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Back on the horse

LeftPeg

LeftPeg

Well-Known Member
Messages
210
Location
Gateshead
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Conflict
Long story short, was diagnosed almost 3 years ago with a hba1c of 103. Managed to get it down to 53 within a few months after cutting out obvious carbs. Got a bit blasé and starting having a few more treats, until eventually I returned to carbs (albeit not in pre-diagnosis quantities).

Been too scared to test my bloods for ages, but finally went to the doctors on Fri and got my bloods tested - my GP has asked me to come in in around 3 weeks, so my assumption is that my a1c is back in the high range, but not immediately hazardous.

I've kept off the 3 stone weight loss, and also stuck to not eating breakfast so maybe it's not as bad as it used to be.

Currently on Day 3 of low carb and zero alcohol. Hopefully by the time my appointment comes round I can demonstrate that I've significantly reduced by BGS, and therefore avoid metformin and / or insulin.

Wish me luck.
 
You should be able to ask the GP receptionist for the HbA1c result from your test. You may have to ask in person rather than over the phone, but for me, I am such a p.i.t.a that they recognise my dulcet tones, and will give me results over the phone.

It is normal for the GP to arrange a follow up meeting to an Hba1c in case any medication issues need addressing, and they may also do a foot check, or arrange for the nurse to do a physical. They will probably try to foist statins onto you at every occasion. I assume you are T2D, Three weeks is an emergency appointment at my GP's, and I have not seen my doctor for 8 months now.
 
Oldvatr said:
You should be able to ask the GP receptionist for the HbA1c result from your test. You may have to ask in person rather than over the phone, but for me, I am such a p.i.t.a that they recognise my dulcet tones, and will give me results over the phone.

It is normal for the GP to arrange a follow up meeting to an Hba1c in case any medication issues need addressing, and they may also do a foot check, or arrange for the nurse to do a physical. They will probably try to foist statins onto you at every occasion. I assume you are T2D, Three weeks is an emergency appointment at my GP's, and I have not seen my doctor for 8 months now.
Click to expand...

I had my foot check at the surgery last week as part of my 'induction', which was thankfully all clear! In terms of statins, I have FH (Familial Hypercholsterolaemia) so I'm on the max dose already.
 
LeftPeg said:
I had my foot check at the surgery last week as part of my 'induction', which was thankfully all clear! In terms of statins, I have FH (Familial Hypercholsterolaemia) so I'm on the max dose already.
Click to expand...
I support statin use as a medicine, but against them being offered as prophylactics. The evidence comes from trials that were designed, executed, evaluated, and peer-reviewed by the drug makers themselves, and they have withheld the database from being scrutinised by independent analysts. This feeds my skepticism quite nicely.
 
The results are in, and they’re bad. HBA1C was 112mmol/l as of two weeks ago.

I’ve been prescribed 80mg of Gliclazide per day, so I’ll be combining that with low carb and seeing whether I can get into remission again.

Wish I’d not spent so long in denial or let it get this bad, but I do feel a certain relief in knowing exactly where I’m at and taking action.
 
@LeftPeg Don't underestimate how effectively low carbing can bring down your BG levels, you need to watch it when taking Gliclazide as you can hypo - but at least you should have been supplied with a meter and strips so you can drive, operate machinery and suchlike.
I'm just saying - take it steady in reducing the carbs.
 
@LeftPeg I went low carb and dropped mine from 106 to 42. Just go slowly with it. Increase the salt intake and fluids as you drop since most of the loss in the first few weeks will be glucose and water. If you don't have a glucometer, then get one - it will be your friend and motivator. Once you see your levels begin to drop then you know it is going in the right direction. I went from 4x 80 mg Glic down to now just one 40 mg tablet a day, and my sugars are back in control. Read up about hypoglycemia and its symptoms so you can confidently deal with any that come along. I had my first hypo on the day I finished reading up about it and as I walked out of Boots with some glucose tablets in my pocket having just bought them 5 minutes before. My mum was a T1D on insulin and she carried them with her everywhere. I am T2D in control, and I do not need any now.
 
Thanks guys.

Feeling a bit low still but tomorrow is a due day.
 
Just got a 5.9 after a 2 mile walk! Had to retest because I couldn’t believe it. Woke up to 17.5 on Friday. Low carb is amazing.
 
Nice to see someone has found something that works for them. Well done.
 
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