It’s been a year since my mature onset diabetes diagnosis, following on from my lower right limb amputation. I visited the diabetes specialist last week, and he told me he is happy with my progress, especially considering my blood sugar levels are now mostly fairly stable, ranging between 5-8 mmol/L, after reaching in the 70 range when I was admitted to hospital.
This past year has been a learning experience. While many friends and family understood the amputation, the diabetes diagnosis often went unnoticed. This led to well-meaning gifts like sweets during my hospital stay, which weren’t ideal, but still very much appreciated. There was one massive block of chocolate I gave away to a friend.
Looking back, there were signs I missed in my diabetes diagnosis. The frothiness in my urine for example, a symptom of mature onset diabetes.
Upon admission to hospital, my dangerously high blood sugar (in the 70s mmol/L) could have been life-threatening.
Initially, hospital staff monitored my blood sugar and administered insulin several times a day. Over time, I learned self-testing and have transitioned to managing my diabetes with tablets. At first, I never thought I could inject myself, but it turned out to be easier than I anticipated, using a “pen”.
Now, I test my blood glucose twice daily. A finger prick, a test strip, and a quick scan with my phone app logs my levels. This daily data allows me to adjust my diet and track my progress with weekly reports. Thankfully, some of the costs involved are covered through the National Diabetes Scheme.
My average weekly score is now a reasonably healthy 6.8-7.0 mmol/L, although occasionally it dips below 5 mmol/L occur. Spikes above 7 mmol/L are more frequent, sometimes reaching 12-13 mmol/L. These spikes often coincide with feeling unwell or indulging in treats I shouldn’t, like bakery items. Stress can also affect my blood sugar levels, as I’ve written about previously. https://jamesobrien.id.au/2024/01/it-makes-my-blood-spike/
Interestingly, sashimi and red wine seem to help lower my levels. Can’t argue with that. Beyond testing, I’ve also learned to recognize my body’s cues for high or low sugar, including light-headedness.
Early on, I anxiously carried testing kits and insulin everywhere with me. Thankfully, things have become more manageable. I understand which foods work for me and have adopted a more balanced diet than I had previously.
While I miss some things like white bread, rice, and pizza, I’ve discovered new favorites like my berry and yogurt breakfast. For lunch I’ll usually have some kind of salad or vegetable meal, with protein for dinner. Throughout the day I’ll have tea or coffee, and will usually accompany it with a biscuit. I’ve become quite the one for taking my own suitable biscuits to nearby coffee shops, resisting the temptations they have. I also miss going out and getting drunk with friends, having to watch my alcohol consumption. But in the grand scheme of things, having to make that change may not be so bad.
Recently, my optometrist detected slight retinal swelling (edema) during my eye exam, but no glaucoma. A new prescription might be all I need, but I need to be conscious possible blindness can sometimes be an issue for diabetes.
On a personal note, diabetes has impacted my “intimate life”. I share this openly because I think transparency is important. There’s improvement, but age might also be a factor.
At first I thought diabetes was going to worse than the amputation. But in the end, it’s not so bad afterall.