Confused about Diabetes

[Heidi164]

I have been experiencing very bad health problems for over a year now - I have been getting foggy heads where I feel like I am going to pass out but not actual spinning dizzyness - I get pins and needles and numbness in my hands and feet, I am always thirsty and visit the toilet regularly - I am extremely tired all the time and have gained a lot of weight - I can't drive anymore cause my loss of balance is too scary.  I get the train home from work but have to stand well away from the track through fear of falling on. My concentration is poor and I have a lot of hot flushes.  I was tested for diabetes and although my results were low they weren't low enough to say I had Diabetes - during an 8 hour test I had a hypoglycemic attack, however further monitoring of my blood sugar shows normal even when my symptoms are severe.  2 weeks ago I was admitted to hospital for 1 week with an asthma attack - my lungs were almost completely closed and during the initial bloods on the 1st day my blood sugar was extremely high - they did a fasting sugar the next day and this was again fine.  -  Can I have an intermittent diabetes problem?  I am 38 years old - slightly overweight (since getting ill) and my father and uncle had diabetes in old age.  Please hlp as I am going mad and not sure where to go next - I have been refered to ent but can't believe all my symptoms are related to an ear disorder.  I am borderline underactive thyroid and have had at CT scan and been tested for the menopause too.

[WaveRider]

"I was tested for diabetes and although my results were low they weren't low enough to say I had Diabetes - during an 8 hour test I had a hypoglycemic attack, however further monitoring of my blood sugar shows normal even..."
You just contradicted yourself. You first state your had low levels but not low enough, then say you had a hypoglycemic attack. Please clarify your hypoglycemic attack. When and where did this take place? How do you know - was doctor or nurse present to test you then?

"...during the initial bloods on the 1st day my blood sugar was extremely high"
You don't mention what meds you were put on or what foods you consumed 10 hours prior to being admitted. Any could raise your glucose level.

"my father and uncle had diabetes " "I am 38 years old - slightly overweight"
You are a candidate and being "slightly overweight" makes you even more so. But earlier on you say "and have gained a lot of weight". Another contradiction. I hope you don't speak with your doctor this way.

"Can I have an intermittent diabetes problem?"
You could be borderline and/or pre-diabetes. Weight, diet, exercise play a large role in preventing and then controlling diabetes. Keep in mind certain medications can raise glucose levels. Always discuss with the pharmacist the side effects.

You may also want to schedule an appointment with a Neurologist to discuss your imbalance issues. This could be diabetes related or something going on with your cranial/nerves.

Lastly get a hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c or HbA1c) test. Go here to read about it http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/encyclopedia_A-Ag.htm

[Heidi164]

I had a Hypo attack during the testing which was a 24 hour fasting test.  All the other results of the testing were low.  I have not been put on any meds and during my stay in hospital the initial test that showed high blood sugar was at about 12 noon and I hadn't eaten anything since about 7pm the previous night.  I have gained a lot of weight which is why I am now overweight.  my normal weight is 9 stone but I am now 12 stone - for my height I should be between 81/2 - 11 stone hence 12 stone is slightly overweight but I have gained a lot based on my normal weight!

[Dot.Calm]

You need to continue to lose weight and carefully monitor the type of foods you eat. You don't mention if you had your Hemoglobin tested, specifically the HgbA1c test. This test assist doctors by determining your glucose levels over the past 3 months. Red cells live an average of 3 months. Excess glucose will remain on new red cells and the HgBA1c will measure this. Don't know if your UK doctor does this, I'm only familiar with USA medical standards.

[Heidi164]

Thanks for you info - unfortunately the docs in the uk are never very specific about tests and in my experience also not very informative I need to push for a full printout of the tests that I have had and the results in detail.  I don't believe I have had the HgBA1c test so I will discuss this with my doctor.

Thanks again

[stilltrying635]

There is no such thing as a "intermittent diabetes problem" you have it or you don't and from what I am reading of your post , I think it is very likely you do. Diabetes is managable, left untreated/managed it can lead to blindness, kidney, heart, nerve problems, ambutations, stroke.
  Thirst & frequent urination is also a sign. Get an A1c as soon as possible. If you do have diabetes this will tell you, as said here by Dot-this test measures the average blood sugar over the last 3 months.
  Please take care of this now to avoid major problems and to start to feel much healthier!

[hava]

Follow this and you will start to narrow down the symptoms and will start to feel better from day two.You will also be able to get out of the "doctor visit and more tests" cycle, which can go on for a long time.
You need to help your body to build up your immune system.The breathing exercises - pranayam is a holistic approach creating extra oxygen supply in the body and will slowly help with the health problem.Do the pranayam to see the benefits.Build up your timing slowly and after two weeks at the suggested duration you will start to notice benefits.

Bhastrika - Take a long deep breath into the lungs(chest not tummy) via the nose and then completely breathe out through the nose.Duration upto 5 minutes.

Kapalbhati -(Do it before eating) Push air forcefully out through the nose about once per second. Stomach will itself go in(contract in). The breathing in(through the nose) will happen automatically. Establish a rhythm and do for upto 30 minutes twice a day.(Max 60 min/day) Not for pregnant women. Seriously ill people do it gently.

Anulom Vilom - Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril  
then – close left nostril with two fingers and