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Hello have type 2 diabetes due to half my pancreas being removed. Seeing doctor next week having had blood test yesterday.

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J

Janeuine

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hello. Suddenly found I had a reading of 20 this morning. Seeing my doctor next Friday. Is 20 a level that needs attention sooner. Never known it to go above 15 before but very very stressful family issues last few days
 
Hi @Janeuine if you have had part of your pancreas removed then really you are Type 3c rather than Type 2. We have a couple of members who are Type 3c @eggyg and @Proud to be erratic are the two I can remember off the top of my head.

Do you have ketostix to check for ketones? with 20 there is a chance of ketones and if you had high ketones then you would need attention sooner (probably A&E).

what medication (if any) are you currently on?
 
Hi Janeuine, I have responded to your post in the Newbies thread. as you have had surgical removal of part of your pancreas, you should have been classified differently I believe as type 3c.

do you have ketostix? with a reading of 20 you would need to check for ketones and if they are present then contact GP or NHS 111 and depending on level you may need to go to A&E
 
Welcome to the forum.
Can I ask when you had your surgery? And what meds do you take for your diabetes?
I had two thirds of my pancreas removed and told I was Type 2 like you. But we aren’t. As @42istheanswer mentioned we are Type 3c. I started on Metformin and my numbers just kept going up until I asked about insulin. If I hadn’t been on this forum I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to. Unfortunately, lots of HCPs, including GPs, haven’t a clue about Type 3c ( diabetes caused by damage or disease to the pancreas). NICE guidelines suggest if Metformin doesn’t work ( which it won’t forever as the remaining piece of pancreas will die eventually), you must be given insulin and treat as a Type 1, this includes any technology which may be required.
Do some research about Type 3c ( I emphasise the C as Type 3 is an American term and related to Alzheimer’s). Go armed with your findings when you have your appointment.
I’m 15 years post op, lead a full and normal (ish) life. Any question please ask. Elaine.
 
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Thank you Elaine. I will certainly read up on type 3C. I had a cyst in my pancreas which is why they removed half together with my spleen so am on antibiotics for life too. Hey ho - the joys of getting older.
 
Janeuine said:
Thank you Elaine. I will certainly read up on type 3C. I had a cyst in my pancreas which is why they removed half together with my spleen so am on antibiotics for life too. Hey ho - the joys of getting older.
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Same as me. Pre cancerous tumour as it turned out, and spleen removed just incase it was malignant. I was only 47, so quite young. I’m almost 63 and retired, because of my husband’s ill health not mine. I’m fairly fit, do lots of walking, do even more running after grandchildren, like baking and cooking and read lots and lots of books. I have my “issues” as to be expected from having such a major operation but on the whole cope well. My diabetes is very well controlled, which is the winner in my books, I dread to think what I’d be like without insulin though. I would try and get an earlier appointment to see your GP, you must feel rotten at 20. It is very high and although stress can cause BGs to rise that is extreme. What is it now?
 
It has gone down to 14.1 at the moment. Will keep an eye on it. I'm only on a low dose of metformin at the moment. Seems to fluctuate between 9 and 15 most of time which is why I got a bit worried at 20.
I am 73 and also have pain issues with hips and one knee. I have to use a stick and cannot walk too far. I do get out for about half a mile 4 times daily as I have x a little dog.
When I see doctor next week I shall go in with all guns blazing (it's taken 3 months to get a face to face appointment). I want a scan of hips and also will press the 3C diagnosis.
Will let you know how it goes
 
Good to hear that your BG is coming down now @Janeuine

Hope you are able to have a positive conversation with your Dr about type 3c - not all healthcare professionals are familiar with it as a diabetes type.

There’s an overview here which may be helpful?

What is type 3c diabetes?

You may have heard of the more common types of diabetes like type 1, type 2 and gestational. But there are actually many other types of diabetes that aren't as well known. Type 3c diabetes develops because of the damage to the pancreas, which can happen for a few different reasons. And although...
www.diabetes.org.uk www.diabetes.org.uk
 
Janeuine said:
It has gone down to 14.1 at the moment. Will keep an eye on it. I'm only on a low dose of metformin at the moment. Seems to fluctuate between 9 and 15 most of time which is why I got a bit worried at 20.
I am 73 and also have pain issues with hips and one knee. I have to use a stick and cannot walk too far. I do get out for about half a mile 4 times daily as I have x a little dog.
When I see doctor next week I shall go in with all guns blazing (it's taken 3 months to get a face to face appointment). I want a scan of hips and also will press the 3C diagnosis.
Will let you know how it goes
Click to expand...
If you need a stick, then I recommend that you try Nordic walking poles.
When I took Atorvastatin and Metformin for just 5 weeks I was almost immobile, and the pavements around here were shocking and have got worse. I had the poles already as I used to walk a lot and already knew their worth, as with the poles I can step out with far more confidence and travel far further. Going back to using them even around town made a lot of difference. Using two helped me stay properly upright and balanced and took the strain off my joints so I could feel an improvement in a couple of days. Your little dog should be delighted.
 
Drummer said:
If you need a stick, then I recommend that you try Nordic walking poles.
When I took Atorvastatin and Metformin for just 5 weeks I was almost immobile, and the pavements around here were shocking and have got worse. I had the poles already as I used to walk a lot and already knew their worth, as with the poles I can step out with far more confidence and travel far further. Going back to using them even around town made a lot of difference. Using two helped me stay properly upright and balanced and took the strain off my joints so I could feel an improvement in a couple of days. Your little dog should be delighted.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the advice. Unfortunately unable to try walking poles as I cannot use them and have my dog on a lead.
 
you can buy some from the pharmacy bit of the chemist for a little over £5 (probs will need to ask for them). Worth getting a pot for piece of mind vs waiting until next week x
 
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