What the Hell I'm Diabetic?

I suppose I'm lucky in some ways, before I was diagnosed as diabetic I had a reasonable suspicion that I probably was, in fact I asked to be tested rather than found out randomly as part of another test process or got sick. This is probably good news, many people don't realise they have diabetes for a long time and quite a lot of damage can be done in the meantime; high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, kidney problems, nerve damage, foot problem, yeast infections, enlarged heart and at the worst death are all potential pitfalls of diabetes.

We come in two flavours, Type 1, those who have no control over their diabetes i.e. it wasn't anything they did which caused it, this usually happens at an early age and most people with Type 1 will become insulin dependent. Type 2 too is the 'naughty' diabetes, Type 2s are genetically predisposed as Type 1s are but their issues are usually brought on by abusing their body, too much body fat and too little exercise.

I'm Type 2, I don't have excuses, I did this to myself, yes I was predisposed to it, my grandfather was Type 2 but carrying too much weight is the crux of the matter.

There re other sorts by the way but T1 and T2 are the main ones.

How did I know?

Grumpy, tired, recurring infections, thirsty, drinking a lot of water, these were the indicators for me and led me to be suspicious.

How did I get diagnosed?

Its a simple blood test at the doctors; either a fasting (12 hours no food) blood test for blood sugar or an HbA1C test which looks for longer term indicators.

Whats the prognosis?

If I can get some of this damn weight off the doctor and the diabetes nurse think I'll be able to get own to normal levels without medication or having to inject insulin or maybe even have to check my BG (blood glucose) regularly. If that's the case I'll be in a good position and lead a normal life :)

Worst comes to the worse I'll be on insulin for the rest of my life, although it does have its perks, tablet or insulin diabetics get free prescriptions for life, free eyesight checks and foot checks and are better monitored by their doctors and nurses to prevent complications :) So its not all bad, I could and most probably will lead a normal relatively healthy lifespan.