I Wasn't Surprised

By Mumma

2 min read

I am a woman, 68 years old. Truly, I wasn't surprised when I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

My history of complications>

I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - PCOS when I was only 18 yrs old. There are a lot of complications that can happen later in life because of it. I was almost waiting for something to show up, and other complications did.

I was overweight most of my adult life. The stress of life alone didn't help. My diet wasn't great, meaning it wasn't balanced. I did lose weight several times, only to gain it all back and then some.

Early T2D symptoms

About 6 years ago, I began to not feel well often. Yeast infections again and again. UTI's often. I peed a lot! I didn't lose weight, though. I was exhausted all the time.

My eyesight was off. Then, the worst, I became SO thirsty. My mouth was dry all the time and nothing seemed to quench my thirst. I looked for some kind of medication to help with the dry mouth problem. Well, that didn't help at all. I worked at a nursing home and mentioned to a nurse what was going on regarding my thirst and eyesight. She thought for a minute and said, "Can we check your blood sugar?" I responded, "Sure," never expecting her wide eyed, "Omigod! You need to call your doctor, today!" My blood sugar level was 540! What the...?! I did call immediately. I had some tests and my A1c was 12! Well, I was put on Metformin, the highest dose and that helped for awhile. I did lose some weight, but not nearly enough to be an appropriate weight.

Finding a new doctor

I moved last year, and had to find a new primary care doctor. Luckily enough, she specialized in diabetes. We have worked together with Metformin, diet, exercise, and then reluctantly added Ozempic in January of this year. I take the lowest dosage. All the work has helped tremendously. I have lost weight, my blood sugars are stable around 100 to 110 and my A1c is at 5.6. My key word that I live by is balance. I log my food, I weigh myself daily, (that works for me, but isn't necessary for everyone) walk, and check my blood sugar when I wake up, before lunch, dinner and before I go to bed. It's a one day at a time thing.

I did obsess in the beginning; who wouldn't, but now I am calmer, knowing that I am in control. Diabetes doesn't control me.

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Lori.Foster Community Admin
How wonderful that you were able to bring your blood sugar levels under control and lose weight, <inline-mention username="Mumma" user-id="8662430"/>! I am sure weight loss isn't easy when you have PCOS. It sounds like you have a really good routine going. I hope you are able to keep it up and stay healthy and active for a long time to come. Thanks for sharing your story. Best of all wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
Diane Talbert Moderator & Contributor
Hello <inline-mention username="Mumma" user-id="8662430"/> , Just checking in to see how you are getting along. Thanks for sharing some of your journey with us. I am 66, so I understand about trying to keep our weight in check, especially when we have other illnesses. We would love to hear from you. Do you still weigh yourself every day? This is something I have done for years, most people say you shouldn't, but like you said we are all different. Diane (Team Member)
Mumma Member
I do weigh myself every day just as a matter of habit. More importantly for me is checking my blood sugar a few times a day and logging my food intake. It helps me manage myself overall. 
1. GabbyFormica Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Mumma" user-id="8662430"/>, Thanks for sharing with us! It can be helpful to get into a routine to keep tabs on how your body may be reacting/changing to different things. Gabby (team member) 
2. Diane Talbert Moderator & Contributor
 Hello <inline-mention username="Mumma" user-id="8662430"/> , Thanks for sharing as always. The one thing that I find hard is staying on track. I start off doing well and then fall off the wagon. I know you weigh every day and log your meals. I can do these things for a few days and then stop. What helps you stay on track? Diane (Team Member)
Jenssugarboo Member
I was in a similar situation. My health conditions had similar symptoms as diabetes though. I couldn’t tell what was causing what until I was in dka and told it was diabetes 
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 That is a scary way to get a diagnosis, <inline-mention username="Jenssugarboo" user-id="9767514"/>. Do you feel in control of both health conditions now? Best of all wishes. - Lori (Team Member)