Hi, I am new to the site. I was diagnosed with CLL 2 years ago, I have now been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

[allanmac]

I have CLL and Diabetes, my life has changed dramatically during the last 2 years, I was retired from my employer on grounds of ill health. Is there anybody else out there with a similar diagnosis?.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

From following other CLL forums, I know you are far from alone having both CLL and type 2 diabetes. Three years ago, when I was having monthly blood tests to monitor my CLL, I noticed my blood glucose levels were rapidly climbing and my GP said it would only be a matter of time before I developed diabetes. So far I've managed to hold it off by improved diet and exercise as well as losing some weight. That's been one benefit of having CLL - without the blood tests, I wouldn't have had a clue.

Are you able to share what you are doing to control your diabetes?

Neil

[allanmac in reply to AussieNeil]

Hi Neil, I am taking Metformin twice a day, improved diet, and light exercise, I am registered disabled.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to allanmac]

I had to quit work due to low immunity from the SLL/CLL, so I can appreciate what you mean by dramatic life changes. Welcome to our friendly group here - there is plenty that you can do to improve your health with chronic conditions like CLL and diabetes. Check out the pinned posts for some helpful information and join in the discussions.

Have you checked out the Health Unlocked Diabetes support community (Diabetes & Hypertension Help Society)?

healthunlocked.com/diabetes...

Coincidentally, I see that surjeet44, who has had diabetes for 18 years and was diagnosed with CLL last year, has just responded to my post "Does exercise extend the time to treatment"

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Neil

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Might consider a low glycemic index diet, worked well for me. There are hundreds of food lists on the internet...

diabetes.ca/Files/diabetes_...

[allanmac in reply to Cllcanada]

Hi, Thanks for that, it looks as if the only naughty food i eat is Bran Flakes.

[sparkler]

Hi allanmac and welcome to the site.

It's 3 years since my CLL dx and although I have many other health problems apart from the CLL, thankfully I have managed to escape Diabetes.......there's still time yet though and with my luck........

I see that you have already had some response to your question and I am sure that others will follow.

I look forward to getting to know you.

sparkler x

[allanmac in reply to sparkler]

Good day! glad to hear from you.

[Hidden]

Hi allanmac

Welcome to the site. If you're ever in the Crediton area, you're welcome to a brew.

Vic

[Babs-0]

Allanmac - I, too, have been diagnosed with both. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in July 2012 and with CLL in July 2013. The CLL was a surprise, but the Type 2 Diabetes was not. I had been following my blood sugars with A1c tests for about two to three years prior to my diagnosis because of family history with diabetes.

My Dad, all four of my siblings and now my first-born nephew, have received the Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis. The four men developed it between ages 45 and 50, my older sister and I in our 60's and our thin younger sister developed it in her mid-50's.

Turned 65 in January, still working in front of a computer every day (way too sedentery for diabetes), but planning to retire shortly and hope to walk my diabetes into remission. I find that when I walk, I have more energy and the fatigue is not so severe. I spent lots of weekend days in bed - too tired to move - before both diagnoses.

With the side effect of both illnesses being fatigue, I have trouble talking myself into getting outdoors to walk when I am at home - especially after putting in an eight-hour work day - but can walk for miles without getting tired once I do.

Good luck to you.

[allanmac]

Thanks for the welcome folks. I have gone a little backwards since joining the site. Depression has affected me in a bad way. Some days I am fine others really put me in a dark place. The CLL is under control though.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to allanmac]

Welcome back Allanmac. Good to hear that your CLL is under control but I'm sorry to hear you've had a bad run with depression. While exercise can help, it sounds like you need much more assistance, so I hope that you've found some professional help.

Have you found any on line forums where you can share with others with similar experiences? I note that HU have an Action on Depression community, but I don't know any more than that it has nearly 4,000 members and is very active:

healthunlocked.com/actionon...

[allanmac in reply to AussieNeil]

Hi Neil, yes I have help, not sure if it is the right help, but there a re limited resources where I live.

[CHAS_S]

81 yo with type 2 diabetes X 20 yrs, now on insulin pump & poor control. HbA1C 8. CLL X 10 yrs. Treated with rituxan, which made me feel exhausted & weaker. Plus got skin & palate lesions. DM is a serious comorbidity which can impact prognosis & treatment. GOOD LUCK!