Type 2 Newly Diagnosed and confused

[copey399]

After losing my beloved Partner just before Christmas and having problems with his Will (we had been together for 40 years but weren't married so I could have been homeless) I couldn't eat or sleep. I lost over 2 stones which is enough to put me into the ideal weight for my height. Then I started having to get up frequently in the night for the loo and my mouth is so dry and I have no sense of taste any more. I had my Partner's blood test kit and my numbers were elevated so saw my Surgery's Diabetic Nurse who did an HBA1c blood test and started me on Metformin. After a month I went to see her again and told her that I was struggling to eat and that my numbers weren't going down. She told me to stop taking the Metformin and started me on Sitagliptin. She didn't offer me any advice about the not being able to eat apart from saying have small frequent meals with lots of protein and vegetables and that I would feel better once I started on the Sitagliptin.

I've been taking them for a week now and nothing's changed. Fasting bloods are still in the 10s and 11s. This morning I had a meltdown and didn't want to go on. I'm 81 and have no life. My life used to be caring for my disabled partner which didn't leave time for much else. I have a son who lives near me and he and his partner have been marvellous helping me to do all the necessary things after the death and taking me to various appointments etc. but they can't be at my beck and call all the time as they lead busy lives themselves. I also have Leukemia and take strong drugs for that.

It's this battle with food that is really getting me down. It was bad enough trying to force feed myself when I thought I could eat anything but now I have to also consider the effect of Carbs on my blood and it's a nightmare. I can't afford to lose any more weight but how can I eat enough Carbs to maintain my present weight?

I joined this forum many years ago when I was diagnosed pre-diabetic and I did the HFLC diet, lost 3 stone and reversed my diabetes but it has returned for some reason. I just feel so weak and unwell and stressed out. I don't know what to do.

 

[MrsA2]

I am truly sorry you have been through such a dreadful time, and , in bereavement terms, its still early days so don't be too hard on yourself.

However, there are a couple of red flags here that I think I might be worth you asking the GP for further tests just to rule out the possibility that Type1 has reared its head. Weightloss, thirst and general feeling so unwell could well be more typical of type 1 than type 2.
Your leukemia (and treatment) might be muddying the waters too, so please do ask for a thorough review and check over as your situation is probably a bit too complicated for a Diabetes Nurse at this time.

 

[Pipp]

Hi @copey399
Firstly, I am so sorry for your bereavement, and the difficulties you are having with the practicalities concerning the will. Also the complications with your health.

I note from your signature that you were diagnosed with T2 in 2014, and further posts since then suggest you managed to control that using the low carb way of eating. In the interim have you been monitoring your blood glucose levels, and continuing with low carb, or did you put all that on hold whilst caring for your partner?

You mention being prescribed Sitaglipin, which is a medication that can cause hypos, so low carb diet may not be the best for you when on that medication.

Sitagliptin: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More

Sitagliptin oral tablet is a prescription medication used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes. Sitagliptin oral tablet is available as the brand-name drug Januvia. It’s not available as a generic drug. Learn about this medication’s side effects, warnings, dosage, and more.

www.healthline.com

The combination of your T2, the meds for both that and your leukaemia , in addition to your sad, recent bereavement could be combining to exacerbate your symptoms. I wonder if your consultant for leukaemia might be able to offer better advice on medications for both conditions? Alternatively, could you ask to see a clinical pharmacist at your GP surgery, for a medication review? There are alternative meds that may suit you better, but it appears you need specialist advice.

 

[Melgar]

I'm so very sorry for your loss @copey399. Losing your partner, it's heartbreaking. As @MrsA2 says, it's still very early for you as you go through bereavement. Bereavement is a natural process that we go through, it takes time. It's positive you have family near by who can provide emotional support and practical help. I'm sure it is so overwhelming and everything is on line. So having to deal with impersonal on line sites, instead of just picking up the phone and talking to a person, can make you feel alone. And when you are dealing with all the legal stuff on top of your emotions, the numbness, your life just seems to stop and your coping mechanisms are challenged. The government provides websites on all the practical stuff, but even that is overwhelming. I had a close Aunt who died last fall, trying to navigate all practicalities, it was so difficult.

On top of this you have your own health concerns. It's good that you are here on the forum. Just having people who listen, knowing that you are being heard helps.

Stress can have a big impact on your blood sugars. Your body pumps out chemicals in times of stress. It's that fight or flight response that doesn't help you in these stressful and emotional times. This maybe what's driving up your blood sugars at the moment. Eating is important, even though you don't feel hungry, as your Dr suggests, eat a little something often. Even if you are able to drink some of these replacement meal supplements , the ones for diabetics they may help you. Your liver may also be trying to help by releasing glucose into your blood stream if you are not eating. I'm sure your Dr will keep an eye on your blood sugars. Running slightly high is not a huge deal in these situations so try not to worry.
We are here.

 

[JoKalsbeek]

After losing my beloved Partner just before Christmas and having problems with his Will (we had been together for 40 years but weren't married so I could have been homeless) I couldn't eat or sleep. I lost over 2 stones which is enough to put me into the ideal weight for my height. Then I started having to get up frequently in the night for the loo and my mouth is so dry and I have no sense of taste any more. I had my Partner's blood test kit and my numbers were elevated so saw my Surgery's Diabetic Nurse who did an HBA1c blood test and started me on Metformin. After a month I went to see her again and told her that I was struggling to eat and that my numbers weren't going down. She told me to stop taking the Metformin and started me on Sitagliptin. She didn't offer me any advice about the not being able to eat apart from saying have small frequent meals with lots of protein and vegetables and that I would feel better once I started on the Sitagliptin.

I've been taking them for a week now and nothing's changed. Fasting bloods are still in the 10s and 11s. This morning I had a meltdown and didn't want to go on. I'm 81 and have no life. My life used to be caring for my disabled partner which didn't leave time for much else. I have a son who lives near me and he and his partner have been marvellous helping me to do all the necessary things after the death and taking me to various appointments etc. but they can't be at my beck and call all the time as they lead busy lives themselves. I also have Leukemia and take strong drugs for that.

It's this battle with food that is really getting me down. It was bad enough trying to force feed myself when I thought I could eat anything but now I have to also consider the effect of Carbs on my blood and it's a nightmare. I can't afford to lose any more weight but how can I eat enough Carbs to maintain my present weight?

I joined this forum many years ago when I was diagnosed pre-diabetic and I did the HFLC diet, lost 3 stone and reversed my diabetes but it has returned for some reason. I just feel so weak and unwell and stressed out. I don't know what to do.

I'm so sorry for your loss. And I quite agree with the others: cancer (treatments) can affect your well-being as well, and you should probably get checked for Type 1, even if you've been prediabetic before. The onset seems to be so sudden now, and with the not eating and weight loss... Better get those GAD and C-peptide tests done and dusted, if nothing seems to impact your numbers.

I hope you find the will and stamina to keep taking care of yourself. After a loss this massive, it's hard to, I know... But you're still here. Try to keep going.

HUGS!!!!
Jo

 

[VashtiB]

My sympathies @copey399 It sounds like you have gone through a lot. Others have provided advice so I will just offer some virtual hugs and reassurance that there are always listening ears here if you need to vent.

Take care.

 

[copey399]

Thank you very much for all your lovely comments and helpful advice. xx I woke up in the early hours of Saturday morning with chest pains so I called my son who came round and phoned for an ambulance. The Paramedics decided to take me in although they didn't think it was critical. So I ended up sitting on a chair in A&E right near where the ambulance crew were in and out and it was freezing. Somebody got me a thin hospital blanket but it was miserable.
A lot of hanging about, waiting to be seen and having blood tests, ecg, X-rays etc. It seems my heart is OK but the blood tests threw up that I had a high level of D-dimers which is apparently a marker for possible blood clots so I have to return on Monday for a CT scan! It's one of those where they inject die into you and it's an all day thing as you have to go away and drink loads of water and then come back! What next I ask myself! I know the Leukemia drug I'm on has a reputation for causing Pulmonary Embolism so I hope I don't have to go on a different one as that's always a worry too, whether it's suitable and does the job. I got all the blood test results in my NHS app and it appears that my platelets aren't the best either and they've given me temporary blood thinners which won't help that. Oh dear .. stop the World I want to get off!

 

[lovinglife]

Oh dear @copey399 what a terrible time you’re having, such a lot on your plate it’s exhausting both physically & mentally, like @VashtiB says you’ve had the advice I would give but just wanted to give you a supportive hug too

 

[AndBreathe]

After losing my beloved Partner just before Christmas and having problems with his Will (we had been together for 40 years but weren't married so I could have been homeless) I couldn't eat or sleep. I lost over 2 stones which is enough to put me into the ideal weight for my height. Then I started having to get up frequently in the night for the loo and my mouth is so dry and I have no sense of taste any more. I had my Partner's blood test kit and my numbers were elevated so saw my Surgery's Diabetic Nurse who did an HBA1c blood test and started me on Metformin. After a month I went to see her again and told her that I was struggling to eat and that my numbers weren't going down. She told me to stop taking the Metformin and started me on Sitagliptin. She didn't offer me any advice about the not being able to eat apart from saying have small frequent meals with lots of protein and vegetables and that I would feel better once I started on the Sitagliptin.

I've been taking them for a week now and nothing's changed. Fasting bloods are still in the 10s and 11s. This morning I had a meltdown and didn't want to go on. I'm 81 and have no life. My life used to be caring for my disabled partner which didn't leave time for much else. I have a son who lives near me and he and his partner have been marvellous helping me to do all the necessary things after the death and taking me to various appointments etc. but they can't be at my beck and call all the time as they lead busy lives themselves. I also have Leukemia and take strong drugs for that.

It's this battle with food that is really getting me down. It was bad enough trying to force feed myself when I thought I could eat anything but now I have to also consider the effect of Carbs on my blood and it's a nightmare. I can't afford to lose any more weight but how can I eat enough Carbs to maintain my present weight?

I joined this forum many years ago when I was diagnosed pre-diabetic and I did the HFLC diet, lost 3 stone and reversed my diabetes but it has returned for some reason. I just feel so weak and unwell and stressed out. I don't know what to do.

Copey - I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Having been through a very stressful loss of a very close relative (thankfully, not my partner) around the same time, I do understand some of what must have been happening to you.

In terms of food, I'd be inclined to suggest that you fight one battle at a time. If you find yourself needing a bit of help (medication) for your diabetes, then so be it. You have to come out of the other end of this trauma fit for the next decades of life.

I'd urge you to concentrate on nutrition rich food, but not to the exclusion of all other pleasures in life. When you find yourself emerging and have better concentration and drive for life, then you can work on reducing meds or whatever. Medication is no badge of shame, but it would be a crying shame for you to be worse off by trying to do "the right thing".

Be kind to yourself in all of this. You matter and I'm sure your partner would only want that you move forward to a healthier future.

 

[AndBreathe]

@copey399 - Apologies; I meant to add in my earlier post that, for me, stress can have a real impact on my blood glucose numbers and I wouldn't be surprised if at least some of your challenge isn't stress related.

Of course I won't be crass enough to suggest you don't stress, because trust me, if I could work that bit out, I'd be shouting it from the rooftops. So, maybe just try to begin to accept you can only do what you can do and that not all things are under our control.

Tough times pass is my mantra of the moment.

 

[copey399]

Yes, I've read that stress isn't helpful in anything but unfortunately "stress" has become my middle name. They didn't give me a time for my appointment tomorrow and I thought they were going to text me but didn't hear anything so got stressed about having to phone the hospital to find out. And when I asked approximately how long it would take, first of all the nurse said "Oh I should think you'll be here all day" and then she said she'd ask someone and then said they couldn't tell as it depends on lots of things! My son's taking me and we have to be there for 9 am and I don't know whether to get dropped off and picked up later or what! We don't live very far from the hospital, about 8 miles, so I'd rather he didn't wait around all day. Just little things like that stress me out. I seem to be permanently stuck in fight or flight mode!

 

[AndBreathe]

Yes, I've read that stress isn't helpful in anything but unfortunately "stress" has become my middle name. They didn't give me a time for my appointment tomorrow and I thought they were going to text me but didn't hear anything so got stressed about having to phone the hospital to find out. And when I asked approximately how long it would take, first of all the nurse said "Oh I should think you'll be here all day" and then she said she'd ask someone and then said they couldn't tell as it depends on lots of things! My son's taking me and we have to be there for 9 am and I don't know whether to get dropped off and picked up later or what! We don't live very far from the hospital, about 8 miles, so I'd rather he didn't wait around all day. Just little things like that stress me out. I seem to be permanently stuck in fight or flight mode!

I can identify with your last remark.

i recently made a conscious decision to ring fence some time for myself, doing things I love. Initially my concentration was dire,but I’m clawing a little of that back. It’ll come and it will for you too.

In your shoes, tomorrow, I’d be dropped off. If you re finished quickly there are always coffee shop for a drink or a walk in the sunshine were forecast here anyway, if heading home can’t be immediate.

If you have your son wait, and it all goes on, you’ll only be concerned about keeping him hanging around.

 

[Outlier]

I get husband to drop me off and we arrange that I will phone him when ready to leave. I take something to read and some money in case I want/can buy a coffee. It isn't ideal but the best I can work out. I'd be very interested to know if anyone knows a better way.

 

[copey399]

Yes, that's what we did in the end and just as well as I was there from 9 am to about 3.30-ish. It was awful. The first canula they put in my upper arm wasn't in properly so all the dye went into the surrounding soft tissue and gave me a muscle like Popeye of excess fluid. It was so painful too. The second one in my hand worked but it was agony. Like having boiling water poured into me. I yelled when they did the first trial flush but they must be used to that because they just said "shout or swear, as long as you can stand it as it will save you having to come back" which I did. Luckily nothing abnormal was discovered but I have to go back on Thursday for them to check that the swelling has gone down and my arm hasn't turned black or anything!

 

[JoKalsbeek]

Yes, that's what we did in the end and just as well as I was there from 9 am to about 3.30-ish. It was awful. The first canula they put in my upper arm wasn't in properly so all the dye went into the surrounding soft tissue and gave me a muscle like Popeye of excess fluid. It was so painful too. The second one in my hand worked but it was agony. Like having boiling water poured into me. I yelled when they did the first trial flush but they must be used to that because they just said "shout or swear, as long as you can stand it as it will save you having to come back" which I did. Luckily nothing abnormal was discovered but I have to go back on Thursday for them to check that the swelling has gone down and my arm hasn't turned black or anything!

They missed the vein for me too, once, and it pooled... The contrast liquid makes me feel ill at the best of times, but that time, my arm was seriously on fire. So I'm reading this and think, yeah.... Completely justified, any yelling you did! Hope it'll not cause any more problems.

Glad they didn't find anything distressing, but I wish it'd gone a little easier.
Hugs,
Jo

 

[AndBreathe]

Yes, that's what we did in the end and just as well as I was there from 9 am to about 3.30-ish. It was awful. The first canula they put in my upper arm wasn't in properly so all the dye went into the surrounding soft tissue and gave me a muscle like Popeye of excess fluid. It was so painful too. The second one in my hand worked but it was agony. Like having boiling water poured into me. I yelled when they did the first trial flush but they must be used to that because they just said "shout or swear, as long as you can stand it as it will save you having to come back" which I did. Luckily nothing abnormal was discovered but I have to go back on Thursday for them to check that the swelling has gone down and my arm hasn't turned black or anything!

The great news it was done promptly and nothing found. Hopefully your arm will ease quickly and you can put it behind you.

 

[copey399]

They missed the vein for me too, once, and it pooled... The contrast liquid makes me feel ill at the best of times, but that time, my arm was seriously on fire. So I'm reading this and think, yeah.... Completely justified, any yelling you did! Hope it'll not cause any more problems.

Glad they didn't find anything distressing, but I wish it'd gone a little easier.
Hugs,
Jo

Thank you for backing me up over the pain. As I said, I have had CT scans with contrast before but never as painful as those and I have never heard anyone else say that it was painful. I hate the thought that everyone might think I just made a lot out of nothing much but it really was awful. My arm is still a bit red and uncomfortable but the swelling has gone down a lot so hopefully it won't take long to go completely.

 

[copey399]

I have just had a panic attack as my blood sugar was 15.2. My morning tests before breakfast still haven't really gone down much since starting the Sitagliptin 2 weeks ago and are still in the 8s or 9s. Bearing in mind that I am trying to put on weight or at least stop losing it I had a piece of wholemeal toast with sugar free peanut butter and a zero sugar yogurt for breakfast. I was about to make something for lunch but when I tested and saw 15.2 I went into panic mode because I couldn't think what I could have that wouldn't make it worse. In the end I tried phoning my GP for advice but they just said they didn't have any appointments and that I should phone 111 which I did. They were supposed to phone me back . That was about 4 hours ago and still heard nothing. So still sitting here, hungry, and no closer to knowing what I can eat. I took my Sitagliptin as soon as I saw the high number (I usually take it about now - 5-ish) but it's only down to 10.1 at the moment. I'm really fed up with this constant battle with food. I have to eat, I can't afford to lose any more weight, but what to have that isn't going to push my numbers up? I know I'm not physically active enough but at the age of 81 with weakness in my legs, I can't do much except potter around indoors. Surely the Sitagliptin should be regulating my numbers all day, not just after I take it.

I had to see the diabetic nurse on Tuesday as she also does the COPD review and I told her that my numbers weren't coming down as much as I thought they might and that I'm struggling with eating and she just smiled indulgently and said "It's good that you are testing" and offered no other advice or help.

It's all too much for me to deal with.

 

[AndBreathe]

I have just had a panic attack as my blood sugar was 15.2. My morning tests before breakfast still haven't really gone down much since starting the Sitagliptin 2 weeks ago and are still in the 8s or 9s. Bearing in mind that I am trying to put on weight or at least stop losing it I had a piece of wholemeal toast with sugar free peanut butter and a zero sugar yogurt for breakfast. I was about to make something for lunch but when I tested and saw 15.2 I went into panic mode because I couldn't think what I could have that wouldn't make it worse. In the end I tried phoning my GP for advice but they just said they didn't have any appointments and that I should phone 111 which I did. They were supposed to phone me back . That was about 4 hours ago and still heard nothing. So still sitting here, hungry, and no closer to knowing what I can eat. I took my Sitagliptin as soon as I saw the high number (I usually take it about now - 5-ish) but it's only down to 10.1 at the moment. I'm really fed up with this constant battle with food. I have to eat, I can't afford to lose any more weight, but what to have that isn't going to push my numbers up? I know I'm not physically active enough but at the age of 81 with weakness in my legs, I can't do much except potter around indoors. Surely the Sitagliptin should be regulating my numbers all day, not just after I take it.

I had to see the diabetic nurse on Tuesday as she also does the COPD review and I told her that my numbers weren't coming down as much as I thought they might and that I'm struggling with eating and she just smiled indulgently and said "It's good that you are testing" and offered no other advice or help.

It's all too much for me to deal with.

Copey, I'm sorry you are having such a torrid time at the moment. It's no fun at all, even to watch. I feel for you.

In terms of your way forward, I'm honestly thinking your stress levels aren't helping with this. Adrenalin tends to push our numbers up - sometimes quite a lot, and I feel certain your reaction to your higher number would have generated adrenalin.

The numbers you have seen are not emergency numbers - even the 15, although I'm totally with you on not wanting to have those sorts of numbers all the time. Bearing in mind where we are in the week, I'd encourage you to forget about the higher numbers for the weekend, although if you have stomach pains, sickness and constant urination, call 111 again, or if you feel unsafe 999.

Over the slightly longer term; are you seeing anyone to help dealing with the stress and emotional rollercoaster that intense grief brings to us? It could be worth looking into it. Sometimes talking to someone not in the maelstrom themselves is really worthwhile. It certainly helped me enormously after my mother passed away (several years ago now).

In terms of your medications, if you have just started on Sitagliptin, it could be your nurse will choose to increase your dose a bit. They usually start on a low dose - just in case you have an unwanted reaction to it.

But, in all of that, whether or not you need to gain weight, you need to eat. In your shoes, I'd concentrate on nutrient dense food, so meat, veg and if you fancy it, some berries, with a decent thick double cream. That'd ensure you are keeping the calories up, but not driving up your numbers to the extent bread (just as an example) might.

As I have said before; fight one battle at a time. You need to be nourished to be well. It's amazing how connected our physical and mental states can be.

 

[Melgar]

As stressful as it is @copey399 try not to panic. The stress will push your blood sugars up further. I say that, I got sick and my blood sugars shot up to 17 mmol/Ls and stayed there all week and I wasn't happy with that number. So I know, and like you I struggle to keep my weight on which means I have to eat carbs. @copey399 keep pushing for an appointment with your Dr. The squeaky wheel as they say. Push them for an appointment. I live in Canada so it might be different here , but usually they do reserve appointments for more urgent cases. Kids with strep that kind of thing, so push. If you get nowhere call 999.
Push for a C-Peptide test. That test will tell your Dr how much insulin you are producing. If it is low then they will revisit your diagnoses. I am sirry you are going through all these health issues.