I’m turning 48 next month and in viewing this thread by QtM I did wonder a few things. My grandmother had diabetes, but my parents (as far as I know) did not. Although I’m in pretty good shape now walking and working out regularly, and keeping my weight under control, until recently I spent the majority of my adult life at body weights around 30 -60 lbs heavier than was good for me.
A few things have me somewhat concerned the possibility of incipient diabetes. First I’m fairly sensitive to blood sugar levels, and if I have a large lunch major sleepiness is sure to follow. Secondly my legs and fingers will tend to cramp up and get that “pins and needles” feeling if they are held in on one position under tension for even moderate periods of time (like First Person Shooter games mousing), so I’m assuming blood flow is not optimal or there’s some nerve issues. Third my grandmother (as mentioned above) had diabetes. Lastly the nice old guy next door is gradually losing his legs (one’s gone already) due to diabetes, and it’s not pleasant way to live.
If I haven’t gotten it so far am I probably in the clear re getting diabetes?
You are possibly in denial. I know, I was thier for a while myself. Just because you are not having to take insulin shots or other medications to control your blood sugar doesen’t mean you have dodged the bullet. Numbness in the fingers is one of the first signs I got myself. Get your weight under control and keep exercising so that you can stay off meds for as long as possible. Wouldn’t hurt to get a blood glucose monitor either jsut so that you can be aware how your body reacts to differnt types of food. And most of all, talk to your doctor about your concerns because keeping him in the dark will not make the problem go away.
OK…here’s continuing on from my Pit statement yesterday. Are you actually testing, with a blood glucometer, your blood sugar levels, or are you guessing? You would not believe the number of people who swore to me that they “knew” they had high/low blood sugar, but when I got them to let me test them, it was always dead normal (100-125 mg/dl).
Diabetics almost always typically notice circulation problems in their toes, feet, and legs first - the fingers can get ulcerations early on, but often not until you have other symptoms.
Well, genetic predisposition may come into play. However, the exact risk is not known IIRC.
Despite their anecdotal denials, an incredibly large number of diabetics really don’t even try. You CAN avoid or at least severely minimize the problems you have by rigid, military-discipline control.
No. It can manifest itself at nearly any age. You would be more likely to get Type 2, which could likely be controlled with oral medications, diet, and exercise. I say “likely”, as in “if you were to get it”, not trying to diagnose you in any way, shape, or form.
If you have it, he will talk to you about diet and the possible need for insulin. This alone could clear up the tingly feelings.
My grandfather has diabetes. He was an active guy who raised horses for aliving. He had diabetes but did not treat it. Not he is still alive at 83, but he is blind in both eyes from retinal bleeding and he suffers excrutiating foor pain. SO bad that he cannot walk. He basically sits in a dark room all day because he cannot see or walk. Yet he is otherwise healthy for 83. He should still have a relatively good quality of life.
But he doesn’t.
Because he had diabetes and wanted to act like he didn’t.
Why not just get checked? You have some risk factors which might make you somewhat statistically more likely to get it. If you have a diabetic friend, borrow the meter and take a before meal reading. If it’s more than say 120, you probably should make an appointment.
I am a type II diabetic. My doctor recommend me to keep my weight a little below normal with no fat in my middle. That was 25 years ago. I have succeeded in controling it but now I am taking Metformin (Glucophage) to keep it under control. I believe it is progressive even when under control. I walk for about an hour a day. I am 77 years old now and I still have my eyesight and my legs. But I still watch my diet daily. Go to your doctor and get his advice. It sounds to me like you are a borderline diabetic, but the doctor knows better than I do.
No. I thought you were in your mid/late 30s. That is the age when diabetes starts to develop for alot of people, hence the old title of adult onset diabetes. My dad didn’t get diagnosed with type II until he was about 50.
On the bright side if you know you have the disease and take care of yourself with lifestyle, nutrition and medication it doesn’t have to be a major problem.
Ha. I didn’t see you were turning 48, my fault. I don’t know why I thought you were in your 30s. Must be confusing you with someone else. Suffice it to say diabetes is an age related disease, so the older you get the worse your chances. So you can never be in the clear.