Diabetes

[amitRan]

I am suffering from a urinary track infection.  I went the doctor and had a 7.5 on my HBA1C.  The doctor tells me I have diabetes and must take precautions which will effect my lifestyle and intake of sugars.  I would like to get a second opinion as I had a 6.5 on my HBA1C three months ago.  Could I have diabetes?  Is this a possible cause of my infection?

I have no history of Diabetes in my family

[Barb135]

I'm well aware that food is eventually converted to glucose; the carbs in vegetables and whole grains are complex and take a lot longer to break down, so they don't spike the blood sugar, like simple carbs do.

[NT77]

Lady, all carbohydrates get converted by the body to glucose. While vegetables and whole grains may contain less carbs then, say, sugar per volume, the cabohydrate part of them still ends up just like sugar - converted to glucose.

What Millard above said is spot on.

[Barb135]

Yes, you could have diabetes.  

Cut down on the simple carbs (those which contain sugar and white flour), as those break down quickly and will spike your blood sugar.  Concentrate on complex carbs (fiber), such as those found in vegetables and whole grains, as they take longer to break down and won't cause blood sugar spikes.

I agree that if you're overweight, you'll need to lose, but that can be very difficult, if not nearly impossible, so you have to be very diligent.

I've been prone to UTI's most of my life...... they usually require a trip to my urologist for an antibiotic.  

[Millard]

Diabetes will not cause uti's but will make you more susceptible to them.  If you do have diabetes, your life is not over.  You start off by cutting down on carbohydrates.  If you don't exercise...start.  If you are overweight, plan on losing a little.  If you are borderline, these suggestions will help immensely. About your uti, increase you fluids (not alcohol or caffeine) and you should see an improvement in two to three days.

Good luck.