Prediabetes concerns

Q: Hello! I found this Q&A board through Diabetes Daily.

This past January I was told that because my fasting BS was 104 and my A1C being 6.4% that I have early adult onset diabetes. It was quite a shock because I don’t fit the typical profile. I am and always have been the ideal weight for my height, exercised all my life, eaten sensibly and avoided desserts (except small portions occasionally).

My GP informed me that at some point he would put me on medication. Three months later my A1C decreased to 6.1% and my doctor was pleased and merely stated that I should keep on doing what I have been doing. I’m sure you hear this all the time. I did cut back on my carbs and that must have explained the decrease in the A1C reading I did fail to mention that no one to my knowledge had diabetes in my family. In my excitement that my A1c was lower, I didn’t ask my GP about medication and he didn’t mention it at that particular visit.

I have a few questions………….is it possible that I may never get diabetes, how do I keep from losing weight if I cut out so many carbs I’m already compensating by eating walnuts, Omega peanut butter and using more olive oil in cooking, and should I see an endocrinologist for better information?

I am checking my BS upon waking, before meals as well as postprandial. The lowest reading I had was 83 and the highest 120 after a meal.

Any information you can send me is appreciated.

I am female and 59 years of age. My total cholesterol is 220, but the breakdown numbers are good and the reason it’s high is because my HDL is so high, which is a good thing:

• HDL = 120
• LDL = 87
• Triglyceride = 64

Thank you in advance for your response.

A: It sounds like you are doing everything right for your body!

The changes you have made have given you glucose readings that are in the normal range. It is important to control your diabetes when it is in the very early stages in order to help prevent any possible complications. We don't know why some people develop Type 2 diabetes when there is no family history and weight is normal. It is not something that you have caused.

Often, the first medication of choice is Metformin. Your physician may not have thought you needed to start this medication, or any other, because the glucose readings looked like they had improved. Your lifestyle changes have helped control the diabetes. Be sure and stay in touch with your physician and continue with your follow up appointments so you can keep track of the glucose readings to see if you need medication.

If you do need medication, you have not failed!!! Remember diabetes is a progressive decline in beta cell funtion (beta cells are our cells that produce insulin) and often over time your body may just need some extra help. Your glucose readings will let you know if any medication is needed. You want to have a healthy diet, healthy weight and feel physically strong. If you are too hungry and your food intake is too small, please see a diabetes dietician who will help determine a carbohydrate, fat and protein intake that will work well for you.

You are doing such a good job!!!

Ginny

Shoes & Diabetes

Q: Ginny, I have had Diabetes for over 40 years and have been one of the luckier ones, my older siblings both died from complications of having diabetes. My sister never even knew, my brother passed away after 25 years with it.

My question is where is a good and reasonably priced place to purchase a good pair of shoes that work well for a Diabetic who has some problems with finding a shoe that fits and is comfortable to walk and even stand in?

Thank You,

Don

p.s. I have been a pump for over 15 years. (works great)

A: Have you gotten any guidelines from your podiatrist for what you need? There are some specialty shoe stores that will help with shoes for diabetic feet but I think the best place to start may be a diabetes specialty store that also sells shoes. Check in the phone book and call to make sure you find a store that you feel will help you with your special issues.

Very few of our insurance companies in Utah cover specialty shoes but a few do, so be sure and check with your insurance policy to see if there is any coverage. Medicare does cover but you will need a prescription; Medicare will cover 80% of the cost. Generally a pair of specialty shoes will cost $130 to $150. Be sure and discuss the cost with the store you are checking with to see if they provide any assistance for someone paying cash or can help with a payment plan.

I know shoes may be expensive, but it is so very important to take care of our feet! Three cheers for you wearing a pump for 15 years!!!

Ginny