Day 1 - Bring on the sugar withdrawal

So, keeping in mind that I am in a bit of a "detoxing stupor" & therefore, not thinking completely clearly. (I wish I was joking when I say this, but coming off sugar is very brutal for me)

I am beyond frustrated at news heard today on the radio. You will learn, if you haven't by now, that for me frustration = VENT!

I have spent much time researching my condition... reading, internet (University of Google), talking to people, etc... I spent a few hours yesterday following doing my blog entry & discovered that a medication my Mom is currently taking for Type 2 diabetes (Byetta) is being used (on a test basis) with wide success for pre-diabetes in the states - even though it is only technically approved by the FDA for treating full blown diabetes. It helps those with insulin resistance lose weight, which is EXTREMELY difficult to do otherwise...
(On a sidenote - to give an idea of what losing weight with insulin resistance is like): I read a blog yesterday of a woman with very aggressive insulin resistance, who has to eat less than a 1000 calories a day in order to not GAIN weight! - she doesn't lose any weight, it just helps her not GAIN any - she eats NO fruit & very rarely whole grains - never any refined sugar & she is still 40lbs overweight & eats almost nothing to keep from gaining more - AAAAAAAH!)

... sorry. Back to my point. Losing weight with IR is extremely hard but is also essential to prevent the onset of full blown diabetes. Byetta is looking like a very promising option. It is not available in Canada YET... it's been on the market in the US since 2005. What is the freaking hold-up?!?!

THEN, I happen to be driving Averie to school today & hear a quick snippet about THIS report on the radio. I immediately came home & found the same article... for your viewing pleasure:

Early detection key to avoiding diabetes, new guide stresses

Last Updated: Thursday, September 18, 2008 | 2:58 PM ET Comments5Recommend18

CBC News

In prediabetes, blood glucose levels are near but not quite at the level that defines diabetes.

Up to six million Canadians have prediabetes that increases their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and its complications, the Canadian Diabetes Association said Thursday in releasing new guidelines for doctors.

The guidelines stress the importance of identifying those who are at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, given its links to heart disease and premature death from heart attacks.

"Research has shown that long-term damage to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system, may already be occurring before a diabetes diagnosis," said Ellen Malcolmson, president and CEO of the association.

"The good news is that for those at risk of Type 2 diabetes, a diagnosis may be prevented if the warning signs are identified early."

Prediabetes refers to impaired glucose tolerance — blood glucose levels that are near but not quite at the level that defines diabetes.

If left untreated, about one quarter of people with prediabetes will go on to have diabetes within three to five years, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

People with prediabetes need to make lifestyle changes and may need to start taking medications to prevent the onset of diabetes, said Dr. Gillian Booth, methods chair of the committee that prepared the updated guidelines.

Studies have shown that moderate weight loss and regular exercise can delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes by up to 58 per cent.

The 2008 guidelines include revised recommendations for caring for people living with diabetes, as well preventative steps.

More than 2.4 million Canadians have full-blown diabetes, and up to 80 per cent of them will die from heart disease, the association said. Canadians adults with diabetes are twice as likely to die prematurely compared to people without the disease.

For people with diabetes, the guidelines recommend:

• Achieving tight control of blood pressure and cholesterol to reduce complications of heart disease and stroke.
• Improving self-management by increasing physical activity including both aerobic and resistance exercises, along with better nutrition and weight control.
• Reducing saturated fat to no more than seven per cent of daily energy and keeping trans fat intake to a minimum.

Diabetes is a contributing factor in the deaths of approximately 45,000 Canadians each year. Diabetes and its complications cost the Canadian health-care system an estimated $13.2 billion a year, according to the association.

So, basically we have one group saying prevent, prevent... the other group who approves medication saying wait & see... and ME in the middle feeling like a frigging ticking time bomb.

I have begun the process but am FILLED with dread. I cannot feel like a failure in this area AGAIN! I just don't think my damaged psyche can take another blow. It SO makes me not even want to try!... but I will. I must.

I've made a doctor's appointment to discuss some of my options. This also fills me with dread. I love my doctor... but I can't tell you how sick I am of hearing "diet & exercise" when I know I LOOK like I'm just some lazy oinker & I AM NOT! I see people HALF my size eating WAY more than me & way worse things. It is beyond frustrating.

Okay... once again - I am detoxing. I just *may* be a smidge on the moody side ;)

Thanks for reading my vent.