[Cain]

Hello all,

I saw this site while searching for info on diabetes in general and thought I would post.

I found out yesterday that I had diabetes from what the doctor said. Basically for over a week I had been having this pain in my left side of my abdomen, it felt alittle swollen which I am assuming is where the pancreas is.

Yesterday was worse so I went in and they told me my level (not sure what it is, glucose?) was 350 when I came in versus 125 or so being normal. Basically the doctor asked me how long had I been a diabetic with my response being a dumbfounded look on my face.

They gave me a shot of insulin and my level was ticking down, before the shot it went to 304, after down to around 250ish .

Being a former soldier and boxer, I was and I am pretty ashamed of myself right now as I let myself go. Balloned up to 310 lbs on a 5'10 inch frame. though, recently i got myself down to around 260.

The doctor had after seeing my levels go down stated that if I keep my diet in check, loose weight, and exercise that I would not need to take insulin shots. He sent me on my way with a prescription for some pills (glycophean? ) to take twice a day with meals.

So now I guess I am at a new stage in my life at 28. I laugh it off when I brought it up to people I know who wanted to know what happened, but a part of me feels alittle out of sorts. Not scared, but just not in control. I know someone with type 1 and wouldn't ever compare what I am going through to what she does so I don't want to come off to anyone like I am complaining.

I guess some of the things I want to know are:

1. Is it possible to have such a spike like I did and not have diabetes? What exactly is the final determining factor on this?

2. Are you able to enjoy any of the foods you were used to on an extremely limited basis or is it pretty much cold turkey from now on? No sodas, no BBQ, etc? I am not talking even once a week, maybe once on a special occasion?

3. At one time I was doing the atkins diet which I lost a good amount of weight on, could this be tied to any of this?

4. I have heard various things about splenda, so is it good or bad?

5. How much trouble has anyone had getting life insurance with Type 2 diabetes under control?

6. I was originally planning to get back into shape and join the National Guard next year (ironically, I started my workouts yesterday), with this condition, is my dream pretty much shot?

I think that is about it. I am just, honestly, I don't know what I am. Ashamed more than anything else, especially being the only one in the family with this thing. I know its my own fault as I decided to put the food to my mouth and I accept that. I feel more-so bad for my wife who deserves better than this.

[4519]

Welcome to the forum.

You ask a lot of questions - that is good - you won't know unless you ask.

Let me take on one of them - the splenda issue. i prefer Stevia myself. It is sold in health food stores - I get the powered packet form. It is a natural approach - does not raise your blood glucose levels.

Life insurance - I doubt it is any problem if you are in control, haven't applied since I was diagnosed.

Atkins is a low carb approach - I personally follow low carb myself and it really brought down the weight along with the metformin I take.

Is it possible to have a spike like you did and not be diabetic - in our dreams only. You weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels scream diabetes.

Don't let insulin be the bad guy here. It is the only natural treatment diabetes have besides their diets. Yes, there are problems with controlling it if you are not on top of it, but that is minor compared to what it will do for you in the long run. It depends on where you fall in your diabetes if you need insulin or not. Very hard exercise and a good restricted diet can turn this around for SOME people. You might be one and you might not be one. Only time will tell there. Don't just accept the good health diet if you want to turn this around. You have to counter a lot of poor eating habits and years of not eating right(for you).

[Keezheekoni]

Hi and welcome to the board!

I am able to enjoy the foods I love, in moderation. I have switched to diet sodas, especially the diet Coke with splenda instead of aspartame. I don't like th aspartame aftertaste, but some people don't like the splenda aftertaste. YMMV.

Atkins won't cause diabetes... it may cause heart disease and high cholesterol levels though! Low-carb is good, since carbs do spike your sugars, but like everything-moderation!

I wouldn't know about getting life insurance with T2, however if you search the forum, there was a thread about it awhile ago... Some people had problems, someone did find a specific company where it was no problem.

Two of my T2 cousins are in the National Guard, one is a Coast Guard (he helps the fisherman up in Alaska), and quite a few of them are in various other branches of the military. All of them are under control and as long as they stay a certain weight and get their A1c checked every 3 months, there's no problem, as far as I know.

If you have more questions, feel free to ask! Everyone here is really knowledgeable!

[Brouts]

welcome to the board

[Lex4153]

Your weight may have to do with why you got diabetes, but mostly it's genetics. Don't beat yourself up about it. All you can do now is treat it as a wake up call to turn your life around and live happily and healthily.

There is NOTHING wrong with treating yourself on special occasions. Somethings actually get ingrained in you, like diet soda. You get used to it. I couldn't drink regular now, even if I wanted to. It's too sweet and doesn't quench my thirst like diet. I still eat bread and pasta, but now I use whole grain instead. Some diabetics can't eat carbs. Some can. Some carbs will affect you differently than others. For this I would suggest a food log, to note what you blood sugars are before a meal and 2 hours after a meal and what you ate, your activity level, etc.

About health insurance . . . I have heard that it is nearly impossible or ridiculously expensive for a diabetic to get their own private policy. It would need to be sought through employers or a spouse. I hope that isn't an issue with you!

Diabetics can do anything everyone else can do. My doctor told me once that a diabetic diet is actually how everyone should eat (nondiabetics). Don't think about this as a life sentence. It's a lifestyle change that will help you lose weight, feel good, and live a long life.

[shanda]

Hi Cain And welcome to the Forum!

I think most of us were a bit scared and confused when first diagnosed and that is normal. By educating yourself by reading this Forum and talking with your Health Care Team and learning all you can about diabetes you will feel in control of this in no time.

Also congratulations on losing FIFTY POUNDS!! That is not easy to do and you are already on the road to better health. Keep it up and let us know how you are doing

Take care,
shanda

[kgm0612]

Welcome to the forum Cain.

I follow a low carb diet, sorta like Aikens, only not as much protein. I also do alot of walking for exercise. My brother-in-law was dx'd with type 2 diabetes in late fall and he's lost 36lbs so far watching what he eats.

I do enjoy some treats several times a week. I will have a couple of chocolate chip cookies, a small bowl of ice cream, even some chocolate, but it's also in moderation and I am also a pumper so I can cover it if I do go overboard.

Karen

[Infosec]

Welcome to the forum! I am about the same build as you, and am 33. I was in my 290s several months ago. I hit an all time low and knew I needed to do something about my health. My wife and I joined WeightWatchers. I lost weight each week but was diagnosed several weeks ago with T2. I then tweaked my diet and stepped up the exercise even more. As of yesterday I am now in the 240s (OK!! 247), I weigh myself once a week. A good diet and exercise will help out a lot!

[Infosec]

I forgot to add this: I took my t-shirt off last night after I was done on the treadmill, I had to cuz I was hot! My wife said: "your tummy is getting smaller!!... and so are your boobs". She said it in a loving and proud tone. She then realized what she said, we both laughed.

[sydneya]

Welcome to the forum and thanks for giving us food for thought (the best kind--no calories and no blood sugar spiked.)
I've been Type 2 for 20 years. A lot has changed to make it possible to enjoy some of the foods we love and think we can't have. A trip to a diabetic educator will help you with that. We live in the age of many different typed of meds and wonderful diabetic food products. I love splenda. I take advantage of sugar free foods and have gone through each stage grateful they had what I need. Insulin is not bad. Needles are made mostly pain free. A fluke happens, but "mostly pain free".

Atkins would not cause diabetes. We have many people on the board that are on Atkins. Most modify it a bit, but if it works great. Oh, you are a good husband to worry about what your wife has to go through, but the better diet is going to be wonderful for both of you. My husband, once in awhile will say, "I need to take better care of you." No I need to take better care of myself. He doesn't need to offer me candy, but my health is just that MY health and I need to be able to say, "No." or at least "can we have angel food cake instead of German chocholate."

We are each different in our needs. You will find what yours are by using your monitor. Eat, test, compare.

In my twenty years with this "interesting" disease, I have never been refused life insurance. We diabetics, who keep ourselves in control, can live a long life. The 2000 are a great time to live.

I hope you post often. Knowledge is better than anything with this disease and you will find a lot of it here. I sure have.

[xMenace]

Welcome Cain,

Basically there is nothing about day to day living with diabetes that is intolerable. I showed my new insulin pump to a 10+ year friend last night whom we had drinks with (yes I drink), and he was shocked to learn of my condition.

The long term complications are scary, but by keeping your body in good health and sugars under control, these can be conquered too.

I'd guess the National Guard might be a lost dream. One look at your records will probably disqualify you. You'd know more than me. I got life insurance at 25, but for a hefty price. Don't count on getting any, but if you get your weight down, I'd apply asap. You may need a medical. Lying about this episode could have negative consequenses too if you passed, so be forthright.

Get at er bud! And keep stopping by for encouragement transfers

[Roy Gardiner]

Hi, Cain. I, too, am fairly new to diabetes and to this forum, and your words rung peals of bells with me! Especially the confusion and feelings of self blame and inadequacy.

These feelings are wrong; you are no more to blame than if you went bald or became short sighted or even because you have blue eyes not brown (or the other way around...). It's just one of those things.

Originally Posted by Cain

...Being a former soldier and boxer, I was and I am pretty ashamed of myself right now as I let myself go. Balloned up to 310 lbs on a 5'10 inch frame. though, recently i got myself down to around 260.

Diabetics need to be slim and fit.

As a former soldier and boxer, you understand discipline (self discipline and that landed on you by others!), probably more than most. This will help you implement a plan to bring your weight down; you know what your fighting weight was, your target is that or less, depending on how much less muscle weight you have now than then.

Just in case you're not aware of this (which I doubt) don't try to lose weight too fast, and don't go straight into your old training regime!! Start easy, cycling and swimming are good.

...I think that is about it. I am just, honestly, I don't know what I am. Ashamed more than anything else, especially being the only one in the family with this thing. I know its my own fault as I decided to put the food to my mouth and I accept that.

It's not your fault. But the future is in your hands.

I feel more-so bad for my wife who deserves better than this.

Sir, your wife may set you straight on that point

It would only be shameful if you ignored the condition, which clearly you're not.

If your wife is the caterer in your house, allow me to remind you of the old joke. You will now eat exactly as you like; first, she will tell you what you like, then you'll eat it.

The diabetic diet is, in a phrase, good fresh food with very little or no sugar, and reduced carbs. Not, in principle, difficult.

[Keezheekoni]

Originally Posted by Roy Gardiner

If your wife is the caterer in your house, allow me to remind you of the old joke. You will now eat exactly as you like; first, she will tell you what you like, then you'll eat it.

Oh my gosh! I love this *so* much! I'm gonna start using this with my kids!!! Thanks!

[WordJames]

Originally Posted by Cain

I found out yesterday that I had diabetes from what the doctor said. Basically for over a week I had been having this pain in my left side of my abdomen, it felt alittle swollen which I am assuming is where the pancreas is.

Diabetes is as much about the muscles, liver, adrenals and gonads as it is about the pancreas. The muscles because that is where insulin insensativity happens; it is muscle cells not utilizing glucose that allows it to accumulate in the blood. The liver, because that is where your body manufactures glucose every night. The adrenals because adrenalin and insulin are antagonists, with adrenalin destroying insulin or reducing its effectiveness (it's known as stress). The gonads because you inherited the tendency to blood sugar disorders. In addition, diabetes can result from damage to the pancreas due to viral or bacterial infections, cancer, trauma or several other things.

Originally Posted by Cain

4. I have heard various things about splenda, so is it good or bad?

Possibly. Splenda (sucralose) is a modified form of ordinary household sugar with the calories left out. Unlike some artificial sweeteners, it doesn't deteriorate rapidly with heat and can be used in cooking. I haven't seen any warnings about adverse effects from using it. If you must use a sweetener, sucralose and stevia seem to be as safe as any.

[Cain]

Hi everyone,

This past week has been interesting to say the least. My mother who is an RN was pretty concerned so she has been speaking with her various doctor friends concerning my new condition to find out all she can. I have been doing the same but she is alittle more urgent about it, probably has something to do with me being the youngest in the family.

The first few days after I was diagnosed was pretty tough. That metformin pill I am on really made my stomach twist in turn and other things I won't say here. Its alittle better now, but I need to look into getting off of it because from what I understand, its making my pancreas work harder, so of course that will burn out sooner.

So if I get into shape, is it possible to get off the pill? The doctor didn't say anything about the pill but did say something about the insulin if I get into shape.

I started more strenuous exercise. I try to give my dog a good long fast pace walk, and he loves that and I am pretty winded and sweaty afterwards but I actually feel really good too. Before I go to bed I am lifting weights or doing something else like pushups, situps etc. Its ironic to me to see myself struggle with doing pushups when I used to be able to do them probably as easy I was until recently feeding my face. But, the good thing is its something I can fix.

I did re-weight myself on a new scale as the one we had was acting up so the numbers couldn't be trusted and I was 268.5 about wednesday and I am down to 266 today. I am hoping to try and lose about 2 lbs a week. I don't think that is too much. Though, I know if I build up more muscle mass, my body will probably go up in weight a bit or just however, but at least more fat will be gone.

Do any of you take a multi-vitamin? I am taking the carb-smart vitamin which doesn't have iron as with an Atkins diet you get plenty of that, and I believe the chromium in it is supposed to be good for diabetics? How much should I shoot for chromium wise?

Thank you everyone for your words. I am wanting to really fight through this and ultimately stay off of the meds and shots as long as possible.

I am going to post a few questions in the Type 2 area, mainly diet questions and appreciate any responses!