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New to the site and looking for advice.

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Lou73

Well-Known Member
Messages
57
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi, I was diagnosed with T2DM in March. I've been looking at this site regularly but hadn't plucked up the courage to join.
My diabetes may have been triggered by the steroids I've been taking for 17 months due to rheumatoid arthritis - although I do have a family history of it - and had gestational diabetes (18 years ago).
I've yet to get my blood sugars under control- I'm sure that my meds and pain don't help. However, I'm currently on holiday in Crete and my blood sugars are getting high all the time - whether I've eaten or not. It's making me feel awful - blurred vision, fatigue etc.
can you tell me if the heat can affect blood sugars?
I'm trying to drink plenty of water in the hope of bringing levels down - but it's not working. I had a reading of 20.4 yesterday - about 5 hours after eating - and 19.8 today.
Any advice would be appreciated.
 
Oh dear Lou, those figures are not good, let us know what you are eating and we will be able to help you to lower those figures. xx
 
I see you are on Gliclazide, I would ring/email your nurse or see a local Dr about increasing it, a dr there would be better, he can assess whether that is enough for now or if you a quicker acting response. but I would do it now, I wouldn't mess around
 
A small piece of wholemeal bread with cheese for breakfast (I'm vegetarian so not much choice in the hotel) , wasn't hungry at lunchtime, and a cheese and mushroom omlete for dinner.
Yesterday's breakfast was the same, small salad for lunch and a Greek salad for dinner.
I'm also still having pain with my RA - and taking steroids - I know that pain and stress can affect it, but was wondering if the heat could too?
I will try and contact my doctor when I get home - surgery is not easy to get an appointment with. Xx
 
Yes heat can affect some people, so can not eating (enough) as your liver may think your throat's been cut and dump a nice lot of glucose to tide you over. Can you up your intake a bit by adding olives and olive oil to your salads, as they're both good for you? And avoid bread, rice, etc as much as possible.

Pester your surgery for a quick appointment - tell them it's urgent - we have a system where we can ring up for an urgent one and then turn up at a given time and wait our turn.

It's rotten that your holiday is being spoilt by all this...

Robbity
 
Thank you Robbity.
Yes, it is ruining my holiday - along with other health issues. Came out for a break for my birthday.
I will contact my surgery as soon as I'm home.
 
Hi Lou,
When most of us diabetics are on holiday, we tend to enjoy ourselves, with consequential high BGs. Some steroids are well known to raise your BGs, so certainly, they will not help. Try to avoid carbs whilst on holiday, they will only make your BGs higher.

When you come back from holiday, consider a low carb diet. No starchy carbs. It will work wonders.
 
Lou73 said:
My diabetes may have been triggered by the steroids I've been taking for 17 months due to rheumatoid arthritis - although I do have a family history of it - and had gestational diabetes (18 years ago).
...
Any advice would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

1) As per @Robbity 's suggestion: up your non-carb food intake - plenty of Greek / Turkish salads with olives, feta cheese, etc.;
2) Get out your travel insurance documents and contact the company - a) to confirm you're covered, b) to get a local (English speaking) doctor;
3) Contact your surgery and book an appointment for your return - you may even be able to speak with a GP on the phone (if they can do that, then go to an internet cafe and Skype them during emergency hours)
4) For your arthritis - cut out caffeine, alcohol, and other foodstuffs that are high in uric acid (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/foods-high-in-uric-acid.html) as people with diabetes are more prone to develop/retain high levels of uric acid that exacerbates all forms of arthritis;
5) Introduce lots of foodstuffs that help to detoxt / cleanse your body - such as green and white tea, leaf green veg, etc. (http://www.ehow.com/facts_5003837_foods-that-lower-uric-acid.html) If you find green/white tea too harsh on its own, consider adding a small amount of honey - it's reputed to ease the symptoms and help detoxt. (I've even heard that some people rub it into the relevant joints!)
6) Talk with your GP about the steroids (if not done so already) - there may be alternatives that could ease the pressure on your diabetes.

Good luck, and I hope you can enjoy the remainder of your holiday.
 
Thank you for your replies. I haven't indulged i promise. I generally stick to low carb and no treats (watching my husband eat ice teams and cake. Lol)
I also don't really drink alcohol - not allowed with my meds, including painkillers.

I do appreciate your responses and will try to see a doctor when I get home.
 
I'm ok. Permanently exhausted, but trying not to let it get me down.
Steroids- I've heard them referred to as the Devils tic tacs - a necessary evil I'm afraid.
Hope you're having a good day.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hi. It sounds like you may have to move onto insulin at least whilst on steroids; they are a big problem for weight and blood sugar. In the meantime as others have said, have plenty of water and very low carbs until you can see the GP
 
I have been trying to keep drinking water throughout the day - thirsty anyway. Thank you.
 
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