Medical update

[dreamer_easy]

No matter how diligent I've been about food and exercise in the last couple of months, I haven't been able to get my blood sugar readings down to a good enough level, although my three-month average was still good. I saw Dr K this morning, and she explained that it wasn't anything I was doing - it's just that my body is developing a tolerance of insulin. This is probably what caused the diabetes in the first place (I'm making enough insulin, but it's not working) and it's a natural and inevitable progression of the illness. So the next step is to put me on a low dose of the medication Metformin (brand name: Diabex) and see if it helps the insulin do its job better.

Also, my theory that obesity is a symptom of sloth and gluttony, rather than a direct cause of diabetes, is shot to pieces: mad scientists injected guinea pigs (real ones) with fat until they developed diabetes from the physical presence of the podge - it had nothing to do with sloth or gluttony. :-( (Why this should happen I believe remains a mystery.)

I forgot to take my Lactaid pills with me yesterday, and didn't realise until the milkshake and cheese omelette were before me. I'd noticed in recent months that I needed fewer Lactaids to cope with the lactose in dairy products, so in a spirit of sheer bloody-mindedness scientific enquiry, I ate the omelette and drank the milkshake - with almost no ill effects at all. There was a time when I'd have been glued to the lue. I'll probably still need the Lactaids to be completely comfortable with dairy foods, but no more the dread of accidentally giving myself the ghastly gallops. This has been a major source of hassles and unhappiness, so I'm very pleased.

Comments

[whochick.livejournal.com]

Boo for the insulin tolerance ... but at least there are management options! I've been taught that the progression of insulin tolerance-based diabetes is largely not understood. It's such a topical area, no doubt increasing amounts of money will be channeled into finding us some answers ;)

As for dairy food - I don't much touch the stuff myself. People are still arguing with June Plant, but I've come across an increasing number of people who also avoid dairy on advice from their GP/Oncologist/Naturopath.

'Sides, it doesn't sit well with me either ;)

[kateorman.livejournal.com]

Something like 1 in 10 people in the West are lactose intolerant - so often enough, mysterious tummy trouble will be cured by dodging dairy!

[angriest.livejournal.com]

I can't do milk in even moderate quantities any more, which upsets me as a lifelong fan of ice cream and milkshakes. :-(

[kateorman.livejournal.com]

It's crazy that you can't buy Lactaid tablets down here. I import them from the US! You can buy them online, but it ain't cheap.

[whochick.livejournal.com]

I certainly feel better off for it. I have to watch I'm getting my calcium elsewhere though ... don't want to end up bent double at 50.