Treatment

[Funsize1062]

So, after phone calls and blood tests, I was told I needed to see the Diabetes Nurse Specialist at the GP practice URGENTLY. Was given an appointment for 2 weeks time. Went along to be told my result was 47. But they don't start treatment until it is 48. I could come back in a year for another check as my diabetes wasn't genetic. Said I would tell my grandparents at which she got quite excited as apparently it was genetic! But still come back in a year. Try intermittent fasting - already doing it. Join the Diabetes Support Group - I'm at work. Try doing some exercise - I exercise regularly. I'm plump. Not a couch potato! I just feel uneasy with this result of 47 but they won't start Metformin until it is 48. I feel tired, depressed, anxious. I've been doing my own bloods - I'm an ex nurse, but apparently the consistent readings of 11 - 15 don't count as home blood testing is usually inaccurate. Even though it seems to back up my recall to the surgery? She said that has nothing to do with diabetes. It all seems a bit of a panic over nothing - so why get me down there?? I feel like not bothering with any more tests. I just adds to my anxiety.

 

[EllieM]

Hi @Funsize1062 and welcome to the forums.

T1 here, so probably not the best person to talk to you, but I will slip in my favourite link to a low carb diet and T2.

The Nutritional Thingy

There’s a few things you should know. 1. Practically all carbs turn to glucose once ingested , so not just straight sugars, but starches...

josekalsbeek.blogspot.com

I think it's fantastic that you have a meter, as you can use it to determine whether the food you eat is spiking your levels.

(And I don't personally agree that home meters are that inaccurate, I think they have to be +-15% but are usually more accurate than that. They are certainly good enough for me to judge my insulin doses)

Once more welcome.

 

[becca59]

Welcome @Funsize1062 Am also a type 1. As I dose insulin from either a CGM or glucose monitor I am obviously doomed if it is inaccurate. Ridiculous statement designed to put you off as they will not pay for them. Keep testing away. You are not too high above the diagnosis threshold, so sorting this out is well with in your grasp. Read the above link from @EllieM and show that DN you are in control.

 

[MissMuffett]

Hi and welcome, is it your hba1c that is 47? Maybe they forgot to use the word ‘prediabetic‘ The anxiety and depression will put your blood glucose readings up and I think you’re right you do need to check your blood glucose at home. Dont be in a rush to go on metformin, if you can adopt a low carb lifestyle, which most of us type 2s do, if you’re not already, maybe investigate doing that. I’ve had to go as low as 20g of carbs a day which is quite drastic but I’m carbohydrate intolerant, my goal is to get my hba1c below 60 and off all my medication.
I’m sure more experienced forum members than me will give you some advice

 

[Robbity]

Something to ask maybe at your next appointment:

If home testing is so inaccurate, why do T1 diabetics need to test regularly to determine their vital insulin doses? (It's on a par with the other nonsense I've seen quoted on the forum, that we shouldn't test because pricking fingers hurts, though it apparently doesn't if you are insulin dependent... )

I'm T2 and began to use my meter soon after my diagnosis over 9 years ago. and It's been as consistently accurate as my HbA1b tests, and has helped me to reduce and keep my glucose at pre diabetic levels, much of the time with no diabetic medication, just eating a low carbohydrate diet. I offer you the advice given to me by my lovely original (now retired) DN: "Just keep on doing what you're doing...." - and I'll add to that: keep on reading and asking questions on our forum...

 

[ajbod]

At the start of the journey testing is i would say vital, but it needs to be structured, so that you learn something from the results.
As a prediabetic, restrict the obvious carbs, bread, Pasta, Potatoes, Rice, Fruit, and any pastry. Test before you start a meal, and 2 hours after, if the rise is no more than 2 mmol, then that meal was fine, and should you have it again, then you don't necessarily need to bother testing it.
If the rise is more, look at what was in the meal. Protein and fat have virtually no effect on your blood levels, so only the carb content has affected things. Next time you have that meal, halve the carb part of it, but slightly increase the protein and fat, to compensate for the reduced calories, only IF it leaves you hungry. If the affect is no different, then further reduction is needed, if a good result, and you're happy, great. If not as enjoyable as before, increase the carb content by half what you reduced it by.
By reducing, or raising by half each time, that is the quickest way to reach YOUR bodies tolerance level.
The first 3 to 6 months, means a lot of testing, not painful when you refine your technique. Most of us here are far better than most health care professionals, because we feel it, so quickly learn where to prick to avoid OUR nervy areas, and setting the lancet to the minimum level needed to get a sample.
You will reach the point where you can look at a meal and just know if it's ok for you. Only needing to test new foods, and occasional tests just to keep an eye on things.
You will feel tired, because your body is not using the fuel you give it properly (Glucose), that is where low carbing comes to the fore, as it is changing the fuel source to (Ketones). As your energy levels improve, so will your mood.
It sounds a bit daft, but a prediabetic diagnosis, is really a positive thing. It means you have the knowledge to greatly improve your future health and well being, by avoiding type 2 diabetes, simply because you know.