Question:
Diabetes II & Blood Sugar Level

I am 4 months post op and have lost a total of 54 lbs to date. 8 months ago I was told my blood sugar level was a little high (120) and that I should watch my sugar intake. This week my PCP told me that my blood sugar level was at 125 from a blood test taken 1 month ago. (Another doctor took the blood test for something else.) Before surgery I was addicted to all kinds of sugar products, pastries, donuts, lots of candy, soda, juice, etc. Post op, my addiction for all the pastries, donuts and candies were gone. I do still have a craving for juice and slushies, etc. even though I know I shouldn't be consuming them -- no lectures are needed here folks. My question is that are sugar cravings one of the symptoms of diabetes 2? If so, I haven't seen it anywhere. My PCP refered me to a Nurse, dietician, and an Opthamologist. I still have 100 lbs to lose to reach my goal. Will my blood sugar level go down after I reach my goal and stablize my diet without the sugary drinks? This news kind of hit me blindsided. I was surprised to hear it especially after the 54 lbs lost. Thanks!    — Jonna B. (posted on July 29, 2000)

July 29, 2000
This just happened to me, Jonna. My sugar was 129 - but it was not a fasting blood sugar. I realized this and phoned my PCP's nurse and she said that I should probably do what the PCP wanted just to be sure. I have more blood work in about a week. I'm pretty sure that this is a non-issue for me because my diabetic husband checked my sugar and it was fine. Was your lab work done when you were fasting?
   — Diane S.

July 30, 2000
Hi Jonna, It probably wouldn't hurt to ask your pcp to do a fasting blood sugar on you. The 120 reading is actually not bad, it's right in the normal range (80-120). Could it be possible that you were a borderline diabetic before your surgery and just weren't aware of it? The continued weight loss should, indeed, lower your blood sugars. Make sure you eat as balanced meals as you can and include all the food groups (as you can tolerate)with every meal. And try to eat on a regular time schedule. Because different foods "burn off" at different rates, eating balanced meals at regular intervals will help to keep your blood sugars at a more "even" level. Fluxuations in blood sugar levels could also inhibit your weight loss. "Low" sugar levels (which could happen when you don't eat or don't eat properly) are like "red flags" to the body and cause it to think you MIGHT be trying to starve it so it slows down it's metabolism in order to try to preserve itself. Sugar "cravings" aren't necessarially a symptom of diabetes. High thirst, frequent urination and "unexplained" weight loss are symptoms, but because of our wls, those symptoms may be just a tad "masked". Another symptom of high blood sugar is a heavier, unexplained vaginal discharge. The only way to know for sure is to have a fasting blood sugar done (or several over the span of a few months). The slushies and juice consumption could contribute to a higher level. So could consumption of excess carbs (expecially bread products) and fresh fruit. Are you taking any antibiotics? That could also contribute to a higher level. It wouldn't hurt to talk with the nurse and the diatician. They might have some suggestions that will help. Diabetic or not, it's still important to have our vision checked on a regular basis, but high blood sugar can affect our vision dramatically, so seeing an Opthamologist is probably a good idea too. This is your life, sweetie, and having wls is just one step in the process of regaining our health. See this through and find out one way or the other. Don't give up now. Good luck and God bless, cj
   — cj T.

July 30, 2000
Joanna, I have/had Diabetes Type II also. I no longer have to take insulin but continue to take glucophage. You may want your PCP to do a more specific blood sugar. I think it's called A1C, but not sure, maybe 1AC. What this test does is estimates what your blood sugar has been doing the last 3 months (by comparing old red blood cells and how much glucose is "stuck" to it against newer red blood cells). In any case, this will give your PCP a better view of how your body has been processing sugar and how you've be utilizing your natural insulin over the last 3 months. My PCP does mine every 4 months or so. The Glucophage I am on is not insulin, it's a medication that makes your body utilize the insulin it produces, and a nice side effect is that it can cause some weight loss...Talk to your PCP about that blood test (sorry I couldn't remember the name, maybe someone out ther knows the official name). Good luck.
   — Alicia B.

July 30, 2000
I cannot address the diabetes issue, so I'll hit the one question that struck me. Sugar cravings will often mask a protein shortage. Once the body falls low in any elements, it will send you for "calories". "GET ME CALORIES!!!" ad sugar is the fastest one. There is no malabsorption with sugar-instant calories, instant fat. It doesn't stop the cravings, however, since it really wants NOURISHMENT. When you get your blood work, look at your total protein & albumin levels and compare then to your pre-op numbers. If you are lower than pre-op (and all the blood sugar things pan out), you may need to up your protein supplement (mixed with water or s/f juice). And of course, if you are still using milk, that will keep your sugar cravings high since the milk content is so high in sugar. Be sure to get copies of your labs and op report to keep in a file at home. Don't play with them, of course, and try to guess what's going on, but you certainly can be an early warning signal to your doc if you see any elements dropping or getting too high over time. The elements don't change over night, so it's always the "pattern" that you're watching for and your doc is too busy to lay out all your labs side by side and compare, element by element. It also gives me more of a feeling of control over my health to SEE NUMBERS.
   — vitalady