Diabetes diagnosis

[winny219]

Hi all, I just rang my surgery for some routine blood test results which are given by an admin member of the team and she said I have to see the diabetes nurse but she couldn't give me any figures from the test. So an appointment has been made for 2 weeks time. This is quite a shock to me as I had no idea I have diabetes and not had any of the symptoms I've read about. However I am overweight so maybe it shouldn't be as much of a surprise as it is. I am also wondering if my painful toes which I've had on and off for a few weeks and assumed was chilblains is more likely to be neuropathy now. and wonder if I should ask to see a doctor before my appointment with the nurse? Apart from drastically lowering my sugar and carb intake is there anything else I should be doing?
Your advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Mrs HJG]

Hi @winny219 Do you have access to your results via the NHS App so you can see what level your HbA1c was?

In my surgery the Diabetes Nurse is definitely the one to see, not the Doctor as they are the 'specialists' (my own personal experience excluded!), but I have no experience of the 'toe pain' (except when my duvet and blankets are too heavy), but if it can't wait until you see the nurse, then go your normal route.

Cutting your carbs (sugar) is definitely not going to hurt in the meantime.

 

[winny219]

Hi @winny219 Do you have access to your results via the NHS App so you can see what level your HbA1c was?

In my surgery the Diabetes Nurse is definitely the one to see, not the Doctor as they are the 'specialists' (my own personal experience excluded!), but I have no experience of the 'toe pain' (except when my duvet and blankets are too heavy), but if it can't wait until you see the nurse, then go your normal route.

Cutting your carbs (sugar) is definitely not going to hurt in the meantime.

Thank you for your reply and advice. We can't get the NHS app in Wales, but there is another way. I tried it but I didn't have all the info/proof I needed at hand to be able to log in at the time. I'll try again later. Yes I will be making drastic changes to try to get my self into remission but I don't really know if I'm prediabetic or diabetic yet so not sure how high a mountain that is going to be to climb. Things definitely need to change though. My feet are a worry and from what I've read, the symptoms I've had on and off for about 5 weeks now could well be neuropathy which really scares me and I don't know how I'll cope if that gets worse, but I will do everything I can to try to prevent it worsening. Do you know if I will be referred to a specialist to have that diagnosed? I also have osteoarthritis and carpel tunnel in one wrist so wondering how they'll distinguish between that progressing or neuropathy.

 

[filly]

Thank you for your reply and advice. We can't get the NHS app in Wales, but there is another way. I tried it but I didn't have all the info/proof I needed at hand to be able to log in at the time. I'll try again later. Yes I will be making drastic changes to try to get my self into remission but I don't really know if I'm prediabetic or diabetic yet so not sure how high a mountain that is going to be to climb. Things definitely need to change though. My feet are a worry and from what I've read, the symptoms I've had on and off for about 5 weeks now could well be neuropathy which really scares me and I don't know how I'll cope if that gets worse, but I will do everything I can to try to prevent it worsening. Do you know if I will be referred to a specialist to have that diagnosed? I also have osteoarthritis and carpel tunnel in one wrist so wondering how they'll distinguish between that progressing or neuropathy.

You are certainly in a similar situation to me. Apart from Type 2 I have a long standing spinal injury, arthritis. Also a lot of neuro symptoms. Some for 32 years. As yet haven't seen the Diabetic nurse. Am not confident the nurse will know what is coming from my spine, neck legs etc and what is Diabetic. I don't mind speaking to one on the phone but don't want to have words. I have had to manage my own care for so many years I don't want interference....lol

 

[Mrs HJG]

My feet are a worry and from what I've read, the symptoms I've had on and off for about 5 weeks now could well be neuropathy which really scares me and I don't know how I'll cope if that gets worse, but I will do everything I can to try to prevent it worsening. Do you know if I will be referred to a specialist to have that diagnosed? I also have osteoarthritis and carpel tunnel in one wrist so wondering how they'll distinguish between that progressing or neuropathy.

I am sure if you mention your concerns the nurse will check your feet immediately, you just have to remove the sock fluff before you go I don't know what happens after that, sorry.
I still believe in the magic of diagnostics in being able to distinguish between different ailments, I am sure they will do all they can to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

 

[Zilsniggy]

Hi @winny219 Do you have access to your results via the NHS App so you can see what level your HbA1c was?

In my surgery the Diabetes Nurse is definitely the one to see, not the Doctor as they are the 'specialists' (my own personal experience excluded!), but I have no experience of the 'toe pain' (except when my duvet and blankets are too heavy), but if it can't wait until you see the nurse, then go your normal route.

Cutting your carbs (sugar) is definitely not going to hurt in the meantime.

Please note that ‘diabetes’ nurses in GP clinics aren’t likely to be Diabetes Specialist Nurses. They likely have an interest in diabetes and have done a short course in diabetes management. Some are very good, others not so much, it’s a bit of a lottery, in my experience. Diabetes Specialist Nurses are usually employed as part of the Diabetes teams in hospitals, and are usually far more experienced in diabetes management.

 

[Zilsniggy]

Thank you for your reply and advice. We can't get the NHS app in Wales, but there is another way. I tried it but I didn't have all the info/proof I needed at hand to be able to log in at the time. I'll try again later. Yes I will be making drastic changes to try to get my self into remission but I don't really know if I'm prediabetic or diabetic yet so not sure how high a mountain that is going to be to climb. Things definitely need to change though. My feet are a worry and from what I've read, the symptoms I've had on and off for about 5 weeks now could well be neuropathy which really scares me and I don't know how I'll cope if that gets worse, but I will do everything I can to try to prevent it worsening. Do you know if I will be referred to a specialist to have that diagnosed? I also have osteoarthritis and carpel tunnel in one wrist so wondering how they'll distinguish between that progressing or neuropathy.

Here in Scotland, and I’m not sure if Wales is different, the feet experts are actually the podiatrists, and any foot problem is immediately referred to them. If you’re worried, it could be worth making an appointment to see one privately to do what is called a filament test. This involves tapping areas of the foot with various sizes of nylon filaments, to see which areas have feeling and which areas have diminished or no feeling. (It’s not painful). Then if it is neuropathy, getting sugars controlled and losing weight can help. There are also medications for neuropathy, but I’m sure your GP would prefer confirmation of diagnosis in both diabetes and neuropathy before prescribing anything. Try going low carb to help with sugars and weight loss first, the programme on here is excellent.

 

[Mrs HJG]

Please note that ‘diabetes’ nurses in GP clinics aren’t likely to be Diabetes Specialist Nurses. They likely have an interest in diabetes and have done a short course in diabetes management. Some are very good, others not so much, it’s a bit of a lottery, in my experience. Diabetes Specialist Nurses are usually employed as part of the Diabetes teams in hospitals, and are usually far more experienced in diabetes management.

For anything diabetes-related at my surgery it is the 'diabetes nurse' that organises, prescribes, discusses results etc, the doctors do not get involved. I wanted to have a pancreatic cancer screening blood test, and the doctor was not able to arrange, the nurse had to do it. Different places, NHS regions etc. The nurse at my surgery used to be based on the hospital consulting team so who knows what additional knowledge and experience she brings; I don't speak to her and stick to my hospital team. PS this is an old thread.

 

[timbo_dolman]

Please note that ‘diabetes’ nurses in GP clinics aren’t likely to be Diabetes Specialist Nurses. They likely have an interest in diabetes and have done a short course in diabetes management. Some are very good, others not so much, it’s a bit of a lottery, in my experience. Diabetes Specialist Nurses are usually employed as part of the Diabetes teams in hospitals, and are usually far more experienced in diabetes management.

My experience with the diabetes nurse is a waste of time. I seem to have more knowledge of the condition then them at times. I manage my condition with my GP who is very supportive. I would be on meds if I accepted the nurse’s views, but with the GP support, I’m managing without meds on low carb/Keto diet and exercise. Recognise that all surgeries are different but that’s my experience.

 

[Sallyw]

My experience with the Surgery diabetes nurse hasn’t been good so far, since I moved to Hertfordshire from Devon. My GP has expressed his doubt about getting hold of a Libre and has said I need to consult with the nurse. I am not looking forward to the experience from our last conversation!

 

[ianf0ster]

Experiences vary from surgery to surgery. Unfortunately its just the luck of the draw.
The best you can do is be knowledgeable about your own situation and be strong enough to ignore any garbage groupspeak.

In my personal opinion (not speaking as a moderator) people who have experienced Diabetes (of any Type) know a lot more about the type f diabetes they have experienced than Health care professional who has never had diabetes.