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Hello.. newlyish diagnosed

O

orgi

Newbie
Messages
2
Location
North East
Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 5 weeks ago, although I believe I have been diabetic for some time. I have been put onto Metformin, which I had taken in the past due to PCOS so am coping okay with the side effects. I have recently met with the diabetic team who were happy with me taking the metformin and going back in 6 months.. however I got home and had a message telling me that I was going on byetta. I was not impressed with being told I would be doing anything so have declined the offer at this stage, but am meeting with the diabetic nurse in a month to discuss the issue. I have done some research and looked on the thread here and feel a bit better about byetta but still feel I would like to try with just the Metformin.
Would I have to inform the DVLA if I started taking byetta? I know you do not need to inform them of being diabetic if just taking medication or it being diet controlled but wondered about this injection. If someone knows that would be great.

Anyway the board looks great and I look forward to getting to know you all :D
 
Hi Orgi and welcome,
Can you tell us more about your blood glucose levels and diet, we really neeed more info to be able to help.

Regards
Graham
 
Hi Orgi.
Welcome to the forum. As Graham states we need more information from you for more helpful advice to be given.

As regards your question about Byetta and DVLA ? The answer is No, you do not have to notify anyone about this. It is not Insulin so is treated differently.

Byetta is a fantastic drug which has benefited me enormously. So I'm a convert. If the diet/meds are not enough then Byetta could be the way to go. Normally there is a strict progression of drugs before Byetta would be prescribed ? There are strict criteria regarding the prescribing of it though. BMI levels, HbA1c level etc.

Ken.
 
To be honest the more I think about my diabetes the more I realise I am pretty clueless with details, I have been given very limited information from the consultant and nurse practitioner which has not helped me in the slightest.

My blood glucose level was 10.8 on fasting blood test, however the PCT do not give out blood glucose monitoring levels so I had been unable to take my levels since starting the metformin but have managed to buy a monitor and my level varies from 5.6 - 8 ish depending on when I taken it, 8 being after food.

The consultant said I was a perfect candidate for the Byetta, I have been on Metformin for maybe 5 weeks and have had no other treatment for the diabetes. I am on 1500mg of Metforim per day. I think this is what worried me about starting the Byetta.. not having had time for the Metformin to work and for me to make changes to my diet. I am also worrying now that because I have said I want to wait for a while before coming to a definite decision about the Byetta the option may not be open to me in the future.
My diet is not the best, I eat too much and do too little, which I am aware of and addressing through a complete change in diet and exercise.
 
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