a newbe with questions (fatigue)

[PepsiLvr]

Hello all,

I just found this forum and it is great!! I have a couple of questions I hope I can get some help with.

History:
Just diagnosed 1 month ago.
Used to drink 6+ cans of regular pepsi daily w/ no problems.
I am actually underweight.
I had no symptoms except fatigue.
They think it is type II but are not sure.
Taking Metaglip 2.5/500 2X daily.
Sugars have been a bit high 140 (fasting) 150-200 (2hrs after meals)
Doctor says sugars are ok at this level (I don't agree)
Sometimes fasting goes as low as 107 but this is rare.

Problems:
I am still suffering from major fatigue and muscle weakness (not as bad as before treatment) I suspect it is related to the medication but would like some thoughts / suggestions.

Thanks for any help!!

[HeatherP]

Hello and Welcome pepsilvr! It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm T1 myself, so our experiences may be a bit different.

The fatigue you're feeling could very well be a symptom of the diabetes. You say you're underweight - did this happen all of a sudden? If so, then that could be the reason. 150-200 is higher than the general standards. I have a target range of 100-150 at all times.

Have you been to see a Certified Diabetes Educator yet? You should go ASAP. Doctors are not the best when it comes to how to eat and teaching all the other things that go along w/ Diabetes.

Hope this helps a bit,
HeatherP

[PepsiLvr]

Hello,

Thanks for your comments.

Yes, this was all of the sudden. I have been to a certified educator and I must say that it was very beneficial. Actually, they suggested that I see an endocrinologist when my doctor didn't think it was necessary. I think I will go though. Thank god for my PPO insurance (no referral needed)!!

[HeatherP]

Glad to hear it! I think it's a good idea that you're interested in seeing a specialist - it's always good to have a variety of opinions to help you make decisions. I'd tend to say you're type 1 if you dropped weight all of a sudden, but then I'm not a dr. It's possible that your pancreas is still squeezing out a little insulin still, have you heard of the "honeymoon period"? I hope that you can get the help you need, and please visit us often to let us know how you're doing!

HeatherP

[PepsiLvr]

Actually, let me clarify, I lost the weight about 5 years ago when I DID have some of the symptoms (i.e. increased thist, frequent urination) I went from about 200lbs to 150lbs over the course of 1 year for no reason. I went to the doctor for a checkup at that time and had a blood test but it came back fine. After that, the symptoms I mentioned disappeared. So, I was doing fine for about 5 or more years until I lost about 10 pounds suddenly and got severe fatigue (recently). I am going to the specialist next week so we'll see.

Thanks for all of your comments. It's nice to have a place like this with people to talk to.

[Jon]

Did you stop drinking all the pepsi? Maybe your body is used to having all that caffeine and sugar, and now that it is not there, it may take a while to adjust.

[PepsiLvr]

Yes, as soon as I found out I switched to Diet Pepsi (I gotta have my Pepsi) So I know the caffiene is not the problem but the sugar could be (I know it's a BIG change). While I was waiting for the results from the blood test, I took it upon myself to check my sugar on my own and it was 533 when I did. BTW, my A1c was 13.5 when I was dxd.

Thanks for your comments.

[rzrbks]

just a guess--but you're getting your B/Gs under control and that makes major changes to your system--prolly part of the fatigue--I know that if I let my B/Gs slip above 140/7.7-145/8.0 then I start feeling tired.

Keep in mind about the loss of caffine to your system too. That's a major change as well. I know several people who have gone on the Atkin's Cult and dropping the caffine out of their diet cost them several-to-many days discomfort.

I guess what I'm saying is that you need to give your body time to adjust to all the changes you've made to your body's routine. Before you really begin to understand where you are.


On a side note, impo, a great deal of the problem comes from being addicted to Pepsi:eek: rather than Coke. :) j/k

[snakeye]

It's new so be patient. I felt a lot of stuff when first dx'd. The system is replacing itself you're gaining weight plus bs is getting into shape.

Being dx'd one month ago means clearly that your A1c has not yet returned to it's normal value yet because hemglobins have a 2 or 3 month lifetime.

[PepsiLvr]

Thanks.

rzrbks - I do notice that when I ocasionally get down to 109-120 I do feel better so maybe that's part of the fatigue. I AM still on the caffiene though. Luckily diet pepsi has caffiene. I don't think I could do without that.

snakeye - thanks for the comment on the A1c. I knew that hemoglobins had a 3 mo lifetime but I guess I didn't stop to think about that "overall level" vs. the immediate BG level.

[lumplump]

If at any time your BG is 533 and your A1C is 17 you don't need a doctor to tell you you are diabetic.

I landed in the hospital with severe dehydration due to extreme ketoacidosis and lost 80 lb. in 6 months. weight loss is classic.

My vision improved for a while and eventually returned to normal(bad). When my vision improves I know it's because my sugars are rising (on average).

The most unfortunate indicater of BG is my mood. It seems I 'm resigned to having to be grouchy when my BG is good.

[lumplump]

When I was first diagnosed I was as weak as a kitten for a couple of weeks before and after my hospital stay. I was having difficulty walking in a strait line. Mom told me I was turning ashen. I admitted myself because, after the second morning of vomiting yesterdays breakfast we knew something was up. Up until then I was in total denial.

[Jean Cusick]

Go to an endo doctor. Your history sounds similar to mine. You don't say how old but 10% to 15% of older people are misdiagnosed as type 2 when they are in fact type 1.

It took almost three years for the Doc's to decide am type 1. Went from oral meds, to two shots a day of reg insulin, to Lantus and Novolog (fast acting insulin) a total of four shots and started on an insulin pump in early December.

In the beginning read everything I could about Type 2 and am now relearning everything by reading about Type 1.

Good luck.

[Jon]

It seems to be common for doctors to treat adults as type 2 first, then if it doesn't work, they change to type 1 treatments.