Rare test, shock result!

[NoCrbs4Me]

Some meters have a 'Ketones?' warning when BG readings are above a certain level. I think somewhere around 15. I had it when I first started using my GlucoRx Nexus. Within a few days with LCHF and meds, I don't see it any more. Maybe that's what is being referred to?

Yes, perhaps it's telling you that you should test your ketone level.

 

[Freema]

It seems they are allowed to choose what data to put online though. My surgery runs the online system, but the only data available is my medication. They are not going to put test results on 'because it causes more trouble than it's worth'. I can't even get my blood test results from them by asking, they tell me they have given me everything when I know they haven't. This was even after the GP sent a note telling them to give me the results. Well at least it gives me good cause to excuse myself from Statins since the Cholesterol test must have been a figment of someones imagination.

Then change clinic

 

[lowedb]

Then change clinic

I'm looking into it already. Trouble is that with the UK NHS I might be exchanging to another surgery with worse service. Apparently good service isn't something one should expect, but simply be grateful for.

 

[cineman]

Thanks for your helpful replies everyone. Sorry I didn't come back to you sooner. I've been so busy with other things (full-time carer for disabled partner as well as much work to do). I have lowered my carbs as much as I think I dare without passing out, but although my readings went down to 9.6 at one point, they have now levelled off at about 10.8-12.3. My review is due any day now and I had hoped to get it down more than that in time, as I don't really want any more meds, but if I need them, then I suppose I need them! Yes my meter is that same one that measures up to 15 then shows 'ketones' on the screen. My nurse is a bit of an ogre I must admit. She's always nice as pie to my partner, but shortly after my mother died and I had trouble sleeping, I went to see her for some help and having asked her what would happen if I couldn't get any sleep (even sleeping tablets did nothing!), she just said "Well then you'll die I suppose", so not much help there. I know that sounds a bit strong, but I promise it isn't made up! I have been exercising/walking like crazy, but still no change yet. Maybe I need that VLCD diet, if that's what they call it. I have been trying meal plans off the diabetes.org.uk website, but that's just made my wallet a lot thinner, so if anyone has any recommendations for the best diet for BG control, I'd love to hear them, Thanks!

 

[cineman]

There. I've changed my profile to just Type 2. How very dare they say I'm insulin dependent!

 

[Chook]

Have a look found the www.dietdoctor.com website. They have lots of lovely recipes and articles and a two week challenge which is a great introduction to low carbing.

 

[NoCrbs4Me]

Thanks for your helpful replies everyone. Sorry I didn't come back to you sooner. I've been so busy with other things (full-time carer for disabled partner as well as much work to do). I have lowered my carbs as much as I think I dare without passing out, but although my readings went down to 9.6 at one point, they have now levelled off at about 10.8-12.3. My review is due any day now and I had hoped to get it down more than that in time, as I don't really want any more meds, but if I need them, then I suppose I need them! Yes my meter is that same one that measures up to 15 then shows 'ketones' on the screen. My nurse is a bit of an ogre I must admit. She's always nice as pie to my partner, but shortly after my mother died and I had trouble sleeping, I went to see her for some help and having asked her what would happen if I couldn't get any sleep (even sleeping tablets did nothing!), she just said "Well then you'll die I suppose", so not much help there. I know that sounds a bit strong, but I promise it isn't made up! I have been exercising/walking like crazy, but still no change yet. Maybe I need that VLCD diet, if that's what they call it. I have been trying meal plans off the diabetes.org.uk website, but that's just made my wallet a lot thinner, so if anyone has any recommendations for the best diet for BG control, I'd love to hear them, Thanks!

I also recommend the Diet Doctor, especially his low carb page: https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb

As you stated, if low carb doesn't work, you will need meds.

While harsh, the nurse did answer your question about not sleeping quite correctly. Eventually you will die if you get absolutely no sleep.

 

[cineman]

@cineman well you seem to know the culprit(s)
A few Q's if I may
How long have you been diabetic?
Are you on any other meds?

Your Nurse must be one hell of an ogre! It is your life, and your diabetes. It has four fifths of very little to do with the Nurse whether you test or not. When you do take a reading you recognise that it is high. Please for your own sake, take control of you condition. Yes do open the other pot of strips, and order some more.

Aim for http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes_care/blood-sugar-level-ranges.html over the medium to short term

Sorry, forgot to answer the questions! I was originally diagnosed back in 2007, but was on diet control only for years after that, then two Met. a day, now up to four, which is my only diabetes medicine, I am also on a daily statin and a high blood pressure tablet to control kidney function. I don't have high blood pressure though, quite the opposite in fact.

 

[cineman]

Thanks, I'll get right on it! But about the nurse, yes it was the right answer, but you shoulda been there!

 

[NoCrbs4Me]

Thanks, I'll get right on it! But about the nurse, yes it was the right answer, but you shoulda been there!

Yes, that's the standard type 2 protocol: "Eatwell" (high carb/low fat) diet, metformin, statins and BP meds. When I was first diagnosed I was told if I follow their protocol, my type 2 will progress over time, I'll be on more and stronger meds, then eventually be on insulin. I believed them and didn't follow their protocol, although I did take metformin for a short while. Now, no meds and normal blood glucose levels. All I did was do pretty close to the opposite of their dietary recommendations. Lots of red meat and cheese and no carbs/starch.

 

[Bluetit1802]

I have been trying meal plans off the diabetes.org.uk website, but that's just made my wallet a lot thinner, so if anyone has any recommendations for the best diet for BG control, I'd love to hear them, Thanks!

Do you mean the diabetes.org.uk website is where yo got your meal plans from? If that is the case you are looking in the wrong place. That particular website/organisation is not low carb. For meal plans and lists of food to eat or avoid look here
https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/60-seconds

(Our forum and website is diabetes.co.uk)

I wish you luck in your review. If you find you can lower your levels with a new low carb plan, you could maybe ask for 2 or 3 months grace before having extra meds/insulin with a follow up test at the end of the period.

 

[kokhongw]

daren't tell my nurse that I have been testing again, as she would likely explode.

What can she do for you when you end up with serious diabetic complications? Personally I have a greater fear of the consequences of not knowing my glucose level...

 

[cineman]

I can see now that I've been a fool. I have just seen SO many different diets & dieting websites and even sat watching 'presentations' by men in white coats with stethoscopes round their necks on occasion, while very much doubting their medical qualifications! But looking at the Diet Doctor website, they seem to have the right idea. I will give the really low carb option a try at least until my review, then probably go on the middle option with just a few more carbs, IF I can keep the levels down. Unless I enjoy the really low carb one of course, as I could sure use losing a few, alright a lot of pounds!

 

[KitSileya]

You have absolutely NOT been a fool, cineman. It is the refusal of so many health care providers to acknowledge that diabetes type 2 is all about being unable to handle carbohydrates that makes THEM the fools.

I think you are very wise to work on trying to lower your bg levels, and doing so much work on it. That you do it alongside your job and caring for your partner is commendable. As for me, 10 weeks on low carb has seen me lose 10 kg, and going from a BMI of 35 to 31.

 

[cineman]

Well. I feel better now. Weds. night dinner, we had bacon and eggs, with new potatoes for my partner, but a whole orange pepper instead of potatoes for me. Filled me up a treat and I didn't feel hungry at all! This morning (Thursday), I had a FBG reading of 8.7! I know it's still not good enough, but at least I no longer feel stuck at 9.6-9.7 as my minimum reading. I am still studying the diet doc's recipes, although I've been out all day, so haven't had the time to do much about them yet. I was still 'scared' to eat much, having a small pack of chicken strips (0.5g carbs) and a glass of water for lunch. This evening's meal was a little more substantial, though still carb light. I felt almost on cloud nine though, having had a much better reading. I'm not on Easy Street yet, but I can see it on the map... Thanks to all of you.

 

[Oldvatr]

I never had difficulty getting test results but we have a new receptionist who refused me this time. I immediately invoked the Freedom of Information Act, and this worked like magic. You have a legal right to have access to your medical records, but may need to take a pen and paper since GP's are not mandated to provide copies to take away.

Why does the DN need to be told about your testing habits? Just smile sweetly and keep stumm. If you get your bgl into control. then that is all they want to know, so they can tick the box and get the money.

PS I was running my bgl between 23 and 32 (++++) mmol/l last year, and felt fine with no symptoms at all. Low Carb diet sorted me out a treat.

Metformin actually does precious little (Sweet f all) to reduce bgl It provides other benefits instead for the heart and in reducing Insulin Resistance/ but effect on bgl is only 2 mmol/l max A packet of crisps will overwhelm that hands down. CUT THE CARBS!

My Freestyle NEO meter used to yell ketones at me, but I need to feed it special ketone test strips to get any sensible answer out of it.

EDIT to correct erratum. Not FOI, but as pointed out following, the access is as per:
http://www.nhsconfed.org/resources/...records-explained-by-house-of-commons-library

But threat of FOI also worked when I used it.

 

[Alison Campbell]

Just in case anyone wants to try this quote the data protection act which relates to personal information not FOI

 

[cineman]

Well I know it's unrelated, but just to show how careless my surgery is, When I moved house in 2001, they managed to 'lose' all of my medical records from 1965 right up to 2001. So it would be no good me trying to access those! I didn't even get an apology. I've always wondered what the point of taking Metformin was, so is it worth staying on them do you think? Or is there something better? I've heard of something that makes the insulin you do make work better, but I can't remember what it's called.

 

[walnut_face]

Thanks for your helpful replies everyone. Sorry I didn't come back to you sooner. I've been so busy with other things (full-time carer for disabled partner as well as much work to do). I have lowered my carbs as much as I think I dare without passing out, but although my readings went down to 9.6 at one point, they have now levelled off at about 10.8-12.3. My review is due any day now and I had hoped to get it down more than that in time, as I don't really want any more meds, but if I need them, then I suppose I need them! Yes my meter is that same one that measures up to 15 then shows 'ketones' on the screen. My nurse is a bit of an ogre I must admit. She's always nice as pie to my partner, but shortly after my mother died and I had trouble sleeping, I went to see her for some help and having asked her what would happen if I couldn't get any sleep (even sleeping tablets did nothing!), she just said "Well then you'll die I suppose", so not much help there. I know that sounds a bit strong, but I promise it isn't made up! I have been exercising/walking like crazy, but still no change yet. Maybe I need that VLCD diet, if that's what they call it. I have been trying meal plans off the diabetes.org.uk website, but that's just made my wallet a lot thinner, so if anyone has any recommendations for the best diet for BG control, I'd love to hear them, Thanks!

What makes you think you might pass out? I don't think @NoCrbs4Me has ever reported such an experience. Your body does not NEED carbs in the way that it NEEDS some protiens and fats. Admittedly a low carb diet leads to a more expensive shopping list, but it should not impoverish you. Everything you need to eat can be purchased in 'ordinary' shops. One area you can try to tackle is insulin resistance. Exercise helps that if you are physically able, and running on the spot is free. Fasting is another technique, and skipping say breakfast is also free.

 

[Oldvatr]

Well I know it's unrelated, but just to show how careless my surgery is, When I moved house in 2001, they managed to 'lose' all of my medical records from 1965 right up to 2001. So it would be no good me trying to access those! I didn't even get an apology. I've always wondered what the point of taking Metformin was, so is it worth staying on them do you think? Or is there something better? I've heard of something that makes the insulin you do make work better, but I can't remember what it's called.

Metformin is probably the safest drug used in treating diabetes, and it forms a good foundation for building up a personal portfolio of meds that will help you sort out your bgl problem. There are many drugs that your GP can prescribe, and they work on different mechanisms, and have different side effects and risks. You need to discuss these options with your GP or Diabetes specialist. This site has discussions on most of these meds and/or their plus and minus points, but as you will discover, we all react differently and what suits me may not be good for you.

If you can tolerate Metformin, it has many benefits other than lowering bgl, and it protects the heart among other things - so keep it up if you can, It also helps to smoothe out the bgl spikes you get after eating.