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Undiagnosed - new symptoms

Lauren2291

Newbie
Messages
2
Hi all, I do not have diabetes as far as I'm aware, but have been experiencing some new symptoms lately and was just looking for some advice.
One of the newest symptoms I have is a meatallic taste in my mouth. This started just a few days ago but is becoming more and more noticeable, I've even ran to the bathroom a few times in work convinced my mouth is bleeding. When I wake up of a morning my urine is really dark and has a very strong smell, sometimes it even smells sweet. I've been making a conscious effort as my New Years resolution to try and drink more water (3 litres a day is my target) so obviously I am going to the toilet A LOT (I'd say every half hour at least). I know that increased thirst can be a symptom of diabetes so I should make it clear that I'm drinking lots of water through conscious choice, not because I feel thirsty all the time. Because of this, as the day goes on, my urine gets lighter, almost as clear as water and the smell is not present. I have also been experiencing very mild blurred vision which comes and goes for about a year now along with black floaters in my vision. I get urinary tract infections a lot, on average at least one every 6 weeks. I'm currently in New Zealand and begrudge paying $100 to see a GP, but am thinking about seeing my doctor when I get home. My grandmother had diabetes (not sure what type unfortunately) but no other family members have the condition as far as we're aware.
I was just wondering do any of these symptoms sound familiar to anybody, pre diagnosis or otherwise? Am I just being a hypochondriac? Any advice is much appreciated :)
 
Hi @Lauren2291 and welcome to the forum. Your symptoms could be due to other reasons than diabetes, and we are not in a position to give you a diagnosis. Only a medical professional can do that after a full blood test.
It is a shame you have to pay so much for a consultation with a doctor. That must mean a lot of people don't see a doctor and get diagnosed in New Zealand. For all it's faults the NHS is really a great institution here.
I can only suggest you either buy a blood glucose test meter and test yourself. Or if the NZ pharmacies do blood tests (they do in UK), you get tested there. Meter blood tests aren't conclusive but will give you an indication of whether you need to get a full HbA1c test.
 
Hi @Lauren2291 and welcome to the forum. Your symptoms could be due to other reasons than diabetes, and we are not in a position to give you a diagnosis. Only a medical professional can do that after a full blood test.
It is a shame you have to pay so much for a consultation with a doctor. That must mean a lot of people don't see a doctor and get diagnosed in New Zealand. For all it's faults the NHS is really a great institution here.
I can only suggest you either buy a blood glucose test meter and test yourself. Or if the NZ pharmacies do blood tests (they do in UK), you get tested there. Meter blood tests aren't conclusive but will give you an indication of whether you need to get a full HbA1c test.

Great, thanks for the advice. I'll have a look into testing at pharmacies here. And yes, you're right, the NHS really is amazing. I've had a taste of life without it and it's not good!
 
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