Re: Heidi, diabetes? to Sonja

[Guest guest]

Sonja,

In response to your letter, I would have to say that I had all those symptoms

that you've listed. They weren't all at the same time, but intermittently. I,

too

craved sweets, and was eating jelly beans and " Twisters " every day like a

child would. I wasn't worried about the sweets because they were " low-fat " ,

but even though I knew refined sugars weren't good for us, I craved them

anyway and could resist the temptation.

Another sign that something was wrong that I'd never mentioned to anyone

was the tingling and/or numbness with tingling feeling in my feet....the way it

feels when your limb falls asleep and then wakes up when the blood starts

circulating again. I felt that often at night while I was sitting with my feet

propped up on an ottoman, watching TV.

This was all going on about 6 months before I went into DKA. The vision

problems, frequent urinary problems and excessive thirst, not until about 3

months. Since my doctor refused to take my requests for testing seriously, I

wasn't tested and don't know what the tests would have shown then. I've

been told that diabetes doesn't just appear overnight, but that it creeps up on

you gradually, and can take years to develop.

Since all the tests you've done have been normal, all I would suggest is that

you do keep your eye on this and test yourself every couple of months or so.

I can't explain why you have all these symptoms, yet tests are normal.....there

is just so much about these diseases that I still don't fully understand.

In regard to your cold hands and feet, and weakness in the afternoons, I

would think those are related to malabsorption problems, combined with low

circulation. Are your BP readings on the low side? Mine can show up very

low, like 105/62, which in turn causes very slow circulation. That, with the

malabsorption, can cause my hands and feet to be cold very rapidly. In

winter I always have to wear gloves. Like right now!! Our southern climate

has had temps. in the 30's and 40's, which is so uncommon for this part of

the country, and I've had to bring out my warm, fur lined gloves to wear

whenever I go out. In Stockholm you are accustomed to this, but it's not

pleasant for those of us here who are so acclimated to warmer temperatures.

I wish I could answer your questions, Sonja, as I know that all of these weird

symptoms are problems that really worry you. It is difficult to find an

explanation for it, except that I do think you may be heading toward a

potential blood sugar problem some time in the future. Just keep an eye on

it, and take good care of yourself during these dark winter days. Perhaps one

of these days when you're out you will run into my brother, Mark, without

even knowing it! Take care, Sonja!

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina State Rep.

South Eastern Regional Rep., PAI

Note: All comments or advice are from personal experiences or opinion only,

and should not be a substitute for consultation with your medical professional.

Sonja wrote:

> Have read your mails and have very strong symptoms like yours exept for

edemas. Also crave for sweets, I added some of my problems just want to

check with you. I have taken several sugartests, some of the morning

fastingtests have been a bit high but also normal and then the 2-3 months

test showing nothing abnormal.

Just want to know from you two and others with comments on this what it

can be or and if it is the beginning of diabetes.<