possibly diabetic

I didn't mention that when I saw my own HbA1c numbers were higher than I would have liked and I was heading for diabetes, one of the drs at the practice [not my usual dr] just blandly said "Watch your diet [didn't say how!] and when your numbers reach 50 mmol/l - and they will -  I will have the Metformin ready for you". Over my dead body I thought and worked on it determined to lower the number if possible. And last November I realised that it had dropped to 40 mmol from 42. So I was pleased at that and pleased to have snubbed the rather arrogant dr who had seemed so certain that he was going to have another diabetic patient on his register. i believe they get paid a bonus if they diagnose someone with either hypertension or diabetes so they are not really in the market for giving good advice.  It's all wrong i feel but I do feel like that.  In the past, never having visited drs except when ill, I was shocked to find I had hypertension after a routine check. Of course I am now on their register but was livid with the nurse who did the health check when she patronisingly said "Well - you are 70 now". I just snapped that No, I was 29 thank you very much and probably a darn site more healthy and certainly a lot fitter than she was !! I'm 73 now btw.

It's called glucose intolerant and you would be wise to change your diet anyway.    I was diagnosed with type 2 17 years ago and within two years was on insulin   I was never overweight, was superfit, ate healthy food and there was no history of diabetes in my family, so why diabetes?   simple:   mumps (for the second time), chicken pox (also for the second time and influenza A all withing a 12 month period. 

Perhaps I should elucidate on my previous post:   If you haven't yet been diagnosed you would be wise to limit carbs until such time as a diagnosis is forthcoming and you have access to a blood glucose meter and appropriate medications.   If you are indeed diabetic a carb rich diet without appropriate medications can only do you harm (hyperglycemia).

 

Fruit is loaded with sugar, wholemeal or grain breads also have plenty of sugar, what I'm saying is, if you are diabetic eating fruits, breads, potatos, etc, will cause your BGL to skyrocket.   Makes no difference if wholemeal, grain, whatever, they all have sugar..   I say again, until you have a diagnosis limit the carbs, there are plenty of other foods that will put meat on your ribs.    Losing weight and being thirsty all the time are pretty common symptoms of diabetes.   If you can't get a diagnosis, I would suggest you at least get a glucose monitor so you can monitor your BGLs.   On being worried and scared, no need, diabetes is easily controlled if approached correctly, and once you have the appropriate medications you can eat as much fruit and bread as you like.

Sue, please don't worry. I am a similar age to you (68) and was told 4 years ago I may have diabetes, then 3 years ago told I definitely did have diabetes but definitely did not lose weight at all. May 2014 put on one tablet a day then a sudden deterioration January 2015 led to me going on 8 tablets per day. Further deterioration end January this year means I am now on insulin as well but my diabetes consultant, after looking at my food diary, told me my deterioration in diabetes had nothing to do with what I was eating. My diet is similar to what you say yours is. I would therefore say do not change your diet unless and until your gp tells you to.

It is scary when you are first told you may have diabetes, but I have found I have several friends with diabetes some of whom are on insulin like me and as a result we have formed an informal support group which I have found very helpful. Because they are a bit further down the road than me, and have survived well, a lot of the fear has gone. Do you know anyone with diabetes that you could talk to?