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Pros and Cons of being diagnosed as Diabetic

You'd get the Metformin (if you wanted it) which helps with insulin resistance, can suppress your appetite, and gives some protection against CVD and stroke, and now seems to have a protective role against some types of cancer. You'd get access to all sorts of tests, though you may need to push for them. You'd get your annual eye screening, and your feet checked.You might even get your meter and strips on prescription - I do!

I denied my diagnosis for 9 months, despite knowing in my heart-of-hearts that it was true. For all the NHS has failings, mostly it's pretty good, and speaking personally I'd rather not be without it when I'm attempting to manage my own diabetes. :D

Viv 8)
 
You may as well ask about the Pros and Cons of living and dying... read on:

Do a search for "link between diabetes and liver disease". I suffer with NASH (non-alcoholic steato hepatitis or fatty liver) and have cirrhosis of the liver (diagnosed in August 2010) -- the consultant says it is very definitely linked to long-term T2 diabetes. Although the cirrhosis is compensated (retain fair levels of functions), the rate of deterioration could change suddenly and the only treatment would then be liver transplant or unpleasant death.

The problem with T2 is that you can have it for a long time before a proper diagnosis is done. Mine was confirmed in 2008 when I used to feel very thirsty and couldn't stop p'ing during the night -- my BG on the morning of diagnosis was 25, with HbA1c of 9.9. BUT, I could have been undiagnosed T2 for years before then and pre-diabetic even before that. I have been on Metformin for four years, but recently my HbA1c has dropped to 5.8 & GP has stopped prescribing meds but will monitor every three months.

I have regular blood tests to monitor both the diabetes & cirrhosis so a close eye is kept on the BGs, and even though I come away with lots of bruising where the needle goes in the arm (due to low platelet count, I think), if it helps to determine the kind of treatment I get, it's worth it.

This post isn't meant to frighten you, but please don't be complacent: I have learnt through personal experience that both diabetes and liver disease go hand-in-hand and liken them to silent and armed intruders wandering around your house while you sleep -- silent and deadly.

Visit your GP immediately and ask for fasting blood test for lipids, BG on the day, HbA1c and a full liver panel including GGT & eGFR -- the results and subsequent treatment (if there are any negatives) will guide you in determining how you live the rest of your life.

BTW, when I was composing the above text, I kept forgetting what I wanted to say. Apparently, I have "dirty" blood going to my brain and causing encephalopathy, which thankfully is reversible. Also, my short term memory and unusual sleep-patterns are creating havoc in my life.
 
Whilst any concerns should probably be checked out by a doctor from what I understand its more when the sugar spills over to you urine that you should be really concerned. As a diabetic on an insulin pump we have recently been trying 'continuous blood glucose monitor'. My non diabetic consultant decided to wear one for a week so he could speak from experience to his patients and he said he was shocked to see his blood glucose rise to 12 (twelve!) after one meal. So I guess what I am saying is personally I would get it checked out but don't panic. These raised sugars could just be natural spikes of a non diabetic
 
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