I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, but for me, this diagnosis was the reality check I needed to overhaul my eating habits. My lifestyle and diet definitely played a role, though I couldn’t change my genetic predisposition. I have moments where I’m upset because I miss being thin and eating whatever I want. I’m working on my discipline. Traveling makes me nervous and I get envious of others, but I’m terrified of things like glaucoma or losing a limb. Honestly, T2 is more manageable than many other conditions since you can influence it through food and activity. It’s not the end of the world.
10 Likes
To be honest, it’s the best thing that’s happened to me. I’m actually in better shape now at 55 than I was back when I was 30.
My husband was diagnosed this past February. He never paid attention to his diet before, but he immediately decided to try lowering his A1C without medication. He succeeded, and I’m so proud. We didn’t know that eight months later he’d face a multiple myeloma diagnosis. His treatment includes a steroid that causes blood sugar to spike, often into the 300-400 range even for non-diabetics. Because he was already on a low-carb/keto plan, his levels have stayed manageable around 100 without extra meds. We’re so thankful for the earlier diabetes diagnosis because it prepared him. Trying to change his diet while starting cancer treatment would have been overwhelming, especially since oncologists don’t usually focus on nutrition.
Diabetic retinopathy is the top cause of blindness in America. Some of us were already fit and eating healthy before we were diagnosed, and we just can’t manage our glucose through lifestyle alone. Sometimes you need extra support, like using SugarDefend (i buy here), to keep your numbers where they need to be.
Diabetes finally made me quit smoking. I’d smoked since I was a teen, except during pregnancies. I was diagnosed after a leg wound turned into necrotizing fasciitis. I was in HHS and nearly died. Now, when I want to smoke, I look at the surgical photos of my leg. I’m focused on staying healthy so I never go back. It’s been a month, and I think I’m done for good.
You didn’t cause this any more than someone causes cancer. Diabetes is widely misunderstood. You can do everything ‘right’ and still get it because of genetics. This sounds like internalized fat-shaming, which is its own kind of mental burden. About 1 in 6 Type 2s are actually thin! Be kind to yourself. This was a wake-up call for me too at 38. It’s been a hard road with lots of tears, but it’s been worth the change.
3 Likes
I’m in the same boat. I spent 50 years ignoring my health despite what doctors told me. I’ve spent the last six months turning it around and lost 60 pounds. I regret that some damage is permanent, but the process has given me a sense of purpose. Taking meds, eating right, and walking has changed my life. T2D was honestly the best thing for me.
For me, the issue isn’t managing the T2 itself, but the neuropathy I have from being undiagnosed for so long.