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dehydration

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I've phoned the doctors explaining this to them, but they want me to wait a month to see the diabetes nurse, but I am really concerned now. At my doctors they do not encourage you to test your blood sugar yourself, instead they rely on six monthly and annual tests.

I'm waking most nights at least once with a dry mouth and thirst and also the need to wee, and I wake earlier than normal in the morning too with this. My last Hb1 was 9 and I thought they would have adjusted my medication then (which is 2000mg metformin) but for some reason they left me as I was. I have now contacted the doctor twice but they have left me on this same dose. This morning I actually felt that my eyes were dehydrated too when I woke up.

I was foolishly very slow to bring my diet under control but over the past couple of weeks have made some big changes and over the past few days have cut out almost all carbs because I thought that could still be affecting my blood sugars - I eat mainly vegetables and some fruits now. But yesterday I think I ate too much protein/fat - by eating cheese and maybe that's why my eyes felt affected too today.

Could so much dehydration mean that there is a problem with my kidneys? I already have some background retinopathy.
 
I've never measured my fluid intake, but I do drink regularly throughout the day. I will keep track today.
 
I was just thinking again about this, and do not think it can just be fluid intake as I've never had this problem before.
 
Your symptoms all sound to me like high blood sugar symptoms. Dry eyes, excessive thirst and urination. Your last HbA1c was 9 which is much too high as you know. Although you say you're cutting carbs, maybe you're not cutting them enough (there are a lot of sneaky carbs in things we wouldn't think about) or you need extra medication to help. I suggest you get a blood testing meter to see just what your BGs are running at 2 hours after eating. If they are too high, get back to the doctor for help if the low carb approach doesn't work. You should show less than 8.5 (tops!) 2 hours after eating. a lot of us aim for less than 7.8 or even lower.
 
Thanks for your advice Grazer. I shall get the meter and test today. I'm a bit scared though that they will put me on another diabetes medication, as I was reading on a site by an American doctor that they are not good to take. I'm worried that I've left it too late to improve my diabetes through diet and that my pancreas is too damaged. All in all I'm pretty fed up - I also feel let down by the advice given through the doctor's surgery as i've now found out that it was out of date.
 
Get on the water, me old mate!!! In your situation (and I pretty much am!) I'd be drinking a minmum of 3L of plain ol' water a day.

Believe it or not, it WILL not make you pee more frequently. Your pee's will become very light (probably clear) and ach pee will last longer, though.

Water is GREAT for diabetes. Some people consider diabetes a result of/symptom of "Chronic Dehydration"... (Google The Water Cure if you're interested...)
 
apple123 said:
Thanks for your advice Grazer. I shall get the meter and test today. I'm a bit scared though that they will put me on another diabetes medication, as I was reading on a site by an American doctor that they are not good to take. I'm worried that I've left it too late to improve my diabetes through diet and that my pancreas is too damaged. All in all I'm pretty fed up - I also feel let down by the advice given through the doctor's surgery as i've now found out that it was out of date.
Click to expand...

If you have left it a bit late for diet, don't despair, there are various different drugs you can try. And you may find even now you can avoid them with a strict diet. If you're BGs are a little high to start, don't panic. It may take a little time for your Bgs to settle down on a low carb diet. But test and see if they're heading in the right direction. Read every lable carefully, and google loose goods like fruit and veg for carb content. I also avoid high GI foods (starchy or sugary ones) that raise the BG too quickly. If you need tips on low carbing, there are loads of experts on here that can help.
Meantime, follow Patch's advice and drink plenty of water.
 
Patch said:
Get on the water, me old mate!!! In your situation (and I pretty much am!) I'd be drinking a minmum of 3L of plain ol' water a day.

Believe it or not, it WILL not make you pee more frequently. Your pee's will become very light (probably clear) and ach pee will last longer, though.

Water is GREAT for diabetes. Some people consider diabetes a result of/symptom of "Chronic Dehydration"... (Google The Water Cure if you're interested...)
Click to expand...

Completely agree Patch. I drink between 3-4l of water every day, with 2 cups of black tea. I do run to the loo a lot more, but it's worth it knowing all the nasties are being flushed away. Water really is good for diabetics, also for your hair and skin. My hair and skin are in amazing condition now, rather than always dry and sallow. I love water.
 
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