I'm Jennifer and was told that I have full blown diabetes on the 23rd of April. My a1c is 6.1 and my doctor decided that she wasn't going to diagnose me with prediabetes she is calling me full blown diabetes. I had asked her if there is any medication's or shot's that I need to be on and she said no and that has me a little concerned because I had gestational diabetes twice and my grandfather also had diabetes and passed away from being a diabetic.
I'm thinking of calling my doctor tomorrow and asking what type of diabetes am I and why I'm not on any medication/shots. I am on a strict diet and they want me to take 5 different supplements that we just can't afford when medication and insulin is covered by my insurance.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Jennifer
Hello Jennifer and welcome. It sounds to me like you are most likely type 2, but your doctor can tell you for sure. Personally I dont care for the "pre-diabetic" that some medical professional use. In my opinion thats like saying someone is "pre-pregnant". You either are...or you arent. But thats another discussion altogether
Initially many type 2's can be controlled via diet and exercise. Type 2 is a progressive disease. In the early stages it is best to manage it as long as you can without pancreas stimulating medications. The longer you can go without wearing out those beta cells in your pancreas the better. Type 2 diabetics initially do produce insulin although it is usually a lower amount. What is the common thing among T2's is something called insulin resistance. Meaning your body is not able to use the insulin properly that you have to move the glucose into your cells where it belongs. This results in a high level of glucose in your blood. The "gold standard" medication for T2's is metformin. Metformin does not stimulate the pancreas directly, it works on lowering your insulin resistance. If you are going to ask about medications, I would ask about that one as it can be the most helpful at this stage. Other things that will help your resistance are regular exercise and if you have a few pounds to lose, lose them. Even a 10% weight loss can make a big difference.
There is a specific test that can be done (a c-peptide) that will determine if your pancreas is producing insulin on its own. If you are not producing enough for your body's needs, there are many oral drugs that stimulate the pancreas to produce more. These drugs are very benefical to the people that need them. Personally, I started out on diet and exercise alone for a couple of years. Then I had to move on to oral meds. Different combinations of oral drugs helped me for years. As with a lot of T2's, however, my beta have eventually failed me and now I am insulin dependent. The good news is that doesent happen to all T2's...but we are all different and you sort of make your own mileage here
Your diet choices are going to be the most important thing you can do to control your blood sugar. If you have not seen a certified diabetic educator I would strongly suggest it. Check with your doctors office and see if they have one available or know where to send you for one. Are you seeing a general MD for your diabetes or an endocrinologist? I highly recommend the endocrinologist. General MDs in my opinion are usually not aggressive enough in treatment, nor are they usually up to date on most recent treatment trends.
It is important to watch your carbohydrate intake. Carbs turn to sugar after you eat them. That nice healthy baked potato can be just as hard on your blood sugar as a piece of chocolate cake. A good starting place is to limit your carbs at breakfast to 30grams, and 45 each for lunch and dinner. Some people can handle more...some people need less. The only way to really tell how your body is handling it is to test your blood sugar around meals. Most insurance will cover meters and testing supplies. My insurance covers my strips 100%, some will cover them partially. You just need your MD to write you a prescription for the meter and strips.
Sorry, I know this got long winded....but there is so much info that is going to help you get control of this. People here have been so friendly and helpful so I am sure you are going to get lots of good advice
Feel free to ask anything you need....we are all here to help each other out. Good luck and let us know how you are doing!
