Did anyone develop diabetes while on tx?

[ladybug52]

I have joked about my lousy diet leading to type 2 diabetes but I just got a call from my pcp and my blood sugar for the second time was high. Not skyrocket high but I think the nurse said 147. I don't eat well and drink watered down juice all day. I wonder if all the sugar in the juice is doing this. I would appreciate any suggestions, not asking for medical advice.
They did ask me to stop by tomorrow to get a fasting finger stick. Thanks in advance.

[compulsive]

Wow - what a ride reading this thread was.

  SOOO glad your not diabetic.  WHEW!  What a scare huh?

You certainly don't need extra trouble right. now.  I am so relieved for you!!

[mikesimon]

Without researching I would guess that the reason carrot juice elevates glucose more rapidly and/or significantly is because it is more readily available than raw carrots, which need to be broken down. The rate of absorption is probably appropriate regarding mashed potatoes vs say, a baked potato, though potatoes in any form - baked, mashed, French fries, broiled - they all are dangerous to my glucose level. When people ask me what they can do to lose weight I tell them to eat like a diabetic. It's probably a good diet for anyone. Mike

[Forseegood]

thanks for the website, lots of good ideas...I'm glad I had to do many of these things many years back, so it's not so much of a chore or a change for me, and my father raised us eating pretty well (my 99 year old father who still plays golf and rides his bike:).....like you said, it's just a matter of getting used to it, then you don't even think about it too much, it just comes natural after awhile...and your sugar and salt palette does change over time, where things taste much more salty or sugary after you change your diet...salted peanuts in those little plastic bags almost make me gag now, and I used to love them years ago...course, I'm not a monk, sometimes I indulge myself, but for the most part I try to eat well.....I guess the people on treatment who still like veggies are pretty lucky...

[Forseegood]

just wanted to say that I agree with your assessment of glucose levels and fruit juice, especially bottled fruit juice, there's been some experiments indicating that the longer that fruit juice lingers, the more the sugar ratio goes up...oddly enough, when fruits are ripened and over ripe, they are more sugar dense as well...what I like to do is cut my berry/pomegrante/cranberry juice (and variations on a theme) way down by using a quarter glass of actual fruit juice (if I have some energy, I usually juice with a juicer) and the rest water...I also drink it very slowly as well....

it's funny how things can effect the body, like raw carrots are not nearly as glucose effecting as carrot juice, things like that...there are glycemic charts you can get off the net pretty easily, telling you things like how mashed potatoes are glycemic raising like almost nothing else, I know, that a drag cause I love mashed potatoes...being hypoglycemic I've had to study up on these things, and I mostly eat protein and complex carbs (like beans) in a ratio, I can tell how better this type of eating makes me feel as well...and much better for the ole' liver and pancreas...course, I'm not nearly as knowlegable and diciplined as HR, but I try, ha ha!

[Forseegood]

Hi, so glad youre nearing the finish, we've all been rooting for you of course...anyway, please don't take offense, only trying to help, but how long were you sober before you took treatment? course, you don't have to answer that, but I just want to point out that often when people stop drinking heavily, the body makes up for all the loss of sugar from the alcohol by sugar cravings - guess why that's why there are so many dougnuts and cookies at AA meetings, ha ha!...course, if you stopped long before you began treatment, then it's maybe something in the treatment that is responsible for all your sugar cravings, maybe that's one of the only thing your particular taste buds like while on the tx...just wanted to point that out....

[mikesimon]

That's good new Lady. Keep doing what you're doing and keep an eye on your glucose. If you have a glucometer check about 90 minutes after eating to give you a clearer picture of how food intake impacts your level. I see that your 147 was not a fasting glucose number. If it was within 2 to 3 hours of eating a decent portion of carbohydrates I wouldn't get too worked up about it. I'd just watch my diet, try to get some exercise and get checked periodically. On the other hand if it was a fasting glucose reading then that would be cause for concern. I'm posting 2 links that probably don't specifically address your situation but they are educational and interesting. They're from medscape.com where you have to be registered to view but it's easy and free and well worth the minute or 2 it will take you to register. So if you're not already registered go ahead and register.
<A HREF="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/530759/">Diabetes Mellitus in Chronic Hepatitis B and C:</A>
<A HREF="http://www.medscape.com/viewprogram/4619/">Realistic Approaches to Improve Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes</A>

Mike

[ladybug52]

Luckily, my fasting blood sugar was 91 today. I have stopped the fruit juice, ice cream, eggnog, potato chips and ritz with peanut butter. I know how to eat healthy, it's been a matter of overindulgence. I guess I was in denial that all those sugars were not going to hurt me.
Thanks for all your input.
Bug

[ladybug52]

Ice cream sodas! I use to eat those when I was pregnant as a treat. I've been enjoying way too many non-healthy high sugar simple carbohydrates as substitutes for feeling good. Stopping today. Thanks for the input
Bug

[ladybug52]

Kind of hoped I was going to get support from you since I was asking for advice/support/guidance but you turned it into a platform to taunt someone else. You need to be a better role model for Janus and Janus and don't feel as if you have to jump in when I'm getting advice and support, I can decipher info on my own.
Bug

[mikesimon]

I would like to clarify something. It was suggested that natural fruit juices with no added sugar are a better choice for glucose management. While there may be benefits to no-sugar added juice you should know that natural fruits do contain a lot of sugar and will significantly raise your glucose levels if portions are not controlled. For instance, when I get hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) a can of a soft drink will raise my glucose no faster or higher than will a 12 ounce glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. They both contain high and readily available carbohydrates and they both significantly impact glucose levels. Recently I saw an article which stated that high fructose has been shown to negatively impact the liver so for that reason fruit juice would be a better choice. But as far as glucose control is concerned, they are both about the same - in fact the juice may be higher than some soft drinks. One half glass of juice is the recommended portion for people with diabetes or who are pre-diabetic. I just wouldn't want you to believe that eating fresh or natural fruits or juices are without consequences in terms of glucose control. Obviously some fruits contain less carbs than others and you should acquaint yourself with the carbohydrate content of the fruits you like and adjust your portions accordingly. Mike

[Kalio1]

I agree with timedog, those are good to watch too.

About the labels, just look for salt content, sugar and saturated or trans fats. Don't worry so much about "organic"  You will find brands you know are fine, it's only a pain at first until you find things you enjoy. The bigget part of eating right is finding things you LIKE and look forward to that are good for you, otherwise you end up falling back on your "old" food items that are comfortable. I had a bit of a struggle with that part, but now I have a nice group of things I like. I notice now if something has salt added, it is far too salty for my taste now. Same with sugar. I dont normally tout any "diet" type plan, but the "the best life" approach that bob greene dreamt up is a good one. He's got a whole bunch of companies' products that have won his "seal" so that can make shopping easier too.He has great ideas for easy yet healthy eating. He also has a web site that is great and helps to make positive diet changes that really stick. you can find it at thebestlife.com. You really can turn it around and like timedog says, you have other influences right now that are also factors, it probably isn't ONLY diet but some of all the different issues, tx included.

Good luck in your new employment!

[timedog]

here is the link i spoke of

www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/show/NCT00189163

And yes I think you can effect your levels and turn them around by eating better. But please don't think this is just about sugar, it is not. It is also about white food you know bread potatoes rice pasta chips and so forth. Don't know your eating habits so will not offer an suggestions here.

Funny thing for me and I guess a lot of us I craved sugar more then ever when I started treatment.

[ladybug52]

Thanks, I'm really freaking out about it. I was a label reader, never too organic or anything cause of cost but I never drank sweetened drinks till I had to start pushing these fluids. You're right, I can turn this around, I just need to be more careful. I start a new job Thurs, I am doing way too much worrying with time on my hands. Should have been worrying more about what I was putting in my mouth. Thanks for the encouragement.
Janice

[ejoli]

At week eight my blood sugar was 417!   I have since given up all sugar and simple carbs and my sugar is running about 115. I just decided that I didn't need another drug to take, and that was before I read about sugar affecting tx. I was a serous sugar addict but I really don't feel deprived now that I'm off of it. I even took my Mother an ice cream soda today and it didn't bother me. On the good side I have lost 15lbs in the 11 weeks since giving up sugar!           Take care,  Libby

[FlGuy]

My appetite is so erratic and when I get hungry I feel it's open-season on anything that's not moving. After what I thought was a meal, I realize that sometimes it turns out to be a lot of starches and carbs, inluding fruit. It's difficult to manage a balanced and regular diet on tx.

[Kalio1]

I know HCV/diabetes/tx all have a connection to your glucose and you are at higher risk for DIabete if you are HCV pos.and that's about it. Mine is a "bit high" my doctor said and mine was 107. I'd get the fasting one just to be sure. If you had eaten prior to your last test that can make a difference and what you ate can make a difference or at least that is what I was told. I wouldn't freak about it BUT I'd cut the sugars down, do you label read? If you do you know what I mean. If you don't, you will be shocked! I've seen juice with 30grams of sugar in ONE serving! So I say yes, the juice could influence things. Juices vary DRAMATICALLY with both sugar and salt content, no matter what "low sugar" or "natural" claim is on the front. I have gotten so I check everything. I know you can turn thi around of ot turns out elevated. You can get it back to normal very often with diet. I think it was smart to switch to lemon water, you can add a tad of juice for flavor, but most juice is BIG sugar if it is premade or concentrate. The bet way is juicing your own and adding no sugar, but that isn't practical for everyone. There are real whole fruit only juices but they are pricey.
Let us know what you find out.

[ladybug52]

Yes please post the link when you get a chance, I want all the info I can get.
Bug

[ladybug52]

It wasn't fasting but I will be fasting tomorrow. I have never had trouble with blood sugars. I know that 147 is definitely in the bad range, but I am still hoping it's a fluke brought on by my increased sugar consumption. In Nov it was 104 fasting prior, I was just focused on liver enzyme status at the time.
They were good!
Thanks for the info
Janice

[timedog]

I don't know if diabetes impacted my treatment for sure or not. Treatment did not work for me and it was only afterwords that I found a paper on the possible impact of diabetes on treatment. There is a study on new treatment drug that is suppose to help those treating for hep c and have diabetes. I can send you the link if you are interested when I get home.

[Kalio1]

Was your test fasting or non fasting? I think you should get a fasting plasma glucose test if this was not a fasting one as 147 by many charts I have found is considered Diabetes, there is a chart poted below.
Here is a burb from a Diabetes site:


People develop diabetes because the pancreas does not make enough insulin or because the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly, or both. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy. Over the years, high blood glucose, also called hyperglycemia, damages nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to complications such as heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation.

Types of Diabetes
The three main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. In this form of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body's immune system has attacked and destroyed them.


Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, is the most common form. People can develop it at any age, even during childhood. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which muscle, liver, and fat cells do not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. In time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals.


Gestational diabetes develops in some women during the late stages of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, a woman who has had it is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or by a shortage of insulin.


Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
To move away from basing the names of the two main types of diabetes on treatment or age at onset, an American Diabetes Association expert committee recommended in 1997 universal adoption of simplified terminology. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) agrees.

Former Names Preferred Names
Type I
juvenile diabetes
insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
IDDM type 1 diabetes
Type II
adult-onset diabetes
noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
NIDDM type 2 diabetes

[Top]

What is pre-diabetes?
In pre-diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be characterized as diabetes. However, many people with pre-diabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Pre-diabetes also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. With modest weight loss and moderate physical activity, people with pre-diabetes can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

[Top]

How are diabetes and pre-diabetes diagnosed?
The following tests are used for diagnosis:

A fasting plasma glucose test measures your blood glucose after you have gone at least 8 hours without eating. This test is used to detect diabetes or pre-diabetes.


An oral glucose tolerance test measures your blood glucose after you have gone at least 8 hours without eating and 2 hours after you drink a glucose-containing beverage. This test can be used to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes.


In a random plasma glucose test, your doctor checks your blood glucose without regard to when you ate your last meal. This test, along with an assessment of symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes but not pre-diabetes.
Positive test results should be confirmed by repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test on a different day.

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test
The FPG is the preferred test for diagnosing diabetes due to convenience and is most reliable when done in the morning. Results and their meaning are shown in table 1. If your fasting glucose level is 100 to 125 mg/dL, you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired fasting glucose (IFG), meaning that you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes but do not have it yet. A level of 126 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that you have diabetes.

Table 1. Fasting Plasma Glucose Test
Plasma Glucose Result (mg/dL) Diagnosis
99 and below Normal
100 to 125 Pre-diabetes
(impaired fasting glucose)
126 and above Diabetes*

[ladybug52]

I have really been craving sweets too. I felt sick yesterday so only ate a bowl of ice cream with medicine. Not too sick to eat ice cream! Probably a lot diet related. Nothing sounds good so I just stuff in empty carbs. Can't blame anyone but myself, but I've been treating myself 'special' to baby myself on tx. As usual some other part of the body is going to complain. If it's not the liver it's the pancreas. Geez I wish I could just do what I want, live longer, be healthy, be skinny and have no signs of aging.
Thanks,
Janice

[NYgirl]

No but I have to admit my sugar INTAKE has gone up at least ten times the normal amount. I simply CRAVE it day and night to the point of absurdity I cant explain.

And Ive never really been a sweets type person but now...........it's CONSTANT.

Of course that isn't what you asked but...since I don't nkow if it's connected or not....but no no diabetes.

[ladybug52]

Did your diabetes impact tx? I've been looking throught the archives but not having much luck. Switched to lemon water after I heard from the nurse. (h2o with lemon squeezed in)
Bug

[timedog]

Not an expert here for sure. but from what I have been reading it is not treatment that cause diabetes but hep c it self. I suffer from both. This of course is not to be taken lightly because from what I am beggining to understand hep c can bring on diabetes and then diabetes can cause hep c treatment to be Ineffective.  Of course you may not have diabetes yet and you can effect your blood sugar levels by what you eat. Yes  soda and fruit juice don't help carb's,whcih turn into sugar, don't help either. So maybe you have a chance to control or turn it around with the right diet.