Marina > wrote:
> Hi group,
>
> I've been lurking here a few days, and thought I might as well introduce
> myself. My name's Marina and I've had type I since 1970 (I was 5-1/2
> years old when I was diagnosed). The care was so different back then.
> Naturally, the health care professionals did the best they could, based
> on the current knowledge at the time, but things like home testing
> wasn't very accurate. The result is, I do have all the complications,
> but I still muddle along and try to follow new developments and adapt to
> new care recommendations.
>
> I had my first cases of retinopathy as a teenager, but the past 15 years
> or so, my eyes have been clear (except now it seems I'm developing
> cataracts). I have neuropathy, which makes exercise a bit of a chore,
> and nephropathy, which brings me to diet. Because of the kidney thing, I
> have to avoid animal protein as much as possible, so I've gone almost
> completely vegetarian. I've also discovered, since I turned 40, that
> carbs affect my BG much more than before. So I've been pondering my
> eating habits a lot lately.
>
> While I used to have to make sure I ate enough carbs at each meal so my
> BG wouldn't sink too fast and too low (especially as a teenager and
> 20+), these days I hardly need any carbs to keep me going.
>
> Sorry this is such a long post, I'll try to be briefer in future. Oh,
> and I live in Helsinki, Finland with my two cats. Finland has the
> dubious honour of having the highest percentage of type I diabetics in
> the world.

Hi Marina. As a frequent lurker and occasional poster, I bid you welcome.
I've had Type II since 1992, so really can't appreciate the ride you've
been on. I have another good Finn friend, named Saara, over on
alt.binaries.food. You might also want to check out alt.support.diabetes.

PS I was diagnosed with a cataract over ten years ago. (Only have one
working eye) Don't have surgery 'til you really can't see, and then, only
one eye at a time!

Take care!

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