I think I have T2 Diabetes

[GaryWindass]

I've namechanged for this as I don't want this post associated with my others. I've been around for a few years and am a middle aged woman, despite the temporary name (I'm watching Corrie!).

I do t want to panic as it hasn't been confirmed yet but my gp thinks so too. I'm getting bloods and sugar test on Thursday.

Although I don't have too many symptoms (I'm not overly thirsty, haven't lost weight, eyesight isn't too bad), I have 2 significant symptoms:
For the past year or so I've been woken most nights (sometimes a few times a night) with extremely numb, pins & needles in my hands. I have to pump them open and closed for a minute or two to make it go away.

Also for the past year or so I've been getting horrible painful boils in my armpits, labia, general other areas - legs, nose(!!!). I've been on antibiotics 4 times for them but each time they come back worse.

There's no question that I am overweight - I absolutely am - but I'm honestly not that bad. I'm good at seeing my own flaws, I promise!

I'm obviously not looking at the right sites online because I'm not getting much info that helps.

Can someone please help? Tell me I can fix it by losing weight, tell me I don't have to be on medication for ever, anything positive?

I'm devastated but totally motivated to fix it if I can

Anyone?

Go and see your gp, medical advice from random strangers on the internet who can’t twlk to you isn’t going to be very reliable. But for some people I believe t2 diabetes is controllable with diet.

The hands thing is almost certainly Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - easily fixed with a fairly hassle free operation.

The boils thing would worry me but isn't in and of itself an absolute for T2 - but it can be.

Don't Panic! It isn't a death sentance, even if you have to take medication.

Even slim, fit athletes get it. It's in your genes. Although losing weight can help a lot if you're overweight. Aim for losing 10% of your body weight. I'm overweight, but my athletic bro isn't. It worked for both of us.

Thank you Purplewithred.

As stated, I have already gone to my gp, awaiting test results. I am not pursuing medical advice online, just some good news stories

Hi ShitAt, I don't think it's. CTS. I have no pain in my hands or wrists

I have T2. Ive lost quite a lot of weight but need to lose more. Im on 3 different medications for diabetes including an injectable drug called liraglutide. My diabetes is considered well controlled with a combination of these drugs and diet. My experience is very different from friends of similar weight and age who are on less medication. Everyone is different and will have a different T2 experience.

The Michael Mosley Blood Sugar Diet is an excellent place to start if you want to get on with something which will help you in a positive way whether you are diagnosed or not

Boils under the arms, groin area and buttocks can also be a condition called HS (Hidradenitis suppurativa). It’s quite common.

My mum was diagnosed about a year ago. She is in her 60s. She was overweight but not obese. BMI of about 27 or 28.

She has lost 3 stone. BMI of about 21 or 22. Diabetes in remission. All her “getting on a bit” aches and pains have gone. Looks 15 years younger. Buying a whole new wardrobe. (Her skirts literally fall down!)

I beat it with a strict diet of 1200 calories and exercise for over 2 years. Also lost 3 stone. Less strict now but still can't eat rice, pasta, bread or potatoes.

Have a look at the 8 week blood sugar diet by Michael Moseley, there's a brilliant face book page as well. Lots and lots s of people on there have successfully lost loads of weight following the plan and successfully reversed their t2. Equally lots of people who don't have t2 have lost loads of weight following the plan and are reporting losing aches pains and genuinely feeling much better. You have nothing to lose but weight!

I was diagnosed with T2 diabetes 20 years ago. It runs in the family. I take metformin (first diabetes med for most type 2's), dapagliflozin and inject insulin starting 6 years ago. It isn't too bad. I do have to make sure my blood sugar is high enough to drive and have some emergency sweets. I have my eyes checked yearly for diabetic retinopathy and have a yearly blood test and follow up appointment with a nurse at gp's surgery. Type 1 takes about 10 years off your life and type 2 takes 7 years off. My gp thinks I will live a normal lifespan as I don't have any other serious problems. To be honest it doesn't bother me much. I don't smoke or drink (I don't anyway) as circulation problems don't help diabetics and drink affects your liver as do some diabetes meds. Hope that wasn't too much of an essay OP!

You absolutely can. DH was on insulin and now, after losing weight, is just diet controlled and all fine.

Tell me I can fix it by losing weight, tell me I don't have to be on medication for ever, anything positive?

You absolutely can. DH was on insulin and now, after losing weight, is just diet controlled and all fine.

One of my friends is a doctor who specialises in diabetes. Recent research has found that 70% of T2 diabetics are symptom free when they lose weight. It won't cure it, but losing weight stops the symptoms.

Blood Sugar Diet is marvellous.

Tom Watson MP followed a similar regime and is no longed t2. He writes about it very sensibly online.

www.diabetes.co.uk/diet/newcastle-study-600-calorie-diet.html

The Newcastle diet, which the MIchael Moseley diet is based on, had reversed type 2 in some people.

The best thing for my diabetes was exercise, meds and diet did very little to alter my sugar levels. I'm not cured but doing pretty well.

If it was me I would go low carb high fat, with intermittent fasting. I already do this to some extent although I have no raised blood sugars - it is more a preventative thing.

From what I hear from medical colleagues the vast vast vast majority of people with T2 can be symptom free and off medication if they lose weight and watch their diet.

The “young fit athlete” with T2 is a red herring. They are an exception to the rule.

I'm pre-diabetic, its totally controlled with diet. I've been v low carb since april and lost a stone already, feel great. Eating anything carby still brings on hypo tho and its tricky finding low carb options out and about, thats the only downside!

Over 10% of the entire NHS budget is spent on diabetes and the symptoms thereof. 10%.

It really is a health crisis on par with smoking. You definitely seem motivated to do something about it though which is a huge positive.

Thanks all.

I feel a little better today - I don't mind admitting I was panicking yesterday!

I'll await the results and go from there. I've researched the blood sugar diet - even if I am clear, I'll start that as a preventative measure. I need to lose weight anyway