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Danke schoen. Diabetes - of either flavor - is an insidious disease, as incapacitating and deadly as any other out there. And you don't need to be a junk food-snarfing butterball to develop it. The part of the 40 pounds I'd lost was clinically attributed to the medication. And at the onset, I was actually 25 lbs. lighter than I am now, and walked a lot - as in a quarter mile at a time - in the job I held. It was only afterwards I started gaining weight, believe it or not. I didn't find out until I'd spoken to my mother about it, that it was hereditary on her side of the family. I didn't even know she was Type II until I called to tell her, and she's a retired RN, so she knows how to take care of herself. And for anyone out there that may wonder if you're pre-disposed to it, here's a few questions to ask yourself:

Are you always thirsty?

Do you always feel fatigued, moreso than you'd think you would at your level of activity?

Do you urinate frequently?

Do you find yourself getting up several times a night to do so, even if it's only a few dribbles?

Have you noticed any weight loss (or gain) over the last year or so that you can't attribute to a work, diet, or lifestyle change?

And, (this is the one that finally got my attention):

Have you noticed any injuries (insect bites, cuts, scrapes, bruises) on your lower extremities - below the knee - that just don't seem to heal quickly, are always re-scabbing, and/or leave a noticeable scar once they do?

If you answered yes to two or more, I'd suggest a simple sugar test at the local clinic. If you answered yes to all of them, run - do not walk - to your doctor's office. I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, but as anyone who lives with a disease can tell you, you get educated about it as part of the recovery, rehab, and preventative therapy process. It's something I wouldn't wish on anyone, especially FReepers.