The D Word

At last years' doctor appointment, after discussing some of my symptoms and problems, one of the tests she ordered was a fasting blood glucose test. I found out from that I was borderline Type 2 diabetic. Earlier this year I met with a nutritionist and finally, about 5 weeks ago started changing the way I eat. At last week's appointment, Doc ordered an A1C blood test which checks how your blood sugar has been over the past few months. Normal is less than 6.0, I'm a 6.6. So I now have diabetic written on my chart.

When I think back, I've most likely been borderline diabetic since the mid 90's. It was then I started having problems with nausea, dizzy spells and breaking out into cold sweats if it was too long between meals. My former doctor just gave me that "another complaining woman" look with a slight eye roll when I talked to him about it. I should've been more persistant at that time. I should've called him on the carpet with those looks he'd give me and found another doctor. Shoulda, coulda, woulda.

I'm low enough on the scale that I don't need to do insulin or pills yet. Going to work on food choices, test my blood sugar regularly and exercise every day and will have another A1C test in six months. I've got a lot of reading to do to educate myself on how food effects the body and how to make better choices. I'm down 16 pounds and have been to the gym every weekday since I signed up last week so I'm off to a good start.

Dammit. That free-eating-frenzy I had been on for the last 20 years caught up with me. Why did I think it wouldn't? Moreso, why did I think it was worth the risk?