I haven't been around much lately. So much has happened.

I don't even know where to begin. I feel as though I am always posting something discussing how things have been difficult. And, I feel guilty for that. But, the truth is, things have been hard. However, I am not in a bad place emotionally -- I have much faith and hope on my side. But, nonetheless, I've not been around much. And, I think that needs to change. But, to do that, I think I need to let you all in so that you know where I've been and what has been going on.

So, it's not news that I have health issues. In fact, I've had a lot of health issues. And, at 28 years old, that can be a tough pill to swallow. But, it is what it is. And, with new information, I am feeling more hopeful than ever.

A while back, you may remember that I was being told that there was a strong possibility that I was dealing with an autoimmune disorder. I've had a lot of illnesses in the last 2+ years. I've needed my appendix out, I had my gallbladder removed, I have had pneumonia, and I have dealt with countless other infections (kidney and UTI's being the most common). I also deal with an eating disorder which presents it's own set of issues. And, that's not mentioning the neurocardiogenic syncope I was diagnosed with last year. It's a lot, by any standards. I also have a whole host of symptoms that haven't made sense and have gone un-diagnosed. I've dealt with doctors who didn't believe me and who thought I was a drug seeker. I've had diagnoses that were completely off. It's been a roller coaster. And, it seemed, no matter what I tried, nothing ever resolved 100%. But, it looks like I've finally gotten some answers.

There is a lot of back history that I'm going to spare you, but I do need to say that this, while sudden, was not completely unbelievable. It's something that has popped up quite a bit in the past, but, with other issues, was masked (along with my not being willing to accept -- I did a lot of things to help me remain in denial).

About 2 weeks ago, I developed an abscess. It was painful and I found myself in the ER having it lanced and drained. And, not 24 hours later, I was back in the hospital; only, I was admitted with a serious infection. While there, the doctor I saw was convinced that I was dealing with elevated blood sugar. The abscess I had, in the place that I had it, really was a complication of diabetes. I was SO against even having a finger prick done. But, I relented and my fasting blood sugar was 243 (yes, I did have an infection at the time). They immediately wanted additional testing done and ran an HbA1c and found that my levels were high. Now, let me just say that almost everyone in my family developed Type 2 diabetes as an adult -- in their mid-to-late 20's. I've had fasting blood glucose tests done, but my eating disorder has really influenced those results. And, that's not to mention that I'm not your typical Type 2 diabetic. But, while I was in the hospital being treated for an infection, I was repeatedly tested with conclusive results. I am a diabetic. These tests have all been redone now that I am not dealing with an infection and the results from the hospital hold up. So, last Friday, after a visit with my primary care physician (and lab work), I was diagnosed, formally, as a Type 2 diabetic.

All that being said, I tend to swing wildly from hypoglycemia to hyperglycemia. And, that is a direct result of having an eating disorder. This diagnosis does answer a lot of questions. It makes sense out of symptoms that were frustrating and overwhelming. And, with this diagnosis, the thought that I have an autoimmune disorder is not nearly as strong. Is it a daunting diagnosis to know that I am a diabetic? Absolutely. But, it's manageable. I still need a lot of blood work done, but the diagnosis is firm. We know where I stand. And, I have a plan of action to take. I'll be testing my blood sugar 2-4 times daily and as needed aside from those scheduled times. I have also been prescribed Metformin, though I will not be starting the medication for another week or so. I am also scheduled to meet with a nurse practitioner who deals solely with diabetics and, from there, I will glean additional information and resources. But, for now, it's a learning process and a diagnosis I am still working on fully accepting.

So, that's what has been going on. And, it's a lot of the reason why I haven't been around as much as I'd like. I have felt like isolating some and have had some major family issues going on as well. It's been a difficult couple of weeks. But, on the other hand, with the information I now have, I feel empowered.

Is anyone else here a diabetic? Either Type 1 or Type 2? Do you know of any online forums, like this one, where I can talk to others with this issue? Do you have any tips or suggestions for someone newly diagnosed? I was so afraid to be diagnosed as a diabetic. But, while serious and certainly overwhelming at times, I am okay with everything that has happened. I haven't lost faith. If anything, I just might have gained some...

I've been wondering how you've been doing... sorry so much is still going on!! Sorry to hear of your diabetes dx, but at least you (and the drs.) know what it is so now you can treat it.

I don't know much about diabetes or where to refer you, but I'm sure there will be people here who can give you much more useful information. I just wanted to say I'm thinking about you and sending a whole lotta virtual hugs your way.

Yes ma'am, I'm a Type II, diagnosed about eight years ago. For various reasons (including lack of insurance), I haven't managed my diabetes well at all, and I can see it taking a toll on my health in countless ways. Don't let that happen to you! Listen to the doctors and the diabetes educators, read books, learn all you can about the disease... and commit yourself to what you MUST do to live a long, healthy life.

When my mother was in a Critical Care Unit after surgery some years ago, a nurse there told me that, at any given moment, 80% of the patients in their CCU were diabetics. They weren't there for diabetes itself -- they were doing battle with all the various problems diabetes causes.

One good thing: the absolute necessity of controlling your blood sugar should immediately eliminate your eating disorder. Food is medicine now -- you have to use it correctly, or it will do you irreparable harm.

(Amazing what good advice I can give to others, hm? Now if I could only follow it myself.)

Y'know, maybe those of us here with diabetes should start a thread where we can share information and help support each other in managing the disease. Anyone interested?

I'm insulin resistant & have PCOS, so I take Metformin for those issues. It is definitely helpful. The key is to make sure you take care of your body while you're on it; 5-6 small, healthy meals/snacks a day so that you keep your blood sugar levels steady. If you want to pm me and talk, I'd be happy to listen/try to help Sending vibes your way hun

I'm a Type II diabetic, diagnosed several years ago. The first medicine I was on had me swinging back and forth, until the doctor finally convinced me to try Metformin. Now, despite not eating right at all, my A1c at last test a couple weeks ago was 6.2. All I can figure is that its a miracle drug. Good luck

I am thinking of you sweetie! I have an aunt who is diabetic and my grandfather was as well. It's nothing to mess around with, but if you're diligent, it can be easily controlled.

I have Type II non-insulin dependent diabetes. I am glad you are back.

Thank you for this thread and for warning others how diabetes has many different symptoms.

There's diabetes all over my family, on both sides. I've been fortunate that I have been able to stay "pre-pre-diabetic" (as my doctor calls it) by being very strict about not eating refined or artificial sugars, refined flours or oils, and avoiding most processed foods (we have some but I'm very picky about the ingredients). I don't know if it will be enough, but so far so good.

This is a timely thread, though, I saw Tim Tams cookies in the store today, and because of this site , bought them and had two after lunch. They were delicious btw, but knocked me out and I fell asleep, not a good thing, my body was reacting with a lot of insulin. No more cookies for me, guess I have to be strict all of the time!

Some of my family members have "autoimmune diabetes" which is pretty scary because insulin amounts can vary wildly. If the liver just dumps a bunch of insulin, the person gets sort of delirious and doesn't realize what is going on - very dangerous - loved ones or roommates need to be alerted what to do if the person is acting disoriented.

I'm glad you are on your way to managing things! Most people live with it just fine, my family members hardly think about what they need to do any more.

Originally Posted by SwampWitch

If the liver just dumps a bunch of insulin

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I think you meant glycogen . The liver doesn't handle insulin, the pancreas does.



Your blood sugar should stabilize on the metformin. For future reference, to all on it too, there's a recently discovered connection between metformin and B12 deficiency. It takes a few years (5-6 usually) to happen but metforim blocks some absorption of B12.

Originally Posted by strange_wings

I think you meant glycogen . The liver doesn't handle insulin, the pancreas does.

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Actually, I meant if the "pancreas dumps a lot of insulin.." but some family members have issues with liver function, too, decided not to get into that. Thanks for pointing out my error.

Originally Posted by SwampWitch

Actually, I meant if the "pancreas dumps a lot of insulin.." but some family members have issues with liver function, too, decided not to get into that.

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Any part along the process messing up is bad. I'd like to get my DH's hypoglycemia addressed but a) no one sees his crashes because by the time they test him his body starts to recover. Plus he gets symptoms when his blood sugar hits 70, 50 would probably put him near comatose. And b) docs want to do a GTT, the wrong test.


Sadly, the OP probably should have had this caught by docs earlier.

This just occured to me, so I have to ask. How was your NCS diagnosed? Was it via TTT after an overnight fast?

Hypoglycemia episodes and NCS can look identical so to diagnose NCS docs are supposed to completely rule out blood sugar issues first!

Thank you everyone for your support. This has been a difficult time, but I have a lot of faith now that I have a diagnosis and a plan of action. I'm the type of person who needs to know what they're dealing with -- that way, I can be informed and take action based on that information. So, even though this is a scary diagnosis to a point, I feel confident because I can now do something versus just sitting back and suffering from, what the doctors kept telling me were, idiopathic symptoms.

Regarding the fact that the doctors did not catch the diabetes until now, it is frustrating. However, I can't blame them entirely. I was dealing with an eating disorder which wound up masking a lot of the symptoms. And, had someone even suggested diabetes (and, they did in passing) I would have fought them tooth and nail. I was not what I thought was your typical Type 2 diabetic. So, I don't blame my doctors. Is it unfortunate it took this long? Yes. But, it is what it is and I'm ready to move forward -- I don't need to look back.

About the NCS...I was diagnosed after a fasting TTT (tilt-table test). And, yes, it was done after my fasting overnight. However, they did check my blood sugar and it was normal (it was high-normal). I remember them mentioning that it was a bit high, but that since it was still within the normal range, I did not need to worry. Unfortunately, I have had this happen more than once and it's a shame no further testing was done to ensure I was not diabetic. But, my guess is that it never occurred to them. I should speak with my doctor, though, to see whether they want to re-test me now that I have been diagnosed with diabetes. This was a good point and I appreciate that you pointed it out.

For today, I am doing okay. I am monitoring myself closely and, in a week or so, should begin on the Metformin. And, from there, well, it'll just be a new kind of journey. I'm ready for it. But, the support I received here and know I'll continue to receive does help. I also have support from some family and friends as well as my doctor. And, I've been given information about local resources available to me also. It's not going to be easy and being diagnosed at 28 is not what I envisioned for myself. But, I have been and now I'm just tasked with taking care of me and doing the best I can. Easy, but not simple. But, I am ready for the challenge. Thank you all for being here with me .

Once you're feeling good and are regulated revisit the NCS issue. It's completely possible that the ED and diabetes have messed up some parts of your ANS, though if it's not the case I'm sure you'd like to know. There's also a high percentage of false positives in TTTs that they give you anything during to force fainting. IMO, anyone with a serious chronic illness would probably react.

I remember all the way back to you being put on levoquin (sp?) for an infection that would not go away... I thought that odd back then.

I hope the metformin helps.

Welcome back!...

I don't have any advice to offer, except to say that my roommate has diabetes and is on the Metformin (sp?) which seems to help keep things in balance. He'd probably do a lot better if he'd eat decently too - but that's another story.

I can sure relate to how you've been needing time to be by yourself and regroup: I felt that way too when my health started getting worse, and I didn't want to be around anyone, either. I was absent from TCS for quit some time - in spite of it being my "second home".

Hopefully you'll start feeling better now that you know what's going on and have a plan of action.

Alison, it has been a tough road! I hope this diagnosis really helps you get things back on track.

I don't know forums or sites for information. I just know my dad is a Type 1 diabetic. He developed diabetes not too long after insulin was discovered, in fact. Well - certainly not long after it began to be used more widely, anyway. At the time they gave him 15 years to live (1939). He turned 79 last October. He has had complications along the way - he needed quintuple bypass surgery about 15 years ago. He's had some issues with his joints and eyes.

But he and my mom did three things. They kept an incredibly close eye on his blood sugar levels. He ate three meals (one meat, two veggies, one carb, and a piece of fruit at lunch and dinner) and had two snacks a day, and got exercise every day. As he got older, they kept a very close eye on his kidney function.

He always wore hard-sided slippers around the house so he wouldn't stub his toe or something and not know it, so he's avoided any problems with wounds on his feet.

Diabetes, not properly managed, comes with so many complications. I know yours is already complicated with an eating disorder. But properly managing your diet and exercise (and thus your blood sugar levels) is absolutely critical to your long term health and quality of life.

I'm sure it's requiring a lot of adjustments. I'm so sorry, sweetie - but at least you know now.