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Blood test results and diagnosis of diabetes 2

diamante

diamante

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Other
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hello!
My husband has just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes by our family doctor, who has read the results of his blood tests (June 25):
glycated hemoglobin: 7.4%:
57 mmol/mol;
glucose level in blood 144
all the other results (blood and urine) are OK, except monocytes 11,7 (normal range: 5.0 -10.9)
Blood pressure is normal.
He's 49 yrs old, obese, never tried drinking/smoking

Our doctors prescribed metformin (500 mg at lunch + 500 mg at dinner) and simply said my husband has to pay attention to his food and try to have more exercise. He has to ckeck his glucose blood level 4 times a day with a glucometer.

The blood tests have been prescribed by the ophtalmologist because my husband has a new macular edema (he had choroidal myopic neovascularization past year, treated with Lucentis) and he'll almost surely have another intravitreal injection.
No need to say, I'm awfully scared this eye trouble is related to diabetes!

My question is: Is it normal to diagnose a diabetes just after only one blood test, is not better to repeat it? And what about seeing a diabetologist?

Many thanks for your attention, best redards and wishes to all.

Diamante
 
They used to repeat the fasting one in the "old" days.

The glycated hemoglobin test that they use now is similar to having lots of tests over the past 8 to 12 weeks since that is how long a red cell lives. The short answer is that just one Hba1c test is enough for a diagnosis.
 
Sorry I missed the bit about a diabetologist. In my case I had to report to a practice nurse that specialises in diabetes and runs the clinic. This forum refers to these nurses as DN (Diabetic Nurse) so if you see the abbreviation DN that's who they are talking about. You might get the odd referral to a consultant but mostly the DN deals with it.
 
Hello you must be so confused after today's visit,but try to stay as positive as you can. The advice from long term members will help you.
Here following diagnosis,and as squire Fulwood says ,one test does what the old 3 tests used to do,we get an appointment to an eye clinic to check for risk of retinopathy,but all else is dealt with as previous answer says by a D.N. at clinic or if needed you will be refered to an endocrinologist consultant with specialist nurses for advice.( I was).....
Wishing you well,try not to fear it,although easier said than done. Hope you receive the help you wish for..........
 
Hi @diamante

I did find this document from 2012 about diabetes care in Italy. I would hope that it has improved since then.
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/35/9/e64.full


"In conclusion, this population-based study shows that the implementation of diabetes care guidelines is far from being satisfactory in Italy, consistent with what has been observed in other Western countries. A greater adherence to guidelines by diabetes care.

Keep asking questions on the forum and people will try and help you. The support here is second to none.

There are some guidelines about questions to ask your G.P. here. They may not all be relevant in Italy but I suspect that most of them are.

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/questions-to-ask-at-a-diabetes-clinic.17091/
 
Hi and welcome. Yes, one HBa1C test is enough to give a valid result and 7.4% is diabetic but could have been a lot worse so don't panic. The Metformin is a good drug to start with and if your husband can go with the low-carb diet he should see weight and blood sugar drop. T2s aren't normally referred to a diabetologist (diabetic consultant) as there is no need; the treatment options are well known by the GP, DN and on this forum. A consultant can be useful for those with unusual forms of diabetes or T1s who don't conform.
 
I don't know anything about treatments in Italy. If you were in the UK you would be given a Diabetes Nurse, normally resident at the doctor's surgery. She would put you on the recommended care pathway. This normally involves another set of blood tests in 3 months time, a referral to the retinal eye screening service, a referral for a foot test (or she may do that herself), and some dietary information. She would then see you again in 3 months time. Type 2 diabetics not on insulin and with no unusual problems would not normally see a Consultant doctor.

Your husband's levels are not too drastic. Many people on this forum began their diabetes journey with much higher levels. His best chance of controlling this disease is by diet and a little added exercise. Loosing weight will help enormously. The diet most successful is a low carbohydrate one. Carbs such as rice, pasta, potatoes, bread and flour based foods are the worst culprits in raising blood sugars. Do have a read of this thread, which you may find useful http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/a-new-low-carb-guide-for-beginners.68695/

Good luck, and please ask all the questions you need to.
 
Hi and welcome to the forum. Have a good look around the site and at the food section for some great suggestions for food choices. It is daunting at first but you will soon get there
 
Hi and welcome to the forum, you are in the right place to get all the information you need to help your husband. Dont be afraid to ask questions as there are a lot of helpful people here. Nowadays they just do the one test and thats it.
 
Hi and many thanks for your useful and incouraging answers.

The news reported bt Catherinecherub added some stress and worry to the hard times we're going through. I don't think I'll tell my husband about it. He won't do better knowing our Country doesn't offer good cares for diabetes.

Anyway, we are from near Milan, where are -like in many other Italian cities- important Universities with faculties of medicine and well know (abroad too) specialists (oncologist prof. Veronesi, just to name one), so let's hope...
 
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