T2D and Shingles

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3
Type of diabetes
Type 2
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Tablets (oral)
I am really struggling with T2D and Shingles. I have had Shingles repeatedly every 7/8 weeks and my GP has dismissed this as being an issue other than it can happen. I am struggling to keep my blood sugar levels under control and unsure if this is due to feeling generally unwell, in addition to Shingles I am also going through the menopause and suffering with bursitis in my shoulder. I have never felt so low. Has anyone else had Shingles so frequently?
 

zand

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Were you given antivirals for shingles when the attacks happen? I've only had shingles twice (30 years apart) and antivirals cleared it up very quickly. Both times I was treated sympathetically by my GPs. Shingles on its own can make you feel very low without any of your other problems. I'm sorry you're going through this.
 
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Messages
3
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Were you given antivirals for shingles when the attacks happen? I've only had shingles twice (30 years apart) and antivirals cleared it up very quickly. Both times I was treated sympathetically by my GPs. Shingles on its own can make you feel very low without any of your other problems. I'm sorry you're going through this.
Thank you for your response. Yes. I have had 3 rounds of anti virals in the last 12 months. I have been left with terrible scarring and residual pain even when the shingles has gone away the shingles always comes back in the same area (left buttock) and each time the scarring gets worse. I have asked for the shingles vaccine bit have been advised I cannot have it. I am just at my wits end and trying to manage my T2D
 
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Melgar

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I am really struggling with T2D and Shingles. I have had Shingles repeatedly every 7/8 weeks and my GP has dismissed this as being an issue other than it can happen. I am struggling to keep my blood sugar levels under control and unsure if this is due to feeling generally unwell, in addition to Shingles I am also going through the menopause and suffering with bursitis in my shoulder. I have never felt so low. Has anyone else had Shingles so frequently?
Welcome to the forum @StrugglingSuzy . Sorry to hear you are dealing with repeated Shingles. That’s awful.

Your blood sugars are up because when your body is stressed, as it would be fighting an infection, then it releases cortisol. Cortisol increases blood sugar. Your blood sugars should come down once the infection recedes. I had a recent high fever and my blood sugars shot up to 17 mmol/s for days with nothing to eat. They came down once my fever went.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.
 

Rachox

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I had shingles a couple of years ago. Can I ask which antivirals you were given? Acyclovir is the cheapest one so is what they prefer to prescribe. I asked for Valacyclovir which is better absorbed but is more expensive. I used to work in infectious diseases so aside from recognising that I had shingles quickly, I insisted on Valacyclovir. The quicker treatment is started the more effective it is.
 
Messages
3
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I had shingles a couple of years ago. Can I ask which antivirals you were given? Acyclovir is the cheapest one so is what they prefer to prescribe. I asked for Valacyclovir which is better absorbed but is more expensive. I used to work in infectious diseases so aside from recognising that I had shingles quickly, I insisted on Valacyclovir. The quicker treatment is started the more effective it is.
Yes Acyclovir is what I have always had . It is the frequency that I am getting it that is concerning me as each time the scarring gets worse and the lasting pain afterwards. My blood sugar levels are consistently above 7 - even fasting from 8pm to 8am. I have my blood test next week
 

ianf0ster

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Hi @StrugglingSuzy It is normal for your blood glucose levels to be higher while you have an illness, injury, stress, lack of sleep because your liver will make more glucose and put it into your bloodstream in order to deal with the situation.
I don't consider readings above 7 .0 mmol to be a problem. While getting my T2D into medication free remission my 2-fold target was A). To keep my 2hr post prandial BG figure to be no higher than 8 mmol and B). to keep the rise from just before a meal to 2hrs after 1st bit to no more than 2mmol.

With my strong Dawn Phenomenon my BG was sometimes already at near 8.0 and dropped at 2hrs after my breakfast of eggs only.
 
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