I went to the doctor yesterday because I'm actively trying to lose weight, but am gaining instead. He noticed several outward signs of diabetes apparently and sent me for testing. I haven't gotten the results yet, but my mind is in a bad place. Not because of the diabetes per se, because I know that it can be controlled with diet and excercise. I'm upset because a transguy in support group said you can't go on T if you're diabetic. My HRT appointment isn't till November, but I'm freaking out (the amount of which shows me how necessary transition is to me). Can you really not go on T if you're diabetic?

It ultimately depends on the doctor. But generally, as long as a chronic illness such as diabetes is being properly managed and controlled, it shouldn't keep you from going on HRT. For instance, I've heard of at least one HIV-positive trans man who successfully started HRT well after his diagnosis of HIV.

Additionally, there's some indications average male T levels may actually help manage diabetes, so refusing T to a diabetic trans man doesn't add up.

I've never heard diabetes being a reason why someone hasn't been allowed T.  To be honest I don't think I've ever heard of a situation where someone has not been able to go on T, just that they've been delayed whilst they get other health factors under control.

Thank you all so much. I was absolutely devasted by the news yesterday, and my dysphoria spiked really badly after that.

I know someone who is diabetic and on T. It is possible.

Quote from: h3llsb3lls on October 02, 2014, 10:09:30 AM
Thank you all so much. I was absolutely devasted by the news yesterday, and my dysphoria spiked really badly after that.

I know it's difficult to keep from panicking, hearing something like that. In the future it might help to keep in mind, there is so much misinformation out there, it's a good idea to check with reputable sources (the more the better) before taking something like that seriously. This unfortunately also goes for medical professionals, many doctors are still under- and/or misinformed on trans issues.

Not true at all.  I know several people who are diabetics (some type 1 even) who are on T. 

I agree with the others and personally know of two transguys locally who are diabetic and on T. =)

Don't panic.  I have a cis friend who is/was diabetic, has hypogonadism and takes T every day now. He no longer takes metformin nor glypizide.  After losing 50 pounds he kicked one drug and after T he kicked the other.  He can even eat some carbs now.

My advice is to eat fewer than 100 grams of carbs per day, no more than 50 per meal, then walk for 3 to 5 miles at least 5 days a week.  You will lose weight, gain muscle mass and drop BG levels naturally.

I once put up an A1C of 10.5, but now it's half of that.  I keep an eye on things, but as long as I don't go nuts on sugar/high glycemic index carbs, I am OK. 

My endo appointment isn't until November, and my first therapy appt is next week. Hopefully I'm getting on the right track for my transition and getting everything together.

Thank you all. There is so much conflicting information that even the strangest untruths are passed on with good intentions. I'll be asking my endo of course, but I should have my results before then anyway.

Quote from: h3llsb3lls on October 02, 2014, 03:15:46 PM
My endo appointment isn't until November, and my first therapy appt is next week. Hopefully I'm getting on the right track for my transition and getting everything together.

Thank you all. There is so much conflicting information that even the strangest untruths are passed on with good intentions. I'll be asking my endo of course, but I should have my results before then anyway.

I can't speak for your endo, but the trans clinic I work at absolutely sees patients with diabetes. The trick is, like others have mentioned, keeping things closely monitored and well-controlled. We have had to delay HRT for some diabetic patients, but it was because their sugars were off the charts -- like, I'm talking bi weekly hospitalizations and stuff -- and the providers were really worried that tweaking ANYTHING could be the straw that breaks the pancreatic camel's back. I suspect you'll be just find, so long as you keep an eye on things and coordinate with your doctors.

Good luck!

And you may not be diabetic. You may be in the pre-diabetes stage. In which case there are lifestyle changes you can make to prevent having diabetes

And about gaining weight, when trying to lose it - you might want to work with a dietician. Especially if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes. Sometimes people go about dieting the wrong way and their bodies react by conserving calories.

I'm sure you can go on T but you might need to know how that will affect whatever you do. I know finding out you have a chronic illness or condition is fairly devastating by itself. When I was in my 20s I was dxed with epilepsy and told I would never be able to go off seizure drugs in all likelihood. I agree with working with a dietitian. I had a friend who did this with another condition and found it very helpful.

I don't think you're being a baby.

--Jay

Just got the call guys. I'm not diabetic. I'm not even pre-diabetic. But I am horribly anemic and they want me to come in for more blood work. I'm so glad that I'm not diabetic.

I have an appointment with a dietician in two weeks, so hopefully that helps.

Hey man, I'm so glad this turned out to be a false alarm!!!

Glad you're not diabetic.  That would suck, but it's not the end of the world.   I'd take anemia over that any day.

All the best,
Jill

Heck, if anything the T should help fix the anemia, so that's altogether better news than a diabetes diagnosis.

Yeah, anemia is a much much better lot all around haha. I feel loads better.

Glad to hear you're not diabetic!

Take care of yourself
cheers