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KittyCat
Happy Summer !
Member since 5/05 2241 total posts
Name:
Kathleen
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Diabetes, Type 2
If you have diabetes - what were your first symptoms ? And your A1C # ? Thank you.
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Posted 3/29/18 8:23 AM  |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: Diabetes, Type 2
I had gestational diabetes twice so I KNEW at some point that would come back to bite me in the a$$.
Back in August I noticed that I was INSATIABLY thirsty, I literally could not drink enough water. I was going to the bathroom constantly and I got a yeast infection that I was having trouble getting rid of. I NEVER get yeast infections. The WORST and most noticeable symptom was blurry vision which was freaking me out. I couldn't focus my vision to read a book or magazine, it was scary and frustrating. So, I tested my sugars and discovered that SIX HOURS after eating my last meal my numbers were in the mid 300's!!! That is CRAZY. They are suppose to be under 140 two hours after eating for a non-diabetic.
I immediately changed my diet and went to the endocrinologist to have blood work done. My A1C was 9.3!!!!!!  I literally changed EVERYTHING about what I was doing and how I was eating. I started on Metformin (1500mg/day) and cut out most processed food. I stopped snacking throughout the day, began to eat healthier and I watched my sugars like a hawk. Since starting that in September I am down over 25 lbs and my A1C as of January was only 5.2 which isn't even considered PRE-diabetic, it's in totally normal range now. My sugars since being diagnosed have been PERFECT. I am WELL under 140 two hours after eating (for diabetics it only needs to be under 180) and my morning sugars are spot on. ALL of the symptoms that I had, went away withing just a few days of changing my diet and starting the Metformin. Thankfully, and most importantly, my vision returned to completely 100% normal.
Around November I also started on Victoza which is a once a day injection, NOT insulin. I was REALLY struggling to lose weight even with eating well because of the insulin resistance so this helped to kick everything into gear. I'm working now to go off of that medication and just stick with the Metformin until I lose enough weight where I don't need any help to control my sugars. Once I am at my ideal weight, exercise and a healthy diet like I have been doing should be enough to keep everything in check.
If you would like to read more about my story I actually wrote about it on my food blog. The links are below.
When Life Throws You A Curve Ball Part 1
When Life Throws You A Curve Ball Part 2
Message edited 3/29/2018 9:15:04 AM.
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| Posted 3/29/18 8:41 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Diabetes, Type 2
A friend of ours was telling us that he was losing weight with no explanation. His diet was terrible, he wasn't exercising more, nothing changed. But he was dropping weight like crazy all of a sudden.
That's another sign.
There's a scientific reason for it- like if your body is not producing enough insulin to get fuel from glucose in your blood, it starts to feed off your body fat and muscle instead.
Something like that.
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| Posted 3/29/18 9:28 AM |
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winter
LIF Toddler
Member since 4/09 420 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Diabetes, Type 2
WOW...thank you for posting your story, Hofstra26.
I can relate to just about everything you wrote.
I'm 42, and had GD back in 2008 when I was pregnant with my daughter .
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 3 weeks ago.
The only symptom I had was blurred vision.
Since finding out, I've been trying my best to eat better, and move more. I must say it's been quite challenging, and even scary at first, but God knows I'm trying, and really...I can't afford not to.
Currently my A1C is 8.2, and I need to bring it down as soon as possible.
Message edited 3/29/2018 10:45:24 AM.
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| Posted 3/29/18 10:44 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: Diabetes, Type 2
Posted by winter
WOW...thank you for posting your story, Hofstra26.
I can relate to just about everything you wrote.
I'm 42, and had GD back in 2008 when I was pregnant with my daughter .
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 3 weeks ago.
The only symptom I had was blurred vision.
Since finding out, I've been trying my best to eat better, and move more. I must say it's been quite challenging, and even scary at first, but God knows I'm trying, and really...I can't afford not to.
Currently my A1C is 8.2, and I need to bring it down as soon as possible.
Sorry you're dealing with this too. I just turned 43 earlier this week and I was also pregnant in 2008 (with my DD) so we're in the same boat!!
Since your A1C is so high, I would speak with your endo about getting on (at the very least) Metformin. It will help you SO much. Making all of the necessary changes are great but the insulin resistance makes it so hard to get things under control at first. I have no problem with the Met, I was on it years ago to try and get pregnant too so I was use to it. I take one 500mg pill with each meal.
Look into Victoza as well, Trulicity is similar but you only need to take that once a week instead of every day. I like the once a day Victoza because you have more control and can adjust your dose as needed. It took a little while to adjust to the Victoza, I went VERY slow with it to avoid the nausea and other possible side effects. Taking it before bed helped too. I was on the lowest dose for over a month and then I moved to the middle dose (1.6) and I've stayed there for months now. I don't have ANY side effects at all now, in the first month or two I had a little nausea when I got hungry but that went away.
Between my dietary changes, the weight loss and the meds I'm having the opposite problem now of high sugars, mine tend to drop out low often now. I think as I am getting healthier and my sugars are controlled it's just too much medication which is why I'm working on phasing out the Victoza. I'm going to drop my dose soon and I'd like to go off of it completely by the summer.
Good luck with everything. If you ever have any questions or need support please feel free to reach out. I know EXACTLY how you feel and what you're going through. The beginning is scary (I cried ALL the time) but once you get in the groove and get things under control you'll feel so much better. You will be amazed at how fast your A1C drops too!! In just over 4 months mine went from 9.3 to 5.2 That is just so crazy to me even now!! lol
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| Posted 3/29/18 11:38 AM |
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Re: Diabetes, Type 2
Posted by Hofstra26
Posted by winter
WOW...thank you for posting your story, Hofstra26.
I can relate to just about everything you wrote.
I'm 42, and had GD back in 2008 when I was pregnant with my daughter .
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 3 weeks ago.
The only symptom I had was blurred vision.
Since finding out, I've been trying my best to eat better, and move more. I must say it's been quite challenging, and even scary at first, but God knows I'm trying, and really...I can't afford not to.
Currently my A1C is 8.2, and I need to bring it down as soon as possible.
Sorry you're dealing with this too. I just turned 43 earlier this week and I was also pregnant in 2008 (with my DD) so we're in the same boat!!
Since your A1C is so high, I would speak with your endo about getting on (at the very least) Metformin. It will help you SO much. Making all of the necessary changes are great but the insulin resistance makes it so hard to get things under control at first. I have no problem with the Met, I was on it years ago to try and get pregnant too so I was use to it. I take one 500mg pill with each meal.
Look into Victoza as well, Trulicity is similar but you only need to take that once a week instead of every day. I like the once a day Victoza because you have more control and can adjust your dose as needed. It took a little while to adjust to the Victoza, I went VERY slow with it to avoid the nausea and other possible side effects. Taking it before bed helped too. I was on the lowest dose for over a month and then I moved to the middle dose (1.6) and I've stayed there for months now. I don't have ANY side effects at all now, in the first month or two I had a little nausea when I got hungry but that went away.
Between my dietary changes, the weight loss and the meds I'm having the opposite problem now of high sugars, mine tend to drop out low often now. I think as I am getting healthier and my sugars are controlled it's just too much medication which is why I'm working on phasing out the Victoza. I'm going to drop my dose soon and I'd like to go off of it completely by the summer.
Good luck with everything. If you ever have any questions or need support please feel free to reach out. I know EXACTLY how you feel and what you're going through. The beginning is scary (I cried ALL the time) but once you get in the groove and get things under control you'll feel so much better. You will be amazed at how fast your A1C drops too!! In just over 4 months mine went from 9.3 to 5.2 That is just so crazy to me even now!! lol
Thank you for posting your experiences. I just had GD with my second child, and now I'm using it as motivation to lose the extra weight I've been carrying. I appreciate you sharing your symptoms so I know what to look out for. Between my family history and GD, I'm certain it's in my future, but I'm hoping to delay it as long as possible.
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| Posted 3/29/18 3:04 PM |
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winter
LIF Toddler
Member since 4/09 420 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Diabetes, Type 2
Posted by Hofstra26
Posted by winter
WOW...thank you for posting your story, Hofstra26.
I can relate to just about everything you wrote.
I'm 42, and had GD back in 2008 when I was pregnant with my daughter .
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 3 weeks ago.
The only symptom I had was blurred vision.
Since finding out, I've been trying my best to eat better, and move more. I must say it's been quite challenging, and even scary at first, but God knows I'm trying, and really...I can't afford not to.
Currently my A1C is 8.2, and I need to bring it down as soon as possible.
Sorry you're dealing with this too. I just turned 43 earlier this week and I was also pregnant in 2008 (with my DD) so we're in the same boat!!
Since your A1C is so high, I would speak with your endo about getting on (at the very least) Metformin. It will help you SO much. Making all of the necessary changes are great but the insulin resistance makes it so hard to get things under control at first. I have no problem with the Met, I was on it years ago to try and get pregnant too so I was use to it. I take one 500mg pill with each meal.
Look into Victoza as well, Trulicity is similar but you only need to take that once a week instead of every day. I like the once a day Victoza because you have more control and can adjust your dose as needed. It took a little while to adjust to the Victoza, I went VERY slow with it to avoid the nausea and other possible side effects. Taking it before bed helped too. I was on the lowest dose for over a month and then I moved to the middle dose (1.6) and I've stayed there for months now. I don't have ANY side effects at all now, in the first month or two I had a little nausea when I got hungry but that went away.
Between my dietary changes, the weight loss and the meds I'm having the opposite problem now of high sugars, mine tend to drop out low often now. I think as I am getting healthier and my sugars are controlled it's just too much medication which is why I'm working on phasing out the Victoza. I'm going to drop my dose soon and I'd like to go off of it completely by the summer.
Good luck with everything. If you ever have any questions or need support please feel free to reach out. I know EXACTLY how you feel and what you're going through. The beginning is scary (I cried ALL the time) but once you get in the groove and get things under control you'll feel so much better. You will be amazed at how fast your A1C drops too!! In just over 4 months mine went from 9.3 to 5.2 That is just so crazy to me even now!! lol
Thank you so much for your kind reply!!! I will certainly take you up on the offer to reach out.
*OP..thanks for posting.
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| Posted 3/29/18 4:00 PM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: Diabetes, Type 2
Posted by starbrightgirl8
Posted by Hofstra26
Posted by winter
WOW...thank you for posting your story, Hofstra26.
I can relate to just about everything you wrote.
I'm 42, and had GD back in 2008 when I was pregnant with my daughter .
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 3 weeks ago.
The only symptom I had was blurred vision.
Since finding out, I've been trying my best to eat better, and move more. I must say it's been quite challenging, and even scary at first, but God knows I'm trying, and really...I can't afford not to.
Currently my A1C is 8.2, and I need to bring it down as soon as possible.
Sorry you're dealing with this too. I just turned 43 earlier this week and I was also pregnant in 2008 (with my DD) so we're in the same boat!!
Since your A1C is so high, I would speak with your endo about getting on (at the very least) Metformin. It will help you SO much. Making all of the necessary changes are great but the insulin resistance makes it so hard to get things under control at first. I have no problem with the Met, I was on it years ago to try and get pregnant too so I was use to it. I take one 500mg pill with each meal.
Look into Victoza as well, Trulicity is similar but you only need to take that once a week instead of every day. I like the once a day Victoza because you have more control and can adjust your dose as needed. It took a little while to adjust to the Victoza, I went VERY slow with it to avoid the nausea and other possible side effects. Taking it before bed helped too. I was on the lowest dose for over a month and then I moved to the middle dose (1.6) and I've stayed there for months now. I don't have ANY side effects at all now, in the first month or two I had a little nausea when I got hungry but that went away.
Between my dietary changes, the weight loss and the meds I'm having the opposite problem now of high sugars, mine tend to drop out low often now. I think as I am getting healthier and my sugars are controlled it's just too much medication which is why I'm working on phasing out the Victoza. I'm going to drop my dose soon and I'd like to go off of it completely by the summer.
Good luck with everything. If you ever have any questions or need support please feel free to reach out. I know EXACTLY how you feel and what you're going through. The beginning is scary (I cried ALL the time) but once you get in the groove and get things under control you'll feel so much better. You will be amazed at how fast your A1C drops too!! In just over 4 months mine went from 9.3 to 5.2 That is just so crazy to me even now!! lol
Thank you for posting your experiences. I just had GD with my second child, and now I'm using it as motivation to lose the extra weight I've been carrying. I appreciate you sharing your symptoms so I know what to look out for. Between my family history and GD, I'm certain it's in my future, but I'm hoping to delay it as long as possible.
You're so welcome, I am happy to share...........especially if it helps even one person. I know many people aren't sure want to look for when it comes to symptoms and to be honest, if I had just one of them by itself I'd likely have shrugged it off. I just *knew* something was up when I had them all concurrently, I am just glad I was paying attention and caught it.
Hopefully you can dodge it. I had the chance a few years ago when my A1C was borderline and I didn't take it seriously enough. I've learned my lesson for sure now. Hope you stay healthy!!! 
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| Posted 3/29/18 4:04 PM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: Diabetes, Type 2
Posted by winter
Posted by Hofstra26
Posted by winter
WOW...thank you for posting your story, Hofstra26.
I can relate to just about everything you wrote.
I'm 42, and had GD back in 2008 when I was pregnant with my daughter .
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 3 weeks ago.
The only symptom I had was blurred vision.
Since finding out, I've been trying my best to eat better, and move more. I must say it's been quite challenging, and even scary at first, but God knows I'm trying, and really...I can't afford not to.
Currently my A1C is 8.2, and I need to bring it down as soon as possible.
Sorry you're dealing with this too. I just turned 43 earlier this week and I was also pregnant in 2008 (with my DD) so we're in the same boat!!
Since your A1C is so high, I would speak with your endo about getting on (at the very least) Metformin. It will help you SO much. Making all of the necessary changes are great but the insulin resistance makes it so hard to get things under control at first. I have no problem with the Met, I was on it years ago to try and get pregnant too so I was use to it. I take one 500mg pill with each meal.
Look into Victoza as well, Trulicity is similar but you only need to take that once a week instead of every day. I like the once a day Victoza because you have more control and can adjust your dose as needed. It took a little while to adjust to the Victoza, I went VERY slow with it to avoid the nausea and other possible side effects. Taking it before bed helped too. I was on the lowest dose for over a month and then I moved to the middle dose (1.6) and I've stayed there for months now. I don't have ANY side effects at all now, in the first month or two I had a little nausea when I got hungry but that went away.
Between my dietary changes, the weight loss and the meds I'm having the opposite problem now of high sugars, mine tend to drop out low often now. I think as I am getting healthier and my sugars are controlled it's just too much medication which is why I'm working on phasing out the Victoza. I'm going to drop my dose soon and I'd like to go off of it completely by the summer.
Good luck with everything. If you ever have any questions or need support please feel free to reach out. I know EXACTLY how you feel and what you're going through. The beginning is scary (I cried ALL the time) but once you get in the groove and get things under control you'll feel so much better. You will be amazed at how fast your A1C drops too!! In just over 4 months mine went from 9.3 to 5.2 That is just so crazy to me even now!! lol
Thank you so much for your kind reply!!! I will certainly take you up on the offer to reach out.
*OP..thanks for posting.
Anytime!!! 
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| Posted 3/29/18 4:05 PM |
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KittyCat
Happy Summer !
Member since 5/05 2241 total posts
Name:
Kathleen
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Re: Diabetes, Type 2
[
Thank you so much for your kind reply!!! I will certainly take you up on the offer to reach out.
*OP..thanks for posting.
Thank you all for the info, I have to get this under control ASAP !
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| Posted 3/30/18 9:17 AM |
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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Re: Diabetes, Type 2
I have Type 1, since the age of 12. Whenever I hear that someone had diabetes, the first thing I tell them is that they can lead a very long, active life. 30+ years ago, I was never told that... 
Even though it will make an impact on your life, it isn't a terminal illness.
Hang in there, it gets easier...
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| Posted 3/30/18 9:29 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: Diabetes, Type 2
Posted by GoldenRod
I have Type 1, since the age of 12. Whenever I hear that someone had diabetes, the first thing I tell them is that they can lead a very long, active life. 30+ years ago, I was never told that...
Even though it will make an impact on your life, it isn't a terminal illness.
Hang in there, it gets easier...
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| Posted 3/30/18 10:21 AM |
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winter
LIF Toddler
Member since 4/09 420 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Diabetes, Type 2
Posted by GoldenRod
I have Type 1, since the age of 12. Whenever I hear that someone had diabetes, the first thing I tell them is that they can lead a very long, active life. 30+ years ago, I was never told that...
Even though it will make an impact on your life, it isn't a terminal illness.
Hang in there, it gets easier...
Thank you. So encouraging to hear!!.
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| Posted 3/30/18 10:27 AM |
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