Yikes!
- Thread starter Drummer mum
- Start Date
Hi folks!
Well I had my appointment this morning with the consultant. I got asked lots of questions and must say he was excellent at listening to how things had been etc, which I found very reassuring. It seems because my insulin dose has gradually been reduced to once a day and only 4 units he wants to try me on Gliclazide 80mg twice a day for a while to see how things go and stop the insulin. As I understand it Gliclazide is given to help increase the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas? The consultant seemed to think that my own pancreas was still dishing out a small amount, hence the tablets. My only worry at this point is that it will be too much and send me hypo! I did explain that I didn't have a huge appetite but did have three meals a day and he said I should be fine, so fingers crossed.
He also encouraged me to eat as normal (at this stage) until levels settle and to do my best to carry on life as I normally would! He explained that I must look after myself and that eventually I would control the diabetes and it wouldn't control me - this I did smile at. I asked if he would class me as T1 or T2 and he said at this stage I shouldn't label myself but just to work with the team to get myself well and in control.
I must say I found this all refreshing as a few years ago I attended a clinic with a family friend in a different part of the country and the consultant hardly asked her anything and just gave her tablets and told her to get on with it! (She was in and out in 5 mins) I was with him for 1/2hr.
I didn't see the diabetes nurse as she was elsewhere in the hospital but I did have my feet and eyes checked.
I'm due back to see him again in 10 weeks, so I guess I just have to wait and see how it goes...
Thank you for all your posts, it's reassuring to know that I'm not alone.
Well I had my appointment this morning with the consultant. I got asked lots of questions and must say he was excellent at listening to how things had been etc, which I found very reassuring. It seems because my insulin dose has gradually been reduced to once a day and only 4 units he wants to try me on Gliclazide 80mg twice a day for a while to see how things go and stop the insulin. As I understand it Gliclazide is given to help increase the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas? The consultant seemed to think that my own pancreas was still dishing out a small amount, hence the tablets. My only worry at this point is that it will be too much and send me hypo! I did explain that I didn't have a huge appetite but did have three meals a day and he said I should be fine, so fingers crossed.
He also encouraged me to eat as normal (at this stage) until levels settle and to do my best to carry on life as I normally would! He explained that I must look after myself and that eventually I would control the diabetes and it wouldn't control me - this I did smile at. I asked if he would class me as T1 or T2 and he said at this stage I shouldn't label myself but just to work with the team to get myself well and in control.
I must say I found this all refreshing as a few years ago I attended a clinic with a family friend in a different part of the country and the consultant hardly asked her anything and just gave her tablets and told her to get on with it! (She was in and out in 5 mins) I was with him for 1/2hr.
I didn't see the diabetes nurse as she was elsewhere in the hospital but I did have my feet and eyes checked.
I'm due back to see him again in 10 weeks, so I guess I just have to wait and see how it goes...
Thank you for all your posts, it's reassuring to know that I'm not alone.
Ian DP
Well-Known Member
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Hi drummer mum
I wonder if you are LADA (T1 in the honeymoon period). If so Gliclazide may do you more harm than good according to many dr's.
I think you may find Dr burnstiens diabetic solution book a very interesting read. You can download it for £5 on iBooks / amazon. Dr Bernstein was diagnosed T1 at 12 years of age, now in his 80s with little / no complications, and a qualified dr.
I wonder if you are LADA (T1 in the honeymoon period). If so Gliclazide may do you more harm than good according to many dr's.
I think you may find Dr burnstiens diabetic solution book a very interesting read. You can download it for £5 on iBooks / amazon. Dr Bernstein was diagnosed T1 at 12 years of age, now in his 80s with little / no complications, and a qualified dr.
Hi Ian
Thanks for that I'll have a look on Amazon. I'm still reeling from the diagnosis and reading as much as I can about it.
All very interesting, I might add
Thanks for that I'll have a look on Amazon. I'm still reeling from the diagnosis and reading as much as I can about it.
All very interesting, I might add
Ian DP
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 712
- Type of diabetes
- LADA
- Treatment type
- Insulin
- Dislikes
- Chips
.....and reading as much as I can about it.
The more you read the more you learn, keep up the reading.... I think you may well also find that your consultants advice of 'eat normal' is against many learned diabetics advise (LcHf diet is often found to be best) but in my opinion you need to establish / convince yourself that this is best before going down this route. But try not to leave it to late, because your few remaining beta cells will likely not last very long if you have high blood sugar levels.
I had the same 'eat 1/3 carb' heathy meal advise from my diabetic specialist, then months later, after much learning, gave them 3 reasons why I wanted to low carb, and they agreed and understood.... The trouble is NHS policy is 'normal eating', and diabetic staff all work for the NHS thus have to go with policy..... Until it seems you question it..... Lots of info within the LADA section on this forum.... Have a good browse.
Diagnosed T2 in sept 2013, BS levels 20+. BMI 22, age 59. Then diagnosed T1 / LADA in December. On a LcHf diet taking no insulin or medication, and striving to keep my BS readings to dr Bernstein's recommended 4.6 pre breakfast and 5.6 2hr after eating in order to keep as many insulin making pancreas beta cells as possible for as long as I can.
Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
Thanks Ian.
I think the advice of 'eat normal' was until I got my levels down a little as I immediately thought and worried about what I should eat.
I have always followed a healthy lifestyle (until last year I taught dance and drama so was fit) plus ate very well. A good balanced diet etc: my vice was sugar in hot drinks but that soon stopped! I have settled okay on the Gliclazide and the DN is going to ring me again next week.
I'm still reading and searching. There's so much information out there it's a good job I enjoy reading!
I think the advice of 'eat normal' was until I got my levels down a little as I immediately thought and worried about what I should eat.
I have always followed a healthy lifestyle (until last year I taught dance and drama so was fit) plus ate very well. A good balanced diet etc: my vice was sugar in hot drinks but that soon stopped! I have settled okay on the Gliclazide and the DN is going to ring me again next week.
I'm still reading and searching. There's so much information out there it's a good job I enjoy reading!
