Proof and Denial

[glashalful]

I hope I don't get a lot of flack for starting this thread, but I'm curious as to what was everyone's "proof" that they had type 1 diabetes. For many of you, I'm sure it was a sudden instance, such as young people who were diagnosed at a very young age. For others, though, who had a slow road to type 1, or were older perhaps, what was your "proof" that you had diabetes? Was it enough that the doctor said you had it? Or were you presented with undeniable test results? And speaking of "denial", how has that factored into your coming to terms with having type 1 diabetes?

Thanks for your responses.

Elizabeth

[RLK]

I more or less diagnosed myself at age 18. After weeks (maybe months) of feeling fatigued, thirsty, and urinating all the time, I went to see my doctor. I told him that I thought I had diabetes. His response at the time was "I doubt it, but let's check just to be sure". With a BG of 400, it was pretty clear that I had diabetes, and he sent me off to the endocrinologist and diabetes educator.
I don't think I've ever been in denial- maybe it has something to with the fact that I picked up on this myself, before it was bad enough to put me in the hospital. That illustrated for me the importance of paying attention to my body's signals and staying on top of testing and insulin dosing. I have days where I "slack off"- don't test my BG or watch my diet as much as I should, but everybody needs a vacation.

Good idea for a thread- I'm curious to see what others' experiences have been.

[SueM]

No denial for me either as have been diabetic since early childhood so know no dif. My Mum took me to the Dr and told him I was diabetic he tested a urine sample and drove Mum and I to hospital the rest is history:)

[Gordonm]

11 years old. Tired and fatigued and thirsty and urinating all the time. My moms cousin was a urologist and he took a blood test. He called the next morning I was in the hospitol by the afternoon. That was almost 33 yeears ago.

[DeusXM]

Like RLK, I was sorta self-dxed. Basically when I was 14 I realised that I had more than a passing resemblance to an Auschwitz inmate, and that really wasn't right because for my sins, between the ages of 10 and 13 I was a slightly tubby kid. I was also peeing and drinking all the time, so really the blood test was a formality. I had such distinctive versions of the classic symptoms that I'd have been more surprised had I not been dxed.

[ProudNanaof5]

I was DX at the "ripe" age of 58. (This is part of my Introduction to DF and explains everything pretty well...)

" I just found out for sure I was a Diabetic in June. I have suspected it for over a year. I have lost 150 pounds in the last 3 years. Now I was a big woman, almost 300 lbs so I went on a low carb/no sugar diet and thought I was doing so good. Then 2 years ago my husband had to have emergency surgery. He had to recouperate at home for a while and got off my diet. But I kept losing weight no matter what I ate. Atleast 1 pound a week and sometimes 2 pounds. I started doing research on all the symptoms I had. Every direction I went I found the word Diabetes. Now I am big on natural supplements and thought I could treat myself. NOT!!! At first I did fairly well. My bs never was real low but atleast they weren't high all the time. Then at the end of 2005, I had lost 150 pounds and still losing every week. I had went from a size 28 to an 8. In fact, I could get a 6 on but was tight. I was so weak, My muscles were disappearing. My bs was avg 300 -350. Sometimes the meter said "HI" because it was over 500. I was in Keotosis all the time. I think if I hadn't went to Dr in June I wouldn't be here now."

I still have my bad days and good days. It was quite some time when I was DX'd in June 06 to say I was a "Diabetic". I would just say I was having some problems with my bs. But by the time I was put on insulin I had to admit to myself that I was one of those critters. Ask my friends here... they have to "hold" Nana up somedays so I can get thru...but I'm still here inspite of everything...

[ngueld]

The actual proof would be the blood test saying my A1C was off the charts and my blood sugar level was 52 (canadian). The ketones were probably a pretty good indication I was diabetic also.

[KCP]

I have to say it..
My proof? A lack of Pancreas :rofl:

[June91]

I more or less diagnosed myself at age 18. After weeks (maybe months) of feeling fatigued, thirsty, and urinating all the time, I went to see my doctor. I told him that I thought I had diabetes. His response at the time was "I doubt it, but let's check just to be sure".

Ditto. I was 19 and my BG was "only" 14.2 so the endo was sure I was a bit psychic ;) to catch it so early.

I believe Type 1 and Type 2 are two competely different diseases which only have in common a single symptom (elevated blood glucose), and therefore had no doubt as to my type, ever.

[HollyB]

By the time we got my kid to emerg he was too weak to walk in the door -- had to get him a wheel chair, and he was so dehydrated his face looked skeletal. This happened FAST. His blood sugar was in the high 30s and his room smelled like a distillery from the ketones.

There was really no doubt about the diagnosis, but if we were clinging to any, it was erased when we saw him perk up like a watered flower once they got some insulin into him. Amazing transformation.

[Dervish]

I spent a weekend feeling like I had a really bad cold that just kept getting worse each day. One month ago today, that "cold" led to me calling 911, getting an ambulance ride to the emergency room, and spending five days in intensive care before they moved me into the general ward for five more. I don't remember anything at all of the first four days in ICU. On arrival at the hospital, I had severe ketoacidosis and pancreatitis and my sister says the ER doctor told her I was within an hour of being too far gone to save.

Once my memory restarted, I picked up on enough mentions of insulin and my pancreas to have a pretty good idea of the situation, but I still had some hope that my pancreas might recover and start working fully again because the hospital staff never actually mentioned the D-word. After a couple days of this uncertainty, I finally asked my doctor directly whether I had diabetes and he said yes. The path I traveled to reach that point was enough proof for me, so no denial here.

[grace girl]

I was dx'ed at age 32. I had the whole list of symptoms, though I had myself fairly convinced that I could explain them all away individually...that it couldn't be D. When my dad came by one morning with his meter and my fasting bs was 336 I knew something was wrong.
I wasn't dx'ed as type 1 until a year and a half later. I'd lost 65 pounds while eating more than I'd ever eaten in my entire life. I'd become close to skeletal and I was becoming alarmed at the thought of what was going to happen to me if I lost too much more weight...I didn't have much left to go at that point. When the doc told me he suspected type 1 I thought he was crazy. The results of the c-peptide pretty much convinced me. And the fact that going on insulin stopped the weight loss dead cold in it's tracks.

[Clint]

my wife dxd me and made me go to the dr. they took blood and I told them how I had been feeling, how much I had been drinking, etc. My blood sugar was 660.

I havent been in denial at any point, but I have been so frustrated at one point that I didnt take a shot for a week.. that was not smart but I was really frustrated.

[jen_slc]

I was 13, had all the classic symptoms, but hadn't progressed to a severe state in order for diagnosis. My parents had been watching me for a few months and one day after I drank all the liquid in my dad's house, he took me to his GP practice who tested my BG and told me I was diabetic. It measured 230-something I think. The next day I was in hospital, they made me fast and tested me again and it was similar. So the diagnosis stuck. As far as I know, those are the only tests they did and thus, the only "proof" I have... besides the obvious symptoms and feeling like **** if I don't take insulin.

Denial is interesting. I want to say that I was mildly in denial for a few years after diagnosis. It wasn't that I refused to believe I was diabetic or refused to take medication; I took my insulin like I was supposed to, I tested (almost) as much as they told me to. I knew I had diabetes, there was no question of that. But the denial part comes from my feeling that I didn't want to be reminded that I was diabetic. It's weird, I'm not sure if I'm making any sense. I didn't take care of myself as I should have (and of course, only realized this in hindsight). I knew I was diabetic, but I denied that it would do anything bad to me and it was perfectly fine for me to go along as I had been going. Not awful control, but not good control either. I also didn't want to associate with other diabetics because it reminded me in a sense that I was "one of them" and I didn't want that. I didn't want that obviousness to slap me in the face. Once I grew up a bit, that feeling changed - I realized bad things could indeed happen and would happen if I didn't change my life. So now, I am very aware of my control, what I do, how I do it, and the complications that can arise from the lack of it, and it's weird, but I think the greater control I have over my diabetes has helped to mitigate that semi-denial.

In fact, this feeling of not wanting to be around other diabetics lasted a lot longer than my denial about complications. Once I hit my later high school years I was over the complication aspect, but it wasn't until about 2 years ago that I got over the not wanting to be around other diabetics. My mom had always suggested I look for diabetes support out there, but I refused... until I needed help with a specific problem, a year and a half ago, and found this forum and joined. So there's some proof there. Maybe I've finally grown up and come to my senses and my membership here is proof I am diabetic and doing everything possible to maintain my great health! :D

[notme]

I was diagnosed type one at thirty one years old. I was very sick for about two weeks and lost over 35 pounds in a months time. I went to the doctor on a Monday and was put in the hospital and put on insulin. A C-peptide test was done and my pancreas was not producing any insulin.

[Clint]

oh ya, I was 23... I guess I was in denial up until the dr told me I was diabetic.

[parrotletzoo]

My mom diagnosed me. She was type 1 and recognized the classic symptoms. She said "you're drinking too much you have diabetes" to which I replied "I'm not thirsty anymore". She didn't buy it and took me to my pediatrician. (I was nine) . I mostly remember being pissed that I couldn't have grape soda anymore. ;) I have no idea what my blood sugar level was at dx. That was before at home blood machines. :D

[Cyborg]

It was test results that confirmed type 1 for me. The GAD Antibody test and the C-Peptide test...

[glashalful]

So can you have the GAD antibody tests after you've already had diabetes for a while? Also, I read somewhere that the presence of the antibodies doesn't necessarily mean t1 diabetes??? Not sure I understand all that. I know I'm not producing any c-peptides.

I appreciate all the responses to my thread. Let me ask one more question -- has anyone ever asked to look at their chart at the doctor's? I mean, lean over their shoulder and really LOOK??? It IS our file, after all. I'd like to see some NUMBERS. Never really thought of myself as the scientific type, but it would appear that I am, eh?

Thanks again, all!

[Funnygrl]

I have plently of proof that I have diabetes, and no proof other than age, and various very high glucoses that it's type 1.

[FrankDr]

Let me ask one more question -- has anyone ever asked to look at their chart at the doctor's? I mean, lean over their shoulder and really LOOK???

I have the gals at the checkout desk make copies of everything after each visit - tests, notes etc for me to keep. They're glad to do it. I tell them I like to keep records of how I'm doing.

[Cyborg]

I always bring home a copy of my lab work.

[notme]

I have asked to look at my chart and actually got my hands on it once to read. Nothing fun in there.

[panda1076]

I was diagnosed in July 06. I went to the doctor because I thought I had a UTI. It turned out I did have one, but when he did the urine test, he saw sugar in my urine. Then he did a blood test and saw my BG was 343. He sent me over to the Diabetes Clinic the next day where my fasting BG was 242.

I was definitely in denial when the doctor told me I had diabetes. I think I was expecting to go to the doctor, have lots of tests done, then get the results days later. So the instant diagnosis was shocking. I kept asking "are your sure"? She said, "I hate to say it, but no one has a fasting blood sugar of 242 without being diabetic." My brother was diagnosed with Diabetes at the exact same age--3 months before turning 30. He had been misdiagnosed for the first year as being Type 2, so when I was told I was diabetic, I made sure they ran all the type 1 tests. And sure enough, I was positive for GAD anitbodies (though my c-peptide was normal).

After the initial shock, I was not in denial. I had seen him manage with MDI and pump therapy, so I knew it wasn't the end of the world and I'd manage just fine.

[kel4han]

I knew for almost 10 years that I would be diabetic at some point. After my first pregnancy being "borderline" Gestational at age 19, I knew my future outcome. My dad was type I at age 32, so I was well aware that onset could be later instead of sooner. Every year after that first pregnancy, I had my fasting blood sugar taken, and of course, fasting was fine. My post prandials I am SURE were the issue for years. I complained to my doctor for years that I was soooo tired, my eyes would roll around inside my head, I was so thirsty, irritable etc etc etc.

Fast forward to age 28 when I thought I had the flu a few weeks. Then I realized I was starving all the time, and those eye balls were rolling around more and more at work. I was in denial a few days, then fasting 225 confirmed. I did deny the need for insulin, becuase they typed me as 2, being my age. I tried pills for 2months. Nothing. Finally GAD antibodies came back positive, and I couldnt continue with an A1c of 11% on pills. What really makes me mad is the denial I had for about 6months when I realized my 6yr old was so irritable and fatigued after meals. I always wondered how people could be in denial. Now I know. I always had an explanation for every symptom. Denial is definetly a for real thing!

[lilituc]

For me it's more been a battle convincing a succession of doctors that I had it. I expect it's because I'm more sensitive to changes in blood sugar (I get ill when my bg is over 140), so I caught it extremely early. Right away I thought it might be LADA, but was talked out of it by endo #1. At that point my postprandial readings didn't go over 180. Nine months later I was eating less than 30 grams of carbs a day, exercising 2-3 hours (a day), and my readings were still 195-235. Endo #1 said the diet and exercise plan was working really well and wouldn't give me medication. That's when I realised it was time to fire him. I still didn't get insulin for another six months. I sure felt better when I did, though.

Since diagnosis my c-peptide has steadily dropped to very little, but I hope to keep it going as long as possible.

[dbc]

(mis)diagnosed at age 52 as T2 at a regular general health checkup, no symptoms. Later diagnosed T1 on the GAD antibody test.

Denial? no, but I regularly have times of "glass half full" syndrome!!

[sofaraway]

I was diagnosed with diabetes at age 15 by a glucose tolerance test after 2 fasting blood tests came back normal. A couple of months later when the genetic test came back it was confirmed that I had MODY.

I would say i was in denial for the first several years as I was only treated with diet and exercise, i didn't like anyone to know I had diabetes. I think part of this came from my inability to accuratly explain the type of diabetes I have. when most people don't know the difference between type 1 or 2, explaining MODY with the limited knowledge I had was impossible. I also didn't want people to think I had type 2.

I started feeling more like i really did have diabetes when I progressed to needing tablets and then when I started having severe symptoms and was running 20+ for almost all the time despite eating very little and all low carb.

that was in around April 2006 and I over the next couple of month it was decided that I would need insulin. It wasn't until then that I ever felt confident in telling anyone that I had diabetes. I will generally say that I have type 1 to non-medical people or when i have to chose between type 1 or 2 on forms. I am no longer in denail and take pretty good care of myself and am in good control. I have the odd days when i don't test my blood sugar or don't bolus for a meal but it doesn't last very long at all

[DanG]

11 years old. Tired and fatigued and thirsty and urinating all the time. My moms cousin was a urologist and he took a blood test. He called the next morning I was in the hospitol by the afternoon. That was almost 33 yeears ago.

What's with us Gordon's? Gordon is the last name here, I dunno if Gordon is your last name or first name... but another Gordon here and type 1, diagnosed 33 years ago also.

This Gordon was twice your age when insulin became primary to my life, but for this Gordon - interesting.
Insulin came into my life 2 months before I got married, I had constant thirst, urination, fatigue, dropped out of last semester of BS degree, took a month to get life to semblence of normal, got married and on with life. I guess getting married at 22 and life with insulin and baby on the way - there was no chance to deny - life moves on.
My only beef with this insulin trip is the change to lantus/humalog. I seemed to manage for the first 29 years just fine on lente. Then that became completely unattainable about 3 years ago. And, so the roller coaster ride with lantus morning lows has been a learning experience. I think I have taken care of the lows by doing the lantus at breakfast - no splits. That way the lantus times out early morning when there is nothing in the system. Previously, I took lantus at bedtime and that was problematic.

btw, I have no idea what some of you speak about GAD testing? and other tests - tell me about these? What are they? What's MODY?

What was interesting for me is that with classic symptoms, the doc at the college said I had flu and shoo'ed me out of the office. Jerk! Oh, well... life moves on.

And, as far as knowing doc's records of me? - I could give a hoot. I walk around with my history all day long - I know what's happening here. Besides, I don't really like the docs - they write prescriptions and that is about all I have them around. Very few tests for me - I just live... and then someday will die. We all die, with or without diabetes.

[dancingwithbear]

i was 13. lost about 75 pounds during 2 months. 4 trips to the e.r.. finally the last trip to the e.r. the doc told my dad that i was dhydrated and that i need fuild. of course the old man was like your crazy this kid drinks gallons of water a day. so that night he gets me a gallon of hi c and i down it. plus 2 candy bars also docs orders. so the next morning mom cant wake me up and off the e.r. again and this time checked my sugar 965. the doc couldnt understand how i was talking to him. 2 weeks in the hospital and no denial here i was just happy to be feeling better and able to go on with life.

[Siren]

This might sound odd, but when I got it, I diagnosed myself. I had read a book at age 6 or 7 about a gymnast that began exhibiting symptoms of T1. At 11, I saw those conditions in myself. My parents didn't believe me but got the strips to "prove me wrong."

I've never been in denial about my diabetes, just the approaches that doctors have taken to "treat" it in the US; for instance, I was once told, due to the presence of protein in my urine that I needed dialysis. In fact, I had a urinary tract infection. I approach doctors and their advice, in general, very critically until they give me a real reason, beyond a degree, to trust them.

[ant hill]

I hope I don't get a lot of flack for starting this thread, but I'm curious as to what was everyone's "proof" that they had type 1 diabetes. For many of you, I'm sure it was a sudden instance, such as young people who were diagnosed at a very young age. For others, though, who had a slow road to type 1, or were older perhaps, what was your "proof" that you had diabetes? Was it enough that the doctor said you had it? Or were you presented with undeniable test results? And speaking of "denial", how has that factored into your coming to terms with having type 1 diabetes?

Thanks for your responses.

Elizabeth

Liz, I have had the diagnosis that took a wile to find out that i had the desiese and for what i can remember it was a slogging road and at the time they diden't have these blood glucose meters and the pen that we now use. It took about a year from the conception of finding what is wrong and the torment of diets portion control changes in theripy and in my 36 years of changes and now it's the other way around to get thin again and so i need disipline to get back on the bike. :)

[Patti]

I was diagnosed when I was 4. My mother said I was losing weight, had dark circles under my eyes, was thirsty all the time, and slept a lot. My parents took me to several Dr.'s but no one could find out what was wrong with me. This was 50 years ago. Then they didn't know too much about diabetes. On a Thanksgiving Day they took me to the hospital because I was incoherent and wouldn't wake up. I was admitted because I was in a coma. For the next 36 hours it was touch and go. Finally they diagnosed me with diabetes. My mother said she knew nothing about this disease. For the next few years I still was not myself. Until my parents found a Dr. who specialized in diabetes. He was in another state, about 75 miles away. My parents say he gave them their little girl back. He taught them how to take care of me and he always said "never make her feel like she's different and let her have a normal life". He said when I had my first visit with him, I looked like a little girl coming out of a concentration camp. He got me well again and under control. I seen him for 12 years until he passed away. He was a wonderful man and I think of him often. They sure don't have Dr's like him anymore.

[soso]

I was very active (49) and feeling the fittest ever, then I started to suddenly feel tired on my runs, tired after dinner, tired after sleeping...mentally confused, memory turned to ****.. I ate a very healthy low fat, high complex carb diet, no D in the family (except preggy sis right then..) everyone used to say "huh, you'll never get D the way you eat....'
went over to UK for impending nephews birth...recreational testing of bg ensued...eek...bit high... came home got meter..eek eek eek.. bit high every meal...took log to doc...Diabetes.she said..not the body type for 2... A1c not all that high, thought I might be able to manage on diet and exercise...Doc did not agree..strongly! But low carbed and turned myself inside out on exercise and did Ok for a while, then long slow slide downhill, despite my best efforts..went on insulin (mealtime bolus only) at just over the 2 yr mark of diagnosis, about 3 yrs from when I started feeling ill..
ss

[marked]

I was 19 going on 12. I was so devastated by the stigma of the needle, it took me 25 years to come to grips with it. Of course a lot of that was due to my family's dsyfunction. I became the leper of the family upon diagnosis.
While I was in the hospital(mind you this was 1969)decided to make a film of diabetic patients as a training tool for the differant hospitals in the area for their staff. I was the only real type 1 type 1 so they stuck these doctors in the film as dummies with type 1's and a few legititmate type 2's. I stuck out like a sore thumb.
I had this sign in front of me that said something rude like "insulin dependant diabetic"(at least I thought it was rude at the time)
The bright lights, the camera, and the medical attitude towards the disease back then made that event such a spectacle. Exactly what I didn't need at that stage of the game. I was never in denial,just in devastation.
Mark

[greengirl]

I was diagnosed at age 15, I'm 26 now. For 2 weeks I very, VERY thristy and dropping weight. We (my parents and myself) figured because it was summer I was doing sports intensivley and it was very hot. After 2 weeks I was sitting a the table in the kitchen and said "I can't move my arm" I remember feeling oddd and extremely tired. I slipped into a Ketoic coma, and was diagnosed in the hospital. My maternal grandmother is type one as well as one of my mothers siblings. Both were diagnosed at age 30 as Type 1 (LADA). After I got of of the hospital I was mainted on very VERY low doses n insulin for 3.5 years. About 2 years after diagnosis the rediagnosed my Type 2 dispite pstive antibodies, but none or the oral agents worked so I stayed on insulin. At the 3.5 year mark, I stopped making any insulin. I was taken to Joslin because my mother was freaked out as to my real diagnosis. They said in rare cases teens have a LADA-like honeymoon, espicailly with he family history of of LADA. They said I was Type 1, not LADA, but LADA like. My endo at home didn't even know what LADA was 99/00. I think this was around the time LADA is as common as regualr Type 1 was just making way. Anyway I came back positive for all 3 antibody types, make no insulin according to my c-peptide, that is certianly good enough evidence for me. I also have celiacs and thyroid disease, which are seen in lots of type 1s.

[samsmom]

My son was dx when he was 15 mo old..the dr's said "diabetes" and I said "no way"...they put him on a helocopter and flew him to the nearest childrens hospital...his bg was 1382 and did not wake up for few days....I was told to call my pastor or the hospital could provide one........the dr told me over and over again...this is diabetes, no doubt about it......he is antibody positive for everything....it diabetes, for sure

shannon

[andypoo]

No actual "proof".In 1969, I was sixteen ,newly wed,pregnant and my husband just got drafted in the Army, all at around the same time. I was very ill,dehydrating ,throwing up,rapidly losing weight,losing my sight. Morning sickness and getting the big "D" at the same time, was a nightmare. Went to the dr. he gave me some kind of vitamin shot and then I fainted on the table, gave me a bottle of insulin told me to take about 5 or 10 u.a day and keep coca-cola in the frige in case I have an insulin reaction,(had no idea what that was),a day or two went by, continued to spiral down hill,ended up my mom having to take me to the hospital,almost blind by that time I had moved in with my parents ,because my husband was in Fort Campbell,Ky.He hitch hiked from Kentucky to Missouri to be at my side. Anyway,I still have no "proof." Ha! Ha!

[dgrilli]

My first Endo said I was a Type 1 and would need to inject insulin till there was a cure. They found me with BG over 700 they claimed there meter didn't go high enough to get a number but was over 700. I also lost my sight for almost 45 days. I could see only light and colors. I was going into blackouts and yes I was thirsty gallons of water day and night I couldn't get enough. This was in the year 2000 I believe July.

Was labeled a type 2 in another state by the endo just looking at me and he wrote me out a script for time released metformin another tryed other meds mean while lost over 40lbs in a month and a half and very sick. I even went to my hospitals emergency room and BG was 499 and the Emergency Doc said they do not treat anyone with insulin or fluids til they are at least 500 BG. Mind you I haven't eaten for a couple of days and this Doctor was very adamant that he new how to treat cases like mine with Metformin. I was severely Dehydrated. My Tongue and mouth was parched like a desert. Was like a Zombie. I was dying. I have a real chip on my shoulder against the care I received.

I had a GP write me out a Script for Insulin 70/30 mix and started feeling better within a couple of days. This GP sent me to a group in the hospital for diet and training where they talked me into going on an insulin pump. The GP signed for one and I had the pump with about 2 weeks. The Nasty Endo who diagnosis people by looking at them with out giving them any kind of tests would not fill a prescription for insulin for the pump. He said I didn't need a pump and wanted to put me on Byetta. (I have been injecting Insulin)


They ran C-Peptide on me and a GAD and found I tested positive the C-Peptide was almost normal but not elevated. Of course I was injecting insulin and I'm not sure if the C-Peptide raised because of giving my Pancreas a rest or the Injected insulin effected the test in some way. Anyways a C-Peptide would be elevated above normal for a Type 2 and severely Insulin Resistant.

I called and got my results and they gave me my prescription and the Endo had his nurses give me the script for Novolog for my Pump.

I love the Pump it has given me my life back and I occasionally use Symlin for High Carb meals when I eat them. I used a lot of insulin in the beginning but I use half of what I used to use when I first got the pump. In the beginning I was using 130 or so and now use about 59 to 65 cc's or units what ever you call them.

Long story short I would have died if it were not for the Nice small town GP.

[David_S]

I was dx in Oct of 2006.. about 5 months ago at age 37. I had lost weight.. about 20 pounds.. down to 170 and I 6'2. I had been drinking / peeing.. moe but I walk about 3-4 hours a day at work so I didn't make a connection. My wife said my arm muscles had disappeared.. and they had. She made me go in.. my BG was checked in routine blood work. The PCP didn't put it together.. maybe because of my age.. and I didn't appear to be type 2 in presentation. My A1c was 14.2 and at the next follow up three days later.. my BG on the meter read HIGH.. over 600. NO time for denial. I was shocked. My wife and I kept saying how did this happen now.. how long had it been going on?