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Newbie with some questions

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bluest_light

Newbie
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I've tried to look through the various threads for answers but still have some unanswered questions.

My Dad was recently diagnosed with Type 2. He has been on Metformin and Glicazide for about 2 weeks. He is managing to keep his blood sugar under control and is making the necessary changes to his diet.

Despite his blood sugar being within the normal range, he still feels pretty unwell. He feels nauseous most of the day and sometimes vomits. He also has blurry vision which he has had for some time.

I know nausea and vomiting can be side effects of the medication but can anyone tell me how long that is likely to last or if it will stop at all? Perhaps he is unable to tolerate those drugs?

Also, how long is the blurry vision likely to last?

Thanks
 
Can you tell us what exactly his Blood Glucose levels are throughout the day. Fasting, pre meal, 2 hrs after meals and before bedtime ? This information will help us to give you a better answer.
 
Sorry, I don't have the exact readings but it can range from about 5 to 8 throughout the day.

I have read that hyperglycaemia can be a cause of blurry vision but as I have said, his levels have been pretty normal for the past 2 weeks.
 
bluest_light said:
Sorry, I don't have the exact readings but it can range from about 5 to 8 throughout the day.

I have read that hyperglycaemia can be a cause of blurry vision but as I have said, his levels have been pretty normal for the past 2 weeks.
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That is the problem, it can also be a symptom of Hypoglycaemia too !!!

What times of the day does he test and is that every day.
 
I didn't realise that.

He has been told to test twice a day and to alternate the times he does this.

So one day he'll do it morning and afternoon, then the next day lunchtime and evening.
 
Thanks again.

Frankly that really is useless, poor advice.

To know anything at all about Bg levels throughout the day he has to test daily, on waking, immediately before every main meal, breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and then 2 hrs after each meal.
A test immediately before bedtime would also be beneficial.

Can he do this for a day starting tomorrow and let us know the results back here. We really need that information. Just eat as normal and let us know what exactly he has eaten too. Post back here and we will answer you.
 
cugila said:
To know anything at all about Bg levels throughout the day he has to test daily, on waking, immediately before every main meal, breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and then 2 hrs after each meal.
A test immediately before bedtime would also be beneficial.
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I think you just gave the bean counter in his PCT a heart attack :!:

IanS
 
I was told by my nurse to only check myself two or 3 days a week and only twice a day.

Frankly that's enough for me. The prospect of testing myself as often as cugila suggests would really get me down, not to mention interfere with my life, work and so on.

I've tested myself twice this week upon waking and both readings were 8.7. To me that's a vast improvement on the 16 I was when first tested at A&E. I'm determined to get myself to 7 or thereabouts with diet and exercise only. I haven't re joined my local gym yet as I'm away on business next week (so I wont be posting on here for 4 whole days :wink: ) but fully intend to start going to the gym upon my return.
 
IanS said:
cugila said:
To know anything at all about Bg levels throughout the day he has to test daily, on waking, immediately before every main meal, breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and then 2 hrs after each meal.
A test immediately before bedtime would also be beneficial.
Click to expand...

I think you just gave the bean counter in his PCT a heart attack :!:

IanS
Click to expand...


Well Ian. that's just it, they deserve a rocket for thinking anybody newly diagnosed can test a couple of times a day and still control their Diabetes. It will never work, you have to be pro-active in the early days. Then you can slack off a bit.

Ardbeg.

The reason we advocate testing that often is simply to ensure that the new members, newly diagnosed learn about what effect foods have on their bodies. It is never advocated for life. I fail to see why learning about your own metabolism would get you down. How it could possibly interfere with your life. If used properly, testing frequently will extend your life. Surely that has to be worth a little effort, a little hardship ? Testing takes just a minute and is no chore ? If you truly want to control your Diabetes, it is the only way forward.

If I was to test myself once or twice a day only, I would miss all the highs and lows in between. That's why relying on a HbA1c is folly. Averages are just that, an inaccurate measure of anything. All they show are trends, not facts and figures, actual readings. If that is what you do, then be prepared to be surprised when you do decide to test more often.

Congratulations on lowering your numbers, a start, a step in the right direction. You do need to test more. If you start your day off with high numbers such as 8.7 you are at a disadvantage already.
I dread to think what the rest of the days numbers would be like. You need to think again !
 
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