Let's Talk About Diabetes, Baby

I guess it's high time that I talked about Diabetes, especially now that I'm doing a fundraiser.  I have Type 2.  I don't like talking about it.  There's a social stigma to it that's embarrassing - the circle of shame and blame.  That somehow Diabetes is a character flaw or I failed in some way to properly take care of myself or if only I ate well and exercised enough it would go away.  The stereotype that I must be a fat slovenly couch potato.  I once made the mistake of telling someone not very close to me and he blatantly looked me up and down.  I asked, "Are you looking to see how fat I am?"  He said, "Yes, actually, but you don't look like a diabetic."  That was the first thing the doctor who diagnosed me said as well and it's a phrase that I hear over and over and makes me feel like my make-up is inherently wrong.  And it is.

I'm selective on who I choose to tell.....but now everyone will know.

Here's some history and I'll keep it brief so I don't get all whiny and throw myself a little pity party.  The first time I had a high blood sugar reading was in my late 20's.  The doctor said "You need to watch that, it's too high."  Pshaw.  I shrugged it off.  Give me a break.  I was active and lean so chalked it up as an anomoly.  Fast forward 10 years to my late 30's and BAM, I have the Epstein Barr virus.  I was getting blood work done alot through this period because I was so sick.  Blood sugars kept coming back high over and over.  Doctor kept wanting to put me on medication and I kept refusing.  Finally, she gave me an ultimatum- If sugars didn't start coming down by the next visit then I needed to get medicated to avoid diabetes damage.  Well, despite my best efforts, the sugars didn't come down by the next visit.  My A1c was 7.5 (normal is below 5.7%).  So through tears and dumbfounded disbelief, I accepted the prescription for 1000 mg of metformin per day.  I got set up with an endocrinologist and he re-ran some tests and made sure I didn't actually have Type 1 Diabetes because he couldn't believe it.  Yep, definitely Type 2. His theory is that the Epstein Barr virus somehow triggered an underlying genetic predisposition to Diabetes. 

I was in denial for quite a long time and even now sometimes I still don't quite believe it.  I ate super low carb for awhile in the beginning thinking that would cure me.  It definitely makes a difference in blood sugar levels but the minute I went off medication, the sugars shot right back up.  Exercise?  Don't talk to me about exercise.  Believe me, I've got that covered. 

For my backpacking trip on The Wonderland Trail, I'll be doing something I've never done before.  I'll be talking about managing diabetes on the trail and sharing results of the stealth blood sugar testing that goes on in my tent in the morning and night.  It's scary to share.  I don't want to be judged.

On 1000 mg of metformin per day, my fasting glucose is typically around 125.  My last A1c test came in at 6.2.  I try to stay below 50 grams of net carbs per day (unless backpacking or longer hikes).  Don't get it twisted; I have been known to eat cinnamon rolls the size of my head after backpacking.  My exercise schedule consists of weight lifting, elliptical, yoga, and hiking.  I do some kind of exercise 6 days a week.  I am 5'6" and within the normal weight range for my height.

That's enough about me.  Lifestyle choices make a big difference in Type 2 Diabetes but don't forget the genetic proponent. 



Here are some numbers you should shoot for to be in the normal range:

A1c:  Less than 5.7%
Fasting blood glucose:  Less than 100 mg/dL
2 hour post-prandial (2 hours after eating): Less than 140 mg/dL

Here is a basic breakdown on Type 2 Diabetes from http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-2/facts-about-type-2.html.

"Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance.  At first, the pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time your pancreas isn’t able to keep up and can’t make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose levels normal. Type 2 is treated with lifestyle changes, oral medications (pills), and insulin. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems: Right away, your cells may be starved for energy. Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart. Some people with type 2 can control their blood glucose with healthy eating and being active. But, your doctor may need to also prescribe oral medications or insulin to help you meet your target blood glucose levels. Type 2 usually gets worse over time – even if you don’t need medications at first, you may need to later on. Some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population."