Help feeling lost

[mikemelhuish]

Hi all I have been recently diagnosed with T2 started with metformin terrible side effects so they changed them to slow release then last week as my thirst was out of control they said to stop taking them and see how my numbers were whilst on them I averaged 8s since been off them for a week I’m averaging 11 they have prescribed me Gliclzide now ?
I have tested positive 1a-2 Antibodies of 14.00/ml also a C-peptide of 2120 Pmol for high endogenous insulin my weight has not moved at all despite a complete lifestyle change I am self funding a dexcom for peace of mind as hgv driver any opinions would be gratefully received thanks Mike

 

[Jaylee]

Hi @mikemelhuish ,

Welcome to the forum.

I’ll tag in @searley , who has experience on the HGV side of things with diabetes.

Best wishes.

 

[searley]

Hi all I have been recently diagnosed with T2 started with metformin terrible side effects so they changed them to slow release then last week as my thirst was out of control they said to stop taking them and see how my numbers were whilst on them I averaged 8s since been off them for a week I’m averaging 11 they have prescribed me Gliclzide now ?
I have tested positive 1a-2 Antibodies of 14.00/ml also a C-peptide of 2120 Pmol for high endogenous insulin my weight has not moved at all despite a complete lifestyle change I am self funding a dexcom for peace of mind as hgv driver any opinions would be gratefully received thanks Mike

you MUST advise the DVLA that you are taking it as it can cause hypo's.. you will almost certainly lose you HGV albeit for a short period (3 - 6 months)

you will need todo blood tests religiously min 2 a day, and at least every 2 hours whilst driving, you will have to re-apply for the HGV the DVLA will arrange a GP appointment to complete a form, the GP will want to see 6 weeks of full BG tests, once they get these results they will arrange consultants appointment and go through all the same, once the consultant is happy your license will be re-issued for 12 months, at which point you go through it all again

DEXCOM is not allowable for HGV driving

Edited by mod to remove forum rule breach

 

[mikemelhuish]

Thank you this confirms I will not be taking them

 

[lovinglife]

Thank you this confirms I will not be taking them

Hi @mikemelhuish & welcome to the forum

Even though you have to report certain medication to the DVLA, driving with high numbers can be just as dangerous for you & of course other road users as for a T2 this can make you very sleepy and tired. When I was first diagnosed and had an average of 11 I could sleep standing up, and avoided using the bus because as soon as it moved I would nod off.

Of course we can’t tell you what to do or whether to take your prescribed medication or not but please consider talking to your HCP again to see if there is any other meds that would be more suitable for you as a HGV driver if your not going to take the Gliclizide

Of course there is the other added jeopardy that if you continue with the high numbers you have, you run a high risk of developing damage from those high numbers like retinopathy, neuropathy, kidney damage, liver damage to name a few which could also end your career early.

You say you have had a complete lifestyle change, can you elaborate more on that? What are you eating etc, a lot of T2 on the forum manage to keep there BG in range with a low carb or keto diet, either on its own or with minimal meds that don’t cause hypos. It may be with tweaks to your diet you can maybe reduce the need for Gliclizide etc

 

[searley]

Hi @mikemelhuish & welcome to the forum

Even though you have to report certain medication to the DVLA, driving with high numbers can be just as dangerous for you & of course other road users as for a T2 this can make you very sleepy and tired. When I was first diagnosed and had an average of 11 I could sleep standing up, and avoided using the bus because as soon as it moved I would nod off.

Of course we can’t tell you what to do or whether to take your prescribed medication or not but please consider talking to your HCP again to see if there is any other meds that would be more suitable for you as a HGV driver if your not going to take the Gliclizide

Of course there is the other added jeopardy that if you continue with the high numbers you have, you run a high risk of developing damage from those high numbers like retinopathy, neuropathy, kidney damage, liver damage to name a few which could also end your career early.

You say you have had a complete lifestyle change, can you elaborate more on that? What are you eating etc, a lot of T2 on the forum manage to keep there BG in range with a low carb or keto diet, either on its own or with minimal meds that don’t cause hypos. It may be with tweaks to your diet you can maybe reduce the need for Gliclizide etc

However DVLA do not care in the slightest about high BG levels

More importantly advising DVLA in the case of HGV almost certainly means having the license revoked. There are other meds to try first, and at least if you know in advance the requirements of blood testing you can get a head start meaning a re-application can be made earlier