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Worried about diabetes, not diagnosed

M

Mavericko

Newbie
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3
Hi guys,

I'm 'at risk' of diabetes and no doubt at some point i'll go to my doctor to ask to be checked, but that'll take a while as I'm not registered anywhere at the moment. I'm overweight (very) and have only ever had the symptom of hunger and, which has happened a few times in the past, I have had periods where I'd feel very 'shaky' and dizzy for a short period - usually some chocolate or the like will solve it. This has probably happened 4 times over the course of the last 10 years and my brother has similar problems with presumably low blood sugar now and then (more than I).

These are the two things alone that made me start wondering; I'm aware nobody here are doctors etc, but from what I can see I potentially have (or had) two of the symptoms of diabetes. I don't want to just go to my doctor because I think there's a small chance I have diabetes, as I don't really want to waste there time. I don't have any on-going symptoms which recur, just very brief periods of time in the past where i've experienced symptoms.

I decided to go ahead and buy a blood sugar monitor to see if I have any elevated blood sugar levels, but have now realised that since I'm currently on a low-carb, fasting-based diet, these readings are pretty much useless. Is that correct? I've only tested twice so far, one 3 hours after food (5.9) and one 7.5 hours after food (5.5) - I intend to take up to 6 more readings to see if I can spot anything that would potentially indicate I could have diabetes or pre-diabetes, so I can get my butt to the doctor to get tested 'properly', but as I said, I'm not entirely sure my 'symptoms' are worthy of going to the doctor to ask to be tested.

What would people suggest I do in this circumstance? I only want to use my (who I haven't yet got) doctors time unless absolutely necessary.

Apologies for the long post, I've just spent literally 14 hours non-stop Googling about Diabetes and need a reality check from someone who isn't, well, me.

Thanks!

Edit: Sorry, forgot to mention the only times I've had the dizzy/shaky moments were whilst on a very low calorie diet, I don't recall having this feeling outside of that. The hunger thing is probably just because I'm a greedy sod and I don't really experience it whilst low-carb/fasting.
 
Go to a doctors.
“ prevention is better than cure “
Google isn’t a doctor.
 
Mavericko said:
What would people suggest I do in this circumstance? I only want to use my (who I haven't yet got) doctors time unless absolutely necessary.
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You will never know if you're diabetic unless you go and see a GP, your only wasting your time by not going and getting treatment if necessary...
 
Thanks for the replies. So I assume you both believe my somewhat light symptoms are worthy of me going to see a GP? The only reason I am hesitant is because I don't feel my symptoms are worthy of taking up their time, that's all. And if there is anything I can do ensure I'm not just asking to be a tested just because I show a single symptom or two and i'm potentially at-risk, because of being overweight, then that's all the better.
 
Mavericko said:
This has probably happened 4 times over the course of the last 10 years and my brother has similar problems with presumably low blood sugar now and then (more than I).
Click to expand...
Do note that low blood sugar is not a sign of diabetes, diabetes is high blood sugar.
 
My advice is that you make an appointment to see a doctor and that you attend it; explain your symptoms and mention the dizzy spells etc that you have had. The doctor will then decide what to do and whether to make any recommendations and / or do tests. Please do not worry about whether or not you are wasting the doctor’s time. They are there to do a job and that is what they are paid to do. They are not gods, they are human. I used to work with them, so I can guarantee you, they are most definitely human. Even if the answer is that you do not have diabetes, it is better that you know one way or the other. It is your health and well-being that is the most important thing, for now and in the future. So get and make that appointment and no worrying about wasting the doctor’s time. Okay? :)
 
Cheers Lucy, you're right. I'll get an appointment booked and find out one way or another rather than pre-emptively trying to self-diagnose. Thanks for the response, it's appreciated.
 
Mavericko said:
I have had periods where I'd feel very 'shaky' and dizzy for a short period - usually some chocolate or the like will solve it.
Click to expand...

This happens to my wife if she doesn't have enough carbs in her diet. She doesn't eat chocolate to get over the shakes but probably a banana because it has several advantages over chocolate.

I have read a theory that being overweight is because of insulin resistance rather than the other way round. When you speak to your doctor it might be an idea to get a c-peptide test to see how your pancreas is managing and an insulin resistance test to see if that's going to be a problem. Not all GPs are happy dishing out blood tests like smarties, you might be lucky.

I paid for my own c-peptide and insulin resistance tests, in fact I'm going to have another one next week. I just think the more information I have the better.
 
Your numbers are in the normal range although you need to test before and 2 hours after food to see how you are reacting to carbs. That will give more information to you and doctor. As previously said, diabetes is diagnosed when your blood sugar is high.

You know without us telling you, an excellent way to stave of diabetes is to lose weight and an excellent way to do both is follow a low carb diet. Loads of info around and its challenging to start with but is sustainable.

Do make that drs appt. If they decide to test to see if you are diabetic the first test is likely to be one which gives an average of your blood glucose for the past three months so making a change right now wont effect that but will start you off in a good direction.
 
Mavericko said:
Thanks for the replies. So I assume you both believe my somewhat light symptoms are worthy of me going to see a GP? The only reason I am hesitant is because I don't feel my symptoms are worthy of taking up their time, that's all. And if there is anything I can do ensure I'm not just asking to be a tested just because I show a single symptom or two and i'm potentially at-risk, because of being overweight, then that's all the better.
Click to expand...

If it's enough to worry you then it's enough to concern your doctor.
 
I also agree with the advice to see your doctor . No one here can diagnose you. Your symptoms may relate to a n umber of conditions- so getting tested will be a good thing.

Good luck.
 
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