Lost

[Alina_G]

Today I went to the doctors and she told me there is a chance I have diabetes, I'm 15 and i have no clue what to expect if I do so I wanted to know if I could tell me more about diabetes. She said I had a few signs of possible diabetes, not the regular symtoms (at least not according to the websites I checked) she said that the back of my neck was darker than the rest of my skin and felt leathery, I had irregular hair growth and my weight doen't help either, so they took some blood from me today and I find out in a week. Thanks.

[JDRF-Team-sgg]

There was a study released a few years ago that I remember clearly becuase it mentioned the very odd symptom of a darker area of skin, usually on the neck, that seemed to go along with children with diabetes. Also, it is a fairly well-recognized fact that many diabetics do have thicker skin (again, usually on the back of the neck and upper back) than other folks, due to skin changes that happen after prolonged periods of time with high glucose levels. I personally am not aware of the irregular hair growth issue as any kind of a symptom, but I am not a doctor. So your doctor is being careful, and she is being smart to check. The blood test results will be the real answer, and then you will know.

I am sorry to not be able to give you a more definitive answer, but a good doctor checks all possibilities to keep her patient healthy. Please check back in and let us know what happens. Don't worry too much, for the other symptoms usually do show up (excessive thirst, loss of energy, and eventual weight loss) if a person is diabetic. If you are not having those symptoms, we can hope that you are healthy.

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

I'd like to add to the answer from SGG on possible diabetes.

From your msg, I think you might also be wondering what might be "in store" for you, if, in fact, you do have diabetes.  I was diagnosed at about your age with more traditional symptoms.  It's now more than 35 years later, and I'm healthy, active, married, have a great family & job, travel, etc. etc.  The "big picture" is that you can create the wonderful life that you're hoping to have for yourself even if you must join the "have diabetes" club.

What will it take for you to be healthy & normal even with diabetes?  Lots of self-education.  I think you're already into this because you found this site and have read a bit already.  I can tell that this aspect is one of the most important one :-)  

Folks diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes will, eventually, need to take insulin.  RIght now, we take it as shots or by using a pump.  We also do finger-stick blood tests a few times a day, so we can learn how to respond to the numbers & patterns we see.  It's much like trying to set a thermostat "jussst right" ... not too hot, not too cold and our needs change a bit during the day, and thru the weeks and months.  

There are also increasing numbers of overweight children & teens being diagnosed with "Type 2" ... this disease is similar, but many Type 2 folks still produce their own insulin and can take oral meds to allow their bodies to use it more effectively.  Many Type 2s lose weight & no longer need meds.  Many Type 2s choose to use insulin shots/pump because doses can be fine tuned.

It may well seem a bit overwhelming initially when you're getting information thrown at you by docs, by family, by well-meaning pals.  It might feel scary.  Apply your good communication skills and your good investigative skills to learn and listen and I'm certain you'll be fine.  My best guess is taht at least one other person you know has this disease.  YOu might not know they have it, tho' ;-)

Good luck, Alina.  I hope you'll stay in touch.