T2 progressive?

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Permalink Reply by Lizmari on February 9, 2010 at 8:05am

I believe it. Control is one thing, stopping a train is another. I saw it with my dad, and he developed every complication in the book, and he died from Diabetes. The disease progresses differently in different people, and taking care of one self certainly can stave off or slow down many a complication for many years... but the diseases DOES progress.

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Permalink Reply by Terrie8 on February 9, 2010 at 8:31am

The Type 2 would have to be totally disciplined. Of course, there are other hurdles, like if the Type 2 got one or more other condition(s) which affects Diabetes or it's care and so on. But it's certainly worth a try.

My Uncle was dxd. with Type 2 about 32 years ago plus then with Celiac. He is doing pretty Good so far. Unlike a few of his Brothers and Sister who were dxd also. They didn't take Diabetes seriously and each lasted less than 20 years, with major complications. .

I'm Very Proud of my Uncle. It's hard sometimes, as you know. I wish you the Best Hana in your Great efforts.

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Permalink Reply by bsc on February 9, 2010 at 8:36am

Well, I used to think that I would be able to control my diabetes, but over time, I've just watched my blood sugar degrade and nothing stands in the way for very long, not diet, not exercise and not medication. Now, I may just not be t2, but that is the diagnosis I have. It may well be that if you are a pure t2, with insulin resistance, that you can adequately manage the condition "forever." But in my case, despite the Dr. B diet and all the other things, my fasting numbers continue to rise. If you are a t2 with a secretion problem or an autoimmune problem, there may just be nothing you can do to avert inevitable progression.

Sorry to be so doom and gloom. It is not like I am depressed about my situation, rather I just accept it. That's the cards I was dealt. All I can do is play the hand the best I can.

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Permalink Reply by Hana Rous on February 9, 2010 at 8:53am

I am hopeful, because after 6 years, I am using LESS medicaion than I was at diagnosis and the highest A1cIi ever had was 6.1%. I think the key is in that number. If it keeps in the normal non-diabetic levels3.5 to 5.5, I cannot see how anything can progress. I'm now down to 5.1 and I'm going to get down into the 4s before next measurement. It isn't easy, with LOADS of execise and a tight diet, but I'm an optimist
Hana

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Permalink Reply by bsc on February 9, 2010 at 8:58am

Good for you Hana. I will be hoping that you are one of those that can not progress.

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Permalink Reply by Terrie8 on February 9, 2010 at 9:20am

"If it keeps in the normal non-diabetic levels3.5 to 5.5, I cannot see how anything can progress".

Well, that certainly makes sense. Don't forget though that normal aging (depending on your Family history)can cause complications the same as or at least similar to Diabetic complications. But of course, many of these complications can be caused by non-Diabetic People not exercising, not eating properly, not getting check-ups, smoking, etc.

I notice you whenever you are on here Hana, so I know that you have been doing your Best for some time. Keep up your Fine effort and enjoy your Life. :)

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Permalink Reply by Kathy on February 9, 2010 at 10:12am

I kind of agree with the keeping the A1c levels bit but not totally. That along with knowing you are not bouncing to have that A1c or 'calling out' too much insulin without a bounce to keep there. You also don't want to think just because your numbers are good that you are doing well if you can tell your system is working hard to keep that. That IMO is how people 'break' all of a sudden and wonder 'what happened?' I find it with myself. I can eat poorly for 2 or 3 days (poorly isn't that bad either) and my numbers will be fine...but on the next day I break. No more left to cover bad choices.
If I eat too many carbs I feel it. My BG shows it some times and other times it stays within normal range but I know my system is hard at work (not a fun feeling physically when it happens - plus I tend to forget how to spell of all things!)
It's all a matter of knowing what REALLY works and keeping (trying to keep) that in line.

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Permalink Reply by Hana Rous on February 10, 2010 at 7:08am

There is some evidence that non-diabetics with blood glucose at the higher end of the "normal" range also suffer "Diabetic" complications.
I'm hoping that I have some good genes, I'm 63 and my Mum , in fairly good health and living in her own home with just a little support, is just about to hit 92
I've been diagnosed T2 for 6 years and the highest A1c I've ever had was 6.1%. Of 10 figures I have on record, only 2 are over 6, both 6.1% I also have a 6.0. All others are in the 5s and I use minimal medication 2 x 500 mg Metformin pd. This is less than in the first couple of years, when I used 3 x 500 plus Gliclazide. and hit 6.1%!!
A t present, I'm halting any progression with my fairly strict low carb diet.
Hana

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Permalink Reply by Kathyann on February 9, 2010 at 9:33pm

You have good control of your disease. I admire you.

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Permalink Reply by Kathy on February 9, 2010 at 9:17am

I think the key is.... what exactly is the genetic make up of each diabetic. If it is T2 without a gene that affects insulin amounts then maybe you have a greater shot at it if it's caught early and you make the changes you need to make. My FIL is not well BUT he has been obese and diabetic for probably 40 years. Diagnosed 20 years ago. He has typical 'old age' problems added with some diabetic issues also. Interestingly he takes insulin as his primary medication. He doesn't work out - his knees are bad (had replacement) so he sits in front of the tv. What can you say? He's in his late 70's, has all his fingers and toes. Drinks OJ every morning! (YA!). His son, my husband has perfect bloodwork and is at a very nice BMI so I think the genetics there are more obesity driven / affected.
Me...I follow the golden rule and I am progressing slowly (no weight issues, no high BP etc). I have DQ8 which is associated wtih T1 and tends to limit insulin amounts even in non-diabetic family members of a T1 (I don't have known T1 in my family but it may be there - we fit the profile of it being possible).
So it's all in the mix. The best you can do is the best you can do. When you see an issue resolve it QUICKLY...you may not be given a second chance at it.
You are up against your own diabetes IMO. BUT you can't give up because people say it's progressive. I have a friend who is starting to see complications because she has given up stating 'you are either going to get it or not' BAD attitude. Attitude should be, 'I'm going down fighting to my last breath and I'm going to enjoy life as best as I can!!!' :-)

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Permalink Reply by Joe_h on February 9, 2010 at 9:46am

Type 2 for 13 years and for me it's been progress from Diet and Exercise to oral meds at meals to more meds to different meds. I expect at some point i will be shooting insulin not really excited about it but whatever it takes to control sugars I will do.

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Permalink Reply by Leo2 on February 9, 2010 at 9:57am

I think it depends on what it's due to. Worn down islet cells - from what? viruses? toxens? proteins to which we react? a major stress?
Maybe in some we're diagnosed with T2 that is really caught early T1?
Maybe in others we're able control by reducing the islet cell - who knows what?
I think you should continue to work towards control in whatever way you can. Cause there's a lot of T2s who've not progressed!
I think you've brought up a question that underlies it all. What do we believe caused the islet cells to fail - in us?

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