I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Off-Topic => Diabetes => Topic started by: Joe Paul on August 28, 2007, 06:23:45 AM

Title: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: Joe Paul on August 28, 2007, 06:23:45 AM
Of all things, my daughters doctor just called and said according to her latest blood test, Tiffany is borderline diabetic. Brings back too many memories, as she is 1 year older than when I found out I was diabetic (she is 14). We are not sure yet if this can be controlled with diet, or she will have to be on insulin. The pediatrician told us to get in touch with a specialist for more testing. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers...thankyou.
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: Sluff on August 28, 2007, 06:39:52 AM
That's sad to hear for I am diabetic also and I understand the struggles, however medical technology has come a long way since you and I have been diagnosed.

Best of luck and know that your family are in my prayers.
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: goofynina on August 28, 2007, 11:23:40 AM
When i was first diagnosed they put me on a very low dose of Micronase (or something like that) :P  But even that was too strong for me and i was able to keep it under control with diet and "some" exercise, but, that got old and i let loose (dammit) :P  even though i felt good, i never went up for follow ups so i let it get out of control, and here i am TADAAAAA ;).  Good luck to you all and i hope things work for her, sending prayers your way JoePaul  :cuddle;
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: paris on August 28, 2007, 02:48:58 PM
JoePaul, I am sorry that your daughter is going through this. Tell her that we all send her good wishes. :cuddle;
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: Wattle on August 28, 2007, 04:13:48 PM


 :grouphug;
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: Amanda From OZ on August 28, 2007, 04:28:27 PM
Sorry to hear that joe paul.

Keeping you daughter and family in my prayers.

 :grouphug;

Amanda
xxoo
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: bolta72 on August 29, 2007, 04:36:45 AM
Hope things turn out for the better.
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: MyssAnne on August 29, 2007, 05:05:10 AM
Oh man. At least she has you to help her with this, Joe Paul. She won't be alone.  :grouphug;
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: George Jung on August 29, 2007, 06:05:49 AM
Joe Paul

You will be a solid mountain of reassurance and a great resource.  Best wishes old friend.
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: Bajanne on August 29, 2007, 06:35:08 AM
Life seems to be a continual series of challenges.  But we will make it through.  That is the triumph of the human spirit.  My caring thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time, Joe Paul.  Please let us know how everything turns out.  We are wishing the very best for her.
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: skyedogrocks on August 29, 2007, 03:25:54 PM
Ugh JP, I am so sorry!  :grouphug;  I truly hate diabetes, it can be a silent killer.  Rob is a type 1 diabetic.

However, these days, if you start off with the right basics and keep your diabetes in check, it has been proven that you can live a long life without complications.

Just use your knowledge, her doctors and i'm sure she will be fine.  I am hoping though, that it goes away!

Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: st789 on August 29, 2007, 03:50:17 PM
I pray somehow the Dr. would call back and it was just a mistake.  My prays and thoughts are with you and your daughter.
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: livecam on August 30, 2007, 04:04:47 PM
Joe, I am hoping that she doesn't have it but if she does I'm glad it was diagnosed early.  Since she'll be getting with the program now she will be able to avoid long term problems like the ones we are dealing with.
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: Joe Paul on September 01, 2007, 01:56:05 AM
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Earliest appointment we could get her is in Oct. As soon as we find out more, I will be sure to post it. Thanks again to all for your thoughts & prayers.
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: Sluff on September 01, 2007, 04:42:38 AM
We are here for ya, my friend.  :waving;
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: goofynina on September 01, 2007, 11:49:15 AM
JoePaul, do you have a monitor to test her sugar at home to get a better idea of how low/high it's running?   :thumbup;
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: Joe Paul on September 03, 2007, 12:52:11 PM
Yeah, so far its been running 90-100s. The problem the blood test showed was that her insulin level was 30, normal range is around 15-17. This test shows that her body is building up a resistance to insulin overworking her pancrease, which, we are told will eventually lead to diabetes.
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on September 03, 2007, 06:59:57 PM
I'm sorry Joe Paul.
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: aharris2 on September 04, 2007, 02:55:15 PM
Yeah, so far its been running 90-100s. The problem the blood test showed was that her insulin level was 30, normal range is around 15-17. This test shows that her body is building up a resistance to insulin overworking her pancrease, which, we are told will eventually lead to diabetes.

(alene writing)
Joe, I'm sorry to hear the news. At first I was going to make various comments leading to a question about pancreas transplant or islet transplant - radical perhaps, but diabetes is a devastating disease as all too many of you know. But, this only (as far as I know) applies to type 1 diabetes.

Back when you were diagnosed, young people almost exclusively were discovered to have type 1 diabetes. Is that what you have? Your daughter sounds like she is headed for early onset type 2 diabetes - the new epidemic. Is that what they're thinking?
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: Joe Paul on September 04, 2007, 11:52:32 PM
Yes, I have type 1. The general practitioner didn't really say which she thinks Tiffany maybe heading for, but the part about the body building up resistance to insulin is what has her Mother and I concerned. Diabetes runs in both sides of our families type 2 on the wifes side, type 1 on my side so at this point, it could go either way. We couldn't get an appointment till mid October for Tiffany with the specialist so we will have to wait till then to know for sure.
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: aharris2 on September 05, 2007, 04:55:27 AM
Yes, I have type 1. The general practitioner didn't really say which she thinks Tiffany maybe heading for, but the part about the body building up resistance to insulin is what has her Mother and I concerned. Diabetes runs in both sides of our families type 2 on the wifes side, type 1 on my side so at this point, it could go either way. We couldn't get an appointment till mid October for Tiffany with the specialist so we will have to wait till then to know for sure.

(alene  writing)
Joe, I keep reading that type 1 is not inherited and that family history does not increase one's vulnerability to it. On the other hand, a family history of type 2 greatly increases one's chances of developing type 2 diabetes. "Building up resistance" suggests type 2. Within this (ugly) scenario, pre-type 2 is not a catastrophe. It is frequently treatable with "lifestyle changes" (lose weight, exercise) that can take one back in time and delay, delay, delay full blown type 2 diabetes.

Joe, I am keeping my fingers crossed hoping for the best for you and your family. Keep the faith, dude.
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: Joe Paul on September 05, 2007, 12:59:00 PM
Thanks Alene,  that sounds encouraging. I haven't kept up on diabetes so far as being inherited or not, all my information came from Docs way back in the 70's. Also, I have 2 other children who are both type 1 diabetics, that just built up my thinking that it was. Both their Grandmother and Grandfather (wifes side) were type 1 diabetics as well. Tiffany doesnt like candy much, her only downfall is pepsi, hopefully diet alone will fend off diabetes for a long time. Again, thanks for your reply & concern  :thumbup;
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: aharris2 on September 06, 2007, 11:30:06 AM
Joe, Your family sounds like the poster family for a hereditary tie for type 1. It's an important issue, one Rolando worries about too. He's type 1 and worries about his children. Anyway, let's hope you get the best news possible about your daughter.
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: Joe Paul on September 06, 2007, 12:27:48 PM
Two forms of DR, designated DR3 and DR4, are present in 95 percent of Type 1 diabetics, and 30 percent have inherited both DR3 and DR4. This is in contrast with the general population, where only 50 percent of people have DR3 or DR4 and 1 to 3 percent have both.

 
 
HLA-DR allele Risk level
DR1  Slight risk
DR2  Protective 
DR3  Significant risk 
DR4  Significant risk 
DR5 Slight risk 
DR6  Neutral/protective
DR7 Protective. Risk in African descent 
DR8  Neutral/slight risk 
DR9  Risk in Chinese, Japanese, Korean descent 

 
 
Although both DR3 and DR4 alleles put a person at risk for developing diabetes, the two alleles cause slight differences in the disease:

Diabetics who have inherited DR3 (but not DR4) develop diabetes at an older age, and tend to have antibodies against pancreatic beta cells but not against insulin. These people are also more likely to develop thyroid autoimmune disease.
Diabetics who have inherited DR4 (but not DR3) tend to develop diabetes earlier in life and have an immune reaction against insulin.
Diabetics who inherit both DR3 and DR4 develop diabetes at the youngest age and have the highest levels of antibodies against insulin.
 
Just for information purpose, this is what I found on "inherited" diabetes. These are the genes that determine the disease.
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: paddbear0000 on September 08, 2007, 10:29:13 AM
(alene  writing)
Joe, I keep reading that type 1 is not inherited and that family history does not increase one's vulnerability to it.

Bull! I am type 1, my father was type 1 and his father was type 1! Most of the medical community is now coming to terms with the fact that type 1 actually is genetic. It's about time too! I could have told them that 24 years ago!

Joe Paul--there is a strong possibility that your daughter could be developing type 1. First of all, you are type 1. Second, type 1 diabetes develops gradually, anywhere from weeks to months, not all at once. Your body attacks the insulin producing cells over a period of time. The increasing numbers she is getting could be an indicator of that. I just can't believe they can't get your daughter in until October! She could be a full-blown type 1 by then and suffering ill effects. I progressed from a normal child into a diabetic in the span of 1 month. You should really see if you can get her in somewhere else.

You and your daughter are in my thoughts!
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: paddbear0000 on September 08, 2007, 10:32:59 AM
Tiffany doesnt like candy much, her only downfall is pepsi, hopefully diet alone will fend off diabetes for a long time. Again, thanks for your reply & concern  :thumbup;

Sorry, I read this post after the one I just commented on. Unfortunately, what she eats or drinks will have no impact, positive or negative, on whether she becomes a type 1 diabetic. Type 2, yes tho. It's good she's sticking to the diet. Just please don't be disappointed if it doesn't help.
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: Sluff on September 22, 2007, 04:23:15 PM
How is she doing JP? Any updates since the last one? Hoping for the best.   :cuddle;
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: Joe Paul on September 23, 2007, 06:47:33 AM
Yes, thanks for asking. We got a call that someone had cancelled an appointment. Tiffany has to eat high carbs for 3 days, then fast 1 day have her blood drawn in the morning then drink that awful sweet stuff. After that they will take her blood every 1/2 hour for 3 hours. those test results will determine what diet her doctor will choose. The Doctor explained that since her mother had gestational diabetes, this is why Tiffany has built up a resistance to insulin, as her mothers high blood sugars caused Tiffany's pancrease to try and produce enough insulin to bring her mothers blood sugar down, which it could not do. They now know that if they would have put her mom on some type of temporary insulin therapy, more likely than not, Tiffany probably would not have the resistance to insulin. They are treating Mothers with gestational diabetes more aggressively these days so hopefully children who are prone to inheriting type 2 diabetes have a better chance of not developing insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes. The Doctor also said that since we had Tiffany tested so soon (we requested testing as diabetes runs on both sides of our families) that her condition may be reversable through diet and loosing some belly fat, which the Doctor told us they found has lots to do with type 2 diabetes. Tiffany will also have to be tested for sleep apnea which also goes hand in hand with type 2 diabetes. She has the symptoms, sometimes gasping for air in her sleep, restless sleep, tiredness during the day ect. If it turns out she does have the sleep apnea Doc said they will remove her adenoids & tonsils, which also leads to the reversal of type 2 diabetes. All in all this was pretty good news, the Doctor said Tiffany has little to no chance of developing type 1 diabetes. When we find out more after testing, I will be sure to update any who are following this thread. Again thanks much for all your concerns & prayers  :thumbup;
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: thegrammalady on September 23, 2007, 09:13:47 AM
all that is good news.   :clap;
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: Sluff on September 23, 2007, 09:43:58 AM
I had that glucose tolerance test done at a young age. The sugar drink tasted like orange soda. Is that the same test?
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: goofynina on September 23, 2007, 02:10:25 PM
Wow, poor baby has alot on her plate with the sleep apnea and all but it sounds like she is in good hands and they have caught all the warning signs early.  Thanks for the explanation of the gestational diabetes, my sister-in-law had it and i couldnt believe how strict they were with her on her diet and her blood levels, she would test at a 105 and they would tell her that was too high, now i know why,  :2thumbsup;  Tell Tiffany to hang in there and give her all my best please and give her a great big ol' Goofynina hug  :cuddle;  thank you
Title: Re: The hammer has fallen again
Post by: Joe Paul on September 23, 2007, 03:58:02 PM
I had that glucose tolerance test done at a young age. The sugar drink tasted like orange soda. Is that the same test?
Yes Sluff, thats the stuff. Thankyou Goofynina & I will give her a hug for you  :cuddle;