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Brother with diabetes

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Posted 2/1/2014 1:20 PM (GMT 0)
Gosh, I don't know what to say but you have learned a lot about diabetes and this is your strength - knowing how you can help yourself with diet. Of course, I'm not a doctor but I've read lots of material here online and you have lots of sources here, too. So, knowing what you know, try to control the blood sugar as you are able to do, the best way you can until you can see about a new doctor.

The c-peptide test is a blood test that can help determine if you are type 1 or 2. Read here: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/c-peptide

I wish I could help you more.
Posted 2/2/2014 7:51 AM (GMT 0)
That firm belief that I am a type 1 and doctors keep assuming I am type 2 and keeping me on metformin.
Exactly what is metformin doing to my body and the carbs?
I read metformin isn't good to be taking for a type 1, but taking it does keep my glucose levels in check as long as I don't put to many carbs in my body.
Except for my fasting test, which is over 100 every time, but on average at 6 am is 131, and I read any fasting test over 100 for a type 1 isn't good.
Any possible links to information on this is appreciated, since I have found all the information in these forums very useful.
Posted 2/2/2014 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
Metformin works by helping the body's cells use glucose for energy. If the glucose can't get into the cells, then it stays in the blood stream causing high blood sugar. Read this (it's one of many articles available online) : http://diabetes.emedtv.com/metformin/how-does-metformin-work.html

And this about insulin: http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Insulin.aspx

Insulin will help control the level of glucose in the blood stream. If there is little insulin, then the blood glucose levels remain high and the body has no efficient way to get energy (since the glucose can't get into the cells), and the body started to use the body's fat to survive which is why undiagnosed type 1 diabetes patients may be very thin.
Posted 2/3/2014 9:14 AM (GMT 0)
Thought I posted this a few days ago. Maybe that last symptom finally caught up with me (decreased mental sharpness, hehe).

My neuropathy has been getting worse and been in a lot of pain for a good 5 months before I was even able to get into a clinic.
My belief that I am a type 1 diabetic, and the doctor keeping me on metformin, is further damaging my nerves.
I've seen the blurred vision sympton get worse in only a months time.
These forums so far are a trusted source of information, exactly what does metformin do to the body or for the carbs in a type 1 diabetic?, since what I have read so far is not good.
While being on Metformin, my glucose levels do stay pretty much in check as long as I carb count, but from what I read in type 1, any fasting level over 100 is still doing damage. Is this true ? Is there an accurate web site that can tell me this ?
This month I'll be able to afford seeing a different doctor for verification of my fears, since the doctor I see now is having an ego trip.
Posted 2/3/2014 9:43 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think the metformin is doing anything bad to you.  The neuropathy can only be helped by lowering the blood sugar.  I don't know about exercise.  Maybe someone can help out here with more information about that.

It's true that high blood sugar over a period of time will damage nerves (neuropathy) and vision (retinopathy) but it probably varies from person to person about how high the blood sugar would have to be and for how long.

The bottom line is keeping the blood sugar levels near normal.  Since the metformin isn't doing this by itself and you've cut out carbs, then you need other drugs.  The question is if you are actually a type 1 now.  If you are, you would need insulin but they need to do some tests to determine if you are type 1 or type 2.

The red flag in your case from the beginning is your great loss of weight.

All this: weight loss, blood sugar readings, journal of what you're eating, neuropathy, etc. should be documented and shown to a doctor who takes his patients seriously.

I have all my fingers crossed for you for this to be resolved once and for all with a new doctor!

Posted 4/6/2014 9:27 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Buck,


I've hope all is well w/ you. Hopefully, you have a new dr and some real answers to your questions.


I've been hoping & praying that things are good for you.


God bless.  Alice.

Posted 4/6/2014 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
Alice, I was just thinking about Buck recently and wondered how he is! I hope he's doing well. Uncle Buck, if you're reading this, please let us know how you are.
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