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Itching and tiredness are the only symptoms

pollyy

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3
Hello

I was hoping someone might be able to offer me some advice please. I have had chronic itchy genitals (sorry!) for about 2 years now. I have been to the GP twice and they have pretty much fobbed me off and given me some cream which does nothing. I went to the GP today because I just cannot live like this with the constant itching and I can't even sleep in the same bed as my husband because I frequently wake up itching.

The GP I saw today has suggested I have a blood test for diabetes but I'm rather confused after looking at the main symptoms of diabetes. The only things I have are itchy genitals and constant tiredness (I have a 4 year old and I work full-time so to be expected!) but I don't have any other symptoms like thirst or needing a wee all the time.

Is it possible I could still have diabetes even though I'm not displaying the major symptoms?

Thanks!
 
Thanks! I am having a blood test next Wednesday so we'll see what it comes back with. So you didn't have any other symptoms??
 
It is possible but only a doctor can diagnose.
My main symptom was extreme tiredness for the last few months which was totally uncharacteristic.
I had the flu and a bad cough in middle September. I went to doctor for antibiotics and I told her that I thought I might have thrush as I had an "uncomfortable feeling down below" (I have never had thrush in my life and had looked up the canesten website which said you might get it if you are run down) She prescibed cream and asked for a urine sample in case it was an infection. Got phone call the next day-really high sugar and had to go for blood test which confirmed diabetes (and seemingly thrush is a symptom) I didn't have an excessive thirst and I didn't think I was going to the loo any more often than normal. (I had also lost 8lbs in 3 weeks but I had thought scales were broken as I definitely wasn't dieting)
We are all different but if you read other posts there are alot of people who are unsure if they have diabetes. There are also thousands who have diabetes but with no symptoms and remain undiagnosed.
I would suggest that if you are in any doubt then see your doctor. Also, I know Lloyds pharmacy do a quick test in their consulting room without an appointment which you may want to consider first. I done that about 2 years ago.
Good luck
 
I describe myself as a useless diabetic as I don't get genital itching, constant urination or any typical symptom. At diagnosis I was just so lethergic, felt physically ok but just couldn't be bothered. In your shoes I'd probably find myself hoping it's diabetes as it's a more socially acceptable explanation for the itching than some other causes!
 
The only symptoms I had was re-occurring thrush. I didn't have any of the other symptoms and still don't now.
 
Sarah69 said:
The only symptoms I had was re-occurring thrush. I didn't have any of the other symptoms and still don't now.

Same here. I had it for years and in spite of my suggesting diabetes to three different GPs they refused to test me for diabetes .I tried creams pessaries tablets etc to no avail.

They just shrugged their shoulders and said that if the treatments didn't work there was nothing they could do. Of course there were various suggestions as to the cause some very offensive
bu t we won't go down that road........Of course it had to be MY fault!!

So the OP is very lucky to have a GP who is sufficiently aware to want to test her for diabetes. :D
 
I had no symptoms of diabetes at all, but because I'm obese my doctor has been watching me like a hawk since I joined this practice, and I've had blood tests every six months since about 2002. I reckon the HCPs were running a book on me being Type 2! :lol:

I don't know who won, but I was diagnosed in April 2010, with an HbA1c of 6.5. Of course I refused to believe it :roll: , but I had the sense to treat myself as if I was diabetic, and went back to low-carb both to lose weight and control my blood glucose levels. I asked for Metformin because it is known to help with weight loss - which is when the diabetes-specialist GP spotted I wasn't registered! :shock:

I gave in in the end and let them register me in December last year; I found this forum last January, and have never looked back! Because I was caught so early I'm pretty sure I can reverse the condition, by controlling my diet, getting down to a normal weight, and trying to do more exercise. 4 stone gone - another 4 at least, maybe 6, to go :P

So yes, you can be Type 2 diabetic with no symptoms; I would suggest that you amend your diet and exercise as if you are diabetic - it won't do any harm if you're not, and it might help with your itch.

One thing I remember from a time when I had a similar itch - try not to use anything perfumed or chemical-ish in that area - no smelly bath oils etc, use pure unperfumed soap or baby soap, avoid wet wipes, and use baby powder rather than perfumed talc. I use Boots' foot powder in that region :shock: 'cos it has a mild fungicide.

In fact I use foot powder on all my creased, sweaty bits (remember I'm obese) and I never have any skin problems, thrush, heat rash etc, either under my boobs or in my groin area.

The things I come out with on this forum! :oops:

Anyway, hope this helps a bit.

Viv 8)
 
Know what you mean Viv but maybe those things are the ones which help the most.
I couldn't wear tights for years-had to wear cotton underwear always . My "finest" moment maybe was when i was forced to sit on a pack of frozen peas to get any relief!
When I told one doctor at a check up that I had had it constantly for five years ,she asked how I managed without offeing any solutions . What did she expect me to do?
 
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