Pending diagnosis, feeling bewildered

[russyrussruss]

Hi all

Reading the stories on here it feels as though there is a theme, and, fingers crossed, it does get better

Here's my story (so far)

I went to my GP last Friday, to check out my tiredness and thirst, the doc took finger blood test that came out at 22.5 and a urine dip showed ketones at 3.5

She explained that it could be diabetes, and we agreed that I'd go back on Tuesday to speak to the practice nurse

I went to work as norm afterwards, then when I got home from work my phone was ringing off the hook, assuming it was PPI I didn't answer, but after 6th attempt something told me to pick up. It was my doc asking if I felt ok as my blood tests suggested that I shouldn't be, I explained I felt ok and we agreed I'd go back on Monday to see her

Half an hour later I got a call from the hospital, telling me I had to go In for further tests right away, I did, and within an hour I was on a ward being prepped for an insulin drip

It was all very whirlwind and I didn't have clue what was going on

The hospital said I would be admitted overnight for tests, but then when the doc came to see me he said that I could have metforin and go home.

I then went back to the docs on Monday, who then sent me back to the hospital to visit their diabetes unit, I did and met with the specialist nurse who explained the whole thing, explained that unit the bloods came back they were unsure if type 2, or type 1, but would treat me as type 1 to be safe

(Btw, if you're still reading this war and peace post then we'll done you)

I came home with a bag full gadgets and gizmos to measure and manage, have to do 2 insulin jabs p/d plus metforin tab once a day

Although it was all very well explained it is massively traumatising, I'd like to think I'm a strong guy, but I've just felt sad since thinking life will never be the same again, I know this will pass but the sooner the better

I'm trying to be optimistic that it will be type 2, or even better that they got the whole thing wrong and it's just something trivial (although I think we're passed this)

The common theme is though that there is a wilderness period, that we need support though

+ don't know if this is common, but I've not told anyone that doesn't need to know, it feels like a dirty secret, like something I've brought on myself, is this normal?

Thanks for reading, and well done!

 

[satindoll]

Hi Russ, and welcome to the mad house, everything your feeling is quite normal, and yes it comes as a shock to all of us,
My first advice is don't beat yourself up over it, it will get better once you know what your dealing with, either type can be managed and all the effort you put in will pay dividends,
Will tag @daisy1 for her information pack for newbies, I suggest you read it and then come and ask any questions you need help on, we are by and large a helpful bunch even if we don't always agree on everything.

 

[catinahat]

Hello, welcome.
http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14046739.php
Have a look at this link it may give you some comfort

 

[daisy1]

@russyrussruss

Hello and welcome to the forum

To help you get started, here is the information we give to new members and I hope you will find it useful. Ask as many questions as you want and someone will be able to help.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you’ll find over 150,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.
There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:

• Reduce your carbohydrate intake
• Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates

Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

Another option is to replace ‘white carbohydrates’ (such as white bread, white rice, white flour etc) with whole grain varieties. The idea behind having whole grain varieties is that the carbohydrates get broken down slower than the white varieties –and these are said to have a lower glycaemic index.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/diabetes-and-whole-grains.html

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes

• Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l

Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)

• Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l

Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)

• Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l

However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:

• structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
• self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to bloodglucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.

 

[DeejayR]

Hiya fellow traveller. Must have been a terrifying lurch from old life to new, although at least they gave you the full treatment instead of abandoning you to guess what's the matter.
Hope you're feeling a bit better now you're here and have got stuff to read and point you in the right direction.
Ask as many questions as you like -- all are relevant to your wellbeing.

 

[Daibell]

Sounds like everyone did the right thing if perhaps a bit extreme. Hospitals always worry quite rightly about high ketones whereas GPs can be easy come easy go like mine was. If you are overweight then T2 is possible if normal weight then T1 becomes more likely. The tests will probaly be for GAD antibodies (T1) and c-peptide to check your insulin production. These will really help with the correct diagnosis.

 

[GeoffersTaylor]

Hi bud. I'm 2 months down the line from you. You'll find plenty of advice here and it really does feel better to know that other folks are in the same boat.

I made no secret of my diabetes and I openly discuss it. It explains the lifestyle changes I've had to make so I don't look like a mid-life crisis in progress!!

Chin up.

 

[ButtterflyLady]

Welcome, this is a great place to get support and information.

It can be a good idea to only tell people who need to know, because people's well-intentioned "advice" and stories about their mother in law's cousin's friend can get pretty irritating, lol. Be careful who you listen to... most of the information here is sound, and most of what health professionals say is sound, but you need to keep your antennae up. Good luck, soon the day to day routine will be second nature.

 

[Mustangsalb]

Hey! I am also newly diagnosed and they haven't confirmed if it is 1 or 2 yet, however they are treating me as 2 as I had no symptoms really. I agree it is really hard to get your head around that nothing will be the same again however, things will get better once you know what you're doing. I keep having the odd meltdown/drama queen moment, however am slowly getting used to what's happening.

 

[Type2Guy]

You have a very full plate at the moment from what sounds like a very traumatic week after such an unexpected and profound life change, but the silver lining from this crisis is that you were able to get an appropriate medical intervention that has reinstated your safety and wisely put you on course for greater stability and strength. I have recently discovered this forum to be a highly beneficial outlet for support and information. Please hang in there.

 

[Beth14]

Was your 22.5 a fasting BG? I was picked up as having a non-fasting BG of 22 during a blood test for another ailment. I too had the panicky call from the surgery, but I then had to go for a fasting blood test on the following Monday morning (this was Friday). That BG was 14.4. I had no diabetic symptoms whatsoever, apart from that. The nurse did say they would "usually" put people with those levels straight onto insulin, but I wanted to try diet and exercise. We compromised on Metformin (2000mg per day) and I hope to reduce this in due course. Exactly four weeks later, my levels are now generally between 6-9. I have a way to go, but I believe it is doable. Your surgery could be described as either 'very thorough' or 'a little extreme'! More experienced forum members will know better than me! I am sure things will improve for you.

 

[CapnGrumpy]

Welcome. I think a lot of people on here can relate to what you're going through right now.


I'm going to second what CatLadyNZ wrote. Although diabetes isn't a dirty secret, I would initially keep the information to those who can help and support you - close friends and family, medical professionals, your diabetes forum of choice.

Other people's second or third hand juicy gossip and exaggerated horror stories can get a little tiresome quite quickly (well, they did for me, but I refer you to my username). Give yourself time to adapt.

 

[mo53]

Hello @russyrussruss . It sounds like a traumatic experience but you have found this website and that is good news. The people on here are very kind, supportive and informed from first hand experience. I hope things settle down and you feel better about your diagnosis soon.

 

[russyrussruss]

Hi all,

Need some advice

I saw a nurse earlier this week who was different to last one, she has advised to basically double doses of metformin and insulin

I had been taking 1x500 metformin with breakfast, and one with dinner, as well as 10 (whatever the measure is) of insulin pre-breks, and same pre dinner

But now on 2x500 with breks/din, and 16 insulin

My BGs seemed to be coming down ok at the original doses, and although both morning and evening readings jolted straight into the 'safe zone' I've had hypos at lunchtime yesterday at work, and now

Tested my bg when it struck an hour ago (ish) and was at 3.3

Is my logic skewed or is this too much?

Ta

 

[ButtterflyLady]

Hi all,

Need some advice

I saw a nurse earlier this week who was different to last one, she has advised to basically double doses of metformin and insulin

I had been taking 1x500 metformin with breakfast, and one with dinner, as well as 10 (whatever the measure is) of insulin pre-breks, and same pre dinner

But now on 2x500 with breks/din, and 16 insulin

My BGs seemed to be coming down ok at the original doses, and although both morning and evening readings jolted straight into the 'safe zone' I've had hypos at lunchtime yesterday at work, and now

Tested my bg when it struck an hour ago (ish) and was at 3.3

Is my logic skewed or is this too much?

Ta

I think you are right. If your BGs were ok on the old dosages, why change them? I would only increase the dosages if the BGs showed it was necessary.

 

[4ratbags]

Hi and welcome to the forum, it definitely takes a bit of time to get your head around everything but at least you found the forum, it's a great place to get advice and support.