Diabetes in NDN Country

[scorpiostwin11_76]

I didn't notice any threads about diabetes amongst native people. I don't know about anyone else, but diabetes is becoming a concern of mine, personally because I have family members with this disease. I would just like to hear what others' comments are about this disease. I had a grandmother that died from diabetes. I know a lot of friends and relatives that have it. Please respond to this thread. I am interested to see what your views are.

[p_town_mami]

It is a well known fact that diabetes is prevalent in Native communities. Therefore, we all must do what we have to in order to prevent it. My grandfather died two years ago of diabetes related complications. He had to get one leg amputated, then a year later the other, then became confined to the bed, developed bed sores and paranoia and hallucinations and all sorts of stuff. My family does not believe in putting our family out, so we (my mom, my 18 year old brother, and an aunt and uncle) took on the brunt of caring for him. It was about a 6 month long, horrendous and cruel death. I was 28 years old, and my grandfather was my life. When I was about 15 he had to undergo quadruple bypass, and we thought we were going to lose him then. After that time, I spent my life trying to prepare myself for his death. I could not imagine life without him...I thought my world would end when his did. Anyway, this thing kinda woke me up. I decided from that moment on that I was not going to have that happen to me. I decided that I don't want to be a 50 year old woman who has to lose 100 pounds or whatever. So I began doing what I need to do...eating right, exercising, what not. I've lost quite a bit of weight, and still need to lose more, but I know that I've got to do what I got to do to prevent the same thing from happening to me. Everyone in my family gets diabetes around the age of 50-55, and my dad was diagnosed when he was 46. So, as I said, at 28 years old (now 30) I made the decision to do whatever it takes to prevent myself from developing diabetes, delaying its onset as long as possible.

[scorpiostwin11_76]

In my community we have people bringing awareness to the younger people. I'm 28 right now, and I have been hearing about diabetes prevention since I was 18. It seems like everyone knows whats out there, but they don't want to accept it. I have a friend that has diabetes and she's only 2 months older than I am. She's had diabetes since she had her first child, about 9 yrs ago. Now she's doing the shots and everything in her day to day routine. I don't want that for myself. I agree with the healthy eating and exercise. I was told by a nurse that high blood pressure is a factor too. She told me that if I walk every day to keep my blood pressure down it would help diabetes prevention. So I try to put in some miles walking everyday. I liked your response. Thanks for your feedback. Anyone else?

[Pvt Butter]

Jones lost a toe

look down a few threads...I think there's a little something there.

[jones]

More diabetes information would be good. We need to educate those that aren't diabetic so they understand the disease and how to try to avoid it in their lives. What I would give for the freedom to eat without any negative reactions. I think I eat the biggest, greasiest burger with the coldest, largest COKE (not that sissy diet stuff either)

[NDNKIDZ]

just a reminder to... that people forget about.. make sure to tell family members to see their opthamoligist. Diabetic retinopathy is a factor that most diabetics forget about.. or dont realize will happen..your vision is so important..

[Cutbead Queen]

More diabetes information would be good. We need to educate those that aren't diabetic so they understand the disease and how to try to avoid it in their lives. What I would give for the freedom to eat without any negative reactions. I think I eat the biggest, greasiest burger with the coldest, largest COKE (not that sissy diet stuff either)

I agree more education is needed! I know of people walking around on my rez with blood sugars over 300 every day. (120-130 is my norm.) I couldn't ever think of getting my sugar levels that low without meds. I admit, when I was first diagnosed with diabetes, I was in denial for a long time. I actually felt okay. But, as I'm getting older, and my diabetes is worse I am shocked that I was able to function without my meds. I feel so much better now that I'm medicated! LOL

I hear yah jones: I think I know what a drug addict feels like.......SUGAR is my drug of choice! I want, FRESH BLUE COTTON CANDY! Oh- and to have a "real" pepsi with ice!!! (HEAVEN!!!)

[scorpiostwin11_76]

I like the responses from all of you that posted. I think diabetes is a silent assassin through out NDN Country. I can't name one person that I know who can say that diabetes isn't in thier family. I agree with the post by jones, about education. Some real harsh facts on how this disease can take control of one person's life needs to be published, or something. I have friends where thier parents are dying from diabetes, and they just accept it. Thats not how our people should have to live. Accepting a completely preventable disease is not an acceptable battle to fight this disease....right?

[azshinob]

I'm a type 2 diabetic, diagnosed in 03 had blood sugars of 294 fasting. I'm on the meds, dieting, exercising kind of hard to keep it up though. Once in a while i go off the diet get a burger, fries, and pepsi. I usually keep my sugars around 120,but i seem to still be gaining weight, 220lbs currently.I was recently diagnosed with glaucoma got some drops for the pressure (shucks),got high blood pressure, had a heart event in 02 got a stent implant all this and i'm only 41 yrs old. My doc says that my kids have a 50/50 chance of developing type2.I must say, I hate pricking my fingers! So eat well, exercise!

[musicedu77]

my family is big time with diabetes thats why i watch my weight and my helath in general..my nana had it and died from it...that tore me apart just watching her go through this next to alzheimers...but diabetes can be managed as long as ya wacth what ya eat...ya can make alot of stuff without useing sugar..i been looking through diabetes recipes...betty crocker cook book i believe it was...i have alot of diabetes books ..ill go through them sometime this week and post them on here..

[musicedu77]

It is a well known fact that diabetes is prevalent in Native communities. Therefore, we all must do what we have to in order to prevent it. My grandfather died two years ago of diabetes related complications. He had to get one leg amputated, then a year later the other, then became confined to the bed, developed bed sores and paranoia and hallucinations and all sorts of stuff. My family does not believe in putting our family out, so we (my mom, my 18 year old brother, and an aunt and uncle) took on the brunt of caring for him. It was about a 6 month long, horrendous and cruel death. I was 28 years old, and my grandfather was my life. When I was about 15 he had to undergo quadruple bypass, and we thought we were going to lose him then. After that time, I spent my life trying to prepare myself for his death. I could not imagine life without him...I thought my world would end when his did. Anyway, this thing kinda woke me up. I decided from that moment on that I was not going to have that happen to me. I decided that I don't want to be a 50 year old woman who has to lose 100 pounds or whatever. So I began doing what I need to do...eating right, exercising, what not. I've lost quite a bit of weight, and still need to lose more, but I know that I've got to do what I got to do to prevent the same thing from happening to me. Everyone in my family gets diabetes around the age of 50-55, and my dad was diagnosed when he was 46. So, as I said, at 28 years old (now 30) I made the decision to do whatever it takes to prevent myself from developing diabetes, delaying its onset as long as possible.

i know how ya feel...my nanas death woke me up thats when i decided to monitore my blood sugar level...eat right and exercise too..sometimes i slide every great one in while thats when i work out 2 times a day instead of once..i think alot has to do with comodity foods given to us..the flour and frying food next to pop is what doesw us in..i given all that up after nanna died...now just stick to water and ice tea , hot tea and great once in while coffee...my great granny was type 2 and then once we just chained the frigerator up because we were all getting scared...when we visited her in new town along with my gramps i dont know how many times we found alotta fried food left overs in her fridge..it was bad enough where she took almost the whole entire sofa...scared the heck outta me that her health was deteriorating...like alota ppl she accepted it as is and it was hard just watch her live like that

[jones]

i know how ya feel...my nanas death woke me up thats when i decided to monitore my blood sugar level...eat right and exercise too..sometimes i slide every great one in while thats when i work out 2 times a day instead of once..i think alot has to do with comodity foods given to us..the flour and frying food next to pop is what doesw us in..i given all that up after nanna died...now just stick to water and ice tea , hot tea and great once in while coffee...my great granny was type 2 and then once we just chained the frigerator up because we were all getting scared...when we visited her in new town along with my gramps i dont know how many times we found alotta fried food left overs in her fridge..it was bad enough where she took almost the whole entire sofa...scared the heck outta me that her health was deteriorating...like alota ppl she accepted it as is and it was hard just watch her live like that

Even if you feel fine you still need to check your sugar. It can sneak up on you without a sympton. The more you are aware of how you feel when your sugar is at different levels, the better chance you have to gage your diet. Exercise is a must - WALKING is exercise. Turn your body back into the machine it was built to be.

If I had only had this knowledge 20 years ago.

[jones]

I like the responses from all of you that posted. I think diabetes is a silent assassin through out NDN Country. I can't name one person that I know who can say that diabetes isn't in thier family. I agree with the post by jones, about education. Some real harsh facts on how this disease can take control of one person's life needs to be published, or something. I have friends where thier parents are dying from diabetes, and they just accept it. Thats not how our people should have to live. Accepting a completely preventable disease is not an acceptable battle to fight this disease....right?

liveable, in some cases reversible, preventable. Most people can't prevent it in time because they aren't checking for it. Their eyes go blurry, they go to the eye doctor. Does the doctor ask about blood sugar levels? Sometimes. More often not.

[jones]

I agree more education is needed! I know of people walking around on my rez with blood sugars over 300 every day. (120-130 is my norm.) I couldn't ever think of getting my sugar levels that low without meds. I admit, when I was first diagnosed with diabetes, I was in denial for a long time. I actually felt okay. But, as I'm getting older, and my diabetes is worse I am shocked that I was able to function without my meds. I feel so much better now that I'm medicated! LOL

I hear yah jones: I think I know what a drug addict feels like.......SUGAR is my drug of choice! I want, FRESH BLUE COTTON CANDY! Oh- and to have a "real" pepsi with ice!!! (HEAVEN!!!)

just made my mouth water. HAH! just thinking about blue cotton candy made my sugar jump! ROFL

[jones]

just a reminder to... that people forget about.. make sure to tell family members to see their opthamoligist. Diabetic retinopathy is a factor that most diabetics forget about.. or dont realize will happen..your vision is so important..

This was my first symptom. I thought I was just tired, but even with rest my eyes were still blurry to blind. I guess I had a combination of symptoms; blurry eyes, very tired, rapid weight loss.