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Diabetes - Adult Type II Community

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Anyone know about "skinny" Type II diabetics?

by McGowen, Nov 29, 2008 12:13AM
I am a thin guy who was diagnosed as Type II diabetic 6 years ago, and I've done ok, and am ok, BUT I have found it truly difficult to get info out of my docs as well as to find ANY information about thin/not overweight folks who have Type II on the Web, other than decades old actuary (insurance) tables that state that I should already be headed downward... but I'm not... don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for that fact, and I have made (*I* think) a huge effort to change my lifestyle (activity) and diet (lower carb/high fiber) and I have been able to normalize my blood sugars (morning/fasting under 100, A1C max 6.5 for the past 2 years, usually under 6), but, still, I really can't find anything about "normal" weight folks with Type II; ADA does not seem to have anything, and my GP and Endo basically shrug off my questions... best answer I've got so far is that I am "one end of the statistical bell curve"...  well, ok, I kinda get that, but I am continuing my quest for others like me 'cuz if the "bell curve" is true, there's still got to be some folks who are Type II who were "not overweight" per their docs or ADA when diagnosed?

Anyone?...
Member Comments (6)

by pennst8r, Nov 29, 2008 08:05AM
To: McGowen
While I am jealous of the skinny ones, I am unfortunately no tone of them. I do, however, know a few. I have only been Dx for 1 month. I wish I were still in touch with these people, so I could ask them for some support for you. Unfortunately they are former staff of mine whom I no longer see.

You really are a rarity, but there are others skinny ones! Good luck...I hope you are able to find some helpful info. Sorry I could not be of help.

Penn

by WaveRider, Nov 29, 2008 01:29PM
To: McGowen
"I really can't find anything about "normal" weight folks with Type II"

There are many causes - hereditary, environmental, medication, an illness that damaged the pancreas, and so forth. Your glucose levels are being controlled correctly with proper nutrition, an active lifestyle and correct body weight. That's all one can ask for is to keep your glucose levels under control.

If you wish to read what doctors read follow this link to JAMA (The Journal of the American Medical Association) for papers on diabetes http://tinyurl.com/6h2h6n .

by TerryReed, Nov 29, 2008 04:07PM
To: McGowen
I am one of the 'skinny' ones, too.  I think it's quite likely that I had gestational diabetes back in the early 70's though - I did gain aLOT of weight and I had a BIG baby (over 10 lbs).  We lived, literally, in the swamps of Louisiana and I honestly don't think the doctor we had even did bloodwork!  I remained mostly skinny the rest of my life, except for one episode of about two years, when I was in mourning for a deceased child.  I ate my way to comfort and got up to nearly 200 lbs.  Normally, I'd not been over 130.  No one in my family has diabetes and yet I went from diagnosis (by accident) to heart attacks, strokes, horrid neuropathy in feet, legs and hands.  My vision is affected now, too.  I seem to hurt everywhere, can't sleep and my sugars ... omg .... they're either 50 or 500!  And it doesn't seem to matter WHAT I eat or if I exercise or not.  I've actually been told NOT to exercise with sugars over 400.  So ... I inject insulin, several times a day, use a treadmill (living in Alaska means no sidewalks for us and I am NOT going for a walk on a dark, freezing cold road) and I ate the 'right' stuff --- and apparently it's all for nothing.  I'm only 53 but in the last decade, I've survived death at least four times that I can remember.  I'm glad you don't have all these whacked out symptoms; they hit me fast and hard, which is why I think I've had diabetes alot longer than anyone can prove.  GOOD LUCK!!  And just be glad you ARE skinny; it's one less problem you have to deal with.  And frankly, why rant about being skinny anyway?  THAT is something all middle-aged people want to be! :-)

by McGowen, Dec 20, 2008 03:36PM
To: WaveRider
Thank you for replying and for the link.  I *am* thankful that my diet and activity changes have worked so far.  I also believe that being able to keep blood sugar stable is key to keeping healthy.  I guess I did not explain enough. I have trouble keeping a normal weight (not losing weight) *and* keeping normal blood sugars.

by McGowen, Dec 20, 2008 04:01PM
To: TerryReed
Thank you for the reply.

But... in your response you wrote:

>>"why rant about being skinny anyway?  THAT is something all middle-aged people want to be">>

Well, ok... true enough maybe... but I think I didn't make myself clear... I have trouble keeping a normal weight WHILE keeping normal blood sugars... and I am a man who does not want to be "skinny" not only for my own, eh, "self-image" but mostly for my health.  I have a lot of things in my life that I want to live for without complications and hopefully for a long time.  

I guess the point I was trying to make is that, for me, gaining (and maintaining) weight feels to *me* like it is similar to the struggle of 'most' Type II's with losing weight... so, that's why I was seeking out any information or support as I know my personal circumstance is unusual.  

'cuz no joke:  for me it is difficult to safely consume enough calories to maintain/gain weight while also keeping a stable and 'safe' blood sugar.

That's all.  Truly.

Best to you, and happy holidays, and I hope the coming year brings you health and happiness.  Truly.

by pennst8r, Dec 21, 2008 10:04AM
To: McGowen
I sent you a PM with some info I found that might help you. It is on other factors that can casue type II in normal weight adults. Hope it helps.

Penn
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