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Im scared. T2 with background retinopathy and other issues.

4 replies

petuniasandpetals · 16/04/2024 21:10

I was diagnosed t2 about 18 months ago and have just stuck my head in the sand.
I've made half hearted attempts to lose weight and have got nowhere. And then I ve just had this eye diagnosis.
Do type 2 people check their own bloods? Do they use libre?
I'm already an amputee from nothing associated with diabetes.
I need a kick up the backside and I hope this letter will scare me but I have had dealt with a lot in my life and although not obese am overweight and am an emotional eater.
Please be honest but kind and give me some advice.
I was given metformin but it gave me uncontrollable diarrhoea- I was just leaking poo and couldn't tolerate that.
I'm due another blood test soon.

OP posts:
AWomaWithZeroFsTGive · 16/04/2024 22:04

There is hope @petuniasandpetals, please know this!

I come from a family with a history of diabetes. Maternal uncle, lifelong type 1, mother diagnosed in her forties with type 2, sister diagnosed shortly thereafter with type 2, paternal grandmother diagnosed with type two in her sixties around the same time and my dad diagnosed with type 2 a few years later than this. My partner has recently been diagnosed with type 2.

My mother never managed hers, perhaps it was a sense of denial, but she simply could not acknowledge it and it developed eventually to type 1 and then neuropathy, kidney cancer and demise over a period of about ten years in total.

My sister has managed hers somewhat, but not always effectively and is suffering serious health issues currently as a result which will be ongoing and irreversible; she wishes she had done what my paternal grandmother did at the time.

My paternal grandmother did her research and worked out how to modify her diet and mobility/exercise. She is now 88 with excellent mobility, zero neuropathy, excellent cognition.

My dad was a bit hit and miss and is now suffering massively reduced kidney function which is affecting his life significantly into his sixties.

With all of these stories behind him, my partner has changed his lifestyle a fair bit (but still loves his sweets, just moderates them appropriately now). He is close to entering what is referred to as 'remission'.

You don't say what the letter is that you have received but I can tell you, without taking some steps to halt progression at the very least, this can be like a juggernaut through your health.

There is great, sound advice out there about how to halt progress or even reverse the effects depending upon which stage you are at. Have a look at it and decide how you would like your life to look going forward. Far easier said than done to be frank, but try and shift your perspective; don't be afraid into change, be excited about how you've decided to be kinder to yourself. Very best wishes for good health.

LIZS · 16/04/2024 22:16

Ask for slow release metformin, less harsh on stomach. Generally t2 don't check bloods daily, unless on insulin.

petuniasandpetals · 16/04/2024 22:34

Thank you@AWomaWithZeroFsTGive
I'm 59 and just received a letter re background retinopathy. I was on the slow release metformin @LIZS to start with and it was when I went on to the full dose the uncontrolled diarrhoea began.
I'm thinking from now on I will look forward to a healthier way of living. I was seriously ill 14 years ago and somehow defied the odds giving me a false sense of immortality.
I have a beautiful granddaughter who will be my focus for wanting to be as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
But ...
I have a voice telling me I have lost dear ones who were young and fit to cancer and so I should live life to the max. I'm giving myself mixed messages. And to that I add my lazy streak and lack of of willpower.
I keep choosing the easy path and when I stop and think im scared. So my usual modus operandi is to not allow myself to think- head in the sand strategy.
Thank you both for your help.

OP posts:
thing47 · 17/04/2024 14:23

I'm sorry @AWomaWithZeroFsTGive but Type 2 diabetes does not 'develop into' Type 1 diabetes, they are two different conditions. Some Type 2s require insulin to control their condition, but that doesn't mean the condition has changed – they are still Type 2.

Also not quite sure how reduced kidney function affects someone's life significantly. Unless you are on dialysis you can continue to live a normal life with Stage 4 renal failure and a very low eGFR.

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