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Recently diagnosed for diabetes, but need some advice

B

biren1973

Well-Known Member
Hi

I m recently diagnosed for diabetes. But not quite happy with my GP and diabetes clinic.

Let me explain:

None in my family is having diabetes . I got high blood sugar 2 years before . The test result was around 8 for hb1ac, but after doing exercises and diet , my repeat test after 3 months reduced to 6 only.

Then now after nearly one year I went to gp to test fasting blood sugar, the result was 8.9 for hb1ac, so that time I told my previous story to the diabetes nurse and she was still insisting to take medication. But after I said to give me chance to control diet, she agreed. I did diet control and then tested 2 weeks back. This time the hb1ac came with 7.3 where normal it should be below 6.5.

Now nurse scared me to take medicine . She said that I may be type1. I m very much in tense and frustrated after hearing that I may be type1. The nurse said that I m not overweight and hence I may be likely type1.

My question is: I agree that I m diabetes, but can a person who is normal weight become type1? I heard type1 is very bad and extreme type of diabetes and life treating. I don't have any symptoms of diabetes neither type1 or type2 , then how can she judge I may be type1.

I have lots of expectations and hope for this forum. Hope someone help please.

Kind Regards
Brian
 
Welcome @biren1973 :)

There are tests that can help determine your diabetes type. They are GAD tests and also C Peptide tests.

Type 1 can come on more slowly in adults and some adults are assumed to be Type 2 when they're actually Type 1, so if your doctor is concerned, it's a good idea to get some tests done and have a specialist opinion.

Edited to add that both Type 1 and Type 2 are serious if they're not controlled.
 
Hi Brian if you read the forum you will see that there are members of all different weights when they were diagnosed with type 2. I weighed around 56 kilos when I was a diagnosed and was never thought to be type 1.
I would ask your doctor to do the appropriate tests to confirm what type you are . Your nurse seems to be influenced by the media saying all type 2 diabetics are overweight which is completely wrong.
 
Hi @biren1973, you could ask for a GAD and c-peptide test to determine if you are Type 1 or Type 2. Both types of diabetes (and there are others) are potentially life threatening if not controlled or have complications. Type 1's require added insulin to control blood sugars, and some Type 2's also require insulin, but in general Type 2's either can get by on diet, diet and exercise, oral drugs or a combination of the 3.

Your numbers are not that high comparatively so you have a great chance of getting into the normal non-diabetic range. Some options are:

Low Carb High Fat (LCHF) - you can join the programme on this site and maybe Diet Doctor. This is a lifestyle way of life that restricts carbs and replaces with good fat
Newcastle Diet - this is a calorie restricted diet that drops weight extremely quickly for circa 8 - 12 weeks at around 800 calories per day.
 
biren1973 said:
Hi

I m recently diagnosed for diabetes. But not quite happy with my GP and diabetes clinic.

Let me explain:

None in my family is having diabetes . I got high blood sugar 2 years before . The test result was around 8 for hb1ac, but after doing exercises and diet , my repeat test after 3 months reduced to 6 only.

Then now after nearly one year I went to gp to test fasting blood sugar, the result was 8.9 for hb1ac, so that time I told my previous story to the diabetes nurse and she was still insisting to take medication. But after I said to give me chance to control diet, she agreed. I did diet control and then tested 2 weeks back. This time the hb1ac came with 7.3 where normal it should be below 6.5.

Now nurse scared me to take medicine . She said that I may be type1. I m very much in tense and frustrated after hearing that I may be type1. The nurse said that I m not overweight and hence I may be likely type1.

My question is: I agree that I m diabetes, but can a person who is normal weight become type1? I heard type1 is very bad and extreme type of diabetes and life treating. I don't have any symptoms of diabetes neither type1 or type2 , then how can she judge I may be type1.

I have lots of expectations and hope for this forum. Hope someone help please.

Kind Regards
Brian
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum @biren1973. That your HbA1c is over the limit indicates that you are diabetic. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks and kills the Beta cells in the pancreas, thereby removing the capacity of the pancreas to produce insulin. You have low insulin production coupled with insulin resistance which is raising your glucose levels. You may be put on some kind of diabetic medication to assist with glucose control.

The levels are not severe at this point, but you must learn to keep your glucose levels below a certain level. 4.8 to 7.5 is a desirable range to stay within. Diet and exercise will greatly assist with your control. A reduction in carbohydrates is essential.

I found out I was a diabetic in 2005, after regaining consciousness in hospital. Don't let this happen to you. I'll tag @daisy1 to supply you relevent information to get you started. Good luck.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
biren1973 said:
Hi

I m recently diagnosed for diabetes. But not quite happy with my GP and diabetes clinic.

Let me explain:

None in my family is having diabetes . I got high blood sugar 2 years before . The test result was around 8 for hb1ac, but after doing exercises and diet , my repeat test after 3 months reduced to 6 only.

Then now after nearly one year I went to gp to test fasting blood sugar, the result was 8.9 for hb1ac, so that time I told my previous story to the diabetes nurse and she was still insisting to take medication. But after I said to give me chance to control diet, she agreed. I did diet control and then tested 2 weeks back. This time the hb1ac came with 7.3 where normal it should be below 6.5.

Now nurse scared me to take medicine . She said that I may be type1. I m very much in tense and frustrated after hearing that I may be type1. The nurse said that I m not overweight and hence I may be likely type1.

My question is: I agree that I m diabetes, but can a person who is normal weight become type1? I heard type1 is very bad and extreme type of diabetes and life treating. I don't have any symptoms of diabetes neither type1 or type2 , then how can she judge I may be type1.

I have lots of expectations and hope for this forum. Hope someone help please.

Kind Regards
Brian
Click to expand...

Hi Brian, and welcome,

@azure is right. To determine whether T1 or T2 you need those special blood tests. Your nurse is guilty of believing that all Type 2's are overweight. They are not. There are many reasons for becoming Type 2. It isn't compulsory to be overweight! There are plenty of Type 2s on this forum that can testify to that.

Both types of diabetes can be very bad and life threatening IF you don't control it. You showed you could control it by diet and exercise after your first diagnosis, so you could do this again. Please ask your doctor for those 2 tests and then you will know for sure where you stand.
 
I m very much thankful and grateful to all your comments, much helpful for a newbie like me in diabetes world.

But another question is

I m 5feet 4inches and weight 61kg, BMI range is with in limit, no symptoms of diabetes. So from your all experience do you think I m type1.

Aldo with hba1c 7.3% , nurse said me to take 2 tablets of metform a day, is that required dose I should take?. She also said the dose will increase to 4 tablets a day which actually scares me lot. Don't want to be on very high dose like 4 tablets a day. I m already on low medication for high blood pressure for past nearly 10 years. And when thinking of taking another 4 tablets per day this worries me lot.

My another question is do you think a good advice from nurse will make any difference? I m not quite happy with my current diabetes nurse. But don't know where to find a good diabetes nurse? Should I go to private diabetes clinic? Please recommend what should I do?

Regards
Biren
 
biren1973 said:
I heard type1 is very bad and extreme type of diabetes and life treating.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, all diabetes is bad and untreated can be life threatening. I do not believe any type is more bad than the other.
Take our British politicians for example: Theresa May has type 1 and Diane Abbott has type 2. It affects both of their lives but they still have stressful jobs.
 
@biren1973 Nobody here can diagnose your diabetes type. If there's any doubt, you need to see a doctor and ask for the tests mentioned above.

So I'd ask to be seen by a doctor, request the tests, and a referral to a specialist if necessary
 
Thanks for your very quick reply . My another question is:

I m not quite happy with my current diabetes nurse. But don't know where to find a good diabetes nurse? Should I go to private diabetes clinic? Please recommend what should I do?

Also do you think nurse has given correct prescriptions for diabetes to take 2 metaform now and then she will gradually increase to 4 a day.

Regards
Biren
 
@biren1973 Are you n the UK? You need to see a GP not a nurse.

If you're not happy with your GP, you can change GPs.

We cannot advise on medication doses.

If you're Type 1, you would need insulin. Early introduction of insuLin can preserve your remaining beta cells for longer.

You need to find out what diabetes type you have.
 
leslie10152 said:
Welcome to the forum @biren1973. That your HbA1c is over the limit indicates that you are diabetic. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks and kills the Beta cells in the pancreas, thereby removing the capacity of the pancreas to produce insulin. You have low insulin production coupled with insulin resistance which is raising your glucose levels. You may be put on some kind of diabetic medication to assist with glucose control.

The levels are not severe at this point, but you must learn to keep your glucose levels below a certain level. 4.8 to 7.5 is a desirable range to stay within. Diet and exercise will greatly assist with your control. A reduction in carbohydrates is essential.

I found out I was a diabetic in 2005, after regaining consciousness in hospital. Don't let this happen to you. I'll tag @daisy1 to supply you relevent information to get you started. Good luck.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your very helpful advice. Please send me relevant information.
 
Mbaker said:
Hi @biren1973, you could ask for a GAD and c-peptide test to determine if you are Type 1 or Type 2. Both types of diabetes (and there are others) are potentially life threatening if not controlled or have complications. Type 1's require added insulin to control blood sugars, and some Type 2's also require insulin, but in general Type 2's either can get by on diet, diet and exercise, oral drugs or a combination of the 3.

Your numbers are not that high comparatively so you have a great chance of getting into the normal non-diabetic range. Some options are:

Low Carb High Fat (LCHF) - you can join the programme on this site and maybe Diet Doctor. This is a lifestyle way of life that restricts carbs and replaces with good fat
Newcastle Diet - this is a calorie restricted diet that drops weight extremely quickly for circa 8 - 12 weeks at around 800 calories per day.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Can you please help me with diet doctor? What is it and how can I benefit from it?
 
azure said:
@biren1973 Are you n the UK? You need to see a GP not a nurse.

If you're not happy with your GP, you can change GPs.

We cannot advise on medication doses.

If you're Type 1, you would need insulin. Early introduction of insuLin can preserve your remaining beta cells for longer.

You need to find out what diabetes type you have.
Click to expand...

Ya I m in UK, but GP didn't say anything but referred to Nurse.
 
Certainly Metformin is the first line drug prescribed for Type 2 diabetes if lifestyle, diet and exercise is seen not to be working, or if your HbA1c is too high. Your HbA1c of 7.3% isn't drastically high, but you have been diagnosed over 2 years now and remain higher than is desirable. The NHS target is for an HbA1c of 6.5%. Your nurse is following the NHS guidelines by prescribing Metformin. I cannot comment on the dosage.

You can always make an appointment with your GP to ask for these tests because your nurse thinks you may be Type 1, but so far is only guessing. Your nurse will be unable to do them for you.
 
At the momemt I take 2 500mg Metformin, one in the morning and one in the evening. I have been as high as 3 a day but recently dropped back.

I wouldn't worry too much about being prescribed Metformin.

What other medication are you on? You mentioned high blood pressure.
 
LittleGreyCat said:
At the momemt I take 2 500mg Metformin, one in the morning and one in the evening. I have been as high as 3 a day but recently dropped back.

I wouldn't worry too much about being prescribed Metformin.

What other medication are you on? You mentioned high blood pressure.
Click to expand...

For high bp I m on co-approvel 12.5 mg one a day . I m 44 years old and I m on high pressure medicine for past 10 years
 
biren1973 said:
Thanks all for all your very helpful comments. Can someone recommend any good blood sugar test kit? Any good brand?
Click to expand...

The popular ones on here are the Codefree and the Tee2. It isn't the cost of the meter that is important, but the cost of the testing strips as these can vary between about £7.50 for 50 up to a whopping £30. These 2 meters have the cheapest.

Try here for the Codefree meter
http://homehealth-uk.com/product-category/blood-glucose/blood-glucose-monitor/

and here for the extra strips
http://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/sd-codefree-test-strips-to-be-used-only-with-the-sd-monitor/

Pharmacies don't sell them. There are discount codes if you buy in bulk.
5 packs 264086
10 packs 975833


The Tee2 is here. The meter is free but the strips are a tiny bit more expensive.

http://spirit-healthcare.co.uk/product/tee2-blood-glucose-meter/
 
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