I’m sixteen years old, I haven’t been taking care of my diabetes. I’m scared that it’s all caught up with me and I’m developing complications. I’ve had a lot of stress in my life and I know that’s no excuse for harming my own health, but I have. Now I’m scared I can’t turn it around and that it’s too late! (Oh and for the assholes that come on diabetes questions and don’t realize that type 1 and type 2 are different from each other, don’t answer this. I’m not overweight and I didn’t get diabetes from being issues such as that. I’m type 1, it’s genetic.) Anyways, my first toe on my right foot feels not completely numb, but a little. Like there’s not enough circulation in my feet. When I press on my legs there’s an indent in it from water retention, but it’s not from retaining water like periods or pregnancy! It’s been there for a few months. My heels are hard, like the skin is really tough and it wasn’t always like that. You can’t tell looking at it but feels it is really awful. Sometimes my back right where my kidneys are have this sharp pain, and I can see but I see so many little spots in like the light if I’m looking up at the sky when it’s bright out and stuff. (not the spots you see from looking at a light too long, like floating stuff. but I can still see.) I’m going to my doctor, but I’m scared. Of knowing that I have complications and stuff. And of laser surgery and all of that! I wish now I had taken better care of myself. Can I turn this around though? Or at least stop it from getting worse?
Sorry about all the typos in there, I didn’t realize I had so many. I was typing kind of fast.
You’re welcome Zack, but I’d see a doctor. I’m sure you’d be in a much worse condition (dead) if you were a diabetic for 2 long years without insulin.
Sonj, I appreciate your concern my having diabetes hasn’t made my life as difficult as you’re making it sound. I wasn’t referring to my life sucking (which it really hasn’t in a lot of ways.) because of diabetes. But what HAS happened in my life made me attempt suicide twice, things I have no business mentioniong. I’ve been to theropy for it though. I went to the gym last night, and have been eating healthier. I’m going to keep it up and hopefully restore my health.
wmponygirl and dingding, your answers were the best. There were so many great answers though. I’m glad to know that I’m not alone in all of this. You both made me realize that the most and have more hope in most of this being reversable. So thank you so so much for your answers!

It’s no use telling you to stop worrying. Once we realize what a royal mess we have made of our health and make the decision to do something about it, we start to worry over everything. You are always going to worry about your diabetes and every little cold/illness. I am and will always be the same way. I as diagnosed at 13 and in the middle of the rebellious teenage years. I sometimes wish I had been diagnosed at a very young age so that I could have grown up with the lifestyle.

I am now running into complications as well. I started getting laser treatments for retinopathy late last year. Not fun. I have the water retention also. My doc called it "pitting" and sent me to a nephrologist. I was very lucky in that aspect because he said that after looking at my blood work my kidneys were still functioning pretty well. He put me on a bp medicine that also has a diuretic in it.

I can give you some advice about what works for me but nothing beats going to a doctor. The lower back pain may be from kidney infections/UTI’s. That is some thing that we diabetics are prone to. As for your feet, this might sound like a pretty standard answer but regular exercise helps. It keeps the blood flowing. Also be sure to check your feet FREQUENTLY for blisters/injuries. I have problems with dry skin on my feet and I am always rubbing lotion into them.

It’s never too late to start living a healthier lifestyle. Some of these conditions can’t be reversed, but they can be treated and the progression delayed. Don’t focus on the past. That’s not going to change anything. You have to focus on what’s ahead of you so that you can get back on track.

I am also available for email so don’t hesitate to fire off a message if you need anything.

Good luck!

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As far as I am aware, I don’t have diabetes, what could it be?

See your health care provider as soon as possible (ophthalmologist).
Gradual blurring of vision, with no improvement by moving closer or farther away: Visit ophthalmologist-possible cataract (scar tissue forming in the lens of the eye), also check for diabetes or any underlying health problems. And good luck.

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Expert: David Hill
Contact: www.capefearpediatrics.com
Bio: Dr. David Hill is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and vice president of Cape Fear Pediatrics in Wilmington, N.C.
Filmmaker: Reel Media LLC

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Expert: Brenda Thompson
Bio: Brenda Thompson is a registered dietician and professional chef with the Westlake Market H.E.B. in Austin, Texas.
Filmmaker: Drew Noah

Duration : 0:1:38

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