Advice required

lorraineg

Newbie
Messages
2
Hi hope you can help me with some advice. :)

My name is Lorraine, I am 48 years old, and overweight though I have been on a diet and so far lost 4st in 2 years and have another 3 stone to loose.

I have recently been to my doctors for a health check and the results of my fasting tests.
The health nurse informed me that my results were good apart from my sugar levels, indicating that i was diabetic,
She then spoke to another nurse who informed me that I would have to be referred to the hospital for another fasting consisting of glucose then blood test. And that only my doctor could do this.

When trying to make appointment to see the doctor (fully booked) I had someone from the surgery phone me back. When I informed her what it was for she informed me that i had nothing to worry about and my levels were only 6.9 and that i did not need to see the doctor and she would book me in for another fasting at the surgery.

I feel rather let down by the system as she was adamant for me not seeing my doctor.

I thought this would be the ideal site to ask, if 6.9 is nothing to worry about :)

Thank-you for taking your time on reading my post

Lorraine
 

viviennem

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,140
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Other
Dislikes
Football. Bad manners.
Hi Lorraineg, and welcome!

According to the NICE* guidelines, a fasting blood glucose test for a non-diabetic should be between 3.5 and 5.5 mmols per litre.

I'm no expert and can't diagnose, of course, but your reading of 6.9 would suggest that you are pre-diabetic or have impaired glucose tolerance - you may be nearing Type 2. You'll know better when you've had your next test. You could also ask your doctor or nurse for an HbA1c test, which measures the average of your blood glucose levels over the past 3 months. S/he will probably give you one of those anyway. Sometimes they don't give us the fasting Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) which was the one they were talking about at the hospital. I've never had one.

Look on the bright side of this. You've had an early warning that you may have the possibilty of getting diabetes, which means that you have a problem with metabolising carbohydrate. All carbohydrate turns into blood sugar, not just sugar itself. Have a good look at your normal diet, and see if there's any way you can reduce your carbohydrate intake a bit. That will help you get control of your blood sugars.

Well done on the weight loss, by the way! I have lost 4 stone so far, but have about another six to go. I use a low carbohydrate diet which has the advantage of controlling my blood sugars as well, but there are other ways of doing it, of course. Have a read around on here, and don't be afraid to ask any questions. There's no such thing as a silly question, and there's lots of experience on this forum to help you get your head around it, if you are diagnosed with diabetes.

Let us know how you get on with your next tests. And don't worry! :D

Viv 8)

* NICE - National Institute for Clinical Health and Excellence.
 

lorraineg

Newbie
Messages
2
Thanks Viv

I phoned surgery yesterday who would not let me see my doctor. And informed me that all I need is another fasting test. As the level was nothing to worry about. I am having that in two weeks as they have no appointments free.

I was rather angry with her that she would not allow me to see my doctor when the Health Nurse and another nurse told me that i had to see him. And the fact that I had swapped my shift to phone the surgery.

If there was no concerns, why would the pair of them say what they said :)

Like you say it is a warning, i need to look at my eating habits, I do the tesco online diet, and have changed it to being diabetic, that way they can sort out what i should be eating to help :)

Well done on your weight loss

Lorraine x
 

wiflib

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,966
Type of diabetes
Type 2 (in remission!)
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I don't understand. You call the surgery and ask for an appointment and they let you know when the next one is free. Why are receptionists telling you, you can't see your doctor?

wiflib
 

hallii

Well-Known Member
Messages
554
As "Wiflib" says, receptionists cannot decide if you need to see a doctor or not. it is your right to see a doctor.

I simply refuse to discuss any details with a receptionist and simply request a date and time for an appointment. I always get one!

Your fasting figures are not bad, they are not those of a non diabetic however.

In my opinion you do need a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT), this will help a doctor make a diagnosis.

H
 

tigerlily72

Well-Known Member
Messages
516
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi Lorraine

I can relate to how you're feeling as I'm in a similar position to you. I'm almost 40 and overweight and went to see the Dr due to feeling unwell at the end of September. My blood pressure was taken - 177/90 so bit high.

I then had a fasting blood test and fasted for just over 12hrs - the result was 7.7.

I then made some drastic changes to my diet - reduced sugar/cut out sugary produce, went low fat, lowish carbs, wholewheat or wholegrain and low salt.

I then had another fasting blood test approx 4wks after the first - this came back at 6.3.

I was told by the receptionist that the specialist diabetic nurse needed to see me. However, when I spoke to her on the phone she said "you're not diabetic" and didn't seem very interested when I asked if I could see a nurse for further advice etc.

In the meantime I have borrowed a meter from my Mother in Law to self test. I still don't feel right and the results I've been getting, are I feel too high for someone who's "not diabetic".

For example - I've had a 7.5 and a 6.8 when fasting overnight for 12-13hrs in the last week. I also had a 7.7 in the morning shortly after having breakfast.

I've made another appointment to see my Dr at the end of this week as I'm not convinced I'm not diabetic!