Type 2 Confusion, headaches, tiredness…

[Albannach]

Hello all,

After feeling increasingly under the weather, I had bloods tested which revealed I am Type 2.

Still learning about it all, but my figures of 7 and 51 for HPA1c would appear to be at the lower end of the range.

But I am wondering if others have these symptoms, and indeed if they are symptoms of diabetes or potentially something else. I have been feeling exhausted for months, and on some really bad days am even ready to go to bed by late afternoon. I find myself increasingly suffering from confusion and forgetfulness, and almost constant headaches. It’s like a combination of feeling heavy after dragging yourself out the swimming pool, and not sleeping.

Is that from dehydration and/or last of energy getting into cells? Also impact on sleep from having to get up once or twice a night to pee?

Given my numbers are just over pre diabetic, I’m pretty concerned that the symptoms are so severe. I can hardly concentrate anymore, and it’s really made normal life almost impossible to lead anymore. Almost starting to think it’s like dementia.

Given I need to try to exercise more, the ever present exhaustion is not conducive to that.

Any thoughts gratefully received.

 

[Melgar]

Hello and welcome to the forum @Albannach . It can come as a shock when you find out that your blood sugars are elevated and they have risen into the diabetic range. We have all been there. Disbelief, upset and many other emotions accompany that initial diagnosis. On top of that there is a whole range of different diabetic terms to learn about and the diabetic meters gadgets people talk about. It feels daunting. You have made a great start joining the forum. We have members here who are knowledgeable and can speak from experience. Another important point to face is the internet is full of bad advice, misinformation and wrong information. It's annoying but true.

Addressing your immediate concerns, diabetic symptoms can develop at lower levels of blood sugar, some people start feeling symptoms even in the ore diabetic range and upwards, some people don't feel anything at all with much higher blood sugar levels. Fatigue, headaches , a foggy mind are all possible symptoms. We are all different. It is important, however to be aware that not all symptoms are down to diabetes. As diabetics we often feel everything is down to diabetes, when it could be something completely unrelated. All those symptoms could easily be lack of sleep, as an example.

When discussing blood sugar levels, there are two distinct measurements. An HbA1c test and a finger prick test which we do ourselves to see what our blood sugars are doing in that moment. It is a snap shot. The HbA1c test, however is done by your Dr or the lab. The HbA1 c test is a blood test that shows your average level of blood glucose over the past 3 months. It is the test Drs use to determine whether you are diabetic. It is the test Drs will do to see how well you are controlling your blood sugars.

The finger prick test is the one we do ourselves with a gadget called a glucometer. You prick your finger and this gadget will measure your blood sugar. Do you have a glucometer? If you don't I would highly recommend you get one. We use them frequently to test our blood sugar, usually just before we eat and about two after. The second test figure should be 2 mmol/Ls or lower than the first test you took just before you ate. If it is above the first figure then you know you have eaten too many carbohydrates for your system. Another important point is all carbohydrates turn to sugar, regardless of whether they are seen as healthy, natural, or not.

Take a look at some of the food forums here, you will find that many diabetics control their blood sugars through diet. I am not an expert on diet, but I'm other member will jump in with suggestions.

I hope that helps. Feel free to ask questions.

 

[PatsyB]

I am also classed as Type 2 do have those symptoms and anaemic so put the symptoms down to that and also get an infusion for this now and again, in fact think I am ready for one now.......