Do I have the symptoms?

United States
May 7, 2007 4:46pm CST
I have a strong family connection with diabetes (my dad and some other relatives have it), I always crave sweets, and I tend to get shaky when I have not eaten in a while. I am always wanting carbs and sugars. I went through a spell for a while were I would get faint if I did not eat. I went to the doctor and he said my blood sugar was fluctuating a lot and we would do some more tests later on, he said to monitor what I ate and always keep snacks on me, but he said he was not sure if it was pre-diabetes or maybe something else. Does anyone know? And also... I know a lot about diabetes (family members :) )like prevention and living with it, but I am not so sure about symptoms. Do these things sound like it? Thank you! God Bless!
13 people like this
20 responses
@wachit14 (3595)
• United States
7 May 07
Other symptoms may include excessive thirst, fatigue, extreme weight loss or weight gain for no apparent reason. Either way you should be thoroughly tested. Diabetics need to stay away from refined sugar and simple carbohydrates (white flour, white rice, white pasta). Stick with vegetables and some fruit (apples and bananas are particular good for potassium) and eat whole grain products (cereals, brown rice, whole grain pasta, red potatoes instead of white potatoes). Eat at regular intervals and eat healthy low-fat, low sugar snacks as well. Cut out high sugar drinks and replace with water or unsweetened ice tea or diet drinks and see if any of these things make any kind of a difference in how you feel.
• United States
1 Jun 07
I agree with you 100%...my mom had type 2 diabetes, insulin dependent, and she never craved the sweets,,,only she would need them sometimes to help her when her blood sugar would go too low, i went with her to the dr. alot of times, and he would tell her what not to eat, and what would be good for her, and i gotta tell ya, i think wachit14 really knows what they are talkin about. One more thing though, with snacks, her Dr. told her she could eat all the popcorn she wanted. i thought that was pretty cool!!!
@Tanya8 (1733)
• Canada
7 May 07
I've had gestational diabetes, and now I eat as though I'm a diabetic in an effort to avoid getting the disease in the future. I also used to be addicted to sweets and high starch carbs, but to my amazement it didn't take much time to overcome a lifetime of addiction. It's about 2 or 3 days in my experience. I've slipped a few times, and when I do, the cravings come back, but again, it only takes a couple of days to get my diet back under control. I feel way healthier without sugar, and have more energy. When I had gestational diabetes, I had cravings constantly, and then would fall asleep easily after eating. I recommend looking up information on the glycemic index to make sure you don't accidentally eat other things that can raise your blood sugar while trying to get off sugar. I really recommend it; I've never felt so fantastic in my life, and for the first time ever, I feel like I control my food rather than it controling me.
2 people like this
@msjigga (864)
• United States
8 May 07
I had diebetes April of last year I was diagnosed while I was pregnant, and I test after I had my baby and still had diebetes. I searched the internet for natural solutions and I came across what they claimed to be the cure bitter melon. I am so glad I tried it I have been taking bitter melon extract for 6 month and I tested last month no diebetes and yesterday no diebetes. I am so happy so now I am sharing this with everyone who suffered from diebetes
@Foxxee (3651)
• United States
7 May 07
You wont know for sure until you see a doctor that can actually give you some answers. I would demand more test if you are worried about it. I mean all the symptoms you show, I have them as well and so does half of America. I mean I crave sweets and I'm sure a lot of people do and that doesn't have to mean you have diabetes. I also get shaky when I don't eat. Most people do get shaky if they don't eat as offten and even faint. Now, for some of the real signs of diabetes... Some diabetes symptoms include: 1. Frequent urination 2. Excessive thirst 3. Extreme hunger 4. Unusual weight loss 5. Increased fatigue 6. Irritability 7. Blurry vision Also, I found a Online test for you to take. It's called "Diabetes Risk Test" and it could help you out some... GO here: http://www.diabetes.org/risk-test.jsp
1 person likes this
7 May 07
From what i have seen i think the craving of sugars and carbs is not down to the diabetes. Feeling faint when not eating them after an extended period of time DOES sound like type 2 i think so yes you could well have it, do your eyes feel rough when you feel faint, like the white bits feel like they have sand...alot of sand in them? And are you tired alot? Do you need the toilet alot? if all of these are yes then there is a strong possibility that you have diabetes but dont take my word for it, im not qualified to diagnose you, these questions are what i have read in booklets and tests are much more accurate :) g'luck with finding out and i hope you get it sorted soon
2 people like this
• United States
8 May 07
Thanks so much to everyone who responded! I really appreciate it! God Bless!
1 person likes this
• United States
7 May 07
Your symptoms sound more like hypoglycemia (chronic low blood sugar) but it can be a precursor to diabetes, I've heard. While I can't offer medical advice, I can tell you what works for me, since I have hypoglycemia. Stabilizing blood sugar levels is important, so eating more meals more often throughout the day works better for me than having the standard three meals. Actually, it's more like snacks than meals, from 4 to 6 snacks or small meals per day. Strangely enough it's best to avoid sugar, refined sugars and flours, and starchy carbs. These turn into blood sugar quickly making it spike, and then you crash. Protein is better, such as peanut butter or something like that, because it works like a time release thing and doesn't turn into instant sugar, so it doesn't cause the big highs and lows. There's lots of info online, so you might want to check into tips for managing hypoglycemia. Best wishes.
• United States
8 May 07
You are certainly welcome. Like I said, it can be a precursor to diabetes. It can also be serious on it's own. However, you may be able to manage through diet. I'm glad you're going to talk to your doctor. Take care.
• United States
7 May 07
I meant to add that you could compare the symptoms you have with hypoglycemia info as well.
1 person likes this
• United States
8 May 07
I looked up information on hypoglycemia and that describes a lot of the things I experince... I am going to talk with my doctor about it the next time I go in. Thank you! God Bless
1 person likes this
• India
8 May 07
u may be at he initial stages of diabetes.. start having proper meals.. dont skip any meal and dont gorge too much on a time.. try avoiding snacks, sweets and high carb foods.. eat lots of fruits, vegetables.. then go for a GTT. check ur fasting n post prandial.. and then go on for the right way...
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (38166)
• Philippines
14 Jun 07
The best way to know if you have the symptoms is to ask your family since you said you have family connections that have the diabetes. There are many symptoms and sometimes the symptoms are quite confusing sometimes that you cannot know if you are having hypo or hyperglycemia. The key there if you have the disease is to maintain a normal weight have a balance diet as in you have to eat 6x a day without overeating every time you eat. If you can exercise do it. Try avoiding sweets when you blood glucose levels are on the highs and take small amounts if you have low blood sugar. The key here is doing things in moderation.
@rsa101 (38166)
• Philippines
1 Jun 07
From your description it seems like your having symptoms of hypoglycemia where your body does not have enough sugar for your body to work properly. It is somewhat different from most common types of diabetes where there is oversupply of sugar in the body. I am just not sure about it but you could always ask your doctor about it to be sure it really is hypoglycemia. Better that your doc confirms it since I know the these condition can be fatal if not attended properly.
• United States
8 May 07
I would say you need to stay away from the processed sugar and use only the natural frutose.If it runs in your family most likely you have the real symptoms.There are herbs that will help you control it along with a healthy diet.Start doing searches on the web on the herbs, and what you should be eating.Good luck and hope you'll be okay :)
@jenius (131)
• United States
25 Jun 07
Anything ending in "ose" has sugar and they will make blood sugars rise no matter the source all natural or processed.
@callarse1 (4783)
• United States
8 May 07
I think you may have low blood sugar, when you are shaking and stuff you may have that. I believe that is another form of diabetes (because their is hypo--not enough, and hyper--too much). Yes, you need to follow up with your doctor which he will probably recommend that you give more blood samples so he can see what it is. You may want to start drinking coffee, eat a diet that is well balanced and not a lot of sugar. Eat small meals (three to five small meals with some small snacks in between). Have a nice day. Pablo
@SheliaLee (2736)
• United States
7 May 07
I am a diabetic and it does sound like you either have diabetes, are borderline or could have hypoglycemia where your blood sugar drops when you don't eat in a while. Either way, your doctor definitely needs to get you checked. I take Insulin plus two different tablets. You don't want to have to do that. God Bless You and I hope you find the answer soon so you will get to feeling better.
• United States
8 May 07
Thank you so much! I appreciate it!
@dawnrm69 (1174)
• United States
8 May 07
this could be symptoms. do you get real thirsty and go to the restroom alot? I know what it is like to have it fluctuate. It can get too low and that is when you need something. Have you got a monitor where you can check it? If not try to get one and everymorning when you get up before you have anything to eat or drink test it and then afterwards test it and then when you feel week and tired and like you could pass out check it then to see if it is low or high then you will know what is the best to do you dont want it to go to high and go into a cmoma. I hope this helps and hope all turns out good fo yoou
@jessemt35 (294)
• Qatar
9 May 07
Symptoms of diabetes are the following: excessive thirst, excessive hunger and frequent urination. What you have is the reverse of all these symptoms and it is called hypoglycemia meaning you always have a low sugar level and it is a precursor to diabetes. The problem with diabetes is not on the sugar at all it is in the enzyme called insulin that is causing the problem. If you have low insulin secreted by your pancreas you will have an elevated blood sugar and if it is too much insulin surpassing the amount of blood sugar you got hypoglycemia. When diabetes runs in your family the likelihood of it is that you will also got one because it is a dominant familial trait.
• United States
23 May 07
well before i was diagnosed my symptoms were constant thirst, a lot of urination, rapid weight loss, and plus it runs in my family. I advise you to get tested because it will only help you
@kareng (61772)
• United States
8 May 07
Getting the shakes is a classic symptom and your doctor should of done bloodwork on your visit. You should avoid sugar at all costs and find another doctor if you don't trust this one. You need to have a workup done and on a special diet and/or medication. Going without treament makes the disease worse and you could become insulin dependent. Good luck and take care of yourself!
@fox123 (285)
• Philippines
8 May 07
I dont know really since im not familiar with that kind of sickness..try doing dome lab tests for accurate diagnosis..
8 May 07
Sounds like you could well have the condition, or maybe you are on the boarder which means you need to keep a check on a regular basis. If you do have diabetes it is best to catch it early then you will be able to get a better controle over it! I would sugest watch what you eat and reduce your sugar intake, try eat more wholemeal products than items made with white flour. Good Luck with everything Lynn-Marie
• United States
8 May 07
i went through that same spell and i got tested for diabetic and it came back border line and the doctor told me to watch my intake is and what i my pasta intake was and i started to feel a littel better than what i did before. so just becareful on what you eat and what you drink.
@us2owls (1681)
• United States
8 May 07
Sounds to me like the Doctor should have ordered a fasting blood sugar test for you. I think it needs to be more closely monitored with the history of diabetes in your family. If you are not satisfied then I would suggest a second opinion from a different doctor.
@msjigga (864)
• United States
8 May 07
Hi, I had the same type of sympthom while I was pregnant, and I was always thirsty. I was diagnosed with diebetes last year.I was looking all over the internet and through health books for a natural cure or solution and I was refered to try alot of different things. I was told to eat atleast1 cup of low fat plain yougurt atleast 3 times a week (yuck), and I also tried Bitter melon extract this is very hard to find where I live so I took a deep breath and purchased it over the internet (was pretty reasonable). I had a diebetes test yesterday and I no longer have a problem with my blood sugar no more diebetes. Bitter melon has alot of benefit it has been also known to cure people from HIV also. see website: www.nutrasanus.com/bitter-melon or just enter bitter melon in you search engine and you will see the benefits.