Pre Diabetes

[sharron 64]

I am new to this forum, and would like some advice. I have not been feeling well for a while, random pains especially in my legs, walking is painful, and in bed at night my right leg especially feels like its been strangled (for want of a better word), went to the doctors on many occassions with basically there is nothing wrong with you, this diagnose was done by just looking at me. I have grave's disease, so get ill frequently. In December i developed a pain under my ribs and down the my right side, also feeling sick blurred vision, going to the loo about 5 times a night, blood test were taken and the result came back that the glucose in my blood was 8.4, the doctor said she was not too worried as the test was taken at 12 in the afternoon and i had eaten breakfast and possibly had some lunch, i told her that was not the case i had not eaten anything, a second blood test was taken along with blood test that tells my glucose levels in my blood for 8 weeks, the blood test was 7, however the 8 week one was 6.4, told i am pre diabetic. I asked the doctor what was causing blurred vision feeling sick. going to the loo alot through the night etc, she said she was not sure. I am very slim 48 years of age, don't drink, smoke. keep active,. The doctors advice was to stop drinking fizzy juice, but i never touch the stuff, (tea and water only) i dont eat bread biscuits, chocolate, and all meals are cooked from scratch. My worry is 2 blood tests came back that would indicate i was diabetic the third 8 week one at 6.4, indicating pre diabetes. Do you think i should be asking for a second opinon especially as i do not feel well. Can someone explain to me what feeling ill with diabetes symtoms are, as the doctor told me there was,nt any.

 

[VickiT11979]

Hi Sharron,

You are right about your bloods - I'm a GP & our diagnostic guidelines say ideally test both fasting glucose & HbA1c (the longer term average glucose test you mention) if you want to test someone for diabetes. If either the fasting glucose is 7.0 or more, or the HbA1c is 6.5% or more AND the person has symptoms of diabetes, e.g. Excessive thirst, passing urine a lot, then they are diabetic. The guidelines are quite complicated & I think a lot of GPs get confused about when they need 2 abnormal values versus when they can diagnose with only one, and they get confused when 1 value is in the diabetic range (7.0 or more for a fasting glucose) & one is in the pre diabetes range (e.g. your HbA1c being between 5.7% & 6.4%).
With you, the main deciding factor is that you have symptoms. On top of that, you have 2 fasting glucose values of 7.0 or more, therefore you are diabetic & should see another GP. However, the treatment at this stage is likely to be very similar - advice on diet, exercise & checking of cardiovascular risk factors. Getting a proper diagnosis means you'll get better follow up though.

 

[sharron 64]

Thank you, for your reply, i will seek another opinion from another GP. In the meantime is there anything i can do to relieve the symtoms? Do you think as i have autoimmune disease this is a factor rather than what i actually eat? as i don not eat or drink what the doctor has asked me to avoid, my diet normally consists of fillet steak, chicken and fish, normally served with fresh veg, new potatoes. I am worried that i can not bring the blood sugars down by changinf my diet, and to be honest i do not know what i should be eaten to do this.

 

[MCMLXXIII]

Youre diets good.:grin:
Leafy greens, beans,seeds Flaxseed, soya and citrus fruits.
Cut down red meat and avoid hydrogenated fats, no margerine.
Consider a supplenent to help with your raised sugars, cinnamon, fenugreek and tumeric all have wonderful benefits.
Bitter melon or gymnema sylvestre are safe supplements to lower your sugars.
Ginseng can gie you a lift were you need it as can ginkgo bilboa.
Omega oils are essential.
Invest in some good reading to familiarize yourself with diabetes.
Exercise however moderate is recommended.
Consider white tea or green or redbush.
Get a blood glucose monitor if youre worried but be careful not to overtest.
Get your bloods checked every six months.
Do see another gp if you're not happy. Generally wherever possible avoid sugar and use stevia as an alternative if needed.
Best of luck to you:-D

Sent from my KFTT using DCUK Forum mobile app

 

[staycalm&hopeful]

hi sharon,
inow have had type 2 for nine years now .i am maxium tablets but i remmber feeling terrible for monthes,
and even took to my bed in the day (which was never heard of) finally diagnoised after fasting levells was high
also had a terrible rash across ,under my breasts.dr took one look and said "you may have diabetes,s0 i have.
keep your chin up!! and wish you well in yourself soon.
DEB

 

[sharron 64]

Hi, Staycalm&hopeful, i have been feeling ill for months, however since December i have been feeling sick, light headed and basically just rubbish, i have a small rash on my arm and have an itchy skin, may be it my arms, legs or my stomach. I understand the feeling of just wanting to go to bed, i am so tired, however i keep going by trying to keep busy. I am not asking the doctor to perform miracle's my only wish is to get up in the morning and look forward to the day ahead without feeling ill, one day is all i ask.