It’s a while since I posted a Diabetes update.
Recipes and cat tales are so much more uplifting.
But given my recent history, this new study deserves an airing.
After analyzing the medical records of almost two million people in the UK, the National Diabetes Audit found that people with diabetes have almost a 50% higher risk of a heart attack.
About 22,000 people with diabetes in England and Wales died prematurely in 2010/11, the report says.
“The finding that people with diabetes are almost 50 per cent more likely to have a heart attack is shocking; this is one of the main reasons many thousands of people with the condition are dying before their time,” said Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK.
About seven weeks ago, my cardiologist at the excellent local clinic wasn’t a hundred percent happy with the results of a couple of my stress test results.
(These were routine tests suggested by my G.P.–given my Type 2 diabetes.)
The local cardiologist sent me to the Clinique Pasteur in Toulouse, where late one Tuesday afternoon in October I found myself flat on my back, naked, in what felt suspiciously like an operating theatre.
(This isn’t my preferred theatre experience!)
Shortly after sensing something creeping up the inside of my right arm, a masked face pushed through the hygienic barrier, regarded me with two quietly friendly eyes and uttered words I shall never forget:
“Vous avez un blocage de l’arterie principale coronaire.”
[You have a blockage of the coronary artery.]
His tone was so reasonable, I heard myself replying in a similar tone:
“C’est sérieux, Monsieur?”.
He remained calm in spite of what he had just heard, and didn’t shout:
“OF COURSE IT’S SERIOUS YOU IDIOT!!“.
Instead I was relieved to hear him say he was going to insert three stents–then and there.
The seriousness of the situation only registered fully with me the following afternoon just before we left for home.
The doctor showed us a video of my heart and arteries BEFORE and AFTER.
Oh my word!
For the procedure my blood had been dyed to show up as black.
In the BEFORE version, a black (blood-rich) artery snakes across the screen to the rhythm of the heart–black except for a small section where the FAT black snake became a very THIN black snake running through an otherwise pale (no blood) tube.
Le blocage–a narrowed artery!
In the AFTER video–three stents in place–the black snake is restored to its glorious fatness.
I had none of the usual symptoms of narrowed arteries— shortness of breath while walking, pains in the chest.
I asked the Quietly Spoken One why?
He said diabetes masks cardiac symptoms–numbing the nerves.
So, j’avais de la chance, je crois!
[I reckon I was lucky!]
Robin Ellis 
When my husband had a heart attack five years ago, he had no idea he was also diabetic. (He also found out he was born with a bicuspid heart valve, requiring a heart valve transplant at the same time as a single bypass.) He is careful with his medication and in the meantime has also had an ablation, a stent, and a pacemaker installed. It does complicate everything. But so many people are in the same boat that doctors do know how to advise patients how to watch their diet, exercise, and take their meds.
That is a cautionary tale Robin. Glad you got the medical attention you needed and are now well!
Robin — Nina from DC here, I have no words! I am just so glad to know this was caught and remedied! Guess all o f us Type 2’s should get checked out…
Robin this beast really is a snake just waiting for you to take your eyes off it, and then, wham it strikes again.Thank you are highlighting the dangers,and to be on your guard.
My type II diabetic husband had a quadrupal by-pass in June, totally out of the blue. Had we been more informed, he may not have crashed. Despite this, today he is doing super and his heart has healed itself. He now exercises, eats healthier and watches the salt. The recipes you post are also very helpful and delicious.
My grandfather had diabetes. As a child I would watch him stab himself in the leg every night before having biscuits and a glass of milk. He lived to be 92. And he would enjoy the occasional glass of brandy, as well.
Pay attention and take good care of yourself. Don’t let the stress get to you. That is so important, Robin
Dear Robin,
I have only just found your fascinating blog. You may not remember that the first film you were in was when you were still an undergraduate. I recently had this converted into a DVD. If you would like a copy, please send me your postal address.
By the way, by coincidence I plan to be in south west France in mid September en route to a meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes that is to be held in Barcelona. Maybe I could deliver the DVD by hand.
Bob Boakes
Heart disease and diabetes are spread out over my family tree going back to my great grand father and his siblings
. For myself… I am closer to being a diabetic now than earlier this year according to my family doctor. So far no heart problems. I am making a drastic change in my diet and trying to become a vegan….hoping this will keep me away from diabetes and any potential heart problems. Robin, I am glad your heart problem is under control. You are a role model for self care in the face of heart disease and diabetes. I am glad you have this web site to keep reminding us how important it is to pay attention to our health.
Hang in there Robin, I had a triple bypass in 2003,( aged 55) I have been diagnosed as ” Impaired fasting glucose”. not type 2 but nearly. I also have Aortic Stenosis, (Mild ro moderate.You seem to have an excellent team behind you, as I do here in Australia,. When are you coming down under to visit with us??? I
Love to, Carol!
Thank the lord you were lucky Robin! Your caring Doctor and the skilled cardiologist. It would suggest that cardiac related deaths of diabetic sufferers might be preventable, or at least a percentage, should they have access to adequate care. Let’s hope pressure can be applied and changes made to ensure they get it! Well done Robin for highlighting the dreadful statistics. Bon chance with your recovery and continued good health. Best rRegards to you and Meredith
REGULAR TESTS–the two words that make a difference, Stella!
Some of it is luck, but you’ve acquired better eating habits also. So you’re living proof of that. Bravo!
So glad you got this taken care of, Robin. –and I’m glad your doctors were so thorough. Here’s hoping you and Meredith have a wonderful Christmas. Sounds like you’ve gotten an early present.
Luckily I don’t have diabetes…not in our family, either BUT I did have a heart attack 6 years ago, just before my 40th birthday (not recommended!) due to Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (aka FH…are you impressed that I can spell it?!) & my Dad has had 2 quadruple bypasses for the same reason..so I know the panic that cardiac problems can cause. FH has no (outward) symptoms either…you are so right to say that regular checks are imperative. Now I am ‘in the loop’ & have quarterly blood tests to check my lipid levels & medications adjusted accordingly. Like you, I try to keep slim & fit and find that we eat very similar diets. I think that this way of eating would do ANYONE good, but may be livesaving for ‘people like us’! So happy that you were sorted out, hope your next theatre visit is much more jolly! Love to Meredith, hope you are both looking forward to Christmas x Rachel
Thanks Rachel–your example is inspiring.
GO TESTING!
You certainly have a guardian angel!! and I bet her name is Angharad. Merry Christmas Robin!xx