DIABETES

I had a fever and was feeling tired. So, I bought a packet of glucose and had it. I was still feeling weak. Worse, I felt shaky at times. When I saw a doctor, he suggested I do a blood test. I was shocked to see the results. My fasting blood glucose was 132 mg/dL. I never thought I would have diabetes since I am thin and don’t actually use much sugar, except for the occasional coke. The doctor said it was not necessary to start any medication since the reading was not very high. He said I should make some lifestyle changes. I stopped using refined sugar and became more active. The easiest exercise is to walk for about 10 to 15 minutes after each meal. Some people say diabetes is a progressive disease. Sooner or later you have to start on medications and insulin injections. The thought disturbs me.

I started browsing the net for information about diabetes. It was then that I came across the glycemic index. Certain food items increase blood glucose more than others. I had to limit my carbohydrate intake. I thought my food choices were limited. I bought a glucometer to monitor my blood sugar. Initially, I had higher readings after breakfast. Readings after lunch and dinner were not so high. I was also feeling uncomfortable in the morning after breakfast and sometimes felt shaky. This continued for about three months. I read that sugar is addictive and if you suddenly stop using it you would get withdrawal symptoms. It may have been the case. Type 2 diabetes can be due to insulin resistance or insulin insufficiency. Insulin resistance is more in the morning.  

I read about hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and their symptoms. The only symptoms of hyperglycemia that I had were a dry mouth and a feeling of numbness in my limbs one night. The shaky feeling was associated with low blood sugar and since I was not on medication I could not really have low blood sugar. It was then that I came across the word ‘false hypo’. That is, even if your blood sugar is at a normal level you may have the symptoms of hypoglycemia. This happens if the blood sugar drops from a high level to the normal level and the body thinks it is too low. This is not dangerous and can be ignored.

Later, I read a letter written by an endocrinologist saying that it was okay having something sweet to eat once in while. He claimed, if you avoid sugar completely the pancreas will forget how to make insulin and soon you will have to start on insulin injections. It seemed to make sense as long as you monitor your blood sugar and keep it at a safe range.

Now, about five months later I am fine and eat almost anything. I take vitamin supplements. I avoid refined sugar in my tea but do have an occasional piece of cake or chocolate. I also started eating the fruits that I avoided. I think moderation is the key.