I was diagnosed June 6th 2007, the day before my birthday, with type 2 diabetes (probably) and most likely steroid-induced. I had a liver transplant in 2004, and was warned at that time that the prednisone they were giving me would probably cause me to become diabetic. And it did. I was on a very low dose since I had osteporosis, but nevertheless, two years later I develpoed this disease, even although I changed my diet and began to exercise right after the transplant. Despite my healthier diet, I immediately began putting on weight from the prednisone. I gained 30 pounds in two years.
My glucose levels were normal before and after the transplant; however, I began to experience blurring in my right eye and went to my doc in 2005. He sent me to an eye specialist who said my eyes were fine. Actually, I had worn reading glasses since 1992, and six months after the transplant I realised I no longer needed them. I still don't need them.
I continued to complain to the doc about sore muscles, muscle cramps and blurred vision all year. He pronounced me ok. I was having my blood tested every month for the docs who did my transplant, and no one noticed that my glucose was elevated. I managed to lose 15 pounds in 2006 with diet and exercise, but it was too slow and I was worried. I joined Curves and bought a treadmill and that helped.
Finally, in April, I went to the doc because I was so fatigued that I could not walk down the aisles of the grocery store to shop. I was also gaining weight again. I asked him to check my thyroid. He did, and finally ordered a BG test and found that my average was 14. I was diabetic.
I re-joined weight-watchers that day - went directly there. I refused medication until I could learn about my options - which was a good thing or I may have had a heart attack by now. I went out a bought several books on diabetes and joined up for a diabetes education class.
I was referred to a specialist, a dietician, a nurse-educator and a podiatrist, and had appointments with them all. I managed to bring my average down from 14 to 9 without medication. However, I realised I needed some help and my specialist chose insulin. I agreed.
The insulin is not helping. My daytime, PP and before meal levels were all within target range without insulin, but my fasting levels remain between 8 and 10 even with it. I am only on eight units currently though.
The thing that helped the most is that since I was diagnosed a couple of months ago, I lost another fifteen pounds and began to walk every day for 30 minutes.
My nurse educator is a lifetime member of my weekly weight-watchers class, as I found to my astonishment, when I joined. Knowing that she will be there every week has motivated me enormously to continue to attend meetings.
I am taking cinnamon and vitamins C and D daily, and hoping this disease has not done much damage yet. I m at high risk of kidney disease due to the anti-rejection meds I am on and now at further risk because of diabetes.
None of my family members has it. I am the only one - odd.
I now view this terrible thing as an opportunity to completely nourish and protect my body as best I can, and become as healthy as it is within my ability to be.
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