood sugar. After having to make too much insulin for too long a time, those insulin producing cells get burned out. Before that happens, your doctor may try to put you on some drugs that help decrease blood sugar production, increase blood sugar elimination, etc. If those don't help he may try some drugs that increase your cells sensitivity to the insulin you are still producing. If those fail, then you may have to try injecting insulin. (this is a bit of a simplified explanation for a complicated disease).
But all this is way down the line. You can still avoid all this by life style changes....i.e. weight loss, carb control, exercise.
By the way, doctors do not get paid by the number of prescriptions they write. I know it is sometimes tempting to shoot the messenger, but if you don't have faith that your doctor has anything but your best interests at heart, then I would recommend getting a second or even a third opinion. If you think your doctor has been untruthful to you about your health status, then I would make a complaint to the state medical board.

I think it's important to note here that his poster is a medicine professional and know what he is talking about.

[graciegirl]

I would guess that you posted this because you are upset. Your doctor said you are pre-diabetic. He did not say you had type 2 diabetes. You can certainly reverse this with diet and exercise if there is nothing else going on. But your doctor is absolutely right. If you are prediabetic, I am guessing your fasting blood sugar is above 100 but below 130. If this is true, here is what is happening in your body. Due to the high sugar levels, your body is making more insulin to deal with it. After a while, your cells become less sensitive to all the insulin they are getting so your body has to make even more insulin to get the same reduction in blood sugar. After having to make too much insulin for too long a time, those insulin producing cells get burned out. Before that happens, your doctor may try to put you on some drugs that help decrease blood sugar production, increase blood sugar elimination, etc. If those don't help he may try some drugs that increase your cells sensitivity to the insulin you are still producing. If those fail, then you may have to try injecting insulin. (this is a bit of a simplified explanation for a complicated disease).
But all this is way down the line. You can still avoid all this by life style changes....i.e. weight loss, carb control, exercise.
By the way, doctors do not get paid by the number of prescriptions they write. I know it is sometimes tempting to shoot the messenger, but if you don't have faith that your doctor has anything but your best interests at heart, then I would recommend getting a second or even a third opinion. If you think your doctor has been untruthful to you about your health status, then I would make a complaint to the state medical board.

A voice of reason!

The supplement industry frequently demeans the medical community so they can sell more stuff. So if you are gonna mistrust someone, I would start with them.

There is no easy answer for anything that involves the endocrine system.
Brostholder did a good job of simplifying how it works. It takes a lot of information gathering and a lot of communication between you and your doctor and some tough changes in your life when your doctor tells you the tests show you are pre diabetic. A lot of people think you can just take a pill or a shot and all is well. In this situation it is not the case.

In my very humble non medical opinion.

[JenAjd]

Brostholder makes alot of sense. I am NOT a medical person but was pre=diabetic (just like he said) for a handful of years. My provider checked my fasting blood-sugar every 3 mo. or so during that time. In the meantime I was to do my part and do the diet/exercise thing---and did that. However (I am also "insulin resistant"---you can google that for knowing what that's about). Just this past summer I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and put on Metformin. So far I'm doing quite well. I exercise for an hour almost daily and watch my diet. My A1c has actually declined a bit...but I was told I'll be on the Metformin for the rest of my life. Diabetes is a progressive disease and NOT to be trifled with. The supplements probably won't hurt you but if it were me, I listen to your health=care provider. Oh...if you don't trust them get a 2nd opinion. As an aside to this...Monroe Heart offers an excellant class and while I "thought" I was pretty well informed re: diabetes, I found there was alot I needed to learn.
In this we are to have our eyes checked regularily (diabetes can affect our eyes). We should have a base=line check of our feet so find a podiatrist to do this. Diabetics can have circulation issues AND neuropathy...the latter cannot be reversed and I'm not sure about the former. Please take heed...I've seen too many people who haven't and their over=all health isn't good!!!

[2BNTV]

I am not a doctor but this is what happened to me including some observations. I have been in control of my diabetes for four and a half years by eating healthy and exercise.
Every case of diabetes is different so please consult with your doctor if anything in this post raises any concerns.

I went to my doctor for my annual physical four and a half years ago and he informed me that he wanted a follow-up blood test to check for diabetes. My glucose level was 116 and they had just lowered the standard to 100 from 125. The blood test involved taking your blood, drinking the sweet orange drink and then taking my blood one and two hours later. The maximum reading should be 200 and mine was slightly above 200, (216 and 236 respectively). My A1C level was 7.1.
The doctor informed me I had diabetes. I was already exercising vigorously three times a week but needed to lose weight. He recommended eating properly and that I should come back in two months and strongly advised me to lose weight, (I was 182lbs) or he would have to put me on medication. I came back two months later at 162 lbs and the A1C dropped to 5.8. I mentioned to him if the level for diabetes was 6.0 and above, then I no longer had diabetes. He said I should think of it like being an alcoholic, “you can get sober but you can’t drink again.

Four and a half years later, My A1C level has been hovering slightly above 6.0and I do not have to take medication and or check my blood level by sticking my finger. I do exercise rigorously three times a week as it helps to lower the blood levels. I will always have an elevated glucose reading or as least it seems that way, as I ask for a copy of the blood work results so I will have a record handy.

My diabetes has been in control for four and half years with healthy eating habits and vigorous exercise. My doctor has commented that I have been doing a great job.

They recommended several small meals a day and advised me to look at eating food as a lifestyle change instead of being on a diet. The small meals should give one enough energy to get to the next meal and allows your body to burn off what you have eaten.

My particular diabetes is affected by the fat contained in foods. The guideline suggests that one doesn’t eat something that has more than 30% fat of the total calories contained in a product.

My observations:
1. I do cheat once in a while.
2. I do get tired of eating certain foods every day.
3. I find by eating healthy foods, the processed foods don’t taste as good as I use to remember.
4. I try to look at eating certain foods as taking poison into my system, (like candy, chocolate and processed cake). I tend to ask myself if I really need to eat this food or is this yearning just psychological.
5. Yes, some of the food they recommend like sugar free jelly, syrup, cereal, (fiber one) taste lousy initially but one gets use to them and gets to like them. I find when I do eat certain foods that have a lot of sugar, they taste lousy depending on what it is, (processed cake).
6. I don’t try to eat anything that has more than 10 grams of sugar.
7. I don’t try to eat anything that has more than 30% fat content per 100 calories.
8. Use Splenda, (one packet); on oatmeal as according to my doctor, “it won’t hurt you”.
9. Almonds are a great snack.
10. Lean Cuisine and similar but watch the fat content and sugar. Some are not good.

Note: There are many more hints but I can’t remember them off the top of my head.

When I first had a counseling session with the nurse practitioner, she was under the impression that I would not take my health seriously and tried to scare me with, you can lose a limb, get heart disease or organ malfunctions. She stated that most people have an attitude of just give me some pills and don’t talk to me about changing eating habits and or exercise. I feel better since being diagnosed because of weight reduction and eating healthy. I have not suffered from the debilitating symptoms that one could get as this is an insidious disease and one cannot tell without periodic monitoring of blood levels.

Any good doctor will have all the literature that one can read to control their diabetes.

I don’t know about supplements to treat diabetes as my doctor never recommended them. My experience with a supplement is for a prostate condition and that doctor said, “some people swear by them and some people don’t think they do anything”. They work like a charm for me.

I feel you must be an advocate for your own health. I always think that if I don’t take care of my diabetes, it will take care of me in causing serious problems. I fight very hard so I won’t have to take medication and perform checking my blood levels several times a day.
It requires constant vigilance. It is a pain to be dedicated but it can be controlled. It’s better than the alternatives.

Assuming one is healthy enough to exercise. When people complain about coming to workout, I tell them it’s a case of mind over matter. When they ask what I mean when I say that. I tell them, “if you don’t mind, it don’t matter”. :laugh:

I sincerely hope this helps someone to take care of themselves as my grandfather, father and older brother had diabetes and they shortened their life by not taking care of it.

[JenAjd]

2BNTV...you're a voice of reason. When I came home from my diabetes education class I told my spouse that it is a "high maintenance disease" and it is...if one want's to remain healthy. We cannot be lazy about this (as you indicated with some wanting a pill and NOT the education)!!! I'm overweight still and trying to lose, I'm on the medication and prick my finger 1X daily as my numbers are pretty good (so far). I exercise and try to eat sensibly---though in our culture AND living here one has to be really, really intentional. Diabetes isn't like having allegies or something like that where you can just pop a pill and go on your merry way. It's a hideous disease (my endo told me that) and is progressive so we need to be vigilant. Taking supplements shouldn't hurt..."IF" you do everything else a medical practioner would advise. One take-away from the class was "if you hear that there's a 'cure' RUN AWAY as fast as you can as there's no such thing!"!!!!!

I would strive to have mine as under control as you do! I will continue the eating right and exercise and perhaps it will get even better for me!!! As you said...we're all different!!!

[2BNTV]

2BNTV...you're a voice of reason. When I came home from my diabetes education class I told my spouse that it is a "high maintenance disease" and it is...if one want's to remain healthy. We cannot be lazy about this (as you indicated with some wanting a pill and NOT the education)!!! I'm overweight still and trying to lose, I'm on the medication and prick my finger 1X daily as my numbers are pretty good (so far). I exercise and try to eat sensibly---though in our culture AND living here one has to be really, really intentional. Diabetes isn't like having allegies or something like that where you can just pop a pill and go on your merry way. It's a hideous disease (my endo told me that) and is progressive so we need to be vigilant. Taking supplements shouldn't hurt..."IF" you do everything else a medical practioner would advise. One take-away from the class was "if you hear that there's a 'cure' RUN AWAY as fast as you can as there's no such thing!"!!!!!

I would strive to have mine as under control as you do! I will continue the eating right and exercise and perhaps it will get even better for me!!! As you said...we're all different!!!

Jen Ajd:

Theres is no cure,only controlling diabetes. Once you have it, you have it.
It's an individuals choice whether to control or suffer the consequences of not caring enough about their future heath.

I posted about my diabetes in the hope that someone could benefit from my experience. You are thinking correctly in what you need to do and I wish you well. I know it's constantly on my mind in making food choices and it's an unending battle. Some people may think I am fanatical in my wanting to control it but the alternative is unthinkable to me.

I found that by making good food choices and eating the amounts of food that is recommended, the weight easily came off but the initial battle was tough as I was hungry a lot in the beginning. Yogurt and almonds are a great snack. I always take almonds to work, (on person all day when one need something to hold me over to next meal).

If I told you that I didn't have cravings for certain foods, I would be lying but I try to limit my intake of food that I know are bad for my diabetes. I do cheat once in a while but I try to keep it down to a dull roar.

Another hint is when you go to a restaurant, ask for a doggie bad before your dinner is served and put half of your dinner in the bag before you start eating. Restaurants serve twice the normal amount of food that one requires. Share your dessert if you have one with your spouse. One more hint is to not have anything that is bad for you in the house as far as snacks. I know this is almost impossible when you live with another person.

I am fighting to avoid having to take medication and having to prick my fingers for the bood test and my hope is that you lower your A1C level enough so you won't have to do this going forward.

You can do it and I know it's not easy.

[springfield]

Four years ago, my wonderful doc diagnosed my full blown diabetes even though I didn't have the usual symptoms. I was mad and freaked out a bit. I now see that for me it was a good thing. I was way too heavy and didn't watch my portions. I went to a diabetic clinic and learned what my body was doing and how our bodies convert food into energy. I was on Medformin, an old reliable drug for type II. I found that I was testing my blood all the time to see how my body reacted to different foods. When I started watching my portions, carbs, and exercised more, the weight just fell off. I take 2-4 cinnamon capsules a day which is supposed to help with blood sugar control. The diabetic clinic even confirmed that it can help. I am off any medicine. Before I moved here this summer, my doc said she didn't consider me to be diabetic anymore. I know I can't go back to my evil ways, and I will always be a candidate for type II.

Diabetes is nothing to mess around with. Watching a friend die of it due to complications convinced me to be careful. As a result, I am healthier now due to exercise and better eating habits. I don't diet, I just know how much and what I can eat. I'm pretty lazy now with daily testing. The A1C test every 3 months provides a picture of how my blood handles glucose. Good luck, don't be mad at your doc, be thankful you found out.

[2BNTV]

Four years ago, my wonderful doc diagnosed my full blown diabetes even though I didn't have the usual symptoms. I was mad and freaked out a bit. I now see that for me it was a good thing. I was way too heavy and didn't watch my portions. I went to a diabetic clinic and learned what my body was doing and how our bodies convert food into energy. I was on Medformin, an old reliable drug for type II. I found that I was testing my blood all the time to see how my body reacted to different foods. When I started watching my portions, carbs, and exercised more, the weight just fell off. I take 2-4 cinnamon capsules a day which is supposed to help with blood sugar control. The diabetic clinic even confirmed that it can help. I am off any medicine. Before I moved here this summer, my doc said she didn't consider me to be diabetic anymore. I know I can't go back to my evil ways, and I will always be a candidate for type II.

Diabetes is nothing to mess around with. Watching a friend die of it due to complications convinced me to be careful. As a result, I am healthier now due to exercise and better eating habits. I don't diet, I just know how much and what I can eat. I'm pretty lazy now with daily testing. The A1C test every 3 months provides a picture of how my blood handles glucose. Good luck, don't be mad at your doc, be thankful you found out.

springfield:

Congraulations that you brought your diabetes under control. I was also mad when first diagnosed four years ago as I didn't want to have limits placed on me. It was a blessing in disguise as I feel better by eating properly.

I slipped one time in four years as I thought I was bulletproof in my eating habits and my A1C shot up to 7.1. They wanted to put me on Medformin but I refused and two months later, I brought it back into control again, (A1C = 6.2). I don't have to get my blood reading daily ot take medication. I control it by heathy eating habits and exercise. They call the new eating habits a "lifestyle change" as opposed to "diet:. Diet is "die", with a "t" at the end. Whoever goes on a diet is doomed to fail - IMHO. It a mindset that people automatically think they are being deprived of foods they like or want. As you know, you can everything you want but in moderation but there are some exceptions that need to be limited.

My doctor told me that even though my A1C was in control, I had to look at my diabetes as being an alcoholic, "you can get sober, but you can't go back to drinking again". Constant vigilance is the key to controlling this deadly disease.

My grandfather, father, oldest brother and sister had diabetes. Sister probably passed away from it but it was listed as a heart attack. My older brother just had a heart attack and had surgery and was informed he had a "diabetic heart" whatever that means. He was never diagnosed with diabetes and his blood work never indicated he was a diabetic.

Best wishes for your future good health and Happy New Year!!!

[Mikeod]

2BNTV. You are so correct. In my years of working with diabetics, I had to keep reinforcing that they were not on a diet, but were changing their eating habits PERMANENTLY. Most told me how difficult it was for them initially. But after a while, different for each person, it became almost automatic, and they were much more comfortable with the changes.

One humorous memory I have is the patient who was concerned because his 50th anniversary was upcoming and he knew there would be a cake. He was afraid of eating any cake, but didn't want to not celebrate with his wife. I told him to have a small piece of cake, but watch his other food intake. Diabetes involves choices. If you're going to eat one thing that could elevate your blood glucose, eliminate something else so that your overall intake is not much different from normal. I had a patient that liked to eat potato chips watching football and rebelled at eliminating them. We discussed it with his dietician and came up with the solution to measure out a small bowl of chips (He used to have the whole bag by his chair) and eliminate something else during that day. He did well.

BTW, I am not a dietician, but worked in a multidisciplinary setting for diabetics and met regularly with all the other people involved in diabetic care. My involvement was evaluating retinopathy. In most cases, I could tell how well they were controlling the disease by how much retinopathy I saw. And what I saw in the eye was happening all throughout the body.

Another aspect to diabetes control is that everyone's control is personal. I can't count the patients who complained that their physician was pushing them to improve their control when they had a friend or neighbor whose physician was happy with a higher A1C. They did not realize that there is a balancing act with control and cardiovascular complications.

[Ohiogirl]

What's the difference between the A1C reading and the glucose level reading on a glucose meter?

[JenAjd]

What's the difference between the A1C reading and the glucose level reading on a glucose meter?

Great question!!! I know I've been told this...but it slips my memory and I'd love to see an answer.

My daily numbers have been great lately. I do alot of pool-walking and have to think this helps. I try to eat moderately as well. I was doing that before my diagnosis last summer but the exercise too is "key" to this disease. I've seen too many people who've had the side-effects of retinopathy, nerve damage, heart issues and more....so gotta keep on keeping on with doing what's right for control.

[springfield]

Your daily tests tell you how your body is using or not using the glucose at the moment of the test. Your cells need this glucose to survive, it is the fuel. If you are diabetic, the "key" doesn't work correctly to let the glucose get into the cells to do its job and builds up in the blood since the cells aren't able to use that fuel.
The a1c test tells you how your body has used glucose over a 3 month period.
Both tests are helpful. The daily tests help you learn how your body responds to different foods and amounts of food. The A1C is the average.

I found out that your body can take glucose from the liver if it detects a lack in order to protect vital organs like your brain. Sometimes my readings are highest in the morning because the body took it from my liver to protect, I hope,my poor little brain. If I have some protein before bed, it seems to help carry me through the night better.

[2BNTV]

2BNTV. You are so correct. In my years of working with diabetics, I had to keep reinforcing that they were not on a diet, but were changing their eating habits PERMANENTLY. Most told me how difficult it was for them initially. But after a while, different for each person, it became almost automatic, and they were much more comfortable with the changes.

One humorous memory I have is the patient who was concerned because his 50th anniversary was upcoming and he knew there would be a cake. He was afraid of eating any cake, but didn't want to not celebrate with his wife. I told him to have a small piece of cake, but watch his other food intake. Diabetes involves choices. If you're going to eat one thing that could elevate your blood glucose, eliminate something else so that your overall intake is not much different from normal. I had a patient that liked to eat potato chips watching football and rebelled at eliminating them. We discussed it with his dietician and came up with the solution to measure out a small bowl of chips (He used to have the whole bag by his chair) and eliminate something else during that day. He did well.

BTW, I am not a dietician, but worked in a multidisciplinary setting for diabetics and met regularly with all the other people involved in diabetic care. My involvement was evaluating retinopathy. In most cases, I could tell how well they were controlling the disease by how much retinopathy I saw. And what I saw in the eye was happening all throughout the body.

Another aspect to diabetes control is that everyone's control is personal. I can't count the patients who complained that their physician was pushing them to improve their control when they had a friend or neighbor whose physician was happy with a higher A1C. They did not realize that there is a balancing act with control and cardiovascular complications.

mikeod:

I remember when I was first diagnosed with diabetes, the nurse practicitoner thought I would not take diabetes seriously as she said that 99% of the patients she saw would not hear of changing their eating habits. Their response would be, "just prescribe me a pill to take', because I am not going on a diet. Not a diet but 'lifestyle change".

It's ok to cheat a little assuming one had their diabetes in control but in moderation. I tend to look at processed foods, candy and anything bad for a diabetic as poison. Since I have been selecting the healthier foods, (four years), the foods high in sugar content don't taste good to me.

I am vigilant in selecting foods that don't have a higher fat content, (30% fat for every 100 calories max = 3 grams). I have the type of diabetes that is affected not only by sugar but the fat content. I generally don't try to eat anything that more than 10 grams of sugar. This also means if I were looking at a label and the contens were 8 grams of sugar per serving, I would also look to see if the contents were more than one serviving.

I will make an effort to look of the list of things I consume that work for me to see if others might benefit from it. I'm not a doctor and everybody is different.

I am concerned about my eyesight going forward as I don't want to get macular degeneration or any other condition.

I agree this is a disease where you can't tell what is going on inside your body so vigilance is mandatory to stay healthy - IMHO. I feel better than when I first diagnosed and I will work hard to fight all the various ways diabetes can affect one's body.

I apologize to everyone is this sounds like a sermon but it is a subject close to my heart. My immediate family has either died or it adversely affected by this insideous disease. my brother just had a heart attack on Dec 30, 2010, and the doctor said that he had a diabetic heart although his blood work never showed he had diabetes. I don't understand how that can be so.

Best Wishes to all to stay healthy and happy.

[Freeda]

I don't agree that diabetes is inevitably 'incurable'; and I wanted to speak up because I think people should be given that hope rather than just hear that there is no hope. It is true that there is no medical 'cure'; but then that is true for most medical conditions; medical approaches control the disease symptoms or in some cases its speed of progression, but they are rarely a 'cure' for the underlying condition; (just as putting sound-proofing material under the hood of a car engine is not a 'cure' for the knock in the engine).

However, the body, namely, the human cell, has an inherent ability to heal itself, given the right tools; and not only of diabetes but of many degenerative diseases; even many infectious diseases. It is only the functions within the cell, itself, that, by normalizing, produce, by definition, a 'cure'; that is, a 'healing', and an end of the abnormalities of function within the cells that lead to symptoms and signs that, collectively, are assigned a name, such as diabetes (or high blood pressure, arthritis, asthma, etc). Not only can cells regain better function, but all cells, as they age and eventually die, are constantly generating new versions of themselves; and a newer cell can, when the body is properly cared for, function better than that which served before it. This is the miraculous nature of how the human body was designed. It is truly, inherently, capable of 'miracles'; but they need our help in order to occur.

An analogy is that a car that requires premium gasoline will not run or sound 'right' when regular gasoline is used; but the problem is not the car - the car itself is not 'broken' (at least, not for a while); when properly fueled with high test, the car once again runs normally. Trying to 'adjust' the engine to make it run 'right' with the incorrect fuel would be a medication-type approach; providing the correct type of gasoline would be a natural 'cure' to make the engine run correctly.

A year and a half ago my husband completely reversed his type 2 diabetes, and all of its related symptoms, with a very low-glycemic diet, supplements, and regular moderate exercise (just taking brisk walks). I know that others have been able to do the same. He never started the insulin or pills that were initially recommended; and it was in the thought of having to take medication on a chronic basis, which he found so repugnant, that he found the motivation to change how he was living; and upon diagnosis his blood sugar had been around 360; nearly at coma stage.

The earlier one starts lifestyle changes upon diagnosis (or upon 'pre-diabetes' diagnosis), I think the better the chances of healing oneself.

[Russ_Boston]

I caution against the word 'cure' here.

Type II can be battled, very successfully, with lifestyle changes. Many times to the point that no medications or insulin are needed. I've seen it done.

But the patient can NEVER let their guard down. Once you are insulin resistant you will always be. You need to constantly monitor your glucose intake and your body's reaction.

But I applaud anyone who tackles this horrible disease head on!

[Mikeod]

With all due respect, your husband did not "cure" his diabetes. He is managing it, and very successfully as well. I applaud the effort. If more type II diabetics would exert the same effort, more (but not all) could reduce or eliminate their need for pharmaceutical assistance in managing the disease. What do you think would happen to your husband's blood sugar if he returned to a "normal" diet that other people tolerate without problem?

Look at it this way. A person leads a normal life with a normal diet. At some point, the body's ability to process/utilize carbohydrates is compromised. Cells that normally perform that function are not functioning adequately. Those cells are replaced over time by the process of mitosis where the original cell splits into two cells, each one inheriting all the characteristics of the original cell. If the original cell is malfunctioning, the two resulting cells will also. The original cell is not replaced by a new cell that is fully functional. If that were the case, there would be no kidney disease, no liver disease, no macular degeneration, etc.

Now, if you are referring to stem cells, that is an entirely different story. That is something introduced to the organism from outside, and not an organism "healing" itself.

Again, I commend your husband, and wish more of the diabetics I saw had his dedication. I would have had to tell fewer people that their eyes were failing because of their diabetes.

[Freeda]

I agree that once someone reverses an illness like diabetes, it is not as though they are 'cured' in the sense that they can resume a diet of french fries, cake, and coke (3 of my husband's former favorites); my husband will always need to eat and live healthfully (but actually, that is how all of us should be eating and living, whether we have a disease condition or not), as he mostly does now; if he does not, he very well would probably become a diabetic again (but so would I, likely, if I continually ate like that); but that does not mean that he has diabetes now; he does not meet the definition, any longer. He has resumed having normal blood testing, and no longer has the sweats, leg cramps, blurred vision, or other signs/symptoms of diabetes.

Also, the insulin receptors, like other tissue, can (since all tissue is made up of cells) return to normal function. It is their oxidation (akin to 'rusting') that is the principle reason for insulin resistance; so over time it is possible to reverse insulin resistance. Dr. Ornish's book, Reversing Heart Disease, years ago conveyed many of these same principles.

The notion that our body, once 'damaged', is like a cracked china dish that can never become normal again is a dangerous one because it discourages people from being motivated to regain their health, as opposed seeing themselves as having, at best, a life of being resigned to 'dealing with' a health problem.

[Freeda]

What do you think would happen to your husband's blood sugar if he returned to a "normal" diet that other people tolerate without problem?

Look at it this way. A person leads a normal life with a normal diet. At some point, the body's ability to process/utilize carbohydrates is compromised. .

I think it depends on what you mean by the 'normal' diet. It you mean, and I think you do, the 'usual' diet of the industrialized, Westernized world, consisting so largely of high-glycemic (which induce food cravings) foods, and unnatural and processed foods, and food-'like' substances, then I would say that that 'usual' diet is the primary reason for the growing epidemic, and future increasing epidemic, of diabetes and pre-diabetes, and overweight conditions in all age groups, which is the greatest health tragedy of all time. In other words, that 'normal' diet is the very REASON why, as you stated ... 'at some point, the body's ability to process/utilized carbohydrates is compromised..' It is no coincidence; our bodies are not 'engineered' to at some point in our lives develop diabetes for no reason. What may be the 'usual' diet, as discussed above, is by no means a 'normal' diet, ie, in the sense of being a diet that is suited to our body's needs.

I don't agree that anyone can 'tolerate' the 'usual / normal' unhealthy diet indefinitely, and cavalierly, without developing, sooner or later, related health problems; it is just a matter of time for most people who eat unhealthfully too much of the time; many will be (and often are, unknowingly) prediabetic for years before developing full blown disease.

I am very interested in longevity, and in talking over the years to many very aged people, 90 or older, who are still healthy, I don't meet any that are grossly overweight, who have diabetes, or who consume alot of unhealthy foods; and, frankly, few of them are from the medical industry (nor from my first career field, law - where the high stress level, and its effect on other lifestyle choices, is a factor weighing against longevity). I hope to be one of those long-lived people some day, so I love to learn from them.

[Mikeod]

I purposely avoided using the phrase "normal American diet" in my response to you for those very reasons. I agree that such a diet generally puts people at risk for various health problems. However, I don't have to look far for examples of people who, for some reasons, probably genetic, have tolerated such a diet without problems. My FIL passed away at 97, his mother and grandmother passed at 97/98. Their diet included plenty of foods we would consider unhealthy. Fried chicken in lard, steaks sauted in butter, french fries, white bread, and few fruits and vegetables or whole grains. No diabetes, no heart disease, no cancers, etc.

When we had a patient who achieved normal blood sugar levels through lifestyle modifications, we consciously told them they were still a diabetic. We did not want to convey the impression they could lessen their efforts and wanted to encourage them to keep follow-up testing at home and in clinic. I think Russ said it best. Consider a diagnosis of diabetes like alcoholism. Even though an alcoholic is sober, it doesn't mean they are no longer an alcoholic. A diabetic is a diabetic because their body can no longer process carbs normally. Even if they are managing the disease to keep their readings at a normal level, they are still, and should always consider themselves, a diabetic. This does not remove hope, but reinforces the need to be continuously vigilant.

[Freeda]

A diabetic is a diabetic because their body can no longer process carbs normally.

We seem to be mostly in agreement; some apparent differences are perhaps more a matter of semantics. And I wish I could have talked to your relatives to learn about how they had lived; as you point out, there are probably exceptions to every 'rule'. I just don't want to have to count on being one of the 'exceptions' when it comes to living a long life; so I'm interested in what the similarities are among long-lived people.

But I don't agree with the statement I quoted above; simply because I think that what leads to diabetes is years and years of asking our body to process carbohydrates to an abnormal extent - and eventually this is what wears out those functions of the body. In other words, the body eventually can no longer perform the abnormal processing of carbs that the modern industrialized diet requires; and that is what causes one to become a diabetic.

I think that a diabetic can still process carbs normally - it's just that processing carbs normally means, to me, consuming healthy carbs, in the first place (as well as healthy proteins and fats). Even a diabetic can process healthy carbs in reasonable amounts, and that is what is 'normal' (though perhaps not 'usual'), and is what our bodies were designed to be able to do. What a diabetic CANNOT do is continue processing abnormal, high-glycemic carbs, which cause sharp spikes in blood sugar.

I think of diabetes as different from alcoholism, since it is my understanding that alcoholism is an innate trait, perhaps genetic, but inborn; I don't think it is acquired through lifestyle choices. I don't know alot about that, but that is my understanding.

Diabetes (type 2), by contrast, is an acquired condition, from lifestyle choices. (I realize that some people disagree and think that it is genetic, and perhaps it is, for some people). I think diabetes is more like a smoking, than like alcoholism. A person who has ceased smoking is not still a smoker -they are an ex-smoker. Just as with time, the lungs eventually reverse the damaging tissue effects of smoking, the same thing happens, over time, with diabetes and insulin resistance, when a person ceases the conduct that causes diabetes.

Just as an ex-smoker will cause themselves new lung damage (just as will someone who is new to smoking) if they start smoking again, a person who was once a diabetic can cause themself, through adopting unhealthy habits again, to develop the condition again, and have the wild blood sugar swings, insulin resistance, and the resulting bodily symptoms and, eventually, other organ damage from diabetes. But an ex-smoker who has stopped long enough for their lung tissue to regenerate to healthy tissue again, and a diabetic who has been of normal blood sugar findings, and free of symptoms, and who has reversed insulin resistance - and, yes, this can be achieved over time -are merely an ex-smoker and an ex-diabetic; and yes, either of them can become a smoker or a diabetic again - just as can someone who has never been a smoker or a diabetic.

I just disagree with the idea that 'once a diabetic, always a diabetic', since, while I can see the point that has been made that this 'label' might 'scare' some people into maintaining better health habits, it might also, for some people, be a source of discouragement of efforts to improve.

There are specific diagnostic criteria for diabetes, and those who do not any longer fit the criteria should not, by definition, be labeled a 'diabetic' any longer. (Not that they have 'immunity' from future recurrences of the condition if they resume old habits).

[Mikeod]

"Diabetes (type 2), by contrast, is an acquired condition, from lifestyle choices."

From my training and 20 years of working with diabetic patients, I have to disagree entirely with that statement.

There is no doubt that lifestyle choices can be a significant risk factor for developing type II diabetes. But it is not the only factor. If your statement is correct, everyone who is obese will become a diabetic. Everyone who leads a sedentary lifestyle along with an "unhealthy" diet will become a diabetic. And that does not happen. My patients came from all walks of life. Athletes, laborers, law enforcement, office workers, retirees, etc. They were of varying stages of fitness, various diets, various ethnic groups. They were a subset of my other patients in every way.

It is not my goal or intent to change the way you think about diabetes. This a popular message board and many people, diabetics and non-diabetics alike, will read what is posted here. Because I have observed diabetics who have excellent control still experience the microvascular effects of the disease, I and the team I worked with found it best to consider our diabetic patients to be diabetics forever.

The best to you and your husband. I wish you well.

[Russ_Boston]

I and the team I worked with found it best to consider our diabetic patients to be diabetics forever.


That is what I was trying to say but you said it better. Thanks!

[2BNTV]

I am not a doctor. Please consult your doctor with any concerns about the right course of action for you.

These are my observations as I understand them:
1. Diabetes are genetic if family has a history.
2. Slender people can have diabetes, (Mary Tyler Moore had it at age 19). It's not always a function if you don't eat well and in the right amount of food.
3. There is junvenile diabetes.
4. Once your diagnosed with diabetes, you can work to control it with healthy eating and exercise. My doctor said even if the blood levels don't say your in a diabetic range anymore, you still are a diabetic. You may be in control of your diabetes which is the best option.

My point of view is this:
1. You can work to control your diabetes or it will control you with the various maladys that come with it. I prefer to control it.
2. By posting what has been my experiences, I was hoping that others would know there is hope if you are diligent in your eating choices and exercise habits in bringing it under control and not suffer the possible damaging effects of this disease.
3. I was not trying to spread fear as some medical profesionals will inadvertenly do when explaining how this disease works.
4. I feel better now because I am eating more healthy than ever before, so getting the Diabetes diagnoses was a good thing for me.
5. Every person is different as should follow the advice of their doctor to do whats right for them to keep healthy.
6. I think of a "lifestyle change" in terms of my eating habits is positive thinking because when I think of "diet", I think of I'm depriving myself of something I want to eat.

The "alcoholic" analogy came from my doctor. I understand it to mean that an "acoholic" can become sober and gain control by not drinking but he/she goes back to drinking, their life will be out of control. The statement had nothing to do with "alcoholism" as a disease but what is needed to bring it under control. Same for a diabetic.

Longevity reminds me of the old Abbott and Costello joke when they were placed in front of a firing squad. The officer asked Lou if he had any last wishes. Lou Replied,"I want to die of old age".

I have the utmost sympathy for those people who have had received a diabetes diagnoses that need to take medication and suffer from the effects of this disease. I wish everyone well.

Diabetes is an epidemic in this country. We shouldn't be afraid of it but we shouldn't dismis it lightly.

Russ_Boston - But I applaud anyone who tackles this horrible disease head on!

I would like to be counted as one of the people who has met this head-on.