Hello everyone. This is my first day on this Forum and as you can imagine I am shaking and shivering with anxiety. My journey to being possibly diabetic has been brutal and fraught with fear. I started to write the whole story, but then realised that nobody would be that interested, so basically this is just to say I have joined the forum and hope to be able to read advice given to others on how to manage with a possible diagnosis.
Possibly diabetic but so tired of not knowing
- Thread starter sadancer
- Start Date
We ARE interested! Everybody's story is help and support to others on the same journey. And we offer help and support even though our individual circumstances may be different. Most of us have been where you are now. It gets better. MUCH better. You are among friends - tell us about anything you want to share. No question is stupid or irrelevant. Welcome.
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Hi sadancer and welcome to the forums.
There is a lot of support here for new diabetics, even if they are only possibly so.
Why don't you tell us some of your story and get some help?
I'll start with a question. Have you seen a doctor yet about your fear?
Once more, welcome.
There is a lot of support here for new diabetics, even if they are only possibly so.
Why don't you tell us some of your story and get some help?
I'll start with a question. Have you seen a doctor yet about your fear?
Once more, welcome.
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Hello and welcome. It's always useful to record your history. It really helps others to have as much knowledge about your experiences as possible, and eventually someone else will be reading what you've written and getting a bit of support and information from it.
Plus, if you're anything like me, you'll have forgotten half the stuff by next year.
Plus, if you're anything like me, you'll have forgotten half the stuff by next year.
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- Type of diabetes
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Welcome to the forum and please tell your story, that’s what a forums for, we are friendly bunch and we’ve all been in your shoes at some point 
It's a very long story - but the shortest version is that I went into doc for an NHS health check as requested by the asthma nurse cos "I never got sick". The results of the check were ridiculous - all of them. The nurse got the on call doc to give instructions and she took bloods and handed my a BP monitor for a week. The on call doc called me later and basically was incredibly rude and abusive, telling me that I would die if I went ahead with dental sedation which was happening the very next day. I survived the sedation and then received a second call from the same doc (who to date has not even seen me in the flesh) calling me a medical emergency, yelling at me I was diabetic and demanding I get urgent and immediate treatment. And he called me morbidly obese at the same time. I refused to talk further to him and reached out to another doc at the GP's who I knew and trusted. He went through everything with me, advised this is a possible diagnosis but not definite and we agreed I would try Metformin to see if that would bring down the high figure (138mmol I think it is called). We also chatted about looking into "hidden sugar" in my diet as I was already very aware of blatant sugar and worked hard to avoid them - I had been loosely following a Mediterranean way of eating for almost a year at that stage - Vitamin D deficiency and irritable liver - I am not a drinker at all, the very occasional glass of wine is truly occasional and was happy on that diet. I had and still have not a single symptom of being diabetic!
Metformin tried its hardest to kill me - I had pretty much every side effect possible, including diarrhoea so bad that I was not able to leave my home or even go up/down stairs without consequences. We swapped to the slow release which actually made the side effects worse. Including emotional and mental changes to the extent I lost my job. I went to see the diabetic nurse and told her I just wanted to die now as I couldn't do this anymore. She stopped the MF and put me on to Dapaglyflozin although I had 2 weeks off of all meds to clear things. I was also give a statin at the same time which swung me completely in the opposite direction to constipation. So the nurse stopped that and has prescribed a different one - which I am not taking, as I haven't yet been able to regulate my body between the two opposites. She also asked me to talk to the mental health professional - sadly the outcome of that is the lady decided I need a diet plan which would solve my issues!
Finally, I have pretty much changed what I eat - I eat less than half of what I did before, I have no appetite for food and berate myself every single day, all day when I eat anything which is deemed bad (based on the millions of lists telling me what I should not eat). I have lost 8kg give or take in the last few months. I no longer go out to visit friends (other than the one who knows what I am going through) as I refuse to tell anyone since I already know I will be ridiculed and looked down on. Going out for a meal is beyond hurtful ... there is nothing that i can eat other than possibly a salad made of leaves and nothing else. So my life has now shrunk to almost nothing.
I swim every weekday morning and go to two different dance classes each week - and the doc also told me that I do not do enough exercise and am considered completely inactive.
The most recent update is that I am now taking Alogliptin (spelling) as my most recent Hb1ac (is that the right way) was up on the previous one I had by a significant margin ... and this together with the Dapa has resulted in headaches, nausea, shakiness and it looks like a weight gain.
So I am an emotional and anxious mess, ready to just give up completely
Sorry for the long diatribe ... I tried to keep it as short as possible!
Metformin tried its hardest to kill me - I had pretty much every side effect possible, including diarrhoea so bad that I was not able to leave my home or even go up/down stairs without consequences. We swapped to the slow release which actually made the side effects worse. Including emotional and mental changes to the extent I lost my job. I went to see the diabetic nurse and told her I just wanted to die now as I couldn't do this anymore. She stopped the MF and put me on to Dapaglyflozin although I had 2 weeks off of all meds to clear things. I was also give a statin at the same time which swung me completely in the opposite direction to constipation. So the nurse stopped that and has prescribed a different one - which I am not taking, as I haven't yet been able to regulate my body between the two opposites. She also asked me to talk to the mental health professional - sadly the outcome of that is the lady decided I need a diet plan which would solve my issues!
Finally, I have pretty much changed what I eat - I eat less than half of what I did before, I have no appetite for food and berate myself every single day, all day when I eat anything which is deemed bad (based on the millions of lists telling me what I should not eat). I have lost 8kg give or take in the last few months. I no longer go out to visit friends (other than the one who knows what I am going through) as I refuse to tell anyone since I already know I will be ridiculed and looked down on. Going out for a meal is beyond hurtful ... there is nothing that i can eat other than possibly a salad made of leaves and nothing else. So my life has now shrunk to almost nothing.
I swim every weekday morning and go to two different dance classes each week - and the doc also told me that I do not do enough exercise and am considered completely inactive.
The most recent update is that I am now taking Alogliptin (spelling) as my most recent Hb1ac (is that the right way) was up on the previous one I had by a significant margin ... and this together with the Dapa has resulted in headaches, nausea, shakiness and it looks like a weight gain.
So I am an emotional and anxious mess, ready to just give up completely
Sorry for the long diatribe ... I tried to keep it as short as possible!
Sadancer
I am the same just diagnosed feel horrified
Fit vegatarian 58 year old dontvdrink don't smoke eats healthy ..
No help from clinic ..I'm reading nhs stuff on Web..bought a recipe book for diabetic vegetarian yes thank god there is one ..
I feel at a loss ..you not alone xx
I am the same just diagnosed feel horrified
Fit vegatarian 58 year old dontvdrink don't smoke eats healthy ..
No help from clinic ..I'm reading nhs stuff on Web..bought a recipe book for diabetic vegetarian yes thank god there is one ..
I feel at a loss ..you not alone xx
HSSS
Expert
- Messages
- 7,673
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
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- Diet only
Oh my word what a hard time you’re having. Where to start? First please try to stop beating yourself up. You are where you are and the way forward is what matters much more than the past. It does sound like all this has made you so miserable it’s hard to see the wood from the trees. So let’s try and break things down into manageable chunks.
Are you on any medications right now for diabetes? That might affect the suggestions given. Do you have a blood glucose meter to use at home? If not getting one and learning how to use it is the single best bit of advice I can give you outside of diet stuff.
Although the original dr had an appalling manner he is right in the an hba1c (3 month average check for diabetes) is extremely high at 135 (and it’s higher now?) which is why they have tried you on medications. It is also true that diet helps those of use with type 2 more than most drugs in most circumstances. But saying that alone isn’t awfully helpful on its own. The conversation about hidden sugars is on the mark and loosely following Mediterranean might need to become more strictly following it. But that doesn’t mean you need to eat leaves alone. Meat, fish, dairy, most vegetables, salad, eggs and even dark chocolate is on the menu. The issues with irritable liver are common with type 2 it’s called non alcoholic fatty liver disease. Many of us get no obvious symptom, some we only notice when they stop. And metfomin sadly has the same effect on a lot of people.
please have a read of these and see if any lightbulbs come on or it gives you a way forward. It’s how many of us have found success. Ask as many questions as you like too. It’s how we learn (and unlearn) what we know or think we know.
Intro to T2 and low carb. https://josekalsbeek.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-nutritional-thingy.html
All the things I wish I’d been told earlier https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/th...ish-i’d-been-told-at-type-2-diagnosis.173817/
Included in the second one is a link to this page which also explains a lot about type 2 https://www.dietdoctor.com/diabetes and how to approach it from a simple but scientific front.
Are you on any medications right now for diabetes? That might affect the suggestions given. Do you have a blood glucose meter to use at home? If not getting one and learning how to use it is the single best bit of advice I can give you outside of diet stuff.
Although the original dr had an appalling manner he is right in the an hba1c (3 month average check for diabetes) is extremely high at 135 (and it’s higher now?) which is why they have tried you on medications. It is also true that diet helps those of use with type 2 more than most drugs in most circumstances. But saying that alone isn’t awfully helpful on its own. The conversation about hidden sugars is on the mark and loosely following Mediterranean might need to become more strictly following it. But that doesn’t mean you need to eat leaves alone. Meat, fish, dairy, most vegetables, salad, eggs and even dark chocolate is on the menu. The issues with irritable liver are common with type 2 it’s called non alcoholic fatty liver disease. Many of us get no obvious symptom, some we only notice when they stop. And metfomin sadly has the same effect on a lot of people.
please have a read of these and see if any lightbulbs come on or it gives you a way forward. It’s how many of us have found success. Ask as many questions as you like too. It’s how we learn (and unlearn) what we know or think we know.
Intro to T2 and low carb. https://josekalsbeek.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-nutritional-thingy.html
All the things I wish I’d been told earlier https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/th...ish-i’d-been-told-at-type-2-diagnosis.173817/
Included in the second one is a link to this page which also explains a lot about type 2 https://www.dietdoctor.com/diabetes and how to approach it from a simple but scientific front.
Linskic
Active Member
- Messages
- 29
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Other
I came on yesterday possible diabetic… I got nothing but advice and reassurance.. ita a lovely supportive place and I only joined yesterday. I totally understand your concerns… it is life changing but with the experience strength and hope this platform provides.. I’m sure it will make our journeys a lot less lonely and informative. Take care and try not to overthink .. that’s what I’m telling myself big hugs Linz x
@HSSS - thank you for your reply. The links are great and I will go through them!
1. I am currently taking 1 Dapaglyflozin 10mg and 1 Alogliptin 25mg every day. They are supposed to work well together, but I am having side effects from both as well as side effects with them combined
2. I do have a BG meter at home - it was given to me to do a 4 point profile test for 5 days to see if there was a reason for the increase in the Hb1Ac - my initial result was 138, then it went down to 84 and then back up to 94. The result of those 5 days was the addition of Alogliptin as I was only on Dapaglyflozin at that stage. The readings I did during those 5 days were all over the place, but also not at all indicative of the high reading so that is why the extra meds!
3. The docs behaviour has truly affected me as every time I open my mouth I hear his voice in my head yelling at me ... not a fun experience.
4. I've also had a CT scan a few months back and my pancreas, liver and kidneys are all in perfect shape (so the change of diet for the issue with the liver at the beginning of last year seems to have been resolved).
5. I like the Mediterranean diet and wasn't unhappy being on it ... the problem I have now is the fear that I cannot get rid of - I am honestly terrified to eat, but when I give up and put food in my mouth, I then suffer hours of guilt at doing that.
6. Going shopping these days is just awful. I don't enjoy it anyway, but now it is oppressive and related to the labels of things! And the expense of buying food which is "good" food has become another issue ...
I am such a strong person normally, and have been through so much in my life and come out stronger and better. This struggle is really damaging me - my confidence, my self care and I am desperate to get away from my hubby, my friends and just be alone!
So hoping that being able to just share with people who have the same issues can be of help!
1. I am currently taking 1 Dapaglyflozin 10mg and 1 Alogliptin 25mg every day. They are supposed to work well together, but I am having side effects from both as well as side effects with them combined
2. I do have a BG meter at home - it was given to me to do a 4 point profile test for 5 days to see if there was a reason for the increase in the Hb1Ac - my initial result was 138, then it went down to 84 and then back up to 94. The result of those 5 days was the addition of Alogliptin as I was only on Dapaglyflozin at that stage. The readings I did during those 5 days were all over the place, but also not at all indicative of the high reading so that is why the extra meds!
3. The docs behaviour has truly affected me as every time I open my mouth I hear his voice in my head yelling at me ... not a fun experience.
4. I've also had a CT scan a few months back and my pancreas, liver and kidneys are all in perfect shape (so the change of diet for the issue with the liver at the beginning of last year seems to have been resolved).
5. I like the Mediterranean diet and wasn't unhappy being on it ... the problem I have now is the fear that I cannot get rid of - I am honestly terrified to eat, but when I give up and put food in my mouth, I then suffer hours of guilt at doing that.
6. Going shopping these days is just awful. I don't enjoy it anyway, but now it is oppressive and related to the labels of things! And the expense of buying food which is "good" food has become another issue ...
I am such a strong person normally, and have been through so much in my life and come out stronger and better. This struggle is really damaging me - my confidence, my self care and I am desperate to get away from my hubby, my friends and just be alone!
So hoping that being able to just share with people who have the same issues can be of help!
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Keep up the good work. And stop beating yourself up, you're doing great to have lost that weight. Took me so long to learn that just because I'd had a bad day (or ten) I hadn't thrown it all away.
And you'll find ways to go out and enjoy yourself / visit friends / meals etc. You need a way of living that you're happy with.
And you'll find ways to go out and enjoy yourself / visit friends / meals etc. You need a way of living that you're happy with.
Going food shopping can be mastered without huge expense. Basically you go round the outside of the supermarket! Fresh leafy veg, eggs, yoghurt and cheese don't have to be expensive, salad is cheap when in season, frozen veg. doesn't cost a lot and there is no waste, meat and fish are as cheap (tinned) or expensive as you wish to make them - we can eat cheaper meat and whatever is on special offer - for instance we are having chicken pieces tonight, with lots of cheap but diabetic-friendly veg (my non-diabetic husband will also eat something carby) and some herbs and spices to give some zing.
It seems like a mountain to climb, but really it isn't once we get started. It isn't our fault we are ill! But we can do a lot that helps us, and it isn't anything like as difficult as we expect when we are right at the start.
It seems like a mountain to climb, but really it isn't once we get started. It isn't our fault we are ill! But we can do a lot that helps us, and it isn't anything like as difficult as we expect when we are right at the start.
HSSS
Expert
- Messages
- 7,673
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Diet only
Ah. Can I ask wherein the world you are? There seems some confusion about what tests you are talking about because the name of the tests and the units are missing. .
If the results in the 130’s are mg/dl as used in the USA for example and are blood glucose (often fingerpricks) then they are a bit high but not really scary. These will vary according to recent food sometimes a great deal as well as a few other factors
If they are hba1c 3month averages done by a dr and mmol/mol they are some of the highest I’ve ever seen. These change over weeks not minutes or hours.
Do you know what initial test and what numbers it was you had ?
The eating and shopping get easier once you understand what you’re looking for. It is a learning curve we’ve all been through and you will come through this challenge too.
