confused over what is going on

[jocat44]

Hi,
I ahave only just joined the forums so please be patient with me.
I was diagnosed Type 2 diabetic on 31st July 2009 with fasting glucose results of 20 and 21. My GP started me on metformin MR 500mg once a day immediately. For the first couple of weeks I was very good and took the tablets as perscribed. At my appointment with the practice nurse/diabetic nurse my finger prick was 13mmol/L. At that appointment she refused to let me have a blood glucose machine (I am a qualified nurse and understand a bit about blood sugars from ahving worked in acute sugical and A&E settings). The practice nurse said she may give me one at a later appointment. I got very frustrated by this because I am also on lithium which causes a severe thirst and hence the need to go to the loo and so do not know if its lithium or blood sugars to blame.

I purchased a Accu chek Aviva Nano becuase I was so frustrated and started testing. I have also stopped taking the metformin and find my readings vary between 8.5mmol/L and 15.5mmol/L. My GP said she was going to double my metformin when I next see her. I also have a history of severe depression and severe self harming. All this is now making dealing wiht the diabetes very difficult, how can I take metformin to help me when I shouldn't be trying to get better (complicated I know and difficult to understand).
If my readings are going down as low as 8.5mmol/L without metformin does this mean I shouldn't be on metformin never mind increasing it. I have been trying very hard with my diet apart from the occasional slip.
I am sorry this is so long and confusing, the thoughts of some expert diabetics would be gratefully received. Thanks
Jo

 

[cugila]

Hi Jo.
Welcome to the forum. Have a good look around and ask questions when you need to ?

If your readings are above 8.5 each day they are not low ! A Type 2 you should be aiming to keep your Bg levels within the following 2009 NICE guidelines.

Fasting(waking)............between 4 - 7 mmol/l.
2 hrs after meals...........no more than 8.5 mmol/l.
If you can get the post meal levels lower, so much the better.

Metformin is a good drug and can reduce your Bg levels typically by around 1 - 2 mmol/l, dependent on the dosage. It also has other benefits too. It sounds very much like you need the Metformin and also perhaps a look at your diet to try and reduce your Bg levels. You should always discuss with your GP before stopping or starting any medication.