Sugar Cravings

lisa922 · 01-10-2004, 12:09 AM

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum for this question, but I'm going to give it a try! I don't know where to begin...I am 37 years old and had gestational diabetes with both my pregnancies. My mom and sister have Type II diabetes. I had 2 cortisone shots in my foot in January, and had some high blood sugars that day. I then started having a lot of gastro problems that the doctors couldn't seem to figure out. Also at the same time, my periods were getting weird. To make a long story short, I had a hida scan test in late April and only 1% of my gallbladder was working, so that was removed in May. My uterus and one ovary were enlarged, and in July I had a lap to remove endometriosis, at which time, the dr said I needed to have a hysterectomy to remove the uterus. That surgery was done in Sept. During this time, I also had a sudden increase in hair growth, my testosterone level was rising and my DHT level is high. The dr is going to retest my levels in Feb. The gyn thinks I should take dexamethasone, but the endocrinologist thinks I should take Spironolactone. I also started losing some hair in July, but the loss seems to have slowed down. I have been told I have PCOS and am wondering how many people deal with this without taking any meds and how well they do. I also was wondering if crazy sugar/carb cravings have anything to do with Type II Diabetes. I haven't been diagnosed with that at this point. I have occasional high sugars, but haven't tested them in a few months. I was really just looking for some advice on where to go from here and if I need to be concerned about these cravings. I was doing well right after my surgery, but lately have been really having bad cravings. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks

cmmarti3 · 01-23-2004, 03:43 AM

Hi Lisa, I'm sorry to hear about your medical woes, but I most certainly do sympathize. I do think that your sugar/carb cravings are related to your insulin resistance, and that the IR may be related to PCOS and/or diabetes. Your enlarged ovary, the hair growth in weird places, and the hair loss on your head all sound like symptoms of PCOS. I didn't know I had PCOS or what it was for probably 8 years (from puberty till I was 23) before I was diagnosed. During that time I took no medicine and it was only when my periods stopped coming that I demanded answers from my doctors. The hair on my face and neck was out of control, my belly was getting fatter and fatter, and I was fatigued and eating sugar out of control. Now that I understand a little bit better what I'm dealing with, I know to keep my sugar intake to a minimum, to exercise at least 3 times a week, and to maintain a healthy diet - those are my best defenses. But I'm also on medicine and I think once I lose more weight, maybe I'll try to go off it again. I personally would opt for the medicine plus exercise/moderating carb and sugar intake and see if it helps. Cheers,

cystermoon · 01-23-2004, 09:55 PM

From what I know cortisone shots can increase blood sugar, and sugar/carb cravings are most definitely associated with both IR and Diabetes. It is important to remember that IR is a pre-diabetic state, if left untreated (as mine was) it can lead to Diabetes Type 2. Having close family members who are already Diabetic increases your chance of getting it so be aware of this and get checked often.

I ignored or was ignorant of the signs so I was dxed w/ diabetes at 36. All thru my 20's I craved french fries, pasta and sugar like a maniac. Knowing now what I didn't know then, that was a big fat neon sign I was already well on my way to being diabetic. Recognizing that you have these cravings and knowing they may be an unnatural craving means you are at least aware that there is a problem. Get tested.