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[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

tbh

Hey guys - I've created a single "chat" thread for all the diabetics for any topics of conversation that don't fit in the existing threads.

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arybvtcw0eolkf

Well I'm back, and cheesed off.

I thought everything was going good, and it was. Bloods were all grand, I was noticing some numbness in my feet but my feet are in a bad way from Judo training over the years.

Judo is very tough on feet as its always done in bare feet on rough mats, plus there's lots of pulling and scraping and we all suffer 'mat burns'.

So to the present, I spent a full six weeks preparing for a competition, and spent most of that time taping my mat burns.

The competition was almost two weeks ago, so the taping came off to let my wounds heal.. Low and behold one wasn't, paid a visit to a nurse friend who read my the riot act (I've a grade II ulcer on a toe on my right foot).

But I'd a holiday booked so I took dressings over with me and instructions as to what to do.

Got checked today and it turns out I've three ulcers, a grade 0, a grade 1 and the original grade 2 which is healing really nicely but needs debridement.

I've been told 'no running, no swimming and to offload as much weight on my feet as I can.

I'm really on a rant here, sorry guys. But the thoughts of not training is driving me nuts. I cycle a lot, but now I've been told I can't use my road bike because the shoes are too narrow and restrictive (Cram will get this bit). I can change shoes and peddles but its expensive. But I have my hybrid commuting workhorse.

Everything I've read is severe complications & amputations. And whats depressing me most is the thought that I may never train Judo again, I feel like a fooking leper (sorry, ranting).

Insomnia, anxiety and my bloods are all arseways this week too.
Sigh.

calfmuscle

Without seeing your feet I can't really comment with any certainty. But would you see similar cuts on other judo competitors feet? It's very likely you just have the normal wear and tear from competition and strapping but your nurse is not use to seeing this and thinking the worst. There is a logical cause for your wounds it's not like you have terrible circulation and they appeared out of nowhere which would be worrying. Especially if they are healing nicely, trust me ulcers from poor circulation take months to heal, it sounds like yours are flying along.

arybvtcw0eolkf

calfmuscle wrote: »

Without seeing your feet I can't really comment with any certainty. But would you see similar cuts on other judo competitors feet? It's very likely you just have the normal wear and tear from competition and strapping but your nurse is not use to seeing this and thinking the worst. There is a logical cause for your wounds it's not like you have terrible circulation and they appeared out of nowhere which would be worrying. Especially if they are healing nicely, trust me ulcers from poor circulation take months to heal, it sounds like yours are flying along.

I explained this to her, that if she was to go to any judo club she'd be horrified by the state of some people's feet.

I'll include a photo here, but I'll leave it clickable so as not to upset some people.. Something to keep in mind. The photo 'day two', that was how the ulcer was for the last six weeks before I sought attention for it, and NOT the second day of the injury.

Basically I tape up cuts and blisters, take off the tape and never have cause for concern. But after the competition I was surprised by one in particular, which I sought attention for.

One or two things surprised the nurse, but I think it was that I was feeling no pain or discomfort no matter what she done, none what so ever. She could have stuck a needle right into the toe and I doubt I'd have felt a thing!.

Then she used (can't recall the name of it) kind of soft prod thing (sorry my head wasn't in a place to take much in) to test various parts of my foot for sensitivity, but parts I'd no sensation of her touching me.

She said I really shouldn't worry too much, but that I should get it into my head that 'you'll never get a mat burn again', ie to treat cuts and blisters as potentially serious. I've to see a podiatrist (?) to further treat the grade II ulcer, she said I've to have to debrided (?) ~ sorry for being so vague but this is all new to me.

I'm probably in a panic but Judo is 24/7 for me, and the thoughts of having to someday not train or compete is awful. I love coaching, and that's an avenue which I could consider but it would be very difficult not to get out and do what I love.

The photos, I'll leave as a clickable link as the first isn't very nice.

For the curious, I took silver in the Masters in a new (to me) weight category ~ because of this damned diabetes diagnoses in June I've lost 30kgs, so fought in the -100kgs (weighed in at 97.3kgs). My last competition this year was 126.5kgs and my heaviest out of competition weight was 130kgs.

I know medics err on the side of caution, and maybe I shouldn't have googled (lol, don't we all) but between both I was driven mad with anxiety.

calfmuscle

CramCycle wrote: »

I am with Calfmuscle here, a nurse or doctor typically, like everyone else, become complacent and probably never truly took into account what you do.

Can you talk to someone who specialises in feet for such sports, or even just confer with your competitors to see what is the usual healing time. I have non diabetic friends who do ballet and their feetbae in bits all year long, Judo is possibly the same.

I'd definitely get some advice about the best way to strap your feet and try to manage sweat while strapped also.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Thanks guys, thanks for taking the time to reply. And I guess from viewing the photos you're not overly concerned, which eases my mind.

I'm probably suffering post holiday blues too.

Looked online to see if there was any other discussion regarding Judo and foot ulcers, couldn't find anything. And I'm not surprised really because taping fingers and feet for various reasons is common place in Judo.

For feet and hands its protection against blisters, and to a lesser extent small joint issues/dislocations.

Like you said about the ballet people, some Judo peeps are taped year round.

I guess I'll wait until this ulcer heals, then I'll have to be proactive rather than reactionary & tape early, before practice in the area's where I'd normally injure.

Like I said last night, I was ranting more than anything else. I'm feeling a lot more at ease today, in fact I'm about to pull on the lyrca and get out on the bike for a few hours. I'd love a jog, but right now I think its best to wait.

Thanks again, I do appreciate your replies. Tbh the nurse scared the bejasus out of me

CramCycle

LOL, missed the photos. Pic 1 was a shock but pic 2 was a huge improvement. I would not be concerned, road rash of the bike didn't heal that quick the last time I came off.

arybvtcw0eolkf

CramCycle wrote: »

LOL, missed the photos. Pic 1 was a shock but pic 2 was a huge improvement. I would not be concerned, road rash of the bike didn't heal that quick the last time I came off.

Thanks, it seems to me healing quickly now that treatment has started on it. But that hard dead skin is to be cut off, 'debridment' was how it was described to me. Its so that new skin can grow and heal completely, sure we'll see.

I'm not as stressed as I was, and I'm just home from a nice cycle too so all's good in the world

ebbsy

Adalyn Big Numeral wrote: »

Thanks, it seems to me healing quickly now that treatment has started on it. But that hard dead skin is to be cut off, 'debridment' was how it was described to me. Its so that new skin can grow and heal completely, sure we'll see.

I'm not as stressed as I was, and I'm just home from a nice cycle too so all's good in the world

Wear Gel insoles.

Keep your feet as dry as possible - waterproof shoes.

Use moisturising cream on your feet at night - esp. between the toes.

Check your feet every day.

I boil water and let it cool, and them put a few drops of teatree oil. Soak feet for half an hour. Feels great.

I had bloods done last week. Was low on vitamin B12. Am getting some injections over a few weeks. Doc said its really important for neuropathy in your feet and hands.

All tips I got from my podiatrist and nurses over the years. They have helped me a lot.

arybvtcw0eolkf

ebbsy wrote: »

Wear Gel insoles.

Keep your feet as dry as possible - waterproof shoes.

Use moisturising cream on your feet at night - esp. between the toes.

Check your feet every day.

I boil water and let it cool, and them put a few drops of teatree oil. Soak feet for half an hour. Feels great.

I had bloods done last week. Was low on vitamin B12. Am getting some injections over a few weeks. Doc said its really important for neuropathy in your feet and hands.

All tips I got from my podiatrist and nurses over the years. They have helped me a lot.

I was told to never moisturize between my toes?.. Maybe I got that one wrong.

ohnonotgmail

Adalyn Big Numeral wrote: »

I was told to never moisturize between my toes?.. Maybe I got that one wrong.

no i was told that as well when i was first diagnosed.

ebbsy

My doc and podiatrist recommended it to me, between the toes.

Every night.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Well I have my first Podiatry appointment/assessment on Tuesday in Northwood.

Fear of the unknown is setting in now, which is funny because I fight Judo year around and have done for years ~ and here I am afraid of a Podiatry appointment

goat2

I have just found out a member of my family has diabetes, numbers at around 12, 14 and am hoping to get tips on shopping for a diabetic, he loves sweet stuff, are the 7up free and other sugar free drinks ok, Where do people shop to get the best products

[Deleted User]

goat2 wrote: »

I have just found out a member of my family has diabetes, numbers at around 12, 14 and am hoping to get tips on shopping for a diabetic, he loves sweet stuff, are the 7up free and other sugar free drinks ok, Where do people shop to get the best products

Loving sweet stuff is what caused my diabetes. I have no interest in sugar free products - I'd rather go without and instead have an occasional treat (by occasional I mean one item every three or four months).

Buford T. Justice XIX

goat2 wrote: »

I have just found out a member of my family has diabetes, numbers at around 12, 14 and am hoping to get tips on shopping for a diabetic, he loves sweet stuff, are the 7up free and other sugar free drinks ok, Where do people shop to get the best products

I had no sweet tooth till I was diagnosed. Best food is standard good diet with brown or better yet wholegrain breads, rice and pasta. Treats are ok but best eaten with meals or before/during exercise.

The best tip I can give from my experience is porridge for breakfast, sets you up for the day.

I generally avoid artificial sweeteners as I don't think they agree with me and diabetic chocolate is ok but acts as a laxative if a good bit is eaten.

Buford T. Justice XIX

I dropped my pump today while putting it on after a shower. It was working ok but got an error message that it wasn't working after an hour.

I rang Animas and they are sending a pump on Saturday and told me I should use my spare pump till then.

Spare pump? Is that just in the UK or do many here have a spare pump?

gctest50

Try change the reservoir and tube ?

Dick Dastardly

Buford T. Justice V wrote: »

I dropped my pump today while putting it on after a shower. It was working ok but got an error message that it wasn't working after an hour.

I rang Animas and they are sending a pump on Saturday and told me I should use my spare pump till then.

Spare pump? Is that just in the UK or do many here have a spare pump?

I don’t have a replacement. Have a Medtronic and similar set up - replacement couriered out within 24 hours etc.

do you have pens to cover you until the new pump arrives or did the set change work?

Dick Dastardly

goat2 wrote: »

I have just found out a member of my family has diabetes, numbers at around 12, 14 and am hoping to get tips on shopping for a diabetic, he loves sweet stuff, are the 7up free and other sugar free drinks ok, Where do people shop to get the best products

+1 for whole grain and porridge, veg etc. but it’s not penance!

Get some time with a dietician - well worth it to understand carbohydrates

Personally I avoid anything labeled “diabetic”. But 7up free, Coke Zero etc is fine from a carbs perspective.

Buford T. Justice XIX

gctest50 wrote: »

Try change the reservoir and tube ?

No menu at all just an error message and tells me to contact Animas so no option to rewind and load a new cartridge.

Buford T. Justice XIX

Dick Dastardly wrote: »

I don’t have a replacement. Have a Medtronic and similar set up - replacement couriered out within 24 hours etc.

do you have pens to cover you until the new pump arrives or did the set change work?

Yeah, still keep spare pens so no problem from that point of view but my basals with Lantus were a bit unpredictable compared to low levels of fast acting regularly. Lots of hypos.

I was surprised at the 2 day wait for delivery, I assumed it would be 24 hours. I must enquire a bit about spare pumps after this.

goat2

NewbridgeIR wrote: »

Loving sweet stuff is what caused my diabetes. I have no interest in sugar free products - I'd rather go without and instead have an occasional treat (by occasional I mean one item every three or four months).

son I am speaking of also loves all the sweet stuff, would eat half a dinner just to fit in the desert, I am most certain that he helped bring it on, always finding choc and sweets in his car, is pure addicted to them, it is a fighting battle, and I know I have to have a few treats for him, otherwise it is a shock to him to have to stop altogether, I have stocked up on the sugar free biscuits and sodas, to help him along,
they do say that sugar is addictive and more so than most drugs, in this case it is

ebbsy

goat2 wrote: »

son I am speaking of also loves all the sweet stuff, would eat half a dinner just to fit in the desert, I am most certain that he helped bring it on, always finding choc and sweets in his car, is pure addicted to them, it is a fighting battle, and I know I have to have a few treats for him, otherwise it is a shock to him to have to stop altogether, I have stocked up on the sugar free biscuits and sodas, to help him along,
they do say that sugar is addictive and more so than most drugs, in this case it is

Forget the sugar free stuff he will he sitting on the toilet all day.

85% + dark chocolate is a taste not for everyone but is much better than the normal stuff.

Otherwise in moderation.

banjobongo

A small amount of 85% dark chocolate with a glass of red wine...mmmm!

banjobongo

I presume all my fellow Type 1ers out there are aware that you can now get 4mm needles for injecting.....

uli84

Guys, would anyone of you have old Medtronic Pump Remote you don't use/need (picture below) I really need one as the one we've been using broke and for whatever reason Medtronic are not willing to replace it

CramCycle

uli84 wrote: »

Guys, would anyone of you have old Medtronic Pump Remote you don't use/need (picture below) I really need one as the one we've been using broke and for whatever reason Medtronic are not willing to replace it

I have a spare pump that does not need a remote? Would that do?

Meauldsegosha

banjobongo wrote: »

I presume all my fellow Type 1ers out there are aware that you can now get 4mm needles for injecting.....

I've been using them for two years.

gctest50

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5541280/

The incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been doubling every 20 years. In Finland, the recommendation for daily vitamin D supplementation was gradually reduced from 4000-5000 IU in 1964 to 400 IU in 1992. Concomitantly, T1D increased by 350% in those aged 1-4 years, 100% in those aged 5-9 years, and 50% in those aged 10-14 years [1]. However, since 2006, T1D has plateaued and decreased after an increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) after the authorities’ decision to fortify all dietary milk products with cholecalciferol

graflynn

goat2 wrote: »

I have just found out a member of my family has diabetes, numbers at around 12, 14 and am hoping to get tips on shopping for a diabetic, he loves sweet stuff, are the 7up free and other sugar free drinks ok, Where do people shop to get the best products

Hi, a lot of the "healthy" foods cause glucose levels to raise too. It's not just the sweet stuff. Here is a link to advice on foods for people with diabetes - https://www.diabetes.ie/living-with-diabetes/living-with-type-2/food-diabetes/

I would also highly recommend a referral to a diabetes dietitian who can go through all the foods you eat and create a plan for you that doesn't mean giving up all the sweet stuff.