I’m diabetic here are the signs I almost missed

diabetes

So I have diabetes, mmmmm interesting hey. It’s Type 2 and I’m on tablets for it…some may be like that’s not so bad just eat in moderation, others will be like DUDE are you okay, sit down now here have this sugar free glass of water…Either way, diabetes is a bit of a game changer for me.

I’m not sharing this to look for attention or to get sympathy. I swear. Thing is, I’m a sharer, that’s why I blog, thoughts fester in my mind till I write about it.
It also keeps me accountable, like if anyone sees me eating a giant chocolate cake with a pixie stick and a lemonade chaser they might remind me that I stand the very real chance of getting very sick very fast (although anyone would get sick of eating that I’m sure)

Here is how I am… TIRED! But relieved to have a diagnosis. I have been feeling gross for a while now and it is nice to know why. Diabetes runs in my family and I’ve seen people go blind, lose limbs and even die from it so I am not taking it lightly. I think when I was diagnosed with insulin resistance I took it too lightly I didn’t change my lifestyle nearly enough and look at me now.

So while I’m eating better and exercising and generally trying to do better so I can say “I used to have diabetes” I thought it would be good idea to share the symptoms to look out for so you can get yourself checked out and we can all be healthier together. The medical facts are from …..

  • Increased thirst and frequent urination. Excess sugar building up in your bloodstream causes fluid to be pulled from the tissues. This may leave you thirsty. As a result, you may drink — and urinate — more than usual.

Omw am I ever thirsty, I put it down to winter and drinking less water but I soon figured constant cotton mouth is/was not normal.

  • Increased hunger. Without enough insulin to move sugar into your cells, your muscles and organs become depleted of energy. This triggers intense hunger.

I’m not too diligent about eating, I must be honest, so come supper time I can devour anything, but recently that was the case at lunch too. I NEED TO  EAT. No peckishness for this girl, no its EAT NOW OR PERISH

  • Weight loss. Despite eating more than usual to relieve hunger, you may lose weight. Without the ability to metabolize glucose, the body uses alternative fuels stored in muscle and fat. Calories are lost as excess glucose is released in the urine.

Ja no this didn’t happen. Figures that the only symptom that seems vaguely pleasant would skip me – kidding kidding

  • Fatigue. If your cells are deprived of sugar, you may become tired and irritable.

This is LEGIT! This is part of why I ended up at the doctor, I keep falling asleep or being so tired it became physically uncomfortable. Seriously a drive home with Rob would have me snoring 5min in…and shame he is not that boring

 

  • Blurred vision. If your blood sugar is too high, fluid may be pulled from the lenses of your eyes. This may affect your ability to focus.

This was my other telltale sign. Remember I told you about my eye-sight loss scare? Its awful guys! things just get blurry and the eye specialist was extremely puzzled by this. I was sent for a load (read lots of money) of test and nothing, just that my eyes are crazy dry and they get blurry (I knew that before forking over lots of money) The specialist ordered the first set of tests leading to diabetic diagnosis

 

  • Slow-healing sores or frequent infections. Type 2 diabetes affects your ability to heal and resist infections.

I haven’t notice this, knock on wood

  • Areas of darkened skin. Some people with type 2 diabetes have patches of dark, velvety skin in the folds and creases of their bodies — usually in the armpits and neck. This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, may be a sign of insulin resistance

I have this I HATE THIS I always feel like people think I do not wash properly when in fact the Dr warned me that I am scrubbing so hard I am damaging my skin… lose lose hey.

5 thoughts on “I’m diabetic here are the signs I almost missed

  1. melissa says:

    Damn I have some of these symptoms. Should get myself checked out then.
    I had gestational diabetes when pregnant – so I know it sucks to have diabetes. I would go weak after eating a few sweets AND I LOVED these soft sweets when pregnant. Anyway – I hope all the best to you.

  2. David says:

    Hi Elle

    Great article. In fact, I check back here regularly to see what’s new on your blog.

    It is indeed not pleasant founding out about having Diabetes, but it’s what you can do to help yourself that matters. You can control your Diabetes, rather than letting it control you.

    To help you out on this, I thought you might enjoy an article we did on Diabetes, explaining what it is and it’s effects, controlling it and if it’s curable. It also includes a cute animation video describing Diabetes in simple terms: https://www.getsavvi.co.za/community/health/quick-guide-on-diabetes-and-its-effects

    And since you are eating more healthier and exercising more I thought you might enjoy these as well:

    Diabetes meal plans:

    http://www.diabetes.org/mfa-recipes/meal-plans/

    Tips to motivate yourself to exercise regularly:

    https://www.getsavvi.co.za/community/health/5-tips-to-motivate-yourself-to-exercise-regularly

    Have a nice day further.

    David

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