Is this normal protocol?

[Celtic Woman]

Hi again,

I was diagnosed with Type 2 on March 21st.

Initially I was given a leaflet,and referred to the Diabetes team, retinopathy and podiatry and advised to tryto reduce my sugar and weight. I ate like a sparrow for 3 weeks, exercised, and returned to the doctor to be checked as I felt sleepy, vague and unwell. My BG was 25. I was refused any testing strips or monitor but sourced one independently. My lowest Bg on diet alone was 15.

I returned after 3 weeks to see my GP and armed with readings was started on metformin 500mg once daily to be increased to twice daily after one week. My BG on one tablet ranged between 13 and 19. I increased to two daily and it is 11-18. Some days I feel really well, some days really lethargic.

I have had no other contact with anyone, and though I have a podiatry appointment I am still no nearer to seeing a diabetes nurse and getting the advice and support I feel I need.

I am assuming from how I have felt since diagnosis that I have had undiagnosed diabetes for some years and am concerned at the long term damage already done, let alone the added two months of high BG since diagnosis.

Is this normal protocol? Is this people's general experience of diabetic control. I am operating blindly here and feel utterly unsupported by the medical system. I of course do not want to start my regular GP contact with being a complainer but there seems to be a total indifference to the fact that my health could be in jeopardy. I have rarely gone to my GP for anything and now I remember why!!!!

 

[catherinecherub]

Hi CW,

Diabetes care is patchy throughout and there are good and bad HCP's.
As you do not seem to be getting anywhere with your G.P. then I would suggest that you ask to be referred to a Consultant.

I notice that you have been given the advice that newbies are given and if that is not bringing your sugars down then it is time to see someone who will help you.
You do not state your age and if you have been tested for LADA?

 

[hallii]

Your self test readings are still way to high, you have got to go back to your Doctor (or another one in the same practice?) and get things sorted.

Medication is only one part of what you need to do, there will be a long post soon with lots of information, you have to read it through.

Giving my opinion on your treatment so far, I have to say that I think it is less than good, I would go for the second opinion option ( your right under NHS guidelines) and expect some treatment and advice with a bit more urgency on the Doctors part.

When you see a Doctor you need to ask for a firm diagnosis, is it Tyoe 2 or something else?
You need to ask to see a DSN (Diabetic Specialist Nurse) as soon as possible, in my experience they know a lot more about diabetes than some doctors.

There are more things to do but that's enough to get the ball rolling for now!

Don't accept second best, your health depends on getting the correct treatment.

H

 

[simply_h]

Hello there,

Like some of the others have said I would go back to the doctors for a firm diagnosis first off.

Also you BG do seem to be very high, on this forum in the 'Ask a Question' section, there is a thread 'Giving advice to new members', which is really a good read.

Also I would say keeping a food diary as well, as they are really helpfull, as when you use your Blood metre, you can then see what you have eaten and then ajust accordingly.

Also I dont know how old you are and can only say what has worked for me, but exersize is key, its hard I know when you dont feel well, but cardio and building muscles is key, as the fitter you get the better you will find that your BS are etc.. As it does seem to be working for me at the moment..

Also I think you should be given more advise and support from your doctors, its really good that you have gotton your own BS metre etc.. Its a step in the right direction.

Good luck with everything and keep posting if you have questions as there are some great people on this forum, who are very knowledgeable..

Take Care,

Cheers
Simply_h

 

[RussG]

Hi Celtic Woman,

All good advice above. People may disagree with what I'm going to say next, but it's my view

[with the usual note that I'm not a medical professional and that I can't diagnose etc and you need your own medical advice]

The only thing I would add to the advice is that at this stage a few weeks of running high (within limits!) isn't going to drastically shorten your lifespan.

It's easy to get a bit panicky about things - I know I did. My bloods ran in the 20s, all day every day for several months. Clearly that's neither ok, nor advisable, but I was told that serious complications usually take quite a few years, not a few months. Your numbers need to come down, and they will, so my advice is try to focus on what you can tackle, i.e. your diet, exercise, compliance with medication etc. Stress won't help getting your levels down, which is clearly easier to say than do, but you will need to steady yourself.

Lots of the discussions here are filled with people flapping about levels much lower than yours (or mine for quite a while.) That's fine for them to do. As a new diabetic, trying to reach these sort of levels feels terrifying. Achieving good control takes a while, and maintaining it is a lifelong goal. Your experiences don't sound great, but there's time yet. The advice to new diabetics here is really good. Have a read and try to follow. My caveat would be if you are genuinely following a good diet, exercising and taking your meds and the numbers don't come down below those levels, or aren't at least reducing steadily you need to go back to your doctor.