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Newbie - seeking advice

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nicki_moo

Newbie
Messages
3
Hello all.

I'm after a bit of advice and reassurance really. I had gestational diabetes almost 3 years ago, and by the end was injecting a fair amount of insulin. I was told that I had a higher chance of getting diabetes within 10 years and had to test annually. Last year (the first year I had to test) I was told my results were borderline and had a discussion with the GP about changing lifestyle/weight etc.

This year I had the test and the result was 53 mmol. It was repeated, along with a number of other tests (Full blood count, U/E, LBP, Cholesterol, HDL/LDL and HbA1c. Although I don't know the results from the other tests I know my Hba1c was 52mmol.

I have an appointment with my GP tomorrow, but I'm feeling really anxious about what might happen next. Do my results mean I have diabetes? What is likely to happen at my appointment tomorrow? Will I have to start testing my blood? Will I be referred elsewhere?

I'll openly admit I have not been kind to myself and drastically changed my lifestyle/weight so I know that this is probably self inflected - but I'm not really feeling mentally strong enough for a ticking off from the GP.
 
Hi nicky_moo sorry don't know much about gestational diabetes but it sounds like your beating you're self up a fair bit I can understand your scared but if you have diabetes it not the end of the world as you probably know just looking on forum there's a lot of people out there and all are willing to help each other and that includes you so just wait and you're sure to get positive replys as for GP I'm sure he won't tick you off he should be there to help if he told everyone off for maybe having diabetes that wouldn't be good so please don't feel bad about all this just take advice and I'm sure you can conquer all these fears so big hug sent to you and take care let us know how you get on?
 
Hi there, and welcome.
I was diagnosed after an accident in December (HbA1c 72, BG 18). I cut out sweets, cakes, biscuits and heavily reduced portion sizes of spuds, bread, rice, pasta etc. (I have about 100-120g carbs/day). Together with a little more exercise this has brought blood glucose levels down to normal readings (below 5 mmol/L). Due another HbA1c test in a few weeks time, but regular BG readings suggest that it will be down.
As your HbA1c is a lot better than mine, it may be that you can do something similar. If your GP ticks you off he/she is not really doing a good job at this stage.
 
Hi and welcome,

Yes, an HbA1c of 48 or over is diabetes, but as your HbA1c isn't drastic you should be able to do something about it fairly quickly with a bit of effort on your part. Diet is the key, and the fewer carbohydrates you eat, the lower your glucose levels will be. All carbs convert to glucose in the body, so it makes good sense to reduce the amount you eat. Bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, cereal and flour are the worst culprits.

You will have been given a meter when you had GD. Have you still got it? If not I suggest you buy a new one and some new testing strips. This will help you formulate a diet that suits you and your body.

Why would the doctor tick you off? He isn't there to be judgmental. He is there to help you. :)
 
Bluetit1802 said:
Hi and welcome,

Yes, an HbA1c of 48 or over is diabetes, but as your HbA1c isn't drastic you should be able to do something about it fairly quickly with a bit of effort on your part. Diet is the key, and the fewer carbohydrates you eat, the lower your glucose levels will be. All carbs convert to glucose in the body, so it makes good sense to reduce the amount you eat. Bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, cereal and flour are the worst culprits.

You will have been given a meter when you had GD. Have you still got it? If not I suggest you buy a new one and some new testing strips. This will help you formulate a diet that suits you and your body.

Why would the doctor tick you off? He isn't there to be judgmental. He is there to help you. :)
Click to expand...

Thank you. Yes I did have a testing kit but I don't have it any longer. I will look to purchase one. Any recommendations?
 
nicki_moo said:
Thank you. Yes I did have a testing kit but I don't have it any longer. I will look to purchase one. Any recommendations?
Click to expand...

It depends how much you want to spend on testing strips. The cheapest are the Codefree and the TEE2 at round about £7.50 for a tub of 50 strips. You can pay up to nearly £30 for some strips, so do be careful when you choose. Always look at the price of the strips before you buy a meter.

Remember to declare you are diabetic to get the VAT knocked off.

https://homehealth-uk.com/product-category/blood-glucose/

Discount codes for bulk buys
5 packs 264086
10 packs 975833

http://spirit-healthcare.co.uk/product/tee2-blood-glucose-meter/
 
Thank you. I had my GP appointment today. I will attempt to manage with diet for now and have an appointment with the diabetic nurse but the first available appointment is not for a month. I have ordered a kit and will see how I get on until I meet the nurse. Thanks all for your advice. Now to work out what I can actually eat!!
 
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