New Diabetic- Help?

[DiabeticGeek]

well they still don't know if i am a type 1 or 2 i was trying to ask them my questions but they were all hurrying me in and out of everyone to get everyone seen.

It can be difficult when medics are in a hurry. I suggest that you ask for a copy of all of your test results - people on here will be able to help you to interpret them and it will only take them 30 seconds to print the results off for you. Are you seeing a specialist now, or still a GP? Specialists often have a bit more time to explain things than a GP, and since your case sounds unusual you probably should be seeing one anyway. If you aren't then I suggest that you ask (very firmly if necessary) to be referred.

I am so sick of this now. i just want to be the way i used to be again.

I'm sorry that you are going through a tough time at the moment. However, it is important to remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel! Once you work out what the problems are and get the diabetes under control then the symptoms will subside very quickly. In the long term you are going to have to make quite major changes to your lifestyle but, so long as you do that effectively, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to lead a normal healthy life. Diabetes isn't (yet) cureable, but it is easily manageable - far more so than almost any other major disease that you can think of. Also, biomedical technology is advancing massively quickly, and there are many new treatments just over the horizon. The trick is to keep yourself healthy enough so that you can benefit from them when they arrive.

 

[DiabeticGeek]

oh there was something else, they did a Hbc blood test thing i can't remember what it was called. but i asked what it did and they said it measure how much sugar was on my red blood cells??

What you are talking about is an HbA1c test. I have written a detailed description of HbA1c on another thread, but essentially this tells you how high your average blood glucose has been over the last three months. Medics are very keen on this, because it tells them how well the diabetes is under control, and is a very good indicator of how likely diabetic complications are.

The reading was 12.1?? the nurse said it was a little high but nothing to worry about seeing what my finger prick readings were. is that true?????

This is high, but at the moment that is to be expected. A non-diabetic will typically have an HbA1c of about 5%, whereas in an undiagnosed diabetic it could be anything up to 15%. An HbA1c of 12.1% means that over the last 3 months your blood glucose has been averaging over 20 mmol/l - which is very high, but you already know that. In short your diabetes isn't under control yet, but it could be worse. When you do get on top of it then your BG should will come down very quickly, and that will be reflected by a much lower HbA1c after a few months. It is only a problem if it doesn't come down. Medics are usually happy so long as your HbA1c is under 7%, but I suggest that you aim, in the long term, to get it a lot lower than that (definitely under 6% and ideally around 5%). The higher your HbA1c is the more likely you are to develop complications, and there is quite a lot of scientific evidence that suggest that even 7% is way too high.

 

[manxangel]

oh this is so helpful! yes i am seeing a specialist now, the only one on the island.

they said i probably wouldn't have to use my insuling over the weekend but i have used it at every meal so far, apart from this morning. thrilling times.

i'll see if i can get copies of my blood tests. i don't know who i am seeing tommorow morning but they have asked me back again! it feels like they are actually trying to do something now which i am a lot happier with.

it's frustrating, but i am eating loads better, only have a small amount of carbs with meals. and i've even got a smaller plate now to help me reduce my portion sizes more.

just want this under control now! i know it takes time but i always get a bit frustrated wanting everything done yesterday! it will work out i know it.

thank you!

Kath

 

[manxangel]

Hi Guys,

I wwent this morning (Again) and they have put me on insulin full time now, with no tablets.

i also asked about the c- peptide test you guys have mentioned. andno they havn't done one, but they are now.

The reason they havn't done one before is the blood has to be sent to the UK for that test, they don't do it on the island. i think they couldn't afford the air fare or somthing!

hopefully thhey should see a drop in my readings now, Oh i found out why they were messing with ym neck, it's to do with the weight loss and apparently your skin can go a bit discolored if your a diabetic. at least thats the explanation that they gave me.

 

[DiabeticGeek]

i also asked about the c- peptide test you guys have mentioned. andno they havn't done one, but they are now.

The reason they havn't done one before is the blood has to be sent to the UK for that test, they don't do it on the island.

Ah, that explains it. This is one of the downsides of living in a small community I guess. The C-Peptide test is the most reliable way to distinguish between Type-1 and Type-2, but it sounds as though they are inclining towards T1 (the tablets won't do anything for that). It is also still possible that you do have some other more unusual form of diabetes, but hopefully you should have a solid diagnosis fairly soon. Whatever happens, keep posting here and let us know when you do get a diagnosis. There are plenty of people here with a wealth of experience who will be able to advise you on long term management strategies. In the meantime, listen to your specialist, keep taking the insulin, try to cut down on carbohydrates as much as possible and exercise when you are feeling well enough.

 

[diabetesmum]

Hi Manxangel,

So glad you are okay and gradually getting things sorted out. I agree with DiabeticGeek, I reckon they are thinking you are Type 1, so keep taking your insulin regularly, not that you need any encouragement to do that I don't suppose!! Will be very interested to hear what your official diagnosis eventually turns out to be.
Sue

 

[manxangel]

thanks sue!

Yes i'm curious too!!!!. i got my lowest reading ever yesterday at 9.9!!! well chuffed. Felt awful but still it's great!

 

[diabetesmum]

I'm really pleased for you. I am sure you will gradually start to feel better as you take your insulin regularly and your readings come down.
Sue

 

[sofaraway]

Just wondering what insulin you are on? I felt x100 better once my levels got under control.
good to hear that you are testing your blood sugars now and have a meter.

 

[manxangel]

I'm on Novorapid with meals and lantus before bed, been to the nurse this morning and they are really happy and have upped my doses to get me into single figures all the time now.

didn't realise how grotty i felt before until now. Can't wait until it's in the normal range all the time, i'm going to be like a ball of energy!!!!

Thank you everyone for your help, i would have been lsot without you guys and still on tablets with no change to be honest. If i hadn't nagged the clinic to get me in i would only be seeing the DR next tuesday to be changed from two Glucophage a day!!!!

(a very grateful) Kath xxx