Are you diabetic?!?

A world of new worries!! - God being Diabetic sucks!!!
United States
January 30, 2007 12:41am CST
I just found out today that I am diabetic and I am having a hell of a time dealing with this turn of events. I am 35 and in resonable good health (not obese, actually just lost alot of weight*5'7" & 160lbs*), do not drink alchol, and have actually cut back on the sweets to loose weight. So why now?!? I go to the store and everything that I love is either loaded with fat, carbs, or sugar so I cannot have anything that I love to eat nor drink. Did you know a can of Enchiladas has just as much sugar and carbs as a tub of Chocolate Ice Cream? Not to mention all of the other health risks that are now heaped on mee, so much more to worry about with being diabetic. I do not want to go through life worrying about loosing a limb , sight, etc.. God this is driving mee nuts!! How did you deal with it? How are you dealing with it? GOD THIS SUCKS!!! I feel like my best friend died!! Any input would be appriciated!! Thank you for your time and have a great day!!
11 people like this
52 responses
@wrdsofwisdm (1069)
• United States
30 Jan 07
This happened to my mom. She became over weight by maybe 15 pounds in her 40's and then she became less active in her mid 50's. Five years ago she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. She had a fit. It's like losing a part of freedom and having new restrictins put upon you. She adjusted and now she is fine and thank god she doesn't need injections. If you are borderline like my mom, and you exercise, you will still be able to eat some of your favorite things in moderation. Once you get used to keeping your sugar evenly balanced..you can work in a treat or two. It's a huge adjustment at first and it blows when it first happens, but if you work out a system that works for you, you'll do well. I'm sorry you're so upset right now. I hope you feel better soon.
3 people like this
@cerium (691)
30 Jan 07
There's really no need to panic. Diabetes is very common among my family. My dad, uncles and my grandma all had diabetes. It always depend on the degree of the disease. If it's severe, then you should follow up with a doctor cnstantly and maybe you may need insulin or something. However, if it's mild, then all you need is a visit to your doctor every now and then and maybe some medications. My dad got it when he was 42. Now he's 54 and it's all the same. Your doctor should give you a list of food that you should eat and things to avoid (although my dad doesn't follow this so much :) ). Also a walk (or maybe jogging as you are young) for half an hour every day will surely help.
2 people like this
• United States
1 Feb 07
Thank you for the encouragement. I cannot jog eventhough I am young as I am also disabled, but I do use weights and ride bike every day. Thank you for the post and have a great day!!
@kbkbooks (7022)
• Canada
30 Jan 07
My family has many diabetics and I have a lot of diabetic friends. I get tested regularly but so far am blessed. I'm sorry you are having such a hard time.
2 people like this
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
30 Jan 07
i can understand, having my father affected i know how does it feel. i think its all in how you take it. i see that you have already come in terms of what has happened. regulate your lifestyle, cut down on your food intake, do regular exercise, stop smoking, if atall you do, eat healthy, think healthy. regular diabetic check s a must. buy a diabetes measure home kit, go for check two times in a month both PP and on empty stomach. relax and take it easy. you should learn to accept that fact that you have to live with this, so live healthily. i am sure you gonna beat it. good luck
2 people like this
@pmgsan (149)
• India
30 Jan 07
Dear friend!!. I understand your problem.Being a diebetic who has said that you can not have a normal life. First thing you have to stop thinking that you are a patient. You too can have normal life if certain principles are followed. Whatis thatin tha diabetic?.The sugar is not fully getting converted in to energy due to mal functioning of pancryates. No problem will make from out side effortsto get fully converted.Little extra work you put in in your daily routine then all is normal. Try to eat food which has good amount of fibre contents. Don't eat to your stomach full. Give little rest to the system,which is demanding from you now. While the system is given rest you start woking from outside, that is the secrect.Instead of eating 3 times a day eat 5 times a day.That is to say your normal required calories of food is taken by dividingin5 parts Now a days you get lot of products which are not prepared with sugar,but you will have the sweetness.Remember i have said one thing that we have to work from outside and give little rest to the internal machineof your body.Out side workis have daily pratice of walking.Brisk walking till you are able to walk.At least 4KM.If possible try to walk in the morning and evening. This exercise will burn all fatsand convertthe sugar as energy to the system.No mixing of sugar in the blood or urine.Doing YOGA also is the best treatment if there is someone to teach you.You can really come out of sugar problem. You can say "Goodbye"to diabetic by doing Yoga. Best of luck.Keep smiling!!!.
@crazy1 (479)
• New Zealand
30 Jan 07
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 17 months ago during an anual cholesterol check. It turned out my cholesterol was high, as well as the pancreas going up and down. It did throw me for a loop for some weeks, but even at my age I've found it reasonably easy to adapt to a low fat, low sugar diet. With the help of medication, I'm keeping both reasonably under control, and yes, I still slip up some times, the odd few lollies here and there, a nice cool drink of something sweet occassionally, or even takeaways occassionally like fish & chips. It hasn't been easy adjusting for me, as I'm a head chef and used to picking on what evers handy in the kitchen, but I am eating a lot more healthy meals now, and the up side for me is I've just about completely lost my sweet tooth, something to be grateful for, given I have a slight weight problem.
2 people like this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
30 Jan 07
I am sorry about this meeandnotyou I really am I have to be tested everyYear as it is in my Family and due to my Illness it can be dangerous to me so I wonder if it is in your Family somewhere You might have to investigate And all I can suggest is do what the Doctor says My Mum has had it for Years and my Grandmother had it to and she lived into her 80s so do not beat yourself up about Love just listen to the Doctor I know what you are going through as I felt the same 5 years ago when I was told about my Disability but I fought on and I know you will to
2 people like this
• Philippines
2 Feb 07
do not worry too much, just continue on your low fat diet, drink lots of water and think positively. use less sugar and exercise. do not deprive yourself you can eat what you want but in moderation. goodluck
1 person likes this
• United States
3 Feb 07
Thank you for the great responses! I am getting pretty good at this whole diet thing but god is it frusterating. I work out daily and watch what I eat and so far my sugar is getting pretty under control. After I get it under control for a while I will be able to relax and stop worring so much. Thank you both for the responses and have a great day!!
@crazy1 (479)
• New Zealand
3 Feb 07
I aggree, cutting out the fat and sugar from your diet is important, that's the hard part, or was for me, I have high cholesterol with my diabetes, so not much option really. Other than cutting out sugar though, it's pretty easy. I've almost lost my sweet tooth now, also a good thing given I have a bit of a weight problem. The longer you stick with it, the easier it gets, so hang in there.
2 people like this
@crazy1 (479)
• New Zealand
5 Feb 07
I'm glad you have it under control, and continue to keep it that way. I hope you get regular checks with your Doctor, as this is important. I just saw my Doctor a few hours back, I've had my meds doubled, I also have to take meds to open up the arteries. In two weeks I go back and see him and get my blood pressure under control, as well as the cholesterol, all side effects of diabetes, so atm I'm I good candidate for heart attack or stroke. It's a pity my last Doctor wasn't more on to it when I was first diagnosed, or I wouldn't be having these problems now.
2 people like this
• India
30 Jan 07
now a days people suffer from diabeties in the early age due to the change in life style. prevention is better in case of diabeties.....
2 people like this
• United States
30 Jan 07
I do not have diabetes but when I am pregnant I always have gestational diabetes and it is horrible. I remember that the worst thing for me was juice. I love to drink juice and did not realise how much sugar was in juice. I thought that I was going to die. When I was having my troubles on finding things to eat and plan my menues I checked at our local and they gave me some phone numbers for some great classes to take on learning the foods that good for you. Try calling around and see if they offer anything like that for you. I am sorry that I could not be of any more help then this and keep your chin up, once you get used to it you will not have such a hard time.
@skygirl85 (119)
• Italy
30 Jan 07
i'm sorry very much for you!!!! I'll hope you good luck!
2 people like this
@pbharat (24)
• India
30 Jan 07
my family is full of diabetics 2 add 2 my agony half of them r doctors i was also diagnosed recently i hav stopped all kinds of fatty foods my sincere advice is 2 control ur diet
• India
30 Jan 07
Me too a diabetic, that 4 years I'm doing yoga for controlling blood sugar.I think, my laziness is the reason for this deseas. But my regular yoga practice reduced my blood sugar level. You too do the yoga, it is not hard one only need 30-60 minuts everyday at morning.
2 people like this
@secky74 (41)
• Philippines
30 Jan 07
Same here, It/s my first anniversary today with diabetis =D I lost a lot of weight before I learned that I had diabetis, why, the doctor said in a very plain way (so that I'd understand it easily) "you're body is going down", that's why I lost a lot of weight, my blood sugar was around 500+ something then. My medication everyday is I inject insulin twice a day, a painful way to learn my lesson regarding sweets, good luck bro, just take care of what you eat, take care of your kidneys, be mindful of what you eat, did I say to look out for what you eat?
@kareng (53440)
• United States
30 Jan 07
My husband is diabetic and it requires a lifestyle change as far as eating is concerned. I took all the sugar out of the house and I don't buy sugar anymore. I don't use it in cooking or anything else. My kids adjusted and I really haven't missed it. You need to concentrate on fresh vegetables and forget all the processed and frozen foods. They are loaded with junk as you discovered in the enchiladas :) Take it easy and find some good sugar free cookbooks. There are lots of sweets that are actually good and easy to make. Just think of it like all that stuff is bad for you and JUNK and concentrate on the good stuff. Fresh fruits and veggies. Good luck!
1 person likes this
@crazy1 (479)
• New Zealand
30 Jan 07
My Doctor gave me a good website to read through for my diabetes, WWW.diabetes.org.nz it's a good site to go through and read when you have a bit of free time, I found a few helpful tips there.
1 person likes this
@Bee1955 (3882)
• United States
8 Feb 07
What is that saying? God doesnt give you any more than He knows you can handle? Welcome to the diabetic club - hundreds of thousand strong. I've lost the feeling below my knees and my right great toe because for years doctors told me I was "borderline diabetic" and NOT to worry. You are lucky, you found out early. With diet, exercise and checking your sugar like your doctor suggests you can adjust and you will. This recipe you can whip up on your own and you wont miss those enchiladas at all! Here's a diabetic soup that also helps reduce chloresterol. Beef and Barley Soup - Crockpot Style INGREDIENTS: 1 pound LEAN stew beef, cut in 1/2-inch cubes 1/2 cup chopped onion 2 ribs celery, chopped 2 medium carrots, diced 3/4 cup barley 1 bay leaf 6 cups low fat beef broth 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste pepper, to taste PREPARATION: In crockpot, combine stew beef with onion, celery, carrots, barley, bay leaf, and beef broth. Cook beef and barley soup on LOW in crockpot for 6 to 8 hours. Taste and add salt and pepper, to taste. Good eating and good luck!
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Feb 07
Thank you for the response and for the recipe as it sounds really good and I will try it tonight as soon as I make it to the store. Once again thank you for the response and have a great day!
@rsa101 (37952)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
I too was recently diagnosed with diabetes and I also am 36 years old. I couldn't believe it too that I was going to have this disease this early on. Like you I do not drink, smoke and all of those bad habits as they say but I got it too. I started dieting and avoiding foods that I used to love and somehow I am greatly saddened by the situation. But after almost 3 mos of dieting and avoiding my favorite foods I came to adjust now and feel good that I am continously losing my weight and reaching my ideal weight slowly. It would take some time and discipline to master your own body. We cannot do anything anymore but follow what is prescribed by our doctors and maintain our health as much as possible.
1 person likes this
@crazy1 (479)
• New Zealand
6 Feb 07
Aggreed, I'm pleased you're sticking to the diet and it's working well for you. It does take some getting used to ehhhh, but I think it's worth it.
2 people like this
@cowboys33 (421)
• Australia
30 Jan 07
im not a diabetic but my uncle is. they way to not become a diabetic is just eat healthy and work out regully
1 person likes this
@ky1119 (698)
• United States
14 Feb 07
What??? Are you serious??? It's called genetics. Yes, being overweight can contribute, but it boils down to genetics. You should read up on the subject before you start giving advice.
1 person likes this
• United States
15 Feb 07
cowboys33 is talking about eating healthy and working out as a way of keeping the glucose under control. As we all know at times it boils down to genetics but the diet and exercise can help in keeping the symptoms at bay. Thank you for the advice and the dialog. Have a great day knowing that was probabally not an OVERWEIGHT jab
• United States
30 Jan 07
u too, huh?? well my mother is one, so i became one. well i am over weight, but the diet plan my doc gave me i guess he wants me to die of starvation!!!! no can do. i drink lots of tea sweetend with SPLENDA,(your choice may be different), i drink lots of water, try to stay away from sweets(boy!blew it christmas). its not an easy thing and i feel for you. i try to eat salads, and try to stay away from foods that r white, such as of course sugar, potaotoes,(sweet potatoes r okay) rice,bread(eat whole wheat) and lots of fruit, now i said try okay, so far im not doing to hot, i crave everything i dont need but sometimes u just have too. mother is 71 yrs old and her eyes r just about gone, when they take her drivers license and she can no longer go anywhere when she wants too, then that will put the finishing touches on her, so i try to keep in mind about her and i try not to do what i have been doing, but its not easy!!!!!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
8 Feb 07
I think frequent check up with the doctor or a local hospital can greatly help in controlling your blood sugar. They will teach you proper ways of lowering your blood sugar without dire effects. You will not lost a limb if you stick to your diet regimen or insulin maintenance. But as far as I got from your data, you may have a Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus so you need insulin shots to control your blood sugar. Go to the doctor, tell him how you feel, stick to the treatment plan, and all of that will be a routine in no time. In most cases, leading to a normal, healthy life.
• United States
8 Feb 07
It is funny that you said that. The doctor tryed to put mee on the shots but I protested and they tryed mee on the pills enstead. My sugar is now under control as it has been for the last week, so I am glad and relieved that I am not insulin dependant (shots). Thank you for the response and have a great day!!