New member- First thread- May be diabetic

[timeofseasons]

I'm new to this forum, and the most recent forum I've been using related to health was/ is celiac.com/gluten-free. I think it's possible that I may be diabetic, more so the calluses on each of my second toe ( from the big toe) arised the awarnes. Since being gluten- free I have been seeing improvements, and a slight improvement in calluses ( not really my lymph node) and a few other things but nothing has completely disappeared. Strangely I have been eating a lot less and gain weight. When I was eating much, with gluten in my diet I was 103-105 pounds, now 109 ( 17 years old). There are many symptoms that I question on whether being diabetic, and thought I have seen little improvements since there was a change in my diet and less intake possibly of glucose.

What are ways I can diagnose myself in determing whether I'm diabetic or not? I would really like to get this all taken care of before my senior year takes way, and so college. I'm already stress from my local health system, a horrible job thats being done ( Lansing, Michigan- Sparrow Hospital). I now have intentions of more than likely fleeing the state for college, and never return to be a resident. This is a very urgent/ stressful situation for me, thanks.

[DeusXM]

Well, at the risk of breaking my mantra that no-one can diagnose you over the internet and you need to see a doctor, you haven't exactly outlined any symptoms of diabetes. Calluses on the feet are not a symptom of diabetes; they're a symptom of poorly fitting shoes.

What are ways I can diagnose myself in determing whether I'm diabetic or not?

In the nicest possible way, I'm going to be quite blunt here.

What on earth do you think you're going to solve by diagnosing yourself?

If you DO have diabetes, you're going to have to see a doctor anyway to get prescriptions for all the stuff you'd need to treat diabetes. How does 'diagnosing yourself' help in any way?

Here's what you need to do.

Get yourself some health insurance if you haven't got any already.

Go see a doctor and get tested for diabetes. Diabetes is a serious chronic medical condition. It's not like buying a home pregnancy test. The only way you can get a diagnosis is to see a doctor who will run several tests depending on your symptoms.

It is not possible for you to diagnose diabetes yourself at home and you shouldn't even try. See a doctor.

[timeofseasons]

I have like overhalf of the symptoms on this page ( and others not listed):Symptoms of Diabetes - WrongDiagnosis.com (http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/d/diabetes/symptoms.htm)

[timeofseasons]

Well, at the risk of breaking my mantra that no-one can diagnose you over the internet and you need to see a doctor, you haven't exactly outlined any symptoms of diabetes. Calluses on the feet are not a symptom of diabetes; they're a symptom of poorly fitting shoes.



In the nicest possible way, I'm going to be quite blunt here.

What on earth do you think you're going to solve by diagnosing yourself?

If you DO have diabetes, you're going to have to see a doctor anyway to get prescriptions for all the stuff you'd need to treat diabetes. How does 'diagnosing yourself' help in any way?

Here's what you need to do.

Get yourself some health insurance if you haven't got any already.

Go see a doctor and get tested for diabetes. Diabetes is a serious chronic medical condition. It's not like buying a home pregnancy test. The only way you can get a diagnosis is to see a doctor who will run several tests depending on your symptoms.

It is not possible for you to diagnose diabetes yourself at home and you shouldn't even try. See a doctor.

Oh wow.

I know I can't just diagnose it, like get rid of it or anything. I'm speaking of any diet I could go on, and if I see improvements may be a sign that I have diabetes. I know I need to see a doctor, as I wish. Though currently my lately appointments the doctors mention they don't know what it could at the moment, but only looking at treating the anxiety. I gave a site where over half of my symtoms are listed, again some are not.

[sarahspins]

I'm not sure why you're here? If you have TYPE 1 then changing your diet would not make any difference at all in "improving" your symptoms. It's an autoimmune disease, our bodies simply don't make any insulin.. changing what we eat, does not change that fact.

Talk to your doctors if you have concerns.. and stop using google to diagnose yourself :)

Also AFIAK, calluses are not a symptom of diabetes.. I've had callused feet since I was 13 or 14.. I didn't develop T1 until 6 years later. My mom has had them all her life...

[DeusXM]

I'm speaking of any diet I could go on, and if I see improvements may be a sign that I have diabetes. I know I need to see a doctor, as I wish. Though currently my lately appointments the doctors mention they don't know what it could at the moment, but only looking at treating the anxiety.

If your doctors aren't sure what it could be, I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest it probably isn't diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that is relatively easy and obvious for a doctor to diagnose. But in answer to your question, there isn't really a special diet you can go on that will help demonstrate either way. Most forms of diabetes will require medication in order for there to be a demonstrable difference and without this medication it won't really matter what changes you make in your diet.

I'm assuming that your doctors have already carried out an HbA1C test, a fasting blood glucose test, a urine ketone content test, a glucose tolerance test and possibly a GAD antibody test. If not, you should ask why not and they will probably give you a very good reason why.

I will say this - given your age (and weight), I would suggest that T2 is unlikely. T1 is far more common in teens than T2 and the symptoms of T1 are far, far more acute that T2. Simply put, you'll look like you just got out of Auschwitz and you'll be urinating 30 every minutes. Without knowing your height or gender I couldn't even begin to tell you whether 109lbs is appropriate for you but I would say that it is absolutely impossible to put on weight with undiagnosed T1.

[timeofseasons]

I'm not sure why you're here? If you have TYPE 1 then changing your diet would not make any difference at all in "improving" your symptoms. It's an autoimmune disease, our bodies simply don't make any insulin.. changing what we eat, does not change that fact.

Talk to your doctors if you have concerns.. and stop using google to diagnose yourself :)

Also AFIAK, calluses are not a symptom of diabetes.. I've had callused feet since I was 13 or 14.. I didn't develop T1 until 6 years later. My mom has had them all her life...

Wow, I do not use google to diagnose myself.. more so help/ research.

Well it's really clear that I'm not getting the information I thought I would recieve on this thread, though ofcourse I will not let two users give me a negative impression of this forum etc....

[timeofseasons]

If your doctors aren't sure what it could be, I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest it probably isn't diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that is relatively easy and obvious for a doctor to diagnose. But in answer to your question, there isn't really a special diet you can go on that will help demonstrate either way. Most forms of diabetes will require medication in order for there to be a demonstrable difference and without this medication it won't really matter what changes you make in your diet.

I'm assuming that your doctors have already carried out an HbA1C test, a fasting blood glucose test, a urine ketone content test, a glucose tolerance test and possibly a GAD antibody test. If not, you should ask why not and they will probably give you a very good reason why.

I will say this - given your age (and weight), I would suggest that T2 is unlikely. T1 is far more common in teens than T2 and the symptoms of T1 are far, far more acute that T2. Simply put, you'll look like you just got out of Auschwitz and you'll be urinating 30 every minutes. Without knowing your height or gender I couldn't even begin to tell you whether 109lbs is appropriate for you but I would say that it is absolutely impossible to put on weight with undiagnosed T1.

Well the weight I gain it more so seem like I lost weight in areas and gain weight isn't really that visible. For you to say since my doctors have no clue what is wrong its likely not to be diabetes... I disagree but I'm really not going to get into that discussion, along with how t1 and t2 is not easy all the time to diagnose. Again calluses is not my only symptom and gave a link to where I have over half to most all the symptoms listed plus others. I'm clearly not get the responses I would have appreciated, but this is only my first time on this forum so I'am not surprise.

[sarahspins]

While it CAN be difficult to distinguish between each type of diabetes when someone is newly diagnosed, the actual diagnoses of diabetes is really straightforward.. you need significantly elevated blood glucose - there really is not much room for "maybe... maybe not"

So again I question why you are here. Do you WANT diabetes.. or?? A weight fluctuation of 4lbs is honestly, insignificant - it doesn't mean anything at all. Now, if you suddenly dropped 20lbs while eating everything in sight, that might be a little more compelling.

[timeofseasons]

While it CAN be difficult to distinguish between each type of diabetes when someone is newly diagnosed, the actual diagnoses of diabetes is really straightforward.. you need significantly elevated blood glucose - there really is not much room for "maybe... maybe not"

So again I question why you are here. Do you WANT diabetes.. or?? A weight fluctuation of 4lbs is honestly, insignificant - it doesn't mean anything at all. Now, if you suddenly dropped 20lbs while eating everything in sight, that might be a little more compelling.


Reading your comment, your post are no longer welcome on my threads, meaning I would appreciate if you no longer leave such comments or any comments at all.

You do not know all my symptoms, and those were only a few listed. I have not had any blood work done to out weigh the possibility of diabetes. Do I want diabeties? I find it hard that I'm actually answering such a rude ( yes rude) question of yours, but more so if I have diabeties since it is very possible this needs to be evaluated. Simply why I'am here to get answers to a thread I started and clearly as I've stated before... your comments are no longer welcome here.

I do not need to explain anything else to your comments, that would just be pointless.

[Grunch]

Why don't you list your symptoms? If you gained weight you certainly don't have type 1 and from your age and weight it's almost impossible to have type 2.

So here's your diagnosis: you don't have diabetes. You do seem to be a bit of a hypochondriac though.

[timeofseasons]

Why don't you list your symptoms? If you gained weight you certainly don't have type 1 and from your age and weight it's almost impossible to have type 2.

So here's your diagnosis: you don't have diabetes. You do seem to be a bit of a hypochondriac though.


Well it would just be ridiculous of me to think you diagnose me, but maybe ( and maybe) you did point out interesting things. Well I'm not asking any of you do I have diabeties, nor am I'm stating that I do, and neither would I rule the chances out on anyones call without a test unless my health was getting better by other means. It's clear this thread has been tamper with by posters, since now no one seems to be answering my original ( and only ) question.
With me possibly being celiac, and knowing the relations of many misdiagnose for both it's logical to be cautious and ask such questions.

Re-reading what you wrote, I see things I disagree with ( such as impossible to have type 2 for my age etc...) though I will not keep tracking off my original question.

[Grunch]

What's the original question? It seems like you are asking for ways to diagnose yourself but we already told you that's not possible.

If you know someone who has a blood glucose meter you can measure it and see if it's high. Other than that just go to the doctor.

I see you mentioned "possibly being celiac" and you also said you completely changed your diet because of this. Why don't you have a proper diagnosis for that? Did you self diagnose using google?

[kutastha]

With a solitary symptom of calluses, you don't have diabetes.

Eating less and gaining weight can come from a mood disorder, thyroid troubles, or even eating "less" but taking in higher calorie foods... a 17 y/o male with a weight of 109# would be 5'0" tall if at ideal body weight.

Your comments on fleeing the state and never returning add an interesting chapter to this story.

[Mothernature]

Celiac disease and diabetes are interrelated but one doesn't mean a person has the other. Its like saying I have diabetes so I must have pancreas cancer. Yes, it is possible to have both but one doesn't mean you have the other.

Have you seen a GI? I highy recommend you do first. Celiac's disease will cause weight loss, thirst, hunger (many of the common symptoms of diabetes). You will need a blood test. Ask the dr to add an order for glucose. A good GI will also order a Colonoscopy because if you have Celiacs, your GI track is damaged. Left too long leads to cancer.

The reason you feel thrist and hunger (assuming you have Celiac's) is your GI tract can not absorb the nutrients from the food you eat.

Diabetes is pretty clear cut. Diet does not make it disappear.

I believe you received a bit of cold response because many people ask if they have it. They believe it is a minor thing that can be reversed. It is a serious condition.

[techgirl12]

What are ways I can diagnose myself in determing whether I'm diabetic or not?

Assuming that is your original question... there isn't a way for you to self diagnose diabetes. You need a blood test from your doctor. In most cases diabetes will be diagnosed based on a glucose level and a1c level, however, sometimes other tests may be required.

prior to being diagnosed with diabetes, most will experience an unbelievable thirst that requires drinking constantly without feeling any relief. Also you'd be most likely visiting the bathroom every 15-30 minutes, sometimes even waking up in the middle of the night. With t1 diabetes, because the pancreas is no longer making insulin (or making a drastically reduced amount), when you eat, the body doesn't use the nutrients correctly. This usually means that a person will lose weight... and quickly. Another common symptom is craving sweets/sugar.

if you do have diabetes, and if its not officially diagnosed, it can cause serious problems, resulting in a diabetic coma or seizure. Because of this I seriously recommend you talk to your doctor about the concern you have.

I think it would be helpful if you did list your exact symptoms that you believe are related to diabetes. I know you gave a website, but listing the exact symptoms rather than just saying you have more than half on that list plus some not listed, doesn't help us.

But again, I will note that no one on this forum, including yourself, can not officially diagnose diabetes, or any other medical condition.

[timeofseasons]

Yes the comments I've recieved on this forum was the most brutal and almost one would say bitter comments I've ever gotten on a forum, let alone my first thread.

I did use google to help determine if I have celiac, which many go on a gluten free diet themself to see if any improvements taken way. Since being gluten free I never in so long seen improvements I have and felt healthier, though I know I'm not at the stage I should. When I decided to go on my gluten free diet, it was over 2 weeks and any test results I get would not be accurate due to my long diet.

I think I could have a thyroid problem, since going gluten free my hair texture is starting to change, and trying to go back to normal. Many celiacs I have seen/ read also concluded to such on celiac.com.

[Mothernature]

If you choose to diagnosis via the internet, this is your right.

However, you risk your health. You will not feel better until you have proper tests and diagnosis by a trained medical professional. This may mean seeing a few drs to figure this out.

[Subby]

Yes the comments I've recieved on this forum was the most brutal and almost one would say bitter comments I've ever gotten on a forum, let alone my first thread.

There's been nothing brutal or bitter here. Your reactions however are something else.

You could make a big effort and put all that aside. You came here for a reason. Do you have diabetes? You posted in the type 1 forum but I'd say you are asking about any type, including insulin resistance and type 2, that responds in a lot of cases to diet. Is that correct? Type one has no link with weight. What's more, if you had type 1 you would be very sick. Now. If you are in the early onset, you need help, now. By going to the doctor.

My response: you've done some internet digging, but there is a big wall to hit with internet diagnosis of diabetes. See a doctor. Get your BG tested. Get an A1c test, fasting tests, etc if not conclusive. Which is what the doctor should do if you show indications.

[Grunch]

I did use google to help determine if I have celiac, which many go on a gluten free diet themself to see if any improvements taken way. Since being gluten free I never in so long seen improvements I have and felt healthier, though I know I'm not at the stage I should. When I decided to go on my gluten free diet, it was over 2 weeks and any test results I get would not be accurate due to my long diet.

I don't know if it's just me but I really can't understand your english. This whole paragraph makes no sense to me.

I think I could have a thyroid problem, since going gluten free my hair texture is starting to change, and trying to go back to normal. Many celiacs I have seen/ read also concluded to such on celiac.com.

Just go see a doctor. After you do that I think it's pretty clear from this thread that you should see a psychiatrist. Don't take this as an attack, I'm seriously trying to help.

[mortis505]

No offense mate but, did you self diagnose with celiacs? Or was this a Doctors diagnosis?

I'd also like to ask that you state your exact symptoms that you are experiencing. Anyone can point to a website and say "I have most of those."

example.

"My arm hurts, I must have (Insert name of either bone degenerative disorder or cancer type here)." When in fact its usually due to a bruise or bump.

Also, there is a thread in the introduction section that SHOULD be read by everyone.

http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/introductions-and-announcements/14909-think-you-might-have.html

We can help, but we need more info. And as it has been stated, callouses are not a symptom of diabetes.


I'd also encourage you to read this site.

Why You Shouldn't Try Self-Diagnosis: Using the Internet to Determine Health Problems (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/197947/why_you_shouldnt_try_selfdiagnosis.html?cat=5)

And this one.

Cyberchondria: The perils of internet self-diagnosis - Features, Health & Families - The Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/cyberchondria-the-perils-of-internet-selfdiagnosis-1623649.html)

[timeofseasons]

Grunch your post are also no longer welcome under my threads and I would appreciate if you no longer make such comments or comments at all under threads I've started.

Yes I know my english is probably bad on this forum, since I'm taking little time to reply.

I'm very thankfull for the little help I did recieve on this forum, others were more so bitter and brutal tactics... at least from what I've experience on levels.

Yeah I know my doctor should be doing a better job then what she is doing now which is why I needed to reach out myself and find what exactly could be the cause. Which is a good thing what I'm educated on. Some poster made a comment as if I take every symptom and if one match up I suspect.... which is ridiculous in most cases. If I see myself having symptoms and many that relate to such a disease this is awareness that I need to look more into it, which could be the probable cause.... it's logical that I know all if not most disease that relate to my symptoms and diabeties is one of them.

I came on this forum looking for answers ( and I did get one or two), most comments were out of hand as if they were ready to already jump after reading one sentence. So far from my experience on this forum one who may be diabetic, at least as far as I'm concern this is not the right online community to ask such. As of now, even if I have diabeties I couldn't see how I would even want to be a member of this community due to my first experience which is just really surprising. Maybe in later time I can return on this forum with no thoughts of ones I've encountered on this thread ( speaking of most posters).

techgirl12 thank you, information given was what I was looking for... informative ( very informative compared to other comments I've recieved here).

[kutastha]

Grunch your post are also no longer welcome under my threads and I would appreciate if you no longer make such comments or comments at all under threads I've started.

Do you find the recommendation to see a psychiatrist offensive?

You stated in your original post that you wanted to flee the state and never return as a resident, which almost seems like a cry for help (and it was information you volunteered and was completely unrelated to your question). You have reacted in an overly sensitive manner to threads that didn't attack you. You have been hesitant to discuss the symptoms you came here for. Many posts have been helpful, but you only singled out one as being so. You've been to the ED twice, and seen an outpatient physician once, and none has found a problem.

The brain is a miraculous organ that we know very little about. Certain things going on in there can manifest themselves as somatic symptoms that can be misconstrued and misdiagnosed.

Taking all this into consideration, it seems things are pretty tough for you right now. I hope you get the help you need.

[mortis505]

Lets look at this from a logistical point of view.

You come to this forum asking for help and advice. You have received a lot of it in this thread. However you ignore or disregard the advice that has been given simply because it doesn't jibe with Dr. Google or your young sensitivities. And more to the point you tell people that have been dealing with this disease for most of their lives and probably know much more about it than the majority of Doctors out there, that they are no longer welcome to post in your threads.

You still have not posted your exact symptoms. Yes you MAY be diabetic however, you may also have thyroid issues, or you may have nothing at all. I encourage you to stop using the internet to look up your symptoms and seek a new doctor that will listen to you.

But please remember that you came here and the advice given is the same advice that is given to everyone that has used Dr. Google to get a diagnosis. "Go see a licensed physician." A simple blood test will be able to give you answers.

Untreated, diabetes can kill. If you have T1, you would have lost a lot of weight. When I was diagnosed I lost 44 pounds in just a few weeks. Type 2 on the other hand may be the cause of or responsible for drastic increases in weight. From the sounds of it you are normal weight. But I'll ask anyway. Have you had that type of weight loss/gain?

I was urinating every 30 minutes even getting up in the middle of the night (several times) and could not quench my thirst regardless of how much I drank. Does this fit you? Are you constantly thirsty?

My tongue was coated in a white yeast called oral thrush. Yours?

And I was always wanting to sleep. No matter if I had just woken up. No amount of caffeine could keep me awake. You?

Fun list, and if I had stayed away from the hospital much longer than it might have killed me. However those symptoms are not solely related to diabetes. They could also be from other diseases as well. Which is why its so important to have a Doctor draw some blood tests.

A1c
C-peptide
ICA
GAD-65

These tests will show a clear and precise picture of your diabetes health. If you honestly feel that you may have diabetes at your age, then I urge you to see a doctor and ask for these tests. As far as a diet is concerned, just go with low carb. But please see a doctor.

[Timmy Mac]

Even if you DO diagnose yourself, what is that going to solve? If it is type 1, you'll have to get multiple kinds of insulin, all of which are prescription only. You can get needles and syringes without one but then they will be about 2x expencive (and if you lose the box, they might not let you buy another box for a while because they might think you are using them for drugs.) Without the medication, diabetes is LIFE THREATENING

As much as you hate to hear it, there really is no reason NOT to go to the doctor if you think you have diabetes. After a week of the medications youll feel MUCH better

Also, there are not any posts that are forceful or brutal towards you. Just because they aren't what you want to hear, doesn't mean they aren't trying to help.

To answer your question,

There is no way of us or any website to have a definitive answer to your question. The only person who can is a doctor.

[DanG]

I'm very thankfull for the little help I did recieve on this forum, others were more so bitter and brutal tactics... at least from what I've experience on levels.

I tend to agree with your analysis of reactions to your request for assistance - all the responses to your thread are telling you to go to a doctor.

I was 22 years old when I went to the ER because of excessive thirst and constant urination, drinking hawaiian punch every half hour - bad, bad for diabetes. Did they do any GAD or whatever tests to see if I was diabetic? - I dunno, so in a sense I may not have ever been diagnosed. In living with insulin, I have never had any diagnostic tests such as GAD, etc - I may not have diabetes, really - but the insulin does bring my blood sugar to levels needed for life.

Responses that tell you to go to doctor are not completely accurate. I went to a doctor 2 weeks before I went to the ER. The doctor told me I had the flu. I believed the doctor, but my girlfriend (my wife) wanted me to go to the ER, so we went, and they used insulin to fix the situation.

What most people do not seen to comprehend is that doctors cost a bunch of cash - and in a cash starved economy, doctors are easily expendable. An online forum such as this one - DiabetesForums - seems to be a logical place where forum members might assist you in pointing you toward or away from the probability of diabetes. I agree with you, our responses have been quite unresponsive and rude. I would suggest that you are not exhibiting the most blatant symptoms of diabetes - excessive thirst, constant urination - that is not a diagnosis, nor is it a cure.

Could you still have diabetes without the blatant symptoms of constant thirst and urination? - yes, but not without some testing such as others mention, none of which I have ever had done. To me, fixing the problem is paramount - skrew the bogus testing that seems to assuage the thinking of an illiterate public and lines the pockets of the medical-industrial-complex. If insulin fixes your problems - go get some insulin. Problem is, you need a doctor in order to get insulin, and syringes. /rant off/

[jenb]

I tend to agree with your analysis of reactions to your request for assistance - all the responses to your thread are telling you to go to a doctor.

I agree with you, our responses have been quite unresponsive and rude.

Dan - the responses to the OP's query seem very reasonable to me. People have rightly requested detail about the symptoms, aside from the mystifying statement about callouses, that lead this person to believe he is diabetic. He is evasive about this. People have suggested that this person seek medical attention - only to be met with more evasion. Suggestions have been made that he obtain a meter and do some home blood testing - the OP rants that people are rude. This all adds up, in my mind, to someone seeking attention for reasons known only to himself...not someone who really wants serious information from the very giving people who participate in the Forums.

I'm sorry you had a bad experience with your doctor not taking your symptoms seriously. Good call to go to the ER. BUT....they would not have administered insulin to you without testing your blood sugar. You may think it just "feeds the profit machine" but without testing in all it's expensive glory, most of us would not be here to rail against the establishment.

Jen