I think I am on the road to diabetes...

[activistamamacita]

Practically in tears...

I think I have been in denial this past year.  I have been having semi-frequent episodes of hypoglycemia for a long time and I am fairly sure I am showing signs and symptoms of impending diabetes.  I am a nurse, so I know what is going on here.  I eat mostly very healthy but I have a sugar addiction (obviously) and have not always eaten healthy (obviously).  I am not obese, but overweight.  Not sedentary, but not active.  I love to cook and enjoy the challenge of vegetarian and vegan cooking.  I am looking into a referral to and endo, but I DO NOT want to resort to medications.  Can anyone recommend and books or online resources that will help me attack this head on?  I am also looking for resources to help with the sugar addiction.

I have long said that diabetes was my worst fear and now I believe it is coming true.  I guess I always knew that it would...I need to change things.  TIA for any help. 

[activistamamacita]

I am also in the process of TTC #2.  The first time it took us 7 months.  I am aware of insulin-resistance and infertility and their connection.  I am scared about this also. And risk factors for GD.

[dakotablue]

I don't know if this helps of not. I have Carbohydrate induced Hypoglycemia. Maybe if you've been going vegetarian You are experiencing the same thing?

I was diagnosed by an endocrinologist, she said many people missing this an assume pre diabetes, but its not the same, (though I have a family history of this(meaning hypo not diabetes).

I'd suggest two things, track your blood sugars for a couple days (with monitor) to see if your having peaks and falls.

Or and be aware of carb verses protein intake. Proteins balance blood sugars for longer. Carbs give a high then a drop, some people (like me) are sensitive to this drop and their bodies over react/ over drop. Since your vegetarian maybe your ratio of carbs to protein is off.

and 6 months/ 7 months is a normal amount if time TTC. its only a 20% chance each time, so there may not have been anything extra going on.

Weird suggestion Do you mean processed sugar? Juicing daily helped me. It cleanses liver (as you know important for blood sugar control) And back to the protein your body may be craving the next high because your crashing, try introducing 5-6 almonds next time you want candy and see if it does the trick.

[heatherdeg]

It's possible you can eat your way out of it.  And take L-Glutamine to help with the sugar cravings (which may be related to leaky gut syndrome).  If you can disregard what you've heard about Atkins and actually read the book/literature beginning to end, there have been great results with it for diabetics (or pre-diabetics).

Also, have them check your fasting insulin levels.  You may not have had hypoglycemia, but hyperinsulinism--which is USUALLY misdiagnosed as hypoglycemia and interferes with fertility (more because it's an indication that all your hormones are out of whack). Without remediation, hyperinsulinism would turn into diabetes.

And if you need help, you can always hire a health coach to hold your hand through it.  ;)