[Larry H.]

I sure wish I had done a better job of noting some research I saw on the web. The basis of which had to do with some test that showed that if cells were becoming insulant resistant that by reducing sugar intakes there was some evidence that the cells could then gradually handle the glucose better. But if left to be exposed to the high sugar levels too long, then they not. Well I am sure I will get panned for writing such a loose explanation, but it is the best I can do at the moment.
That said, I have a feeling that as many have said for the vast majority of people if you don't seriously reduce your carb intake your "pre diabetic" status will eventually worsen. And probably for many it will gradually anyway. I have cut way back on sugars, but not totally, exercised more than ever in my life, lost weight and felt better, but recently about a year into this thing I am seeing creeping lower numbers on fasting? Not sure if its the progressive nature, my excesses, or just the fact that in summer I am much more active than in winter.

[deansreef]

i always wondered if I went to the doctor and got diagnosed as soon as the first signs of the big D started to show- if I would have been a type 2. I waited to long and was diagnosed as a type 1...I wonder???

Dean

[BlueSky]

Originally Posted by deansreef

... I waited to long and was diagnosed as a type 1...I wonder??? ...

No, it doesn't work that way. T1 and T2 are two completely different diseases. T2 is a problem of insulin resistance whereas T1 is is caused by an autoimmune attack on the beta cells. All they have in common is that blood sugar increases in both cases. With T1, once that autoimmune attack has started, nothing one does will change the eventual outcome.

[pepatrick]

Makes me wonder though...what about a type 2 that eventually exhaust insulin production...is it then possible to be type 1...with insulin resistence or is that 1.5

[deansreef]

thanks for clarifying bluesky!

[BlueSky]

Originally Posted by pepatrick

Makes me wonder though...what about a type 2 that eventually exhaust insulin production...is it then possible to be type 1...with insulin resistence or is that 1.5

There is a lot of confusion about these classifications. It is not unusual for T1s to become insulin resistant as well, which is now being referred to as "double-diabetes". My understanding is that T2s who become totally dependent on injected insulin because of beta cell exhaustion, are still technically T2s. Insulin resistance remains the primary problem. T1.5 is used for people who are going through an autoimmune attack on the beta cells but retain some beta cell function for an extended period - in other words, the slow onset of T1. Insulin resistance is typically not an issue. There is also now something called T3 diabetes. It is the insulin resistance of the brain which accompanies Alzheimer's Disease. What will they think of next ....

[Tropo]

Originally Posted by LoDeSp

I think what he means is that the symptoms of diabetes (in particular, high blood sugar, A1C > 6.0) are reversible, but the disease itself is not. Saying "diabetes is reversible" to me implies that I can take some steps that will bring me back to the point that I can eat a plate full of pancakes smothered with apple compote and maple syrup and not worry about my blood sugar rising above 100 (as my wife can do). I don't believe that this is possible. On the other hand, I can learn what foods I can eat that will keep my blood sugars from rising too high (steak & broccoli, e.g.). I can control my diabetes by eating better and exercising more. And you can too. I think this is his point. So if you replace "reversible" by "controllable" in his statement, I agree. You can control pre-diabetes through diet and exercise alone. You may not need medication.

I believe you're right on the money there Irishrncde.

Pre-D is an early warning that the body is no longer processing food normally. It's just an early stage of diabetes that hasn't progressed so far as to require the use of drugs to keep it under control.

I'm in that category myself. I can keep my BG levels under control with a controlled diet and exercise, but know full well that without some contol things will inevitably worsen. We can think of this Pre-D label as an early warning, and a lucky one at that, if we take steps to contol it.

Most people aren't lucky to catch it before they need medication and only find out when they've progressed past the point of non-medicated control.