Diabetes and heart disease.

June 1, 2006

When I was diagnosed the beginning of May my A1c was 10.8. Now my

fasting is usually between 90 and 105. During the day it rarely

goes over 110, and usually is in the same range as fasting, even

after eating because I always walk 1/2 hour after meals and that

seems to be helping a lot, and also on metformin in the morning.

I am worrying because I hear others say they have heart attacks with

an A1c of even 8 or 9. So even though my BS has been very stable

and running in good ranges and I am exercising, have lowered my BP -

today was 120/78, and am eating low carbs also, but not red meats,

pork, etc., just chicken, fish and my own organic free range eggs

from my own hens, healthy oils,and vegetables, - well I am still

worried about dropping dead of a heart attack. I have lost some

weight, but am still grossly overweight, need to lose 100 pounds,

have already lost 30 in, but on a plateau for the last week.

I am worried about dying of a heart attack, even though my BS and BP

are running much better ranges now and I am exercising regularly,

and eliminated saturated fats, except what might be present in the

chicken I eat (I do drain and skim it off).

I don't see the doctor until next week, was the soonest I could get

in, but I hear so many on these diabetic forums having heart attacks

with an A1c lower than mine was, so I am worried.

Margaret

June 1, 2006

> I don't see the doctor until next week, was the soonest I could get

> in, but I hear so many on these diabetic forums having heart attacks

> with an A1c lower than mine was, so I am worried.

>

> Margaret

>

Margaret, there are so many other factors in having a heart attack.

You are doing the best you can and have done better than most I would

say in so short of time. I know if I focused on every aspect of risks

I have right now I would not be able to function. I do what I can

about what I know to do and what I can control and not worry about the

rest. If you would feel better, ask to see a cardiologist or have a

treadmill stress test to see what your risks really are. It's hard to

know all the details of those who have had heart attacks with better

numbers than yours. It is not always about BG numbers but many other

things. I think it's pretty normal to be worried when you first hear

all of these things. When we are reading and learning about all of

this it is pretty much shock factor about the reality of it. But

everything is not going to be the same for all of us. Just read about

symptoms and signs of heart attacks or strokes and be aware but try

not to worry. It's the not knowing that can cause more worry.

A1C tests are typically a 3 mo average but generally show the last

month or few weeks more accurately. So a person could in fact go

along with higher numbers for two months and then in one month go

really low and it all looks well. Guess what I want to say is the A1C

is not the total picture of risk factors. It could also be they had

diabetes for years uncontrolled or other problems you never heard

about. Genetics play a big factor. Multiple health problems contribute.

Make a list of concerns for your dr and discuss with him. If for

peace of mind you want further tests by all means ask for it. In the

meantime, don't feel like whatever happens to others will happen to

you. If you find out you can do something to lessen your risk then do

so otherwise don't worry about something that may or may not happen.

It kind of ruins the now time. Positive thoughts and outlook do a lot

to lessen risks of heart attacks too.

June 2, 2006

Margaret I take Quercitin as a supplement saw it on the 700 club

recommended by a heart dr he had on there. This is the stuff found in the

skin of apples. It is also good for allergies. I know I used to get hives

everyday of my life especially in this Texas sun and it seems to be helping

with that too. Here is one article I found.

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsSupplements/Quercetincs.html