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How long does it take
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11/06/09 11:15 PM

"How long does it take to get retinopathy and gastroporesis from diabetes? Also,can diabetes cause muscle cramps?"
Asked By: hestok  
Category: Neuropathy

Background Info Hide
I supposedly became diabetic in Feb. 2007 after a partial pancrectomy for possible cancer and also because of years of problems with blocked bile ducts. In june of this year I was told by my eye doctor that I had the begginings of diab. retenopathy. Now I have been diag. with gastroporesis. I had been tested for diabetes over the years but the tests came back OK. My A1-c tests are very good. all around 6.2, so why all these problems? My family doctor says he thinks I had diabetes for some time, but that it was just hidding all this time. How is that possible? Anyway, am I in for more problems at this fast pace or can I do anything to slow down the progress of this disease?

Expert Answers (1)

11/10/09 06:39 AM

Hello Hestok
Thank you for asking your question. I can read your concern and frustration in these questions you posed. I highly recommend that you see the most specilized doctors to help you manage your unique case of diabetes. I would recommend a Diabetic Specialist or an Endocrinologist associated with a teaching hospital. I also recommend a Diabetic Retinologist for your eye care. You may also need a Gastroenterologist and a Neurologist. See a Podiatristand a Dentist.

Your case is more complicated because of the pancreatomy. The pancreas produces insulin along with other hormones that affect the uptake of glucose. You are replacing the insulin but there is a hormone named Amylin that is missing if the pancreas is not functioning. Ask your endocrinologist about this hormone. Since you are on insulin, you need Symlin prescibed to replace this hormone.

You have an aggressive case of diabetes and your self-management will need to be aggressive also. Strict adherence to the treatment planned by your specialists is your responsibility. Exercise, eating a very healthy diet with low simple carbs, high fiber complex carbs, low fat and low salt is your goal. Are you on any statins or are you taking any diuretics (water pills)? These can have side effects of muscle cramps.

You are challenged with a complicated case of diabetes that will take the coordination of many specialists and your self-management skills to slow the progression. Be organized. Keep a notebook. Be sure your primary care doctor is involved to coordinate the information from all your specialists.

We at dLife, along with the diabetics you meet in your journey will be a support for you. Try using the blogs in the Diabetes Forum and Diabetes Community in dLife as a support system.

Answered By: Rita Juray
Accreditations: RN, MLT-ASCP, CCM, CDE
Sources Show

Community Answers (1)

11/17/09 07:45 PM

Many endo say a person can be diabetic for up to 10 yrs without knowing. For me I believe it was 4 or 5 yrs now looking back at it. Sorry to hear of your issues my mom was dx 1949 and no meters back then and her doctor was an idiot. She had severe eye problems from high bs so I understand where your coming from.
Answered By: furball64801
FLAG
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