Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Losingtheplot]

Hi

A few weeks ago I found out I am prediabetic following blood tests.

I am the v start of the prediabetes range and my mam was diagnosed with the same a few years back. Thankfully she successfully lowered her blood sugar level and is now out of the prediabetic range. She has yearly blood test to monitor.

My Grandma had diabetes too so it is in the family. I am already struggling with peri/menopause symptoms anxiety and panic and my stress levels have been v high.

I feel there could be a possible connection with hormones and the current diagnosis. Either way I have a year to lower my level at which time I will have another blood test.

Understandably I am very scared and have cut out eating sweet food everyday and just having it on occasion as advised by the nurse. The complications of actually getting Type 2 diabetes is scaring me. I have always been fit and healthy.

I am usually active going to the gym, but that has fallen apart due to the recent anxiety and panic as some days even leaving the house is a struggle.

Just wondering if any other ladies have had this diagnosis and how you coped or changes you made.

Incidentally my iron level was towards the lower end on my blood results but within range. I am considering iron supplements as feel this might be causing some of my anxiety issues.

I know stress is not good for the body and I feel the years of anxiety and depression I havs suffered on and off are taking a toll on my body.

I know I have to look after myself as no one else is going to do it. Just 3 months ago I was such a happy, healthy woman and now I just feel like everything is happening to me at once.

On a positive, yes, I will find one. I am not diabetic so have time to work on it. This is a warning from my body I guess to take better care of it.

[Dierdre]

It sounds like you are fit and healthy so you just need to cut out sugar and high carbs. It doesn't have to be drastic just a bit at a time. Are you taking anything for you're anxiety or on HRT, that could help with this.
I haven't had a prediabectic diagnosis but a few years ago had high cholesterol and had to change my lifestyle, diet and fitness regime. Still trying now it's always ongoing.

[Aprilflower]

Pre diabetes is a bit controversial.  You are either diabetic, or you're not.

Cut down on grains and sugar to see if that makes a difference.  If it were me I wouldn't be overly worried.

[Losingtheplot]

It sounds like you are fit and healthy so you just need to cut out sugar and high carbs. It doesn't have to be drastic just a bit at a time. Are you taking anything for you're anxiety or on HRT, that could help with this.
I haven't had a prediabectic diagnosis but a few years ago had high cholesterol and had to change my lifestyle, diet and fitness regime. Still trying now it's always ongoing.

Hi Dierdre,

I am sandrena gel 1mg and 1 prog tablet.

The gel was increased on 10th October as symptoms had returned hot flushes etc. Previously I had been using 0.5mg gel since April 2023.

I am also.taking Ad's Fluoxetine for anxiety 2 x 20mg and propananol for when the anxiety is v high. Dose 40 mg 3 times a day, although I never tend to take full.dose.

Due a review with GP on 29th Dec about possible increase of HRT.

[Losingtheplot]

Pre diabetes is a bit controversial.  You are either diabetic, or you're not.

Cut down on grains and sugar to see if that makes a difference.  If it were me I wouldn't be overly worried.

Hi Aprilflower,

Thank you. I do think I need to reduce sugars and I am at the very start of the prediabetes range at 42. The nurse at the surgery did say I am still a human being and I think it a case of everything in moderation.

I will be devastated if come my yearly blood test the level has increased.

I think my breakfasts have been full of sugar unbeknown to me. So even changing this will be huge help.

[sheila99]

You're right, prediabetes is the warning to make changes now. Does your surgery offer you any more support? Ours offers advice on diet and other matters either via a group or by phone. It seems it isn't just about diet, it's also about exercise and avoiding stress. Is the anxiety a meno symptom and if so are you on HRT? Mine has gone completely with hrt but returns every time my levels fall. I'm not aware of a link between diabetes and meno, my OH has recently been diagnosed with prediabetes and he definitely isn't menopausal!

[Ayesha]

I was prediabetic for years and couldn't understand why as there really wasn't anything I could cut out. As I got older I decided to start taking supplements which included zinc every day and it reversed the diagnoses.
I realise there is family history with you but might be worth reading up on the link between zinc and diabetes.

[CLKD]

Also do read Michael Moseley's book - he turned around his pre-diabetes by diet and exercise.

A few years ago I had to alter my diet gradually cutting out shop bought cakes, pastries, crossaints, scones due to severe bloating = nausea.  I think that as the body alters our dietary intake could be checked to C how much we eat is necessary. 

[Losingtheplot]

You're right, prediabetes is the warning to make changes now. Does your surgery offer you any more support? Ours offers advice on diet and other matters either via a group or by phone. It seems it isn't just about diet, it's also about exercise and avoiding stress. Is the anxiety a meno symptom and if so are you on HRT? Mine has gone completely with hrt but returns every time my levels fall. I'm not aware of a link between diabetes and meno, my OH has recently been diagnosed with prediabetes and he definitely isn't menopausal!

Hi Sheila

Yes there is a support group and the Diabetes prevention programme i access online with a dietician/nutritionist and I have speaking to her today.

She has been  great and v understanding. She has said that peri meno can massively affect blood sugar due to fluctuations in hormones. Quite often spikes. More oestrogen apparently is often needed.

The anxiety is meno related as I have been in this position before when I very first realised my symptoms and fear and panic at v high levels was linked to my hormones. HRT sorted it out.  I have suffered anxiety in the past and depression but it was different to this. This is alot more crippling and intense. Its like I am in constant Fight or Flight mode and the dietician has confirmed this is linked.

My levels have dropped again recently after 2.5 years and all the awful anxiety and dread returned with a vengeance.

Sorry to hear your OH has prediabetes too. I am not saying everyone is the same but even my nurse said hormones can affect blood sugar during this time of a woman's life.

[Losingtheplot]

I was prediabetic for years and couldn't understand why as there really wasn't anything I could cut out. As I got older I decided to start taking supplements which included zinc every day and it reversed the diagnoses.
I realise there is family history with you but might be worth reading up on the link between zinc and diabetes.

Hi Ayesha,

Really? This is interesting. I do feel that vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause issues.

I will do.some research as I take Vitd3 with K2 and Vit b12. My vit b12 level has decreased by from 490 to 287 in 2 years. So still in range but at the lower end.

Thanks again

[common-lime]

I find the prediabetes cut off interesting. My last two test results have been 41 - I'm slim, exercise regularly and have a good diet, but I take low dose methylphenidate which can make my blood sugar a bit unstable. My GP said she had no concerns and I didn't need to change anything. I wonder whether she would have responded differently if it had been 42?!

Good luck with whatever you do to tackle this 

[Losingtheplot]

I find the prediabetes cut off interesting. My last two test results have been 41 - I'm slim, exercise regularly and have a good diet, but I take low dose methylphenidate which can make my blood sugar a bit unstable. My GP said she had no concerns and I didn't need to change anything. I wonder whether she would have responded differently if it had been 42?!

Good luck with whatever you do to tackle this 

Hi CL,

My test result in 2023 was 41 and nothing was mentioned to me as it was outside of the prediabetic range.
The Gp told me that they only mention something once you hit the prediabetic range.

I didnt ask for a copy of my blood results in 2023 and if I had I would of realised how close I was and made immediate changes.

I now have access to my blood results online but do feel if someone is heading towards prediabetes range then surely alerting them makes sense??.

I am confident I can lower the number as my sweet tooth isnt as bad as my younger years. I do feel my blood sugar spikes are peri related and stress related as well as diet although I felt I ate quite heathly.

I guess time will tell. I plan on everything in moderation. I usually exercise but do have additional weight round my middle. I think I may test my levels in 3 /4 months just to see if there is any change.

I have started to lose the excess weight round my middle due to mainly stress related but by cutting sweet sugary foods out too. I know carb intake can contribute too.

Now that my anxiety is becoming more manageable I plan on getting back to the gym doing weights and some cardio. I was regularly exercising and swimming.  I walk 45 mins everyday with my dogs.

Thank you I hope your number doesn't rise and that you stay in the ideal range.

Xxx