Newly diagnosed - long wait acceptable?

[Linz240]

Morning!

I had my hbA1c test last week and can see on my NHS app that my results have come back at 80mmol/mol.

This morning I’ve had a text from the GP with an appointment for the end of April to see the diabetic nurse to discuss the results.

With my results being so high, am I right in thinking that’s a long time to wait to start on meds? Would you contact the GP to get an earlier appointment/phone appointment to start on meds or does a 1 month wait to start sound fine?

It seems like a very long wait to me, but am I just overreacting?

 

[Antje77]

With my results being so high, am I right in thinking that’s a long time to wait to start on meds? Would you contact the GP to get an earlier appointment/phone appointment to start on meds

I would give it a try with the GP, the worst thing that can happen is not getting an earlier appointment, and contacting them shows that you're motivated to do something about your diabetes.

 

[LynsK]

I would give it a try with the GP, the worst thing that can happen is not getting an earlier appointment, and contacting them shows that you're motivated to do something about your diabetes.

I was really lucky with my GP she listened to my symptoms did a finger prick and water test there and then started me on gliclazide that same day as she was unsure if I was type one or 2 I had bloods the next day she called writhing 24hrs and said I was definitely diabetic she had me with the diabetic team within a week. They put me on insulin straight away. I was told I was diabetic 7 weeks ago, confirmed type 1 2 weeks ago and now I have the libre 2 fitted. They have been amazing I would definitely call them and say you want medicating sooner, last thing you want is a hypo/hyper without the equipment you need xxx

 

[Resurgam]

Morning!

I had my hbA1c test last week and can see on my NHS app that my results have come back at 80mmol/mol.

This morning I’ve had a text from the GP with an appointment for the end of April to see the diabetic nurse to discuss the results.

With my results being so high, am I right in thinking that’s a long time to wait to start on meds? Would you contact the GP to get an earlier appointment/phone appointment to start on meds or does a 1 month wait to start sound fine?

It seems like a very long wait to me, but am I just overreacting?

It is rather a long wait, but to be honest my GP has been as much use as a chocolate teapot in my reversal of type 2.
Perhaps the best way forward is the tried and tested method of buying a blood glucose tester and starting to look at your blood glucose levels after eating.
Altering your menu to lower your levels should give you a good start by the time you see your GP.

 

[EllieM]

Hi @Linz240 and welcome to the forums.

80mmol/mol corresponds to an avergae blood sugar of 12.5mmol/L over the last 3 months.

It's not great but some people post here have been diagnosed with levels much higher...

Is this a new diagnosis or are you already diagnosed and on medication? What medication are you on at the moment?

If it's T2 (and not a different type of diabetes, there are several) then you may have some scope to reduce your levels by reducing the carbs in your diet, though you may have to be careful if you are on certain types of medication.

 

[Lobsang Tsultim]

I think it's common to do two HbA1c tests close together to confirm a diabetes diagnosis. Waiting a month seems strange to me based on my experience. Once I had my second test (a couple of days after the first one), I had an appointment with the GP within a week, and he put me on metformin, booked me on a diabetic course (which wasn't really useful but anyway), and scheduled me to have a foot check with the nurse. Now, I don't often see the Doctor - I just go in and get bloods taken by the nurse, which is then followed up with a phone call to discuss the results. By low-carbing, I brought my blood sugar levels down to normal levels within 3 months (I had to phone to prompt the GP for that 3-month check - he'd forgotten). About 6 months after diagnosis, I was contacted to go and get a diabetic eye check, but I had no problems, so was told they'd see me in a year.

 

[catinahat]

It seems like a very long wait to me, but am I just overreacting?

You are right, it is a long time and sort of highlights the trouble our NHS is in at the moment.
Diagnosis can be a worrying time and we understand your anxieties.
Your HbA1c is a measure of how much glucose has stuck to your blood cells throughout their life span.
The cells usually live for around 12 weeks, so the HbA1c is regarded as a sort of average of your blood sugar levels over the last 3 months or so.
Your level is high but no where near the highest we have ever seen, and it has been around that level for the last 3 months. If you are confirmed as T2, it doesn't come on overnight, your levels have probably been rising for quite some time.
The point I'm trying to make is that the only thing that has changed is that now you are aware of your high levels.
Nothing drastic is going to happen between now and your appointment and to be honest your Dr or nurse can't give you a magic pill that will make it go away.
Your diet is causing the high sugar levels, only you can change that. When you eventually get your levels down to something more acceptable, it will be largely due to your efforts, not your Dr's.

 

[Bludnok]

I think it's common to do two HbA1c tests close together to confirm a diabetes diagnosis. Waiting a month seems strange to me based on my experience. Once I had my second test (a couple of days after the first one), I had an appointment with the GP within a week, and he put me on metformin, booked me on a diabetic course (which wasn't really useful but anyway), and scheduled me to have a foot check with the nurse. Now, I don't often see the Doctor - I just go in and get bloods taken by the nurse, which is then followed up with a phone call to discuss the results. By low-carbing, I brought my blood sugar levels down to normal levels within 3 months (I had to phone to prompt the GP for that 3-month check - he'd forgotten). About 6 months after diagnosis, I was contacted to go and get a diabetic eye check, but I had no problems, so was told they'd see me in a year.

Interesting - I had my HbA1c with a BUPA healthcheck, followed up with a nurse .. who said she'd send me a link to book a second one in two to three months time at the local hospital. The link didn't work ... so I've got myself a finger pricker and doing it by myself for now!

 

[HSSS]

I think it's common to do two HbA1c tests close together to confirm a diabetes diagnosis.

Common yes, but not required if there is supporting evidence such as symptoms or a serum glucose test. I only ever had the one. My only symptom was tiredness hardly unique to T2. I asked for confirmation and they did a fasted serum glucose that time. Not sure why it happened like that but it complies with NICE.