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CFRD vs regular diabetes
- Thread starter anonymous
- Start date
thelizardqueen
New member
Yup. This is something that we have to worry about, though I've heard that the percentage is a little less. Like some complications are not as common. THe only complications I've ever had in the 10 years I've had CFRD is a kidney infection.
My doc told me that I should never worry about CFRD and he doesnt take it seriously. I guess he's right. CFRD is considered minor to CF. Its like when your house is on fire you wouldnt worry about the kitchen. On the long term diabetes may cause problem but CFers with CFRD are yet still to record complications of diabetes and this has not yet occured. Maybe in the future it will.
thelizardqueen
New member
Your doc told you never to worry about CFRD? You can still get complications from it - kidney failure from high sugars, etc. I don't think that diabetes is a minor thing. I just know that the likeliness of having complications is fewer then regular diabetes.
I plan on having a fun night out this week, which among other things will entail us doing shots! How should I monitor my blood sugar?? Should I just not take insulin at all, maybe slip to the bathroom when we're done and check and then perhaps give myself a few units if required? We will be doing the shots over a 1-2hour period so...any advice welcome! Also, hsa anyone seent hoes new bacardi breezers, the ones low in sugar? They look nice! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
L
littlemisssilly
Guest
Hi,
I tend to agree with Liz, CFRD is something to worry about, for CFers just as much for those without CF.
I'm guessing that the doctor may be coming from the point of view that given our shortened life expectancy, why worry about something that may happen in 15 years time if you'll be dead? Well, I really disagree with that stance. Damage to the retina (back of the eye), nerves, kidneys can all happen well within 10 years if someone's blood sugars are poorly controlled. Not to mention that high blood sugars suppress the immune system therefore, increasing the risk for infection and given that CFers are usually colonised with potentially life threatening bacteria in their lungs, I take my diabetes very seriously, even for the sake of my energy levels.
I tend to agree with Liz, CFRD is something to worry about, for CFers just as much for those without CF.
I'm guessing that the doctor may be coming from the point of view that given our shortened life expectancy, why worry about something that may happen in 15 years time if you'll be dead? Well, I really disagree with that stance. Damage to the retina (back of the eye), nerves, kidneys can all happen well within 10 years if someone's blood sugars are poorly controlled. Not to mention that high blood sugars suppress the immune system therefore, increasing the risk for infection and given that CFers are usually colonised with potentially life threatening bacteria in their lungs, I take my diabetes very seriously, even for the sake of my energy levels.
L
littlemisssilly
Guest
To anon,
Only thing I can suggest is that you make sure you monitor your blood sugars every two hours at least. It sounds like a pain but you need to know what your body is doing if you're going to start missing insulin / giving etxra units on top.
Alcohol actually lowers your blood sugar levels in the end so, that means that you may be at risk of a hypo by the time you get home. I almost always withhold my evening insulin because of that if I am drinking alcohol BUT I've had diabetes for 10 years and have been on insulin for the same amount of time and pretty much know what my sugars do with certain foods / activity and I'm not on any long acting insulin. I wouldn't recommend skipping insulin, especially if it is a long acting one that you're thinking of skipping because you risk having high sugars in the morning.
Just be aware that you are at high risk of a hypo when drinking whilst on insulin. Also, when you're drunk you may not notice that you are having a hypo and therefore may not have enough time to act to get your sugars back up. Monitor your sugars regularly.
Only thing I can suggest is that you make sure you monitor your blood sugars every two hours at least. It sounds like a pain but you need to know what your body is doing if you're going to start missing insulin / giving etxra units on top.
Alcohol actually lowers your blood sugar levels in the end so, that means that you may be at risk of a hypo by the time you get home. I almost always withhold my evening insulin because of that if I am drinking alcohol BUT I've had diabetes for 10 years and have been on insulin for the same amount of time and pretty much know what my sugars do with certain foods / activity and I'm not on any long acting insulin. I wouldn't recommend skipping insulin, especially if it is a long acting one that you're thinking of skipping because you risk having high sugars in the morning.
Just be aware that you are at high risk of a hypo when drinking whilst on insulin. Also, when you're drunk you may not notice that you are having a hypo and therefore may not have enough time to act to get your sugars back up. Monitor your sugars regularly.
thelizardqueen
New member
If you're drinking coolers, then those will bring your sugar up. Coolers are loaded with sugar. I would also suggest checking every two hours, and giving yourself a shot if necessary.
princessjdc
New member
How would you know if you have cfrd, what are the symptoms? Just curious never knew.
from what i know, most CF doctors used to be less concerned with the diabetes side of CF but now that patients are living longer, they have realized it is more important because we can have the same kinds of side effects as others with diabetes. one of my doctors actually told me that although our sugars are easier to regulate, our complications can be more severe over time.
that said, i have had diabetes for about 12 years and haven't had too many complications. i have decreased sensation in my feet and fingers and they get cold easily in the winter. one time my doctor was also concerned about my kidneys but that went away.
laura
that said, i have had diabetes for about 12 years and haven't had too many complications. i have decreased sensation in my feet and fingers and they get cold easily in the winter. one time my doctor was also concerned about my kidneys but that went away.
laura
I actually recently asked my CF doc whether having a high blood sugar once a day or so (say if I forget a shot or have ice cream or something that shoots my glucose levels up) isn't too big of a deal, and I specifically asked about kidney failure.
She said as long as I"m taking my insulin with most sugary meals, it is not too big of a deal if at times I shoot up and stay up for awhile. I had asked because I would be taking insulin with every single thing I eat since I eat a lot of ice cream shakes and high fat/sugar foods for snacks and meals. I didn't want to have to do insulin 4-6 times a day. She said I didn't have to worry "too much" about kidney failure and the like as long as I do the insulin and keep it under control most of the time.
She also mentioned something about the body dumping sugar when your glucose level is above 180, so that is really the only time to become really concerned... if it is above 180 for days, weeks or months with no lowering. That is REALLY hard on your body and kidneys and other "normal" problems that come with diabetes for both CFRD and "regular" diabetes are likely.
She said as long as I"m taking my insulin with most sugary meals, it is not too big of a deal if at times I shoot up and stay up for awhile. I had asked because I would be taking insulin with every single thing I eat since I eat a lot of ice cream shakes and high fat/sugar foods for snacks and meals. I didn't want to have to do insulin 4-6 times a day. She said I didn't have to worry "too much" about kidney failure and the like as long as I do the insulin and keep it under control most of the time.
She also mentioned something about the body dumping sugar when your glucose level is above 180, so that is really the only time to become really concerned... if it is above 180 for days, weeks or months with no lowering. That is REALLY hard on your body and kidneys and other "normal" problems that come with diabetes for both CFRD and "regular" diabetes are likely.