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Not formally diagnosed yet, but its on the cards

P

Pontyslapper

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Prefer not to say
Treatment type
Other
Went to local GUM clinic for an issue with my old boy as it was quicker to be seen than waiting for GP appointment and they did a whole gamut of blood tests and the doctor suspected diabetes so popped a vial in for testing.

Figures came back at 34.4 when the normal range they expect is 3-8 ??? As they aren't diabetes experts, I was advised to seek GP advice ASAP

Booked a blood test at GP as first port of call as getting passed the dragons on reception line for appointments is hopeless. Managed to get a doctor callback on the day of blood test. Never advised if needed to eat or not, so just carried on as normal. Didn't seem to be an issue. Dropping pee sample tomorrow first thing.

I guess I'm about a week away from knowing what I'm in for. Merely here to read up on how to proceed and what to expect, or have an idea, anyhow as everyone is different.
 
Welcome to the forum. Which country do you live in?

If your measurement of 34 was mm/mol then that is dangerously high, however was it a fingerprick test, if so how long after you ate was it done.
 
Pontyslapper said:
Figures came back at 34.4 when the normal range they expect is 3-8 ??? As they aren't diabetes experts, I was advised to seek GP advice ASAP
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If you feel in any way unwell, call 111 for advice or go to A and E. A blood sugar of 34 is dangerously high, I'm surprised they sent you off with the advice to contact your GP.
 
Thanks for the responses - no idea what measurement scale it was on - I know it was a 'proper' blood test as it was one of about 6 vials - very nearly an armful in Hancock parlance. I'm in the UK, so now just waiting on the GP blood tests that have the GP diabetes doctor's name on the pee test proforma, so I'm guessing that coupled with the fact he was the doctor who rang me, might mean I'll get some decent advice going forward. He also suffers I believe, so I'm hoping he'll be well up on stuff.
 
A proper test for diabetes is called hba1c. Your result of 34.4 is normal. Prediabetic starts at 42. Diabetes is diagnosed at 48.

That is for T2. There are varients of T1 that can start later on in life.

How is your weight?
 
Not sure it was a hba1c then as the lady who gave me the results seemed very concerned and told me to get onto the GP immediately. She also mentioned to say to the GP that I'd need a hba1c.

Just found the bit of paper I wrote stuff down on and it was a random glucose test if that means anything.

Its all becoming a little clearer now. I'm starting to pick up lots of relevant info thanks to these forums and info on the site.
 
If you can nip out to a chemist tomorrow, ask if they can give you a fingerprick test.
 
xfieldok said:
A proper test for diabetes is called hba1c. Your result of 34.4 is normal. Prediabetic starts at 42. Diabetes is diagnosed at 48.

That is for T2. There are varients of T1 that can start later on in life.

How is your weight?
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If that was the case though, why would the people at the clinic have advised him to see a GP 'asap' and mentioned the norm being '3-8'?

Edited to add is seems to have been clarified by the OP.
 
Pontyslapper said:
Not sure it was a hba1c then as the lady who gave me the results seemed very concerned and told me to get onto the GP immediately. She also mentioned to say to the GP that I'd need a hba1c.

Just found the bit of paper I wrote stuff down on and it was a random glucose test if that means anything.

Its all becoming a little clearer now. I'm starting to pick up lots of relevant info thanks to these forums and info on the site.
Click to expand...

Hi Ponty, did you say your (own) GP had rung you? What did he say? It's a little confusing I know but if your glucose test was the equivalent to a one off finger prick test, then that 34 is extremely high, I don't think it would even register on my glucometer (only goes up to 32 then says 'Hi' and I don't mean hello)!!!! Surely he can't leave you like that all weekend or a 'week' waiting for results of a blood test, undiagnosed! You could have ketones as well for all anybody knows which adds another potentially dangerous combination. If I were you I would call for advice right now. x
 
Just an update for those who've been helpful. I am Type 2.

Started treatment today - just had dinner and my first 500mg of Metformin. Due to my job, I was advised to get an Accu-chek mobile so I came to an agreement with my doctor - I'd fund the initial machine and he'll repeat prescribe the consumables (cassettes and Fastclix lancets). Scored a 'bargain' in the local Boots - check the stock on shelf - 5 units at 50 quid each. Enquired about the VAT exemption and the pharmacist lady printed the form. Just mentioned about the expiry date on base of box being end of next month. She called the pharmacist over who then rang store manager. Ended up with 2 for £50 plus various advantage card points.

So I have 100 tests to use by the end of next month and a repeat script for consumables. I'm happy as I wasn't liking the idea of carrying sharps into work due to the situation and lack of secure storage.

Wife and kids were my guinea pigs to get my aim right on the blood spot - only 1 fail and that was because I wanted to see how little blood it would take to get a result.

My first reading was 15.1 several hours (about 5pm) after some food at 10am ish.

Just waiting now for my 2 hours to be up for the next attempt - post food and Metformin.
 
Just to mention that you will find you don't need to change the needle very often. The printed instructions are intended for use on multiple people, but when tis your own there no danger of cross infection. I started off using a new one each time but am now down to one about every 3 or 4 months, if I remember or when it starts to feel blunt
. And once you get the knack, and then learn which foods you can tolerate you won't need strips so often. I'm now down to one day and exrra for new foods only
 
Just done my second test - 21.5 after a healthy portion of my wife's lush chilli and rice.
 
Don't lance the pad of your finger, it hurts. Ideal place is the side of the finger, just under the nail.
 
Pontyslapper said:
Just done my second test - 21.5 after a healthy portion of my wife's lush chilli and rice.
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How long after meal, what were they before?
The carbs in the rice may well be causing a blood sugar increase, the beans in the chili probably too
As T2 carbs are going to be not very good for you. Metformin is going to make very little difference unless your diet changes too I'm afraid. Those levels need to come down and sustained at those levels are a sure path to more drugs without other changes

Welcome to the club, lots of.good advice and help on here.
 
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