Hi all,
On 30th November I found myself in the A&E department of a London hospital receiving treatment for a severe headache which appeared out of the blue whilst at work. After some tests which indicated a BG of 24 I was told I had diabetes although they were not sure whether it was type 1 or 2. After three days I was sent home from Hospital with both Metformin and Insulin which I took for 2 weeks until I saw the hospital consultant who confirmed the diagnosis as Type 2. I was immediately taken off Insulin and the metformin dosage doubled to 1g twice a day.
Back at home in Essex I was sent to see my Doctor who then sent me to their diabetic Nurse who asked for fresh blood tests to be done before she could see me. I had the blood tests last week and the appointment with the Nurse today. She told me my HbA1c was 'high' @ 66 and that the Doctor wanted to see me about increasing my Metformin dosage from the current 2mg a day. I reminded the nurse that I was only diagnosed in December and therefore have only had one month of the tablets and dietary changes I have made. She then said I should book further blood tests in three months and another appointment with her. I'm still under the care of the London based Consultant with whom I have a follow up appointment scheduled for 12th February. His last letter (from 13th December) to my Doctor stated he would discharge me to my Doctors care if all is well at the 12th Feb appointment.
I asked the Nurse about eye screening and was told an appointment would be made in due course.
I also asked if I could see a dietician and was told it would be in about 6 months. Working out what to eat and in what quantity is proving to be tricky. The hospital consultant told me to 'just eat normally with smaller portions'. My Doctor said 'no way' and to cut out as much sugar and carbs as possible. The Diabetic Nurse told me to follow something called the Eatwell plate. I understand low carbs and low sugar is better but it seems to me everything low carbs and sugar is high fat and salt. I find myself looking at every food wrapper or packet before I buy anything but still end up confused as to what is 'low'.
Due to the initial uncertainty over whether I was Type 1 or 2, the Hospital issued me with 2 BG testers and I have been able to get additional supplies on prescription. I have been testing BG at 9pm most evenings which is normally 2 hours after eating and for the last few days have averaged around 5.4.
Occasionally I wake during the night to find my pyjamas literally soaked in sweat. Some days it is so bad that I have to change the bed sheets in addition to my pyjamas! The Nurse advised me to test my BG when that happens.
I have also had high blood pressure for about 5 years but that now seems under better control and was 136/76 when taken by the Nurse earlier.
Any thoughts or advice would be welcome!
Kind regards,
Peter
On 30th November I found myself in the A&E department of a London hospital receiving treatment for a severe headache which appeared out of the blue whilst at work. After some tests which indicated a BG of 24 I was told I had diabetes although they were not sure whether it was type 1 or 2. After three days I was sent home from Hospital with both Metformin and Insulin which I took for 2 weeks until I saw the hospital consultant who confirmed the diagnosis as Type 2. I was immediately taken off Insulin and the metformin dosage doubled to 1g twice a day.
Back at home in Essex I was sent to see my Doctor who then sent me to their diabetic Nurse who asked for fresh blood tests to be done before she could see me. I had the blood tests last week and the appointment with the Nurse today. She told me my HbA1c was 'high' @ 66 and that the Doctor wanted to see me about increasing my Metformin dosage from the current 2mg a day. I reminded the nurse that I was only diagnosed in December and therefore have only had one month of the tablets and dietary changes I have made. She then said I should book further blood tests in three months and another appointment with her. I'm still under the care of the London based Consultant with whom I have a follow up appointment scheduled for 12th February. His last letter (from 13th December) to my Doctor stated he would discharge me to my Doctors care if all is well at the 12th Feb appointment.
I asked the Nurse about eye screening and was told an appointment would be made in due course.
I also asked if I could see a dietician and was told it would be in about 6 months. Working out what to eat and in what quantity is proving to be tricky. The hospital consultant told me to 'just eat normally with smaller portions'. My Doctor said 'no way' and to cut out as much sugar and carbs as possible. The Diabetic Nurse told me to follow something called the Eatwell plate. I understand low carbs and low sugar is better but it seems to me everything low carbs and sugar is high fat and salt. I find myself looking at every food wrapper or packet before I buy anything but still end up confused as to what is 'low'.
Due to the initial uncertainty over whether I was Type 1 or 2, the Hospital issued me with 2 BG testers and I have been able to get additional supplies on prescription. I have been testing BG at 9pm most evenings which is normally 2 hours after eating and for the last few days have averaged around 5.4.
Occasionally I wake during the night to find my pyjamas literally soaked in sweat. Some days it is so bad that I have to change the bed sheets in addition to my pyjamas! The Nurse advised me to test my BG when that happens.
I have also had high blood pressure for about 5 years but that now seems under better control and was 136/76 when taken by the Nurse earlier.
Any thoughts or advice would be welcome!
Kind regards,
Peter
