Are there any diabetics who are also autistic? Did they also have problems with their diet?

In my last blood and urine tests, they sent the results to my mom, and my A1C was 5.0, or at least that's what my mom says. Should I be happy?

The ADA standards of care include a target of a1c < 7.0% for most patients, and of < 8.0% for some older patients and patients with complex health issues.

In other words.. an a1c of 5.0%.. is absolutely awesome and is reason to be overjoyed!

So I know I probably couldn't control my blood sugar without medication or insulin, not even close.

Right. Because you're diabetic. So you're taking whatever your doctor prescribed and it's clearly working really really well.

Try not to fall for the bullcrap guilt trip borderline-quackery nonsense that you should definitely be able to manage this disease without taking medications.. After all.. Type 2 i

Sometimes you need to get out of your comfort zone regarding food, autism obviously plays a part in your diet but you have to play ball with this disease, otherwise problems will arise. I used to suffer with sensory aversion with food, but I just faced my issue head on and now I’m not as fussy with some vegetables. I still don’t eat everything but it’s better than eating no vegetables. You can’t live off fast food and junk food forever, especially as a type 2 diabetic.

it’s confusing to me that you say the doctors won’t let you use a monitor, but you’re on insulin. Usually a CGM is standard care for people taking insulin. Also, at an A1c of only 5.0, it seems it would be even more likely that you’re going low, which a CGM would be an important tool to monitor. I would ask the doctor specifically for a CGM and a referral to a diabetes-focused dietician. Often we have to advocate strongly for our own care. This is a lot to ask when you’re as young as you are, but given your conditions, it’s important to learn.

Hey, I'm also a type 2 with autism. I wanted to add in my two cents- I also really struggle with diet & health anxiety. If you're taking your meds and your insulin, checking your blood sugar and educating yourself on how to eat healthy (and of course putting that into practice!) you're doing absolutely fantastic. Having a junky snack here and there is not going to undo all that work. I personally realized that when you have diabetes it's an inevitable truth that blood sugar levels can be erratic no matter what you do. Its okay. Wanting that control and certainty about my BG drives me crazy, so I have to let it go. There will always be the risk, no matter how mitigated, that there can be complications. That's okay. We don't have control over that. All we can do is to make it as unlikely as

AuDHD, Type 1 and celiac. Food is hard for me in some different ways, but I definitely get the struggle.

I'm going to go in a little different direction here and suggest that, if your numbers are looking good? That is your real goal, and it sounds like you're right on track.

There's way too much moralism around this stuff, especially with T2. (Previously misdiagnosed myself, and the difference in attitudes there really is striking.) And the majority of people cannot understand the other challenges you're dealing with here--nor do they often care to understand when it's easier to blame.

I know it can be hard to let things go inside your own head sometimes. But, sounds like you're managing as well as anyone could be expected, with the numbers to show for it. Maybe try to give yourself s

First, never criticize your autism. No need

Second, you are doing an amazing job. 5.0? 99.99% of diabetics would like that

Third, i never recommend diet changes at the start. People do not maintain them. Plus they are extremely complicated and take a lot of time. Most diabetic diets work with a severe calorie deficit. They do not last. Plus there are health risks

I think you are concerned about the consequences. That is good. As far as personal criticism, shame and failures, they are common with diabetics.

Diabetes is an illness not a lifestyle. I am diabetic 20 years and never once was embarrassed about it

You lost 10kg? That is incredible. Weight loss is very difficult to achieve.

I think you are just bragging. Lol you should be because this is the best informat

Hey! I'm neurodivergent (ADHD, & my husband has autism) and also have type 2. It is so hard - the extra layer of communication we need as neurodivergent people isn't always noticed/respected by doctors. I will say that your A1C seems great, good job so far!

If it's at all possible, I highly recommend seeing a dietician who is savvy on neurodivergence and also on diabetes. It doesn't have to be all or nothing with food, and there are providers that understand how emotional food choices can be. I have a lovely dietician who helped me develop good snacking habits that are fun/exciting/allow comfort foods while supporting my overall goals. I hope you can find a provider like that!

I sincerely think that when those bad habits start actually showing their consequences, like increasing resistance to insulin, or worst cases like eyes problems, blood flow problems, amputation and heart failure, you will understand that this disease its unfair, and if you want to survive you need to play dirty, eat what you don’t like, don’t eat what you like, constant (but not exaggerated) blood check. Unfortunately with diabetes there’s one big truth: concessions

You either makes concessions now and face considerable less consequences later, with increasing mental health because you are actually treating yourself, or you go the hospital path

At the end of the day, you gotta be more annoying than this fucking disease

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Well, I'm autistic (I've had it since childhood)

I mean, yeah, that is how that usually works.

Anyway… I have a problem with my diet. I decided to start little by little, replacing pasta and bread with whole-wheat versions (they don't taste that bad, actually, they're good).

This might sound like generic platitudes, but, hey, if it works, and doesn't spike you too brutally, it works.

I eliminated sugary drinks and now I drink water, unsweetened milk, and unsweetened tea

Ironically, I went the opposite direction, and kept whole milk around. I used to drink 2%, but switched it up. It doesn't spike me badly, and it is a pretty good way to down meds that require being taken with food.

I also still drink coffee. I grind it on the spot and use a French press at home.

It might not a

You should have a look at r/neurospicy_diabetics. They have some great posts and lots of people to help with diabetes.