Newly diagnised- confused

Think you should return to your Dr and get the answers you need.
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If you didn't test your blood sugar when you were having these symptoms you can't assume they were related to low blood sugar, of high blood sugar, or something else entirely.

An unmediated type 1 diabetic won't be getting hypos, they don't make insulin so will have high blood sugar only.

I believe some type 2 diabetics report some occasions of hypos prior to diagnosis, usually some kind of reactive hypoglycaemia.

What investigations have you had during the weeks you speak of? Have you actually been diagnosed with diabetes with a hba1c test?

Phili said:

I went to the drs complaining of 'hypo' attacks. I was admitted for a 72 hour fast. Dropped to 1.9 from my finger which when came back from the lab result was actually a 3.9 from the vein. Stopped the test and did a glucose tollerent test and it was 15.9 after 2 hours. Thats when the consultant came out of clinic to tell me the news. They have sent off for GAD tests and they said the HBA1C test shows i wont need medication as of yet. So this week i should get my answers although its not fair just sent home with nothing to work with.

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Finger prick tests can have errors. The lab venous test is much more reliable. 3.9 is a perfectly normal blood sugar. What was your hba1c?

I'm sure it doesn't feel fair, but lab test aren't run by magic in an instant. They take time to process and in particular there can be a significant wait for gad results. I think they are only run by limited labs in the U.K. and it can take a while for your blood to get to the top of the list.

Phili said:

The hb1ac was 29 when i went to the drs 8 months ago when i started with the symptoms. 3 weeks ago they tested again and was 32 so they said i wouldn't need any medication as of yet.

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Here's some info on the diagnostic criteria for diabetes - https://www.diabetes.org.uk/Profess...itoring/New_diagnostic_criteria_for_diabetes/

A hba1c over 48 is diabetic, 42-47 is prediabetic. Your results of 29 and 32 are well under that and entirely normal/non diabetic.

One glucose reading over 11.1 is not diagnostic of diabetes. Yes it's high and yes it requires further investigation but, as previously mentioned, finger prick tests can be innaccurate. The diagnostic criteria are clear that with no symptoms (symptoms of hypoglycaemic attacks are not symptoms of diabetes as diabetes is a condition of high blood sugar) diagnosis should not be based on one high blood sugar, a repeat blood sugar test should be performed on another day.

Performing an OGTT after a 72 hour fast is really not the best way to do it and is pretty likely to get some questionable results.

I believe @Lamont D had a 72 hour fast test in hospital when he was being diagnosed. Maybe he can add something to this.

Hi @Phili,
I had the 72 hours fasting test in hospital.

The test is used to see how your venous blood levels cope with the fast.
It is also used to eliminate other conditions, such as pancreatitis, insulinoma and pancreatic cancer. It is a useful tool to find hypoglycaemia in people who like me have intolerance to foods. And I do hypo like you describe and have normal hba1c and fasting blood glucose levels!

If your blood glucose levels do not hypo, you have one of the types of hypoglycaemia.
However, if you do hypo, then further tests are necessary to diagnose what is happening.
The reason behind not giving you any treatment is because until they are not sure of diagnosis, they won't risk being wrong!
With these types of metabolic conditions, it can take time for them to decide which type of condition you have or are they symptoms of something else!

I don't know how you coped with being in hospital but I had quite an ordeal!

Best wishes, let us know the results and if you do have a form of hypoglycaemia, we have our own forum. Which has plenty of great advice.

Best wishes.

BTW, it is not the end of the world!
It's surprising how much difference a change in dietary lifestyle can make!

Phili said:

So im on week 4 so this is the week i should get answers to what type i am and some medication and support.

Iv just got back from 3 days in manchester. Whilst waiting for brekfast on thursday i started getting hot and clammy, i saw like 4 of everyone i got restless and was all over my seat i was in. My girlfriend apprently sprinted to a near by shop for lucozade. Then i fell on to my friend and said my mouth was tingling. These are the symptoms i got whilst in hospital and when they tested it there was 1.9 on the glucose monitor.

I didn't have any strips with me to test this time but the food came and they fed me a few mouth fuls and i came round. So as im unaware if im type 1 or 2 and on no medication can i have lows?

I thought it was all about High sugar levels. As you can see iv had enough waiting now im getting pretty confused and upset with it all.

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Welcome to the forum. What you describe definitely sounds like hypoglycaemia. Keep a close eye on your BGL's over time and plot those times of the day when you are most frequently prone to hypo's. For me, it's those times of high stress and strenuous activity. Early mornings, around 4:30am to 6:00am. If possible keep a diary.