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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: petercharlesfagg on November 18, 2014, 05:51:40 PM

Title: Diabetes 2
Post by: petercharlesfagg on November 18, 2014, 05:51:40 PM
Friends,

This is not to ellicit sympathy.

My doctor thinks that I have Diabetes 2 and tomorrow I have an early appointment for blood letting.

At the moment I feel absolutely terrible all aches and pains in my joints, up and down like a yo-yo all through the night mainly because of a raging thirst!

The old eyes are so blurred I cannot watch television, so no modelling, and my energy level is like Zero!

I must add that some of the symptoms have been increasing over the years to merge, RIGHT NOW!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>">>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

My thought is this, has anyone else suffered thus and what does the diagnoses mean if it is positive?

Your thoughts would be gratefully accepted.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: kenbury on November 18, 2014, 05:59:28 PM
hi i have type 2 diabetes which means i have a low suger diet with which i live a normal life
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: austinbob on November 18, 2014, 06:03:59 PM
Peter

You are having a rough time, what with cataracts and now Diabetes 2.

I was diagnosed with Diabetes 2 about 7 or 8 years ago, although my doctor said it was marginal. As a result I have a check up once a year to check for blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, numbness in extremities etc.

I don't take any meds other than Lisinopril for blood pressure.

I was given advice to change my diet and drink less alcohol (the most difficult bit and largely ignored!) and to take more exercise.

I must say I don't really have any symptoms other than a few aches and pains, and an effort to get off my butt, but then at my age that's probably to be expected anyway.

I wouldn't panic too much - see your doctor and see what he says. I believe there are drugs that can be prescribed to help, if diet and lifestyle changes are not enough.

Regards
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: scotsoft on November 18, 2014, 06:09:35 PM
Same here Peter, I had no problems moving from sugar in my coffee to sweeteners and I drink a fair bit of zero sugar own brand Tesco coke, although Pepsi Max is better, but more expensive.

You can still have biscuits and cake if you bake them yourself using granulated sweetener in place of sugar  :thumbsup:

I will admit I drool over the Christmas adverts showing all the goodies I cannot have but you have to do what you have to do  :'(

My life has changed but only because I have always had a very extreme sweet tooth which I have had to suppress.

You may be referred to a Podiatrist as looking after your feet is a must, I enjoy my three monthly visits  :thumbsup:

I hope this eases your apprehensions a bit.

cheers John.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: Papyrus on November 18, 2014, 06:15:33 PM
Hello Peter,

Not something I suffer from myself, but my mother was diagnosed with it in her early 60s (judging from your photo, about the age you are now... my apologies if this is wildly inaccurate!!) Anyway, she will celebrate her 95th birthday at Christmas! Her experience has been that it is a nuisance, but liveable-with. I'm not a medic, so this isn't a substitute for what your doctor will tell you, but if you eat and drink sensibly, reducing carbs, especially sugars, you can live a normal life and still have the occasional treat. The blurred vision should sort itself out with a bit of help from your optician - Mum could read books and the paper up to a couple of years ago, but she has had to give up on that now.

I hope you get good news tomorrow - keep us informed!

With very best wishes,

Chris
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: Dorsetmike on November 18, 2014, 06:25:00 PM
Another type 2, keep it under control by taking less sugar, use sweeteners instead, don't like the ones with saccharin or aspartane, got an unpleasant after taste, so I stick with Splenda, or Tescos, derived from sugar but with the nasties taken out or Stevia from a different plant.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: PaulCheffus on November 18, 2014, 07:09:28 PM
Hi

Although not quite the same I have type 1 diabetes and tend to use total sweet as a replacement for sugar (I believe it is made from the bark of the birch tree).

Cheers

Paul
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: Malc on November 18, 2014, 07:12:19 PM
I was diagnosed in 1996, so 18 years ago. As everyone says, avoid sugar. I couldn't stand sweteners, so gave it up in drinks. Diet coke and Pepsi max are often all you can get out but are lovable with. I still enjoy the odd beer but cut it down a lot I take metformin to slow down carbohydrates turning to sugar in my gut. That was all for about 5 years, then over the last 15 years I've been introduced to a couple of others. It generally doesn't get better unless you loose loads of weight, which to be honest, as I explained to the doc. I don't sing, smoke, play around with women, only drink in moderation, so my only pleasure is food. Just take it steady and you'll be OK. Late onset is quiet common, a product of our way of life. Look up diabetes UK on the web.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: austinbob on November 18, 2014, 07:15:34 PM
Quote from: Malc on November 18, 2014, 07:12:19 PM
I was diagnosed in 1996, so 18 years ago. As everyone says, avoid sugar. I couldn't stand sweteners, so gave it up in drinks. Diet coke and Pepsi max are often all you can get out but are lovable with. I still enjoy the odd beer but cut it down a lot I take metformin to slow down carbohydrates turning to sugar in my gut. That was all for about 5 years, then over the last 15 years I've been introduced to a couple of others. It generally doesn't get better unless you loose loads of weight, which to be honest, as I explained to the doc. I don't sing, smoke, play around with women, only drink in moderation, so my only pleasure is food. Just take it steady and you'll be OK. Late onset is quiet common, a product of our way of life. Look up diabetes UK on the web.

Good advice - I should take it!!

Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: Newportnobby on November 18, 2014, 09:24:19 PM
As John says, look after your feet. No padding round the railway room in bare feet. Cuts are to be avoided.
Good luck for tomorrow and let us know how you get on please.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: joe cassidy on November 18, 2014, 09:25:25 PM
I'm sure that railway modelling can only be good for these ailments that catch up with as we get older - physical exercise in the form of sawing wood to make basewoods, crawling under same for wiring etc., and carrying them to exhibitions. Zen-like meditation when devising track plans.

Surely all expenses such as the above should be reimbursed by the National Health Service ?

Best regards,


Joe
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: Bealman on November 18, 2014, 11:10:43 PM
Sorry to hear that, Peter. This getting older thing really sucks. I (as far as I know) do not have diabetes, but I do have hemochromatosis and have to dump a bag of blood monthly (next one this Friday). The last dump showed something that suggests possible colon cancer, so a colonoscopy coming up.

As I say, getting old sucks.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: Railwaygun on November 18, 2014, 11:40:10 PM
The diabetes uk website is very helpful, as is patient.uk

Dietary control is the first line of treatment, then drugs such as metformin, and for some, insulin.

Control of BP and cholesterol  and wt loss is very important, as are regular eye and foot checks.

Daily exercise ( walking is fine) improves glucose control - throw away the bus pass!

The cataracts may be related to undiagnosed diabetes. - you seem to have classic symptoms .

Nick R
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: Croxy on November 19, 2014, 02:47:08 AM
Hi Peter....my dad was diagnosed with this in his seventies. He's just turned 87 and going strong. He did have to make some dietary changes and be more careful but is doing really well.....In his case and making those changes it really hasn't been much of a problem for him.....so I hope that helps you to have a more positive outlook. I think that many of the people that have real problems don't make the lifestyle changes that they need to...

Take care, Mark.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: Dorsetmike on November 19, 2014, 11:02:38 AM
One thing that gets up my nose is the people who say give up sugar and don't bother with sweetener substitutes, just drink your tea/coffee without any sweetening like they do, why the #%&* should one change on their say so just because they don't have a sweet tooth.

I can see the sense of giving up fags, drugs and too much booze, but not sweetening, or salt and other fads.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: petercharlesfagg on November 19, 2014, 12:56:52 PM
Quote from: Railwaygun on November 18, 2014, 11:40:10 PM
The diabetes uk website is very helpful, as is patient.uk

Dietary control is the first line of treatment, then drugs such as metformin, and for some, insulin.

Control of BP and cholesterol  and wt loss is very important, as are regular eye and foot checks.

Daily exercise ( walking is fine) improves glucose control - throw away the bus pass!

The cataracts may be related to undiagnosed diabetes. - you seem to have classic symptoms .

Nick R
Nick, I really appreciated your reply because most of the things you mention are already in action.

As for bus passes, we don't have a bus within 1/2 mile so no problem!

They took all the blood this morning so it is only a matter of waiting for the results and my doctor on Monday.

Regards, Peter.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: port perran on November 19, 2014, 02:58:05 PM
Sorry to hear yet more bad news Peter.
Hope that everything settles down soon.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: petercharlesfagg on November 19, 2014, 04:41:39 PM
Quote from: port perran on November 19, 2014, 02:58:05 PM
Sorry to hear yet more bad news Peter.
Hope that everything settles down soon.

Thankyou, it is about time I had something wrong!

For years I have experienced full health, a few sniffles now and then but most of the time life was full and free!

Hopefully I will know more about the way my life is going after seeing my doctor on Monday with all the results from my blood sugars, PSA, Cholesterol and of course Blue blood!

Thankyou , I really appreciate your support. (I'll get it washed and back to you as soon as possible)

Peter.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: Newportnobby on November 19, 2014, 04:54:07 PM
Quote from: petercharlesfagg on November 19, 2014, 04:41:39 PM

Thankyou , I really appreciate your support. (I'll get it washed and back to you as soon as possible)

Peter.

:laughabovepost: :smiley-laughing:
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: REGP on November 19, 2014, 06:05:02 PM
Hi Peter

Sorry to hear about your latest problem, but at least it's treatable, unlike old age.

Glad it hasn't affected your sense of humour though.

My GP sent me for those tests earlier this year and fortunately I got the all clear, my problems are simply down to age.

Ray
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: David Asquith on November 19, 2014, 07:00:19 PM
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you Peter.  Some who have seen my modelling skills would say they are permanently crossed!

kind regards

Dave
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: MikeDunn on November 19, 2014, 09:21:29 PM
Quote from: Dorsetmike on November 19, 2014, 11:02:38 AM
One thing that gets up my nose is the people who say give up sugar and don't bother with sweetener substitutes, just drink your tea/coffee without any sweetening like they do, why the #%&* should one change on their say so just because they don't have a sweet tooth.
As someone who has a sweet tooth, and who gave up sugar in drinks (and generally elsewhere too ...), why don't you ?

Many sweeteners are actually worse for you than sugar is !  Google aspartame & then decide if you really want that poison inside of you ...

But is there any reason why you cannot have honey instead of sugar ...
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: Dorsetmike on November 19, 2014, 09:57:21 PM
I don't touch aspartane nor saccharin sweeteners can't stand the after taste, I either use Stevia which is plant derived,  Splenda or Tesco's which are derived from sugar with the nasties removed.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: Sprintex on November 19, 2014, 10:07:56 PM
Quote from: MikeDunn on November 19, 2014, 09:21:29 PM
But is there any reason why you cannot have honey instead of sugar ...

Honey is just as bad for Diabetes as sugar is ;)


Paul
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: steve836 on November 19, 2014, 10:43:43 PM
Hi  Peter
Sorry to hear of your problems. I recon that if you give up the fags, booze' sugar ,salt and all the other things doctors tell us to you won't live any longer, but it will seem like it.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: Railwaygun on November 19, 2014, 10:48:40 PM
Salt restriction is a non- drug way of lowering BP
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: petercharlesfagg on November 21, 2014, 05:49:35 PM
Quote from: newportnobby on November 18, 2014, 09:24:19 PM
As John says, look after your feet. No padding round the railway room in bare feet. Cuts are to be avoided.
Good luck for tomorrow and let us know how you get on please.

You requested to know how my test went?

I have Type 2 Diabetes, have lost 2.1/2 stone in twelve days, I feel rotten and hate the taste of tap water even though I have a raging thirst!

I have started using sweeteners in my tea, trying desperately to find foods that we have in the house that are suitable, will not be disposing of anything until after consultation with our Diabetes nurse next Tuesday (25th).

Can only see TV or monitor from approx. 1 foot distance,

Cannot imagine how long it will take for eyes to improve so I might as well sell all my models, my car etc.

Regards, Peter.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: Malc on November 21, 2014, 06:04:11 PM
My word Peter, you have been in the wars. Take it easy on the carbohydrates as well as sugars, they turn into glucose in the body. Have they not given you anything for it?  If you have stopped your sugar intake, the thirsts should stop soon, but make sure you keep drinking the water as you become susceptible to things like thrush and bladder infections, as I have.

You seem to have all the worst effects, all that happened to me was the thirst and peeing for England.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: austinbob on November 21, 2014, 06:07:15 PM
Quote from: petercharlesfagg on November 21, 2014, 05:49:35 PM
Quote from: newportnobby on November 18, 2014, 09:24:19 PM
As John says, look after your feet. No padding round the railway room in bare feet. Cuts are to be avoided.
Good luck for tomorrow and let us know how you get on please.

You requested to know how my test went?

I have Type 2 Diabetes, have lost 2.1/2 stone in twelve days, I feel rotten and hate the taste of tap water even though I have a raging thirst!

I have started using sweeteners in my tea, trying desperately to find foods that we have in the house that are suitable, will not be disposing of anything until after consultation with our Diabetes nurse next Tuesday (25th).

Can only see TV or monitor from approx. 1 foot distance,

Cannot imagine how long it will take for eyes to improve so I might as well sell all my models, my car etc.

Regards, Peter.

Peter

Give it a bit of time before you make any decisions about anything important. It's not too difficult to find a better diet for Diabetes, believe me, and once you know the rules you'll find loads of stuff you'll enjoy eating and drinking - just different to what you're used to.

If your Diabetes nurse is as good as mine then on the 25th I'm sure she/he will convince you that not all is lost and that with a bit of work things will get much better.

In the mean time you can obviously see well enough to keep posting, so keep em coming.

Good luck on 25th and best wishes.

Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: scotsoft on November 21, 2014, 06:41:09 PM
I agree, do not go doing anything you will regret later on.  All these problems will settle down once you adopt a slightly different lifestyle.  I can well imagine you will be feeling very downhearted right now but again that will pass once you begin to feel better.  I cannot promise the thirst will improve as it has not for me but I drink plenty sugar free drinks and am wearing out the carpet that leads me to the loo  :doh:

Give yourself some time Peter and concentrate on the things you can do at the moment  :thumbsup:

cheers John.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: austinbob on November 21, 2014, 06:43:24 PM
Quote from: scotsoft on November 21, 2014, 06:41:09 PM
I agree, do not go doing anything you will regret later on.  All these problems will settle down once you adopt a slightly different lifestyle.  I can well imagine you will be feeling very downhearted right now but again that will pass once you begin to feel better.  I cannot promise the thirst will improve as it has not for me but I drink plenty sugar free drinks and am wearing out the carpet that leads me to the loo  :doh:

Give yourself some time Peter and concentrate on the things you can do at the moment  :thumbsup:

cheers John.

Spot on John

Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: REGP on November 21, 2014, 07:08:30 PM
Hi Peter

Now you know what the problem is, things can only get better.

I know your feeling lousy and Tuesday seems a long way off, but take the advice of others on the forum who had the same problem and got over/round it.

Regards

Ray
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: crawler on November 21, 2014, 07:23:06 PM
Peter,

I was diagnosed as type 2 diabetes about three years ago the first thing that happened was i had to make an appointment with diabetics nurse, this has been said before she / he will go through what it means to be diabetic you will then go in to see the doctor normally on the same day again he /she will talk through the best course forward. Please don't assume its going to be all doom and gloom as it is not. I was told that I had to change my diet and that my diabetes could be controlled by diet.

Now if you were to see me you would understand that giving up "Maynard Wine Gums" was like the last thing anyone ever wanted to hear  :'( , but i fully understood that I am allowed the odd treat now and again.

This may get some reaction from some people but I went out and bought a blood sugar meter and took a reading before I had something to eat then "2 hours" after and if my super spiked then I knew that there was something in my meal that was bad for me. after about  two weeks I had a rough idea of what I could and couldn't eat and so I could cut down on the blood monitoring. I now check my blood 2-3 time a week or if I feel awful (good indication something is wrong)

And on a positive note my HbA1c ,which you will now be getting checked every 6 months along with an annual retinal check, feet and feeling in the extremities (arms and feet), is down below the diabetic limit (still classed as being Diabetic type two though)

Hope this eases the worries a bit

Dave

Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: BLOKEY on November 21, 2014, 07:43:15 PM
Hi Peter. Having diabetes 2 for the last 8 years at the start things look bleke
But .with the right thoughts.the situation will improve?.  :thumbsup:
Get yourself on a good diet. Take some exorcise. A good walk couple times
A week.and things will improve??. I have just had a blood test and being
Told to stop taking the metformin.till my next test.as my diet is controlling it
:thumbsup:    8)
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: longbridge on November 21, 2014, 08:01:13 PM
I wish one of you gentlemen could get through to my Wife, she has type 2 Diabetes but refuses to change her diet, she eats cakes, chocolate and other rubbish and if I try to tell her she shouldn't I get my head blown off.

She has one of those finger prick things but wont use it, the doctor put her on a pill but as far as my Wife is concerned if her blood sugar is 7 or lower she will eat whatever she likes, I am over fighting her over her health as she is as stubborn as a mule.
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: Croxy on November 22, 2014, 01:22:54 AM
I agree with the other Peter.....don't do anything rash at the moment and give it time....
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: Bealman on November 22, 2014, 02:18:10 AM
I am so sorry to hear this. The advice the folk on here have given seems sound.... roll on Tuesday! All the best, Peter, chin up, up bonny lad.  :thumbsup:

George
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: daveg on November 22, 2014, 08:17:13 AM
Just picked up on your news, Peter.

You seem to have had great advice and info from the guys on the forum and hopefully that has helped.

Wishing you much more comfortable soon and really hope that Tuesday eases your worries.

All the best.

Dave G
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: steve836 on November 22, 2014, 06:47:51 PM
Hang in there Peter
Title: Re: Diabetes 2
Post by: GerryB on November 22, 2014, 09:51:48 PM
Sorry to hear your news Peter, you really are going through the mill at the moment. Hope things look more positive after Tuesday.

Best wishes,

Gerry