How is Diabetes easier to control nowadays and what was a "normal" reading 25 years ago?

Q. I've heard a ton of people say this. Is is because of insulins getting better? Please elaborate. Also, what was a normal, common blood sugar range around 25 years ago? I know it varies from person to person but I keep hearing how much easier diabetes is to control nowadays (and I can tell you it is! ) and I was just wondering how bad it really was years ago. Thanks for reading!

A. diabetes 25 years ago was terrible even 15 or so years ago it was bad, blood testing machines took on 2 or more minutes, i have that that now takes 5 seconds. Insulin has also improved greatly, while still in use most diabetics have moved away from insulin that was from Pigs, to insulin thats been grown via bacteria that have been genetically modified, this means that you don't have to wait 20min before eating so the insulin can start to take affect.

Not to mention things like Pumps etc now
As for control naturally it would of been higher an HBA1c being round the 13 mark with that now being considered (at least by my doctor) terrible

Original Question

Can i join the marines if i have diabetes but it is under control with diet and exercise?

Q. i would really really like to join the marine corps, but i am a diabetic and am not sure if i could. would they possibly consider taking me in if i have my diabetes under control and do not have to take any meds such as a insulin shot or pills? such as having my diabetes under control by just diet and exercise? please let me know, i really would like to join.

A. i dont think so, but im not 100% sure. it is possible to get a wiaver in certain situations, but i dont think this is one of them, check with a recruiter though.check here for all of the problems that will keep you out. http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/intmedstandards.htm

Original Question

Can you ever not have type II Diabetes if you at some point diagnosed, in terms of insurance?

Q. I was diagnosed a type II diabetic about a year and a half ago. I lost a significant amount of weight and my diabetes is controlled to the point that I no longer need medication. My doctor has said that if tested today, I would not be diagnosed as diabetic. In terms of medical and life insurance, how does this work? Am I no longer diabetic? Am I cured? Or once you are diagnosed, are you always and forever diabetic? My insurance agent could not give me a definitive answer on this subject. Thanks!

A. Although your diabetes is controlled by diet and exercise you remain a diabetic. An individual such as yourself has a higher risk of cardiovascular complications than someone who never had diabetes to begin with. In terms of medical and life insurance you would be considered a diabetic controlled by diet and exercise. If I may be of further assistance please let me know. I wish you the very best of health and in all things may God bless. JR

Original Question

Why do I have a lot of sugar in my urine and not in my blood?

Q. I have type 2 diabetes. I control mine with diet and exercise. But there is something weird about my diabetes that even the nurses or doctors know how to explain and figure out. My blood sugars are always running around 90-115, which is good. But every time that the doctor checks me, I have like 1000-2000 mg in my urine, which is high they told me. Why is it that I have good blood sugars but high in my urine?

A. Glucose Spill-over

As long as blood sugar concentrations remain below 175-200 milligrams per deciliter in the blood, none will �spill over� into the urine as it is being made in the kidneys. If, however, the blood glucose level is even transiently elevated over that threshold of 175-200 milligrams/deciliter, glucose can be detected in the urine using standard urine dipsticks. Urine collected for analysis represents the urine produced over many hours. As a result, it is impossible to ascertain whether a positive dipstick for glucose represents chronic "spill-over" of a small amount of excess blood glucose into the urine, or whether a great deal of glucose spilled into urine over a transient period during which the blood sugar levels were significantly elevated. The former situation suggests an �under-regulation� associated with an inadequate insulin dose or dosing interval while the latter situation suggests over-regulation caused by insulin toxicity. When insulin overdoses cause blood sugar levels to plunge dangerously low, the body initiates a physiologic compensatory response which counteracts the effects of insulin and results in a massive production of glucose to elevate blood glucose to safe ranges. This culminates in dramatic transient surges in blood sugar which spills over into the urine, causing positive glucose readings on the urine dipsticks even though the underlying cause is too much, not too little insulin. This phenomenon is called Somogyi, named after the endocrinologist who originally described it. One can easily imagine why insulin dosage adjustments based on urine dipstick readings alone can very dangerous.

I think this covers this very well

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My diabetes is under control with an A1C of 5.9 why do I still have neuropathy in my feet and legs?

Q. I am carefully watching my diet, exercising 30 minutes a day and taking Januvia. My A1C has always been under 6. Why do I still have neuropathy? My doctor says that the reason is that even though my diabetes is under control I am STILL diabetic? What is your take on this?

A. Your A1C rate is not bad for a full blown diabetic. Most people fall from 4.6 to 5.1%, however for a diabetic 5.9% is QUITE acceptable, bravo.

However, neuropathy is nerve damage caused by your diabetic condition. In particular the fluxuation and high blood glucose levels cause this nerve damage. It is often permanent to some degree.

This is why you still experience the tingling, numbness and/or pain in your feet and legs. These nerves were damaged from your diabetic condition over time.. and the good news is Nerves DO heal, however how much and how fast is very unpredictable. It is very likely if you keep your blood glucose maintained as it is,.. that with your exercise, diet, and general 'time' the body will make attempts to repair the nerves. Again, don't expect 100% repair,.. although it is "possible". You very likely will experience reduction in symptoms as time goes on with your proper lifestyle and 'controlled blood sugar'.

I think your understanding of diabetic induced neuropathy is the reason for your confusion. Your diabetes changing factors in the body .. namely the blood (ie: high glucose levels,blood fat (lipid) levels, and so on) .. over time damaged peripheral nerves. The most common peripheral area to be effected , at first, is the feet, and as the nerve damage continues it will continue up the leg.. moving into the hands with time and so on.

So two things:

1) Be thankful your neuropathy is limited to peripheral damage,.. which is your pain/tingling/burning in legs and feet. I say this not to be smug, but there are other types of neuropathy such as autonomic neuropathy that effects nerves that control autonomic function -- the eyes, the heart, lungs, sex organs, blood vessels and so forth. If your neuropathy is limited to a relatively small section of your peripheral body (legs/feet) you have avoided alot.

2) Maintain your controlled diabetes/blood glucose levels with positive lifestyle and good monitoring -- you very likely will see improvements over time. Nerves tend to take a while to initially make any noticeable healing when the culprit that caused the damage is removed.. once they do start to show signs of regeneration it is not fast,.. months to years can be needed for an ultimate prognosis of how well the nerves did heal. So expect slow, but continuous improvements over a long period of time.

Also -- You are still diabetic, you will always be diabetic unless we develop a 'cure'. Your body has an insulin resistance .. it will always have this resistance.. however your lifestyle and behavior we have discovered can help a diabetic live a lifestyle that controls the diabetes WITHOUT insulin (this is not always the case of course, but in many it can be done.. it really depends on the patient cooperation and adherence to the protocols). So you will forever have to stay on top of things, but when you make lifestyle changes they become habit and routine.. and diabetes is no longer damaging your body or posing a threat. So for all practical purposes you are living just like anyone who DIDN'T have diabetes.


Remember, you still need the januvia to regulate blood sugar.. without the medication the diabetes would be creating complications the longer it was left untreated.
I hope that helps,

Original Question

How can I lower my blood sugar?

Q. I have gestational diabetes controlled by diet. all of the sudden I started feeling very crappy like I was going to pass out. I tested my blood sugar and it was 170 after 2 1/2 hours of a meal. When I checked it, it said it was only 130 after the meal. I am not feeling good at all. Will this eventually go away over time. And are there anyways I can lower my blood sugar. I do not take insulin.

A. You have to do a HbA1C (Glycoselated Hemoglobin) test to find out if your sugar control on diet is good. If the value is below 7 that means your control is good. If it is above 7 then you have to meet your doctor for advice regarding starting medications as your diet is not adequate. But in the mean time start regular walking and/or some other exercises.
But your feeling of discomfort may not be connected with your blood sugar problem because mildly high blood sugar does not produce any symptoms other than feeling a little more thirst and passing urine. So if you are not feeling well check with your doctor for any other problem.

Original Question

Can a diabetic really get life insurance?

Q. My brother called me and asked me to help him find life insurance I could not find any. Even those misleading ads that say NO MEDICAL EXAM required would not touch him just because of his diabetes whether controlled or not.

FK the insurance industry. They want it all good or not at all.

A. Controlled diabetes is not a problem at all in buying life insurance. I have mine with Empire General at STANDARD rate, not even rated. Empire General merged with West Coast some time ago. Try them.

But, generally speaking, experienced life insurance agent will offer you lots of options. It is not something you really want to shop for on the Internet. Get an agent by the referral you trust.

Original Question

Can your legs begin to swell if you've got your diabetes controlled?

Q. My mom has been developing either more fat around her knees or it could be water or it's swelling. It hasn't turned colors or anything. So I wanted to know if this could be a diabetes related cause or just from obesity.

A. If her diabetes is under control, the swelling in her knees could be fluid accumulation from something else like a joint problem. My knees are both swelled up all the time and the more I'm on my legs, the worse the swelling gets. I have to take an anti-inflamatory to try and reduce the swelling.

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My husband was just diagnosed w/ diabetes, what can I do to help him?

Q. He is on pills, and has an appointment with the diabetes teacher and a diatician. I want to know if there is anything that I can do to help him and to help keep his diabetes under control. I have asked him what he wants me to do, and he wants me to go with him to his appointments. There is no question that I will be there, but is there anything else I can do to help him?

A. Just be there for support and be willing to do the life changes that come with being diabetic, it takes a lot of management and dedication to live healthy with this disease, but as long as he has a good support system it is very manageable

Original Question

My husband was just diagnosed w/ diabetes, what can I do to help him?

Q. He is on pills, and has an appointment with the diabetes teacher and a diatician. I want to know if there is anything that I can do to help him and to help keep his diabetes under control. I have asked him what he wants me to do, and he wants me to go with him to his appointments. There is no question that I will be there, but is there anything else I can do to help him?

A. The biggest thing is listen to the doctor and dietitian and help him stay on his diet. Support him in any way that you can. He most likely just needs to know that you are on his side and there for him at this time when he needs you most. That, above all else will help him the greatest. Oh, and one other thing about the diet, try not to tempt him too much by having a lot of things in the house that would break his diet. He will get used to it eventually and you may be able to bring some of that stuff back in, but at first, it will be hard for him to stay on his diet, so remove as much temptation as you can.

Original Question

My diabetes is under control with an A1C of 5.9 why do I still have neuropathy in my feet and legs?

Q. I am carefully watching my diet, exercising 30 minutes a day and taking Januvia. My A1C has always been under 6. Why do I still have neuropathy? My doctor says that the reason is that even though my diabetes is under control I am STILL diabetic? What is your take on this?

A. Your A1C rate is not bad for a full blown diabetic. Most people fall from 4.6 to 5.1%, however for a diabetic 5.9% is QUITE acceptable, bravo.

However, neuropathy is nerve damage caused by your diabetic condition. In particular the fluxuation and high blood glucose levels cause this nerve damage. It is often permanent to some degree.

This is why you still experience the tingling, numbness and/or pain in your feet and legs. These nerves were damaged from your diabetic condition over time.. and the good news is Nerves DO heal, however how much and how fast is very unpredictable. It is very likely if you keep your blood glucose maintained as it is,.. that with your exercise, diet, and general 'time' the body will make attempts to repair the nerves. Again, don't expect 100% repair,.. although it is "possible". You very likely will experience reduction in symptoms as time goes on with your proper lifestyle and 'controlled blood sugar'.

I think your understanding of diabetic induced neuropathy is the reason for your confusion. Your diabetes changing factors in the body .. namely the blood (ie: high glucose levels,blood fat (lipid) levels, and so on) .. over time damaged peripheral nerves. The most common peripheral area to be effected , at first, is the feet, and as the nerve damage continues it will continue up the leg.. moving into the hands with time and so on.

So two things:

1) Be thankful your neuropathy is limited to peripheral damage,.. which is your pain/tingling/burning in legs and feet. I say this not to be smug, but there are other types of neuropathy such as autonomic neuropathy that effects nerves that control autonomic function -- the eyes, the heart, lungs, sex organs, blood vessels and so forth. If your neuropathy is limited to a relatively small section of your peripheral body (legs/feet) you have avoided alot.

2) Maintain your controlled diabetes/blood glucose levels with positive lifestyle and good monitoring -- you very likely will see improvements over time. Nerves tend to take a while to initially make any noticeable healing when the culprit that caused the damage is removed.. once they do start to show signs of regeneration it is not fast,.. months to years can be needed for an ultimate prognosis of how well the nerves did heal. So expect slow, but continuous improvements over a long period of time.

Also -- You are still diabetic, you will always be diabetic unless we develop a 'cure'. Your body has an insulin resistance .. it will always have this resistance.. however your lifestyle and behavior we have discovered can help a diabetic live a lifestyle that controls the diabetes WITHOUT insulin (this is not always the case of course, but in many it can be done.. it really depends on the patient cooperation and adherence to the protocols). So you will forever have to stay on top of things, but when you make lifestyle changes they become habit and routine.. and diabetes is no longer damaging your body or posing a threat. So for all practical purposes you are living just like anyone who DIDN'T have diabetes.


Remember, you still need the januvia to regulate blood sugar.. without the medication the diabetes would be creating complications the longer it was left untreated.
I hope that helps,

Original Question

How can I lower my blood sugar?

Q. I have gestational diabetes controlled by diet. all of the sudden I started feeling very crappy like I was going to pass out. I tested my blood sugar and it was 170 after 2 1/2 hours of a meal. When I checked it, it said it was only 130 after the meal. I am not feeling good at all. Will this eventually go away over time. And are there anyways I can lower my blood sugar. I do not take insulin.

A. You have to do a HbA1C (Glycoselated Hemoglobin) test to find out if your sugar control on diet is good. If the value is below 7 that means your control is good. If it is above 7 then you have to meet your doctor for advice regarding starting medications as your diet is not adequate. But in the mean time start regular walking and/or some other exercises.
But your feeling of discomfort may not be connected with your blood sugar problem because mildly high blood sugar does not produce any symptoms other than feeling a little more thirst and passing urine. So if you are not feeling well check with your doctor for any other problem.

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What do chiropractors believe about diabetes control?

Q. I know that they are an alternative medicine type doctor, and that they can't write prescriptions, which for a doctor sounds a little suspicious to me, but wondered specifically what a chiropractor doctor believed about diabetes control? Do they believe/ support insulin for treatment or have the belief that diabetes can be controlled with back adjustments and a better diet?

A. They are not Drs they are just certified drs given the title because their profession lobbied for it. Not all Chiros believe in alternative and even if they do believe in alternative meds they may not be doing it properly, most chiros that I have worked with are into the money more than they are getting people well.....well at least not until their insurance visits run out.

Original Question

What is chromium picolinate and can it really?

Q. help with Type 2 diabetes, control?

If so, can you obtain it over the counter or through natural ways - foods, etc...???

Thank you for your help...

A. Chromium picolinate is a nutritional supplement that works to increase the efficiency of insulin to optimal levels.

Chromium picolinate has been touted as a breakthrough in glucose and fat metabolism, weight loss and management of high blood pressure and cholesterol. When chromium, a basic nutrient, is combined with picolinic acid, chromium picolinate is created. Chromium picolinate reduces sugar and carbohydrate cravings. It also suppresses the appetite, which is how it can help lead to weight loss thus helping type 2 diabetes control.

Chromium picolinate is a common ingredient in many herbal weight-loss concoctions readily available for over-the-counter sale at the local drugstore or on the internet. However, because chromium picolinate is a nutritional supplement rather than a prescription drug, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cannot vouch for the accuracy of its advertising. Scientific research is generally unsupportive of the weight loss claims surrounding chromium picolinate; you must be aware of these discrepancies when making a decision to take this or any other nutritional supplement.

Check with your doctor in adding any supplements to your diabetic treatment.

Hope this helps.

Original Question

Can you have type 2 diabetes and not be insulin dependent?

Q. My sister and I are arguing over this. I say you go from borderline to type 2 diabetes when you have to monitor your blood sugar and inject insulin. She said you can have type 2 diabetes but control it with exercise and diet and you are considered type 2 because of your fasting blood sugar numbers. Which is correct?

A. I am a Type 2 diabetic and I have never been on insulin. In fact, I have reduced my medication over the years. Most Type 2s don't use insulin. 16% of Type 2s take only insulin and an additional 12% take insulin and oral medications together, for a combined total of approximately 28% of Type 2s on insulin.

Some Type 2s (about 15%) control with diet and exercise and 57% use oral medications. Even among those who use insulin or oral medications or both, diet plays an integral role in blood sugar control.

Usually Type 2s make enough insulin naturally to get by with diet or medications, but some become insulin deficient and require insulin. Some Type 2s don't "need" to use insulin, but they prefer to for the level of control without the side effects that some oral medications have.

So your sister is closer to being correct than you are. Type 2 isn't diagnosed based solely off fasting blood sugar, but it's one common way of detecting diabetes.

Original Question

How many weeks is normal for delivery with gestational diabetes?

Q. I am 33 weeks along with gestational diabetes. I have been doing very well with my blood sugar levels and my diabetes is controlled by diet.

Is it likely that my doctor will let me carry to 40 weeks?

A. They will put pressure on you to induce early. I'm a type 2 diabetic and went 40 weeks + 1 day for my first pregnancy, and my daughter was 7 1/2 pounds. It's not always medically necessary but a lot of doctors nowadays seem to push diabetic moms into early induction.

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