Small victory and thank you

[Truffle]

Yesterday I went to see my GP (first time in a year) for the results of my annual check. Thanks to the good information and knowledge that I have gained on this forum I went well armed! I knew from regular testing that my Hba1c would be higher than last year because I have been plagued by high early morning readings - around 7.8 - regardless of all measures I have tried to combat it. The rest of the day is fine, ranging between 5 and 6.2. All my readings were 'Excellent' according to the doctor apart from my Hba1c rising from 5.3 last year to 6.1. Still within limits but annoying to see it go up.
I asked the GP if changing to Metformin SR might help the situation and she agreed it probably would and that I could try it for a month but unless it made a dramatic difference the cost implications were too high to the NHS to keep me on it.
At this point I pointed out to her that as the surgery received £2,500 per year for me and I have one blood test, one foot check and one eye test which even pricing at Harley Street private prices comes to around £1,000 they are in quite alot of profit. I also asked her if she could tell me the cost implications... she couldn't. However having gone forearmed (I googled it) - for the dose I take it costs the NHS approx £50 PER YEAR more to prescribe Metformin SR as opposed to the other. Anyway she didn't say anything else but gave me the prescription!

So what I really want to say is 'thank you' for the support the forum gives. It has helped me to take ownership of my own condition and given me the tools to fight the establishment when I need to.

I took one last night and tested this morning - 6.6 - first time under 7 in a year!

 

[didie]

Well done for standing up for your rights :thumbup: It's a great feeling to be in control isn't it

 

[MaryJ]

Hi truffle,

Good news and well done - forewarned is forearmed.

I didn't realise SR Met had any difference on your BG, I thought it was just prescribed for the improved side effects.

I guess it's hard when you've brought your HBA1c right down, then it goes up. It is still a good result and below the target. You may well be happy with that but as you asked for the change to SR met I suspect you're not. Is there any reason for the increase from last years result? If hand on heart no, I've been spot on with my food, can the exercise increase?

But having said all this, well done with the results and for challenging, it's not easy.

Mary x

 

[Truffle]

Hi Mary,

The only one of my BS reading that is ever high is the first one of the morning when I haven't eaten anything and some people suggested to me than prolonged release might help specifically with that as it is a sustained release rather than wearing off a bit in the middle of the night. I thought it was worth a try and perhaps it will help my stomach as well which could only be a bonus!

But what it has really taught me is that knowledge can be power!

 

[cuillie]

This is great news Truffle, well done :clap:
I was wondering in terms of the amount of money a surgery gets for a diabetic per year, is that the same in all areas? I live in the Highlands of Scotland and wondered if it would be the same. I didn't even know that they got money for us.

i am due to go for a review soon and I would like to be a bit more assertive this time around as I know that the LCing is going to be fround upon, even although it is bringing my BS down and I am managing to reduce my insulin. I think I am saving them money as I'v stopped taking statins as well.

It would be good to know

Kate

 

[MaryJ]

Hi Mary,

The only one of my BS reading that is ever high is the first one of the morning when I haven't eaten anything and some people suggested to me than prolonged release might help specifically with that as it is a sustained release rather than wearing off a bit in the middle of the night. I thought it was worth a try and perhaps it will help my stomach as well which could only be a bonus!

But what it has really taught me is that knowledge can be power!

Arh I see.

Some people have tried having a snack with a sensible amount of carbs before bed and have found a reduction in the morning read. cant remember where I read it but it may be worth a test?

Mary x