can i ask to see a diabetic specialist ?

gally

Well-Known Member
Messages
76
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi all , ive not been on for a while been going quite smoothly since i was diagnosed in 2012 still not on meds and being controlled by diet and execise, however went to see nurse last week she advised me to try 500 mg metformin although she says my levels are good 5.6 but simply because it protects against the cardio vascuar deasese !!and she says it will also help with more weight loss , im not really confident in what she is advising, i asked her about feeling hungry all the time she said she had never heard of this i have just read on this site that its one of the top 3 symptoms of type 2 i really think i want to speak to someone who can answer my questions would this be possible if i asked thanks
 

Bluetit1802

Legend
Messages
25,216
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
In January as my diagnosis levels weren't drastic, my nurse didn't suggest Metformin as she said I could try to control my Type 2 by diet and exercise and see how it goes. A few days later I saw my GP for a general discussion, and she said how surprised she is that the nurse hadn't prescribed Metformin from the outset because it helps protect against CVD, just like your nurse said.
 

Daibell

Master
Messages
12,653
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi. Yes, Metformin is very commonly prescribed and is a good and safe drug with various benefits. In diabetics it reduces insulin resistance, appetite and the production of glucose from the liver; all to a small extent. If you have it ask for Slow Release (SR) version. I don't agree at all that feeling hungry is one of the top three symptoms of T2. The list includes frequent peeing, thirst, thrush and blurred vision quite apart from high blood sugar.
 

abs

Well-Known Member
Messages
261
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
You are only referred to a consultant if you are type 1 or uncontrolled type 2 or needing insulin. However the hospital may have a Dsn that you could ask to speak to for advice.
 

AndBreathe

Master
Retired Moderator
Messages
11,344
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
It might help your thinking to undertake the QRisk assessment tool for yourself: http://qrisk.org/ which calculates your risk of CVD within 10 years. Of course there is no assurance that even if you have a low score, you don't defy the odds. And, of course, vice versa applies.

Undoubtedly, diabetes increases one's risk of CVD, but, in my own case, it just puts me 1.3% higher than someone without diabetes. I'll continue to sleep at night.
 
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gally

Well-Known Member
Messages
76
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi. Yes, Metformin is very commonly prescribed and is a good and safe drug with various benefits. In diabetics it reduces insulin resistance, appetite and the production of glucose from the liver; all to a small extent. If you have it ask for Slow Release (SR) version. I don't agree at all that feeling hungry is one of the top three symptoms of T2. The list includes frequent peeing, thirst, thrush and blurred vision quite apart from high blood sugar.
hi daibell i read it here http://www.diabetes.co.uk/symptoms/polyphagia.html