Type2 diabetes at work

[heggars50]

Hi, im a security guard. my job requires me to work 3 different shift patterns. Some days im tired all the time, others i feel fine but often quick changes can make me feel dizzy and often i get forgetful. I walk a lot in my job which is good regular exersize but as in the case of yesterday i was phisically tired and started an argument with a collegue which is totaly out of character. i tested my blood suger level and it showed i was low. From time to time i have to sit down to either take a drink or eat which is fround upon by my collegues. we do have set periods in our shifts where we are sitting for two hours but i still need to sit from time to time when patroling. My diabetes type 2 is reasonably controlled at the moment with tablets. I also have an underactive thyroid which also creats problems for me together with the diabetes makes the working day a bit of a rollercoaster ride. My employeres are aware of my diabetes but not the problems i face day to day. im worried that if i tell them i will lose my job. I dont think they will put me on a fixed shift pattern to suit me and there isnt an alternative possition i could go to. what advice can you give. thank you

 

[Lazybones]

Low levels of Blood/Glucose can effect the individual making them feel a little wobbly on their feet, with headaches and forgetfulness, but this effect is normally associated with a Type 1 diabetic (on Insulin) where the fine balance between their Insulin and Carbohydrates is lost. It isn't usually associated with a Type 2 diabetic though it can happen with certain diabetic medications (not usually Metformin)
If you suspect that your B/G levels are too low or fluctuating you should check the level with a test meter and also carry with you something to remedy this should you find that your levels are too low (below 4 mmol/L plasma).
I would also suggest that you carry with you some sugar sweets (toffies or an drink (non-Diet type)) as a precaution until you finally know what's causing your problem.
Also with all that regular exercise walking about, that will also be in effect helping to lower your B/G levels, so it becomes essentual to eat in advance of your shift regular balanced meals (little and often being the optimum choice)

 

[AndBreathe]

Heggars - how low is low?

If you are feeling this way regularly, could you carry a small packet of nuts or something, that you might be able to eat on the move? Personally, I would avoid introducing sweets into my life, as I'm certain I would end up with unwanted carvings for "just one more", but we're all different.

 

[heggars50]

Low levels of Blood/Glucose can effect the individual making them feel a little wobbly on their feet, with headaches and forgetfulness, but this effect is normally associated with a Type 1 diabetic (on Insulin) where the fine balance between their Insulin and Carbohydrates is lost. It isn't usually associated with a Type 2 diabetic though it can happen with certain diabetic medications (not usually Metformin)
If you suspect that your B/G levels are too low or fluctuating you should check the level with a test meter and also carry with you something to remedy this should you find that your levels are too low (below 4 mmol/L plasma).
I would also suggest that you carry with you some sugar sweets (toffies or an drink (non-Diet type)) as a precaution until you finally know what's causing your problem.
Also with all that regular exercise walking about, that will also be in effect helping to lower your B/G levels, so it becomes essentual to eat in advance of your shift regular balanced meals (little and often being the optimum choice)

thankyou for your help and advice.

 

[Brunneria]

I'd second the suggestion for nuts rather than sweets. They are slower release of energy, so less likely to shoot you up, then drop you down.

My faves are sunflower seeds and cashews, but don't fall for anything 'roasted' or coated with sweet stuff. They may be delicious, but you are back to square one regarding sugar ups and downs.

 

[SrF]

I am a wife of a diabetic. He also has extremely high blood pressure and high cholesterol. He is a non-compliant patient -- he will not treat his illness medically. We are both 57 yrs old and have a beautiful and thriving teenage daughter. I constantly worry about his condition -- he does not complain of any symptoms and goes to work every day, but he is always thirsty and hungry, I see redness on his lower legs, he is fatigued all the time and has mood swings. He will not listen to me nor oblige my pleas to see a doctor. I have gone by myself to a local endocrinologist to explain my situation and she suggested he go to a psychiatrist. My own GP doctor said there is really nothing anyone can do for him if he is unwilling to help himself and she asked if we have plenty of life insurance. I am at a loss for what to do short of leaving him. I would like a support group and I would like someone to explain what kind of symptoms I can expect to see in the future and how long can a person last with this ticking time bomb. I also am interested in this forum because it is European, my husband is Swiss but we live in California, USA.