“Wrong type of diabetes”

JMHAY said:

At my last review I yet again raised the topic of self-testing of blood glucose levels. Again, I was told I didn’t need to do any testing but this time I was also told “you have the wrong type of diabetes”. I should have asked what she meant but my patience was wearing pretty thin after some other horrible comments that had been made.

I have tried to cut down on my alcohol intake knowing full well that this has a massive impact on BG results. I told the nurse that I wanted to find out what other things I was eating and drinking were causing such high BG levels (currently tested only on a yearly basis). The nurse said that as long I continued to eat healthily and continue with Metformin and Vipidia the BG levels should get lower.

But how do I know if what I’m doing, or rather not doing, is working when bloods are only tested yearly? I do have a monitor that another nurse gave me but I can’t afford the strips and lancets. So what do I do?

Click to expand...

JMHAY said:

I told the nurse that I wanted to find out what other things I was eating and drinking were causing such high BG levels

Click to expand...

Daibell said:

Hi. There's no such thing as 'the wrong type of diabetes' so in that respect the nurse was talking rubbish. Perhaps she was implying you might have been mis-diagnosed? See how the meds go and ask for clarification if needed.

Click to expand...

JMHAY said:

At my last review I yet again raised the topic of self-testing of blood glucose levels. Again, I was told I didn’t need to do any testing but this time I was also told “you have the wrong type of diabetes”. I should have asked what she meant but my patience was wearing pretty thin after some other horrible comments that had been made.

I have tried to cut down on my alcohol intake knowing full well that this has a massive impact on BG results. I told the nurse that I wanted to find out what other things I was eating and drinking were causing such high BG levels (currently tested only on a yearly basis). The nurse said that as long I continued to eat healthily and continue with Metformin and Vipidia the BG levels should get lower.

But how do I know if what I’m doing, or rather not doing, is working when bloods are only tested yearly? I do have a monitor that another nurse gave me but I can’t afford the strips and lancets. So what do I do?

Click to expand...

Lamont D said:

I remember distinctly, just after I was misdiagnosed with at first prediabetes in 2001, just after the turn of the century, I got a meter to record and monitor my blood sugars. When misdiagnosed with T2, the doctor at that time asked if I still had my monitor, but I had stopped using it, I had always had my test strips on prescription, but due to elapse before my actual diagnosis, the strips were taken off my prescription by my GP, who told me that due to monetary policy within surgery, strips were stopped for T2s.
This was part of the universal NHS guidelines, austerity and government cuts.

In 2013, I had my true diagnosis of reactive hypoglycaemia. My GP at first refused my request for test strips, because I was taken off the diabetic register due to me being non-diabetic.
This also, stopped my annual reviews with a dsn, my optical screening and eye tests, also, I was told by my GP that because of this decision, I would have to pay for my prescription.
I was on three prescription drugs, one of which, was for controlling my insulin response. The other two were aspirin and Irbesartan.
I was not happy! I was only doing a few hours work a week because of my being incapable of doing a manual job, and of course my limited pension. I could not really afford that!
At my next appointment with my endocrinologist, he literally wrote a strongly worded letter in front of me, demanding a reversal of the decision my GP had made. He questioned the wisdom of denying my access to meds and strips to help me understand what was happening to my body and the cause of my condition. He asked my GP to refer to him if he did not respond to his letter, and he would ensure that a prescription and of course to be enrolled back onto the diabetic register as it was a metabolic condition similar to diabetes.
In the closing paragraph, he advised my GP to review my treatment and educate himself about how reactive hypoglycaemia can be treated with dietary intake and good control. With use of a glucometer as a necessary tool.
My GP did as he was requested, and I received a new glucometer and plenty of test strips, and I attend all my diabetes reviews!

Never, give up fighting for what you believe you should have for treatment of whatever condition you have.
Always ask if you can improve your treatment and see if there are other options open to you.
Knowledge is key to understanding our bodies.

The current guidelines are part of the dogmatic government approach to public spending especially in the NHS guidelines. The austerity measures of the last two Tory governments are a disgrace and a shame on our country and its people who are suffering because of this political dogma!
Don't be fooled by the rhetoric of our current prime minister, it is a sham, a con and totally absurd abuse of political power.
The Tories have shown time and time again that they are only interested in themselves and the privileged!

Click to expand...

MatthewC121 said:

The blood test you are having are 6 months previous average ratings. If you are really that concerned I am sure you would be able to find funds for strips.

Click to expand...