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So confused, worried and lost v. long

Louisa1982

Louisa1982

Member
Messages
11
hi everyone, I back away for quite a while from acknowledging that I may be diabetic, and even now I still question. I was diagnosed in February, after a trip to hospital for something not related to diabetes, the ambulance did a standard blood glucose test, which showed a fasting (as I hadn't eaten in nearly 24 hours) blood sugar of 15.1 mmol/l. I went to the doctors and asked if ot was possible I was diabetic (i was under their care for a blood clot in my leg, and then sever hemorrhaging). The doctors did a blood glucose test which showed it was high, again it was fasting (just over 7 mmol/l if I remember right!) They then did the hba1c test which brought back a measure of 66, they then said your type two diabetic, take metaformin and just eat normally (my cholesterol was completely normal) I turned down the metaformin (i didn't like the idea of all the side affects) where I was told all tablets have side affects, just take them, I refused completely! Well within 2 weeks the doctors did another hab1c test and it was 64, i was told you are definitely type 2 diabetic, get more exercise and eat well (i was shocked as I am a long distance hiker, mountaineer and wild swimmer, since 1st of January this year I have walked nearly 1500 boots on miles, not including normal Walking!) I am also a lacto intolerant vegetarian and have quite a good diet even though it is carb rich. I have had no information from the docs other than that! I was called in for another hba1c test 2 weeks ago, I haven't changed my diet very much except for removing bananas and going for whole grain pasta. The results came in that my results were now 53, my full blood count had gone down again for the 4th time (iron red cells volume ect). I was told I am fine just come back in October for another hba1c test. At the start of this journey I organised a contour glucose monitor from a link I saw on here, and it has been invaluable. I notice I have some very low lows (as low as 2.8 mmol/l) and after a gorge on wholly unsuitable foods a high of 11 mmol/l. The doctors have organised strips for me, but when I asked for lancets they put a prescription in, but apparently there is a shortage of lancets, so nearly 2 months later the docs got a perscribtion for nurses lancets put to the chemist, i went to collect what I thought was normal lancets and didn't know what the dash I was looking at! I phoned the surgery and explained that I don't have a sharps bin, and my multi day treks in the mountains I would be struggling with these, the receptionist (who is also a nurse agreed) so she arranged a doctor to ring me back. One of the main docs from the surgery rang me back, he was quite belligerent to me and stated that they would prescribe lancets only once then they would refuse all testing strips and lancets, as a type 2 diabetic doesn't need them, that is the reason there is a hba1c test. He demanded to know why I test, as I am not a doctor and wouldn't be able to do anything with the results! I explained I was using them to find out what foods I could eat, when I felt ill (as I have nearly passed out a few times when my blood sugars bottom out and feel completely ill and horrible!) Ect. He then stated that type 2 diabetics don't get low blood sugars, that the readings were wrong. He then stated again, stop testing and eat normally and wait for the next hab1c test, as type 2 diabetes doesn't make you ill!
Now normally I would follow a doctors advice, but this seems so wrong! I have no idea about anything diabetic, without testing I can't make subtle changes to my diet and I am very worried if I pass out while climbing (90% of the time I am on my own on the munros). I don't know what to do for the best, but I am scared, lost and very confused. HELP!!!
 
Any chance of changing your doctor? I would say that a meter is essential to controlling T2. You might consider buying your own. @Rachox has some brilliant info.

Have a look at the link in my signature about food. You don't actually to be carb heavy to do the activities you like.

T2s can have lows, generally caused by medication. Your doctor seems to be stuck in the dark ages. T2 is diagnosed as high numbers, many doctors don't appear to have come across people who actively do something about it.
 
xfieldok said:
Any chance of changing your doctor? I would say that a meter is essential to controlling T2. You might consider buying your own. @Rachox has some brilliant info.

Have a look at the link in my signature about food. You don't actually to be carb heavy to do the activities you like.

T2s can have lows, generally caused by medication. Your doctor seems to be stuck in the dark ages. T2 is diagnosed as high numbers, many doctors don't appear to have come across people who actively do something about it.
Click to expand...

Hi the meter Is my own, I just feel so abandoned and confused. I am not on any medication (I refused the metaformin), I have developed high blood pressure (again they put me on tablets but they will not do blood pressure reading to see if the tablets are working, which I don't think they are as my resting heart rate (i monitor due to being an outdoor person) is going up instead of down. I will check out the food links, as i have no idea about what foods are good or bad ect, other than testing.
 
also this is my closest doctor, as I live rural and would then have to travel 8 miles to one, 15 miles to another or alot further x
 
I have white coat syndrome so if they want blood pressure I do it myself 4 times a day for a few days and take it in.

Well, you're not alone, and we won't abandon you.
 
Thank you, I do appreciate this. It has been bumpy ride to say the least and it left me feeling so bad yesterday I burst into tears, so took my self off for some wild swimming to just not think about anuthing bar that. X
 
Hi, I get low BG readings after strenuous activities. High blood pressure can be part of the diabetes package. Likely medication doses will need to be adjusted as you get control of your blood glucose levels. Did for me.

Use your meter to test your meals, cut/adjust the things that make you spike. Get a blood pressure monitor so you can keep an eye on that.

You should be able to take control by reviewing your diet. Cutting carbs worked out for me. Chin up, you can fix this!
 
My experience, and that of many people on this forum, is that the NHS are at best complacent and at worst down right WRONG in the way they handle T2. I think you may feel better about the situation if you stop expecting the doctors and nurses to fix you, and accept that it is something which you can absolutely do for yourself. The good people on this site will provide you with more support and sensible info than the medical fraternity ever will, and patiently answer any questions, or just give you a (virtual) hug if you need it.

Have a good read around this site about a low carb, higher fat diet, and start testing your blood before and after each meal. Knowledge will bring you comfort, and once you see your BG improving, which it can do very quickly once you change your diet, you will feel very proud of yourself.

As an active person you may be interested in researching a keto diet, I have found this very supportive of physical exertion and quite freeing, as I no longer have energy lows during or after exercise so I am not required to stuff my pockets with carb-laden snacks. I just take some salted almonds and a couple of Babybel cheeses when I ride my bike in case I get peckish, along with some water, of course.

So no need to feel abandoned! :cat:
 
Agree with everyone else, you will get the support you need here and clearly better advice then what was dished out over the phone. Is it possible to make a complaint about the doc you spoke to on the phone (Or if you'd rather not) or speak to one of the other docs in future or see one of others rather then be abused by someone who doesn't know his rear end from his elbow?

You shouldn't have to put up with abuse like that under any circumstances.

I can only point you in the direction you've already been pointed in, red link below contains the same diet advice as has already been mentioned. It's really good for those needing the info on food and what foods to avoid. This is something you can well do, many people here see great success with low carb or keto. Which is worth exploring.
 
That GP was just following the general policy on Type 2 Diabetes.
So those of us who are serious self fund our BG meters and consumables.
Note you don't need many lancets, many only use 1 per week - it depends upon how quickly they get blunt.

If the NHS allowed BG meters and test strips on prescription this whole fantasy about T2D would be discredited.
After all, how could they claim that it is progressive if they allowed us to use a meter to monitor our reaction to different food. Worse still the food industry's profits would sink when more and more discovered that carbs (any carbs even whole grains) are best kept to a minimum,.
 
Louisa1982 said:
Thank you, I do appreciate this. It has been bumpy ride to say the least and it left me feeling so bad yesterday I burst into tears, so took my self off for some wild swimming to just not think about anuthing bar that. X
Click to expand...

Have a read around here.. they have vegetarian and even some vegan options as well as being a super useful source of info.

https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb

As many have said above relying on our GP's for health advice isn't always ever?) the best way to make progress. Take control yourself and get well!
 
Hi and welcome. I would take the Metformin. It's a very safe drug with few side effects. The main one is bowel upset for a few weeks and if you can convince the GP to prescribe the Sr (Slow Release) version it even avoids that. You might have taste disturbance for a few weeks/months as I did. Seriously it is drug with very few worrying side effects if any but I will admit it only helps BS by a bit
 
Louisa1982 said:
hi everyone, I back away for quite a while from acknowledging that I may be diabetic, and even now I still question. I was diagnosed in February, after a trip to hospital for something not related to diabetes, the ambulance did a standard blood glucose test, which showed a fasting (as I hadn't eaten in nearly 24 hours) blood sugar of 15.1 mmol/l. I went to the doctors and asked if ot was possible I was diabetic (i was under their care for a blood clot in my leg, and then sever hemorrhaging). The doctors did a blood glucose test which showed it was high, again it was fasting (just over 7 mmol/l if I remember right!) They then did the hba1c test which brought back a measure of 66, they then said your type two diabetic, take metaformin and just eat normally (my cholesterol was completely normal) I turned down the metaformin (i didn't like the idea of all the side affects) where I was told all tablets have side affects, just take them, I refused completely! Well within 2 weeks the doctors did another hab1c test and it was 64, i was told you are definitely type 2 diabetic, get more exercise and eat well (i was shocked as I am a long distance hiker, mountaineer and wild swimmer, since 1st of January this year I have walked nearly 1500 boots on miles, not including normal Walking!) I am also a lacto intolerant vegetarian and have quite a good diet even though it is carb rich. I have had no information from the docs other than that! I was called in for another hba1c test 2 weeks ago, I haven't changed my diet very much except for removing bananas and going for whole grain pasta. The results came in that my results were now 53, my full blood count had gone down again for the 4th time (iron red cells volume ect). I was told I am fine just come back in October for another hba1c test. At the start of this journey I organised a contour glucose monitor from a link I saw on here, and it has been invaluable. I notice I have some very low lows (as low as 2.8 mmol/l) and after a gorge on wholly unsuitable foods a high of 11 mmol/l. The doctors have organised strips for me, but when I asked for lancets they put a prescription in, but apparently there is a shortage of lancets, so nearly 2 months later the docs got a perscribtion for nurses lancets put to the chemist, i went to collect what I thought was normal lancets and didn't know what the dash I was looking at! I phoned the surgery and explained that I don't have a sharps bin, and my multi day treks in the mountains I would be struggling with these, the receptionist (who is also a nurse agreed) so she arranged a doctor to ring me back. One of the main docs from the surgery rang me back, he was quite belligerent to me and stated that they would prescribe lancets only once then they would refuse all testing strips and lancets, as a type 2 diabetic doesn't need them, that is the reason there is a hba1c test. He demanded to know why I test, as I am not a doctor and wouldn't be able to do anything with the results! I explained I was using them to find out what foods I could eat, when I felt ill (as I have nearly passed out a few times when my blood sugars bottom out and feel completely ill and horrible!) Ect. He then stated that type 2 diabetics don't get low blood sugars, that the readings were wrong. He then stated again, stop testing and eat normally and wait for the next hab1c test, as type 2 diabetes doesn't make you ill!
Now normally I would follow a doctors advice, but this seems so wrong! I have no idea about anything diabetic, without testing I can't make subtle changes to my diet and I am very worried if I pass out while climbing (90% of the time I am on my own on the munros). I don't know what to do for the best, but I am scared, lost and very confused. HELP!!!
Click to expand...
 
Hello
I am new here, I am here because I been losing a lot of weight and want to know how I can safely put some on. I went from 12st to 8.13 in two years without trying. I cut down on carbs and meat, I also lost a lot of muscle mass.
 
Rosesx said:
Hello
I am new here, I am here because I been losing a lot of weight and want to know how I can safely put some on. I went from 12st to 8.13 in two years without trying. I cut down on carbs and meat, I also lost a lot of muscle mass.
Click to expand...
You might be better off starting a new thread rather than continuing an old one - it reads as though you are a type one or one of the other insulin requiring variants - do I guess right?
 
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