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July 21, 2000

Surgery, Thyroid

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Question from Glen, Mississippi, USA:

I have just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I have been going to my doctor for several months to have a fasting glucose blood test done. I have been running at/around 140. Recently, I had to have my gall bladder removed. When I went back to have my glucose (fasting) done again it was 188. Did my surgery cause the reading to be off?

Second, I have hypothyroidism. My doctor also checked my T3 and T4 levels. They were at 14. 8 (0-5 normal). Since my metabolism is running so slow, could that be affecting my glucose reading? I am now taking a sulfonylurea pill for diabetes. I want to know if it will be possible to get off the drug. I am overweight, but I watch my sugar intake, salt intake, carb intake, and fat intake. I already take many medications. I have high blood pressure, mitral valve prolapse, and “immune” problems. My doctors don’t know why my immune system is weak.

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure often appear in the same person along with abnormal cholesterol levels. We call this “Syndrome X” and it is related to insulin resistance. These tend to appear together in the same person and is probably an inherited trait. Our grandparents probably had the same tendency but with lots of exercise and lower calories, it didn’t cause problems.

Regarding your question about surgery, anytime you experience significant stress, whether it is physical or emotional, you may see a rise in blood glucose levels.

Regarding your question regarding getting off the medication, yes, it is possible that you might go off the medication. It may only be temporary, because type 2 diabetes appears to be progressive. Studies have shown that people with type 2 make less and less insulin over time. I call it “pancreatic poop-out”. By losing getting involved in a consistent exercise program, you could improve your blood glucose levels and possibly get off the medication for now, but the most important thing is the glucose control. You should aim for before meal glucose levels of 80-120 mg/dl.

VV