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Question:

Hi All I read in a book written by Lois Jovanovic-Peterson,MD and Charles M. Peterson,MD

(snipped) Some people with type II diabetes NEVER need to do anything other than follow a meal and exercise program." The question I would like to ask about this " NEVER " is— for how long? Appreciate your answer and many thanks.

Hmmmm… I guess if you get diagnosed today, and a safe falls on your head tomorrow, then, yep, you never had to do anything but follow a meal and exercise program. But if you get diagnosed (like me) at 35, and you live (hopefully) to around 80+, then the disease has a long time to "progress". Sure, you can do a lot of things to delay meds and/or insulin, and you may meet your maker for other reasons (hopefully OLD AGE) before you need to do that stuff, but maybe not. Oh well…

Response:

Well, some of us do have both. bj

From Guy Williams …..          As far as we can see, diabetes is a life long problem but it can be a long life.  As one doc told me "would you prefer to have cancer?"

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Response:

From Guy Williams                          As far as longevity i am 70 years old.  Discovered I had diabetes in 1976.  Practiced good habits for a long period.  The progression of the disease was slow..          My life changed for other reasons and I did not control my diet carefully.  It was a year or so but noticed burning of the feet, which was a the start of complications which progressed to a very severe situation.          In the last two years I have had good control and several problems have abated. I am on a very strict system now.  A real pain but nothing like the neuropathy symptoms.          That is the reason I am a nut on control of sugar levels.          As far as we can see, diabetes is a life long problem but it can be a long life.  As one doc told me "would you prefer to have cancer?" As is being stated here.  EDUCATE YOUR SELF.          I even remarried at 52 after my 30 year wife decided I was a liability.           If you are new at this game, just settle down and deal with it.   The worst thing is to not deal with it and start to feel sorry for yourself.

Response:

I would interpret that as meaning "for life". For instance, I have not had to do anything for my dm other than d&e; if I got knocked over & killed by a bus tomorrow, I never would have had to do anything for dm control except dm. My numbers have been normal since shortly after diagnosis, so did not have an interim ‘take pills while you get under contol’ period. bj

Hi All I read in a book written by Lois Jovanovic-Peterson,MD and Charles M. Peterson,MD " —— if you can stay on a diabetes meal plan,

particularly one that – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – helps you lose weight, and exercise regularly, you may be able to normalize your BG levels and keep them in control for many years. Some people with type II diabetes NEVER need to do anything other than follow a meal and exercise program." The question I would like to ask about this " NEVER " is— for how long? Appreciate your answer and many thanks. Vit

Response:

" —— if you can stay on a diabetes meal plan, particularly one that helps you lose weight, and exercise regularly, you may be able to normalize your BG levels and keep them in control for many years. Some people with type II diabetes NEVER need to do anything other than follow a meal and exercise program." The question I would like to ask about this " NEVER " is— for how long?

I’m one of the people who currently is controlling his diabetes with diet and exercise – and I don’t even have to follow the diet that closely.  My last HbA1c was 4.6, and I’m wondering if I can get my next one below 4.1. How long will I be able to continue doing this? I hope forever. But truth be told, I doubt it. The research that’s been done on diabetes so far is that eventually most people like me will have to switch to drugs again, and if we live long enough and there aren’t any major breakthroughs, insulin. On the other hand, if I’m killed this afternoon in a car wreck, I will have been able to control my diabetes for my entire life this way! Here’s hoping that I live long enough to need some intensive medical intervention! On the other hand, if you work hard at the diet and exercise, maybe you’ll luck out and be one of the ones who is able to control his or her diabetes this way for a full lifetime. Diet and exercise are certainly good things for all diabetics to do. Think of the benefit if you delay needing to go on medicines! And even for those on medicines, controlling diet and exercising are still very good things which have been shown on the average to extend the life of diabetics. Your Mileage May Vary. I ran 30 miles last week and hope to run 34 this week. — Rob I’m running for my life! Rome Marathon to raise money for the ADA Before you buy.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All I read in a book written by Lois Jovanovic-Peterson,MD and Charles M. Peterson,MD " —— if you can stay on a diabetes meal plan, particularly one that helps you lose weight, and exercise regularly, you may be able to normalize your BG levels and keep them in control for many years. Some people with type II diabetes NEVER need to do anything other than follow a meal and exercise program." The question I would like to ask about this " NEVER " is— for how long? Appreciate your answer and many thanks. Vit

If you’re casting about trying to find something to hang your hat on that will give you a sense of safety and optimism, please know that you have a lot of company, Vit. However, it just isn’t possible to confidently predict the course of diabetes. There are too many variables, genetic, environmental and situational. Perhaps there are some people such as the authors described, but it’s not possible to know in advance who will or will not ultimately fall into that category. The crossing of fingers must be combined with self-education, home BG testing, and regular interfacing with your medical team. You will learn much from the diabetes newsgroups. It’s made a measurable difference for a lot of us. All the best — Elissa Type 2: Avandia, Amaryl and Prandin Before you buy.

Response:

Hi All I read in a book written by Lois Jovanovic-Peterson,MD and Charles M. Peterson,MD Vit From Guy Williams

                             There are all kinds of books that are written for profit.  In some cases the opinions expressed are half truths or very skewed ideas. I suspect that people have been harmed by these narrow viewpoints.            Diabetes is a complex problem and cannot be resolved in a simple manner.             Food input control is generally accepted as a necessary item in any diabetic program. It seems to be one of the abused item by diabetics   I did a poor job in this area for years.  Now I have to pay a very high price for that failure.              Understanding diabetes requires a broad range of inputs and intelligent application to your case.  I have been at this game for over twenty five years and I admit I have very limited knowledge. Following groups such as this one will give you a better prespective than any single book.  If some one wants simple clear answers you are dreaming.  They don’t exist.                 Try to get a broad outlook and many inputs.  No single book can do this.

Response:

Hi All I read in a book written by Lois Jovanovic-Peterson,MD and Charles M. Peterson,MD " —— if you can stay on a diabetes meal plan, particularly one that helps you lose weight, and exercise regularly, you may be able to normalize your BG levels and keep them in control for many years. Some people with type II diabetes NEVER need to do anything other than follow a meal and exercise program." The question I would like to ask about this " NEVER " is— for how long? Appreciate your answer and many thanks. Vit

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