I need a Asylum Doc about Diabetes

I have a couple of questions, and tell me my Doctor could be wrong. I went in with a sinus infection today, and he came up with it and a possibility of Diabetes.

Off of the symtoms which have been going on for the last couple of months(frequent trips to the bathroom, constantly thirsty, and being tired frequently). He tested me for Diabetes. Should I be that worried about this or could it all be nothing?

[G G]

Originally Posted by Junior

I have a couple of questions, and tell me my Doctor could be wrong. I went in with a sinus infection today, and he came up with it and a possibility of Diabetes.

Off of the symtoms which have been going on for the last couple of months(frequent trips to the bathroom, constantly thirsty, and being tired frequently). He tested me for Diabetes. Should I be that worried about this or could it all be nothing?

Not a doc, but an EMT. Those are the some of the symptoms though. There is a test (I forget what it's called) maybe a glucose tolereance test. If that is what you had it will prolly give you a better idea. Hope that helps, a doctor could def be more in detail with it though.

[hotreds]

Yeah, it's really beyond us to say- you'll have to wait for the results from your doc. I am diabetic and never had those symptoms- altho they are common ones. Good luck, but if you are so diagnosed it's certainly not the end of the world!

[macpappy]

If he tested your blood sugar he should have been able to give you some instant results/information. Did he say what type of Diabetes? Type I or Type II. Type II is also called "adult-onset" diabetes and usually shows up later in life or if you are obese.

I have it but mine was brought on partially because I was in an auto accident 12 years ago that messed up my back and I couldn't exercise at the same level as I had done most of my life. For example, I can't play racquet ball anymore. By the time I had back surgery my blood sugar was in the 190 - 200 range and the other things they test you for were higher than they were supposed to be. The good news is that I control mine with a couple of small pills twice a day and watching the amount of carbs I consume.

While it means I can't drink as much as I used to (I traded quantity for quality), it doesn't affect my cigar smoking.

As for sinus problems being related to diabetes, that's a new one to me. I'll ask my doctor when I go in for a routine check-up in a couple of weeks.

I was just there for the sinus, and told him about the other.

He did some blood test and urine test, but won't hear until tomorrow.

My Dad had those exact symptoms when he was diagnosed with diabetes.

[stitch]

My Daughter is type 1 ...those are the symptoms ....
The tests should be for blood glucose and Keytones in the urine...
But results for those are available instantly ....

[JE3146]

I've had type 1 Diabetes for about 8-9 years.

I don't want to frighten you, but I'll give you an idea of what it was like for me when I was diagnosed.

I weighed ~145 - 150 lbs at that age in highschool.

At the time of diagnosis I weighed 110lbs. (I had lost over 30 lbs of body fat) I was constantly thirsty. I drank over a couple gallons of water a day. Every time I ate, I'd get stomach cramps. This would especially be the case with breads and pastas. I'd wake up during the night no less than 3 to 4 times. I felt weak, constantly tired, and constantly irritable.

By the time I gave in and admitted there was something wrong and my parents took me to the doctor's office, I had collapsed from exhaustion after having only walked 15 feet with my book bag on the way to the bus.

That took ~ 3 months from the time they thought I 'got it' to the time I was diagnosed.

Granted this is type 1. Type 2 is a much slower developing problem.

If any of the conditions I listed above have increased in the past few months, sadly there's a good chance it's Diabetes. Only peace I can offer you is the fact that you're not alone and funding for Diabetes research is comparable to Cancer and Aids.

Best of luck. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.



A quick way to figure out if you have diabetes or not... is by testing for ketoacidosis, or rather ketones in your urine.

Ketones are a biproduct of when your cells utilize fat energy instead of glucose in your bloodstream. They can't use the glucose due to insulin acting like a bridge from your bloodstream to your cells. Without the bridge, they can't pass. Your body turns to fat tissue and burns it. This creates acids as a biproduct, which are expelled through urine. Your body reacts to this by increasing urine output to dillute the acids and expel them. A biproduct of that is increased drinking. (ie. Water)

You can test for ketones in your urine using ketostrips which can be purchased at a local pharmacy for a few dollars. Piss on the strip and compare the color of it to the chart. If you have ketones (A large amount I mean).. there's a good chance it's Diabetes.

Hey Junior....I can't address this thread completely at this second. Suffice it to say that ya, what you are describing is pretty consistent with diabetes. Now, diabetes is a pretty wide spectrum of condtions (there is probably a dozen or more identified subtypes). But, I will see if I can answer some of your concerns in the next little while. But, I can't promise anything. If you have specific questions certianly PM me and I will do my best to answer those first.

Keep positive. There is alot that can be done to absolutely minimize the consequences as long as you are super motivated (always remember your health should be a part-time job, and thus should warrant the same effort as one would put into a part time job....I hope that is at least a smidgeon of inspiration).

Cheers

Cy

Thanks everyone. I still have my fingers crossed, and waiting on the call tomorrow.

Hopefully you will have a test they ran,,,A1C which checks for a 2-3 month period of time as to what your sugar levels have been. I have Diabetes and have dealt with it for about 10 years. Educate yourself with someone who is a Certified Diabetes Educator and not just a nutritionist or dietician. The more you know the better you will deal with this if you are indeed diagnosed with diabetes.

[ashtonlady]

My Husband was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. His syptoms were very thirsty and going to the bathroom a lot. I am still new to this, is there anything I can do to help with his journey?

[Gophernut]

I have been diabetic for over 10 years, and only the past year or so have I had good control over my blood glucose. I guess my advice to you would be make sure your husband gets the education that is available on Diabetes. The clinic I use in the Twin Cities area was fantastic. Teaching without preaching. I tried everything as far as meds, but nothing seemed to work. My nurse talked to me about insulin, and we decided to try that. My problem was forgetfulness. I would be at lunch, and remember that my insulin was back at my office. We decided that an insulin pump would be a good tool for me, and it has. It's something that I have on me all the time. It reminds me when to check my blood, and I know if I eat something I should probably dose for it. My last 3 A1c tests have been normal.
I am not saying that you need to go research pumps, but saying that your husband will need to find a dr or nurse educator that he feels comfortable working with. While there is no cure, yet, there are numerous ways to control your diabetes. Don't get frustrated if something doesn't work.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to PM me.