How long do blood sugar levels of around 15 with no treatment cause irreversible problems?

alicia kerr

Member
Messages
22
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Has anyone struggled as I have, to be seen by a specialist diabetic consultant. I waited 5 months on no treatment, then was seen by a registrar who just wanted to prescribe without taking my history into consideration. What he prescribed didn't work so Im now waiting to see a Nurse specialist and back on diet control only. I eat well and my weight is around 60kg but nothing I do, low carbs, exercise, very little fruit, makes an iota of difference to my blood sugars. I'd love to hear others experiences and suggestions
 

EllieM

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9,294
Type of diabetes
Type 1
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At your age the doctors will assume you're T2 without necessarily testing for it. If you've really tried low carb (how many carbs are you eating per day?) and given your weight I'd want to rule out T1/LADA.

As regards your question, plenty of people run at this level for long periods (years?) before diagnosis (no way to tell till they have a blood test), but it's not ideal.

Work out how many carbs you're having and reduce it. If you've got LADA (late/slow onset T1) then you'll need insulin to bring your levels down

Good luck.

And yes, as those levels you should pester your GP for some treatment. If you're T2 it won't kill you but it would be better to run lower.
 
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EllieM

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Be aware that if your problem is T1/LADA and lack of insulin then high levels run you at a risk of DKA , diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a treatable but life threatening illness so if you think you have any symptoms you should dial an ambulance.

Sorry I've just seen you're in the T2 plus insulin forum, so my previous posts are probably irrelevant. Can you increase your insulin and/or reduce your carbs?
 

Wojciechu

Well-Known Member
Messages
48
Type of diabetes
Other
Treatment type
Diet only
I had these kind of blood sugar levels upon diagnosis. My fasting glucose was 299 mg/dl (16.6 mmol/l). My diabetician immediately prescribed me insulin. He said that with these kind of levels he doesn't even consider other drugs like Metformin. Honestly with such high sugars I wouldn't wait. I'd rather open my wallet and pay for a private visit.
 
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alicia kerr

Member
Messages
22
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
At your age the doctors will assume you're T2 without necessarily testing for it. If you've really tried low carb (how many carbs are you eating per day?) and given your weight I'd want to rule out T1/LADA.

As regards your question, plenty of people run at this level for long periods (years?) before diagnosis (no way to tell till they have a blood test), but it's not ideal.

Work out how many carbs you're having and reduce it. If you've got LADA (late/slow onset T1) then you'll need insulin to bring your levels down

Good luck.

And yes, as those levels you should pester your GP for some treatment. If you're T2 it won't kill you but it would be better to run lower.
 

alicia kerr

Member
Messages
22
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Thank you for your prompt reply. My blurred vision from dry eyes (not helped by high blood sugars) meant I was unable to read it. I appreciate the support as it feels non of the professionals are taking my condition seriously, even though I am having neuropathic pains in my swollen feet.
 

alicia kerr

Member
Messages
22
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Be aware that if your problem is T1/LADA and lack of insulin then high levels run you at a risk of DKA , diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a treatable but life threatening illness so if you think you have any symptoms you should dial an ambulance.

Sorry I've just seen you're in the T2 plus insulin forum, so my previous posts are probably irrelevant. Can you increase your insulin and/or reduce your carbs?
Your post was very relevant as I am on diet only at the moment. To help myself I am reluctantly trying low carbs again as I want to see if getting to 8stone instead of 9stone will make a difference. It will be tough on my moods as I love my food and hate being hungry. I am also going to exercise every day as opposed to once or twice per week in the gym. I might die unhappy but ill look great in my coffin haha