Newly Diagnosed effecting my job.

[apaton]

Im newly diagnosed, been put on Metformin 3 times a day. but after a few consultations with my doctor it looks like i might need to find a new career. I work in sales, even when i get my blood sugar to a reasonable level I cant concentrate, i have blurred vision and really struggle to not slur my words, the doctor says this will happen regardless of what my blood sugar levels are like. Ive worked in sales for 15 years and Love what i do, but I just cant think fast enough to do my job any more. Is this normal?

 

[jack412]

T2 on metformin should settle down quickly after your BG is back under control. it's normal for your body to be 'shocked' by the sudden reduction.

 

[apaton]

How long does it usually last? im about to loose my job because of the time ive taken off. Changed my diet drastically which has bought the blood sugar down, but not by much

 

[Mike d]

what are those BS levels?

 

[jack412]

I assumed you went low carb to get your BG down, metformin b y its self won't do much
it’s a long page and a few good video’s
http://www.dietdoctor.com/lchf
For me, the more carbs we eat the more carbs we want. they don’t give up easy
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarb101/a/firstweek.htm

 

[apaton]

it was fasting at 16.5 then fluctuating as low 6 before dinner then back up to 14 its now leveled at between 11 and 12.3

 

[Mike d]

Way too many spikes and far too high (comparatively) at the least.

About to hit bed, but need your HB1AC and your diet particulars

 

[apaton]

doctors couldnt draw enough blood to have it done, they did a fasting test on the blood glucose machine that was 11.6, hungry all the time but ive cut out most carbs despite what the doctor said, dropped nearly all sugar. had a fasting level of 12.3 had bacon and scrambled eggs for breakfast and after an hour it dropped to 11.1

 

[jack412]

the hunger should only last 2 days after you cut out the carbs, no grain, no grain product, no starchy veg, no sugars including fruit/juice
you replace the lost carb energy with healthy fats

 

[phil1966]

I've found my concentration levels and overrall energy has improved since I've gone lchf and got my blood sugar down - did your doctor say why they think you'll continue to have issues even if you get your BS down?

Also, a drastic change of diet may have to be more drastic than you think - I've eliminated bread, rice, pasta, potatoes and all root vegetables, switched to black coffee and count carbs religiously. It was tough at first but after a couple of weeks it became second nature and I'm reaping the benefits now of getting my BS down from 17+ on diagnosis in November to 4.7 most mornings with no spikes above 6.5 from food

 

[apaton]

he said until i get it down and get use to it im going to continue to suffer these problems,

 

[carty]

First of all don't panic! I know it is scary but you can lower your BG s with the good advice on here and as your levels go down you will feel a lot better I know because I have been there !
If you are in danger of losing your job soon could you contact the personnel dept (or what ever they are called now) and explain that you have been diagnosed with diabetes and that is why you have been having problems but now you are getting it under control you will soon be back to your old self
CAROL

 

[sanguine]

Hi @apaton welcome - your symptoms should improve in a relatively short time if you are just on metformin and go for a low-carb diet, so I would hang in there as far as your job is concerned. Speak to your HR people, unfortunately your doctor's negative attitude may not be much help.

Have a read of the first linked item in my sig below and ask any questions.

 

[Daphne917]

Hi and welcome to the forum! Re your job you are covered by the Disability Act 2010 which takes account of 'unseen' disabilities and illnesses such as diabetes and epilepsy. As you are newly diagnosed it would not be unreasonable to expect your employer to give you time to stabilise your blood sugars and treatment tovenable you to work effectively.

 

[Pollylocks]

he said until i get it down and get use to it im going to continue to suffer these problems,

Your GP sounds very negative and not at all supportive, the opposite of what you need when you're newly diagnosed.

It'll take a short while to settle down, the metformin will help, follow the advice of whats in the above posts.....there's advice all over the rest of the forum too, have a look around.

I agree with whats been said, HR are the people to see, as long as they're kept informed they should be helpful and talk things through with you, that's a large part of their job.

 

[Patricia21]

Hello and welcome.
After 15 years they cant finish you for being ill.
i would take a week or so on the sick you will soon feel better.Look at the diet it will help you a lot,also the metformin takes a bit of getting used to.
You have come to the right place for help.
Dont panic you will be fine.

 

[Kat100]

Hello welcome , yes you have rights at work I agree with that ...all to support you ...
And as allready said some time off , ...good suggestion that ...to relax ...
Just let your mind and body get used to everything you are taking on board ....

Let us know how you are getting on ....kat

 

[apaton]

ive only been in the job 3 months, manager has already stated i wont pass probation due to time off

 

[Patricia21]

Sorry thought it was 15 years.
How much time have you had off,Did they know you were diabetic before you started work?
They still cant stop you for being ill.
Do you have a contract?

 

[apaton]

i was diagnosed 3 weeks ago, they can see when it started to have a very negative effect on me, my performance dropped really quick, ive had 10 days total 4 of which they forced me to take and 5 days they forced me to work part time. ive had 2 spikes that have prevented me from going to work. i do have a contract but probationary periods means they can sack me for pretty much any reason