In a nutshell, I suspect that I may have type 2 diabetes. I know that the symptoms include frequent urination, thirst, and often tiredness; but I have also been lightheaded lately- to the point of almost passing out. I am an alcoholic, which is bad all around; I know this. BUT, I generally have very good eating habits. I eat square meals every time I eat, to be sure that I get the recommended amount of fruits and veggies, and whole grains, etc. I have also heard that excercise helps control type 2 diabetes, and I excercise 2-4 times a week- pretty intensely. I guess what my question would be is: I’m not sure if the symptoms I’m experiencing are due to the drinking, or to diabetes. Is there a way to distinguish between the two, aside from getting a blood glucose test? I don’t really have the money to see a doc right now, and I basically do every thing else right except for drinking, so I am trying to figure out a way to distinguish between the two.
parkermb is right…you sound like you want to avoid MD.
You need fasting blood tests…get a comprehensive blood test…ask for liver function panel & kidney function.
Diabetics are also sometimes depressed in mood.
As for your alcoholism problem it sounds like you know it, but want to minimize it as a problem so you don’t need to stop… drinking will make diabetes & kidneys worse.
The only way to distinguish between the 2 without going to the MD is to stop drinking & see if symptoms go away.
However I get the feeling that’s not an option for you.
If I may: call Intergroup or AA in your area & go to a group…if you don’t like 1 group try another. Another option is to get into therapy with a professional social worker or psychologist to talk about what keeps you drinkng.
I really wish you the best.
December 12th, 2009 at 4:49 am
okay, so you know that diet is key,…do you know that booze breaks down into sugar? and diabetics cannot process sugar well,….
you need to see a doc, get a fasting blood test for type 2 diabetes, & since you already recognize a drinking problem, maybe you should quit drinking.
References :
25 years clean n sober, type 2 diabetic
December 12th, 2009 at 5:39 am
parkermb is right…you sound like you want to avoid MD.
You need fasting blood tests…get a comprehensive blood test…ask for liver function panel & kidney function.
Diabetics are also sometimes depressed in mood.
As for your alcoholism problem it sounds like you know it, but want to minimize it as a problem so you don’t need to stop… drinking will make diabetes & kidneys worse.
The only way to distinguish between the 2 without going to the MD is to stop drinking & see if symptoms go away.
However I get the feeling that’s not an option for you.
If I may: call Intergroup or AA in your area & go to a group…if you don’t like 1 group try another. Another option is to get into therapy with a professional social worker or psychologist to talk about what keeps you drinkng.
I really wish you the best.
References :
Mental Health Worker