Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of DiabetesTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Massachusetts
March 30
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members engaged thoughtfully with the question of whether Type 2 diabetes can progress even when managed well, with the general consensus... Read more

Members engaged thoughtfully with the question of whether Type 2 diabetes can progress even when managed well, with the general consensus being yes, but that consistent effort can slow that progression significantly. Several members shared personal experiences of numbers creeping up over time, adjusting A1C goals, switching medications, and leaning on exercise like long walks and gym visits to stay ahead of the condition. A recurring theme was the importance of never giving up, doing your own research, and viewing diabetes management as an ongoing process of tweaking rather than a fixed outcome.

A DiabetesTeam Member

Yes I think so, my counts have been in the 5,s & 4s for 3 months , so at my visit to the Dr I told him I think I am not Diebetic any longer, his answer to me was it never goes away, I am just managing it better.

March 30
A DiabetesTeam Member

@A DiabetesTeam Member Your doctor was not helpful but then when it comes to prognoses they rarely are.

I was diagnosed with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and was told by the neurosurgeon that I'd be in a wheelchair in about two years. That was 24 years ago and now I'm doing walks of 20 miles. What that neurosurgeon said was incredibly irresponsible just like doctors saying that diabetes is progressive. According to some medical websites I should now be dead or on my way to death by suffocation due to paralysis caused by Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy.

I rarely get flare ups because of those long walks and any I get only last a day or so, a flare up being neuralgia in my arms and proprioception in my hands and feet not so good.

Yes diabetes may be progressive if not managed properly. Mine was progressive due to poor management but now whilst I'm not at the levels of say 20 years ago I'm getting there plus I'm still on the same daily dose (40mg) of Gliclazide.as I was when first diagnosed. Whilst I'm not against Metformin (it's a fairly safe drug) I no longer take it but use Berberine instead although care needs to be taken with Berberine as it interacts with other diabetes meds.

I think the word "progressive" should be banned when used in a medical context. It can sap people of the will to do anything about their condition.

Diabetes is a non linear condition and a syndrome which makes it difficult to understand what will happen. The only thing we can do is try our utmost to keep our blood sugars within tight control through diet, meds and exercise.

I am 74 years old and go to the gym once a week, aim to do a long walk 16-20 miles a week weather permitting and some short walks about two miles a week. Also if weather is bad I go on my exercise bike at home. All this is part of my diabetes management and part of my plan to change the course of the super oil tanker that is diabetes. Results are promising but it may take a further year for me to get back to levels of 22 years ago.

So let's kick the word "progressive" into touch and look at what might work and if it doesn't keep tweaking and tweaking. NEVER GIVE UP!

March 30
A DiabetesTeam Member

Yes I totally agree ,diabetes is a cronic disease,it’s very important to try always to control the sugar levels.
I learned that because i used to eat everything,in my daily routine.but now with moderate eating I fell much less the symptoms,still have of course but I can manage.
In the way I don’t feel sick .
Thank you for the information is very helpful 😊

March 30
A DiabetesTeam Member

Short answer YES!
But the better we manage it the longer we can delay the progression i was told if I kept my A1c under 7 I would be fine and I did. But it progressed now I know keep A1c under 5.8 and progression much less likely. I regret I did not do my own research when first diagnosed.

March 30 (edited)
A DiabetesTeam Member

@Lege I walk every day. It's kept my neuropathy at bay to a degree.

April 8

Related Questions

View All
A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rocky Face, GA