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The Question
10/09/09 01:16 PM

"I am unemployed / under employed, and suspect that I may have diabetes. I would be interested in information as to how I might find a diagnosis."
Asked By: jzuelchner  
Category: Insurance and Financial Issues

Background Info Hide
John R. Zuelchner Dallas, TX. I live in Dallas, TX, but I am in that little slither of Dallas that is in Denton County, My feet, espescially the left one has increasingly become numb / tingly. I have noticed considerable vision deterioration, and am very fatigued for the last year or so. I am 44 years old and a semi-recovering serious alcoholic from youth. My question is how can an unemployed, uninsured person find a place to go to get a diagnosis? I could get help from friends and family, but I don't want to burden them more than I already have monetarily. Also, are there foods that I could eat / substitue to help.

Expert Answers (1)

10/09/09 10:10 PM

Dear jzuelchner, Diabetes is traditionally diagnosed by taking 2 fasting blood sugars (don't eat for about 12 hours). If the glucose reading is 126 or higher, that is the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. I would suggest contacting a "free medical clinic" in your community for this lab test. If it turns out that you have very high glucose levels, you may need to start medication. The low cost clinic can help you make arrangements for the medicaiton(s) you need. As for diet, I would recommend reading the dLife columns about Healthy Eating and carbohdyrate counting. There are also books you can check out from the library about diabetes and diet. There are many on-line websites that have information about diabetes and healthy eating. Use a search engine to find them.
Answered By: Janice Fisher
Accreditations: RD, LD, PHD, CDE, BC-ADM
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Community Answers (1)

10/10/09 08:16 PM

Hi looking for a clinic is a great idea. I you dont have one there you could go buy a cheap relion meter at walmart and strips. Like the expert stated if you get two fastings over 126 that would make you diabetic. The good news one way or the other there are cheap meds for type 2 diabetics. Are you ovwerweight or thin, are you thristy all the time. These are some signs of type 2 diabetes.
Answered By: furball64801
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*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

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