Unfortunately (for me but not for you) I've got plenty of experience with diabetes. I've done a lot of research and learned some stuff I feel I ought to share.
For many people, it's impossible to avoid diabetes because there's often a significant genetic component. Perhaps it can be delayed with diet and exercise - no one's 100% sure.
I was a runner, ate well, and was fine until I was 50. Despite my activity and being in pretty good shape, I was hit hard. It happens, and I don't bemoan my fate. But there are steps you can take if you have this disease.
As my doctor says, it might just be the genes and luck of the draw, but here are some things for people with diabetes to think about:
There are fewer complications if diabetes is properly managed. Testing blood sugar is useless if you're not testing frequently enough - and 'frequently enough' means in the morning, at night and before every meal. Anything less, you're kidding yourself.
Since it was FDA-approved I've used a continuous glucose monitor called FreeStyle Libre. There is another one by another good company that was approved that's also terrific. If these had been on the market before 3-4 years ago or whenever it was, I'd have been a healthier, happier, camper.
No finger sticks! My phone has an app that reads the monitor. I know where my blood sugar is 24/7, and my A1C has been in the target range for a long time (though I tested with finger sticks constantly for years).
Having a good endocrinologist is important. Many GPs will try to handle diabetes, but few are up on the latest treatment for the disease. Make sure your doc is.
Here's why testing and knowing your glucose levels at all times is important:
Excess blood glucose acts like little hard crystals that abrade and irritate the linings of the arteries. When the linings are irritated, they attract sticky plaque that lines the microscopic irritated walls. Build up the plaque, and you have heart disease.
Blood glucose also irritates the tiny arterioles in your kidneys, eyes, and other organs. So diabetics have issues with kidney failure (my dad died of it), eye problems, problems with neuropathy and their feet. Know your glucose, stay in control to minimize the problems.
One thing to know: insulin needles have become so small that you can hardly even feel them. Insulin is often the best choice for diabetics for a variety of reasons, not least of which is that in many people, the pills stop working after a while. I take a shot of short acting insulin with every meal or snack, and also take long acting insulin before bed every night.
Sure, it's a small PITA, but the alternative is worse.
I've had the heart complications, and am well aware of the issues we face. Be careful, fellow diabetics - monitor your condition closely and minimize the problems.
