No Insurance, Need Advice Please - Diabetes Message Board

anilorak · 07-17-2006, 01:35 PM

Hi everyone. I'm 22, and over the last two weeks, I've developed some abnormal symptoms. I've had excessive thirst (which is very strange because my entire life I have not needed to drink a lot of water), frequent urination, nausea, as well as some dizziness and fatigue. My symptoms have become especially noticeable in the last few days. I should also mention that I've been slightly underweight my entire life, and there's no diagnosed diabetics in my family.

I definitely want to get a blood test done, but my medical insurance doesn't officially start until the 1st of August. I really can't afford to go in before then. What should I do in the meantime?

Misty800 · 07-17-2006, 02:13 PM

Until you can be tested for diabetes, reduce the carbohydrate intake, exercise a reasonable amount daily.

A balanced diet is best at this time. Avoid white foods, that is, potatoes, rice, pasta, sugar, sweets, regular soft drinks, etc. These will spike the bloodsugar.

I am not a medical professional.

wiredqs · 07-17-2006, 07:19 PM

You can get sticks in a drugstore which check for ketones in the urine, this would be a sign of very serious diabetes. Otherwise it shouldn't be too bad to wait a few weeks, if it gets worse go to an ER, your health is much more important than money.

Cora1003 · 07-17-2006, 08:13 PM

Inquire among friends and family to see if they know anyone with diabetes. If they keep asking people to ask people you will eventually come across someone with a glucose test kit who will be willing to test your blood sugar. Test it fasting and 2 hours after you've eaten. In some ways the 2 hours after a meal is better because it gives a better idea how well you handle food (eat a moderate amount of carb - no twinkies, but not carb free either). 2 hours after a meal it should be less than 140.

Good luck.

Cora

anilorak · 07-18-2006, 10:07 AM

Hi everyone. Thanks for the replies. I don't know how accurate this is, but I bought a urine dipstick test yesterday that tests for both ketones and glucose. After not eating for most of the day, the dipstick showed trace keytones, but no glucose. Since then, I've been negative for both glucose and ketones.

The increased thirst and frequent urination has persisted, and my nausea is very much there. It's at its worst in the morning and after I eat (I'm not pregnant for sure). I understand that the nausea might be a sign of GERD, but this doesn't explain the thirst. I'm at a loss again... I was so sure I knew what was wrong with me...