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Diabetes diagnosis - blood glucose meter

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Phil 63

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My mother is 88 and displaying symptoms of diabetes (e.g. dry throat, frequent toilet visits). Ideally, she would get a blood test at her surgery to aid diabetes diagnosis. However, she is concerned about catching COVID at the surgery, and wants to wait a few weeks in the hope that a vaccine is on the horizon? My immediate concern (I am her son), is that she is seeing a black spot in her left eye (only when lying down) and I’m worried that this could be retina/diabetes related. Therefore, could a blood glucose meter help to indicate diabetes, and give us more information so that we can weigh up the benefit versus risk of a doctor’s visit during the virus. Thank you for any feedback during this difficult time. Phil.
 
Hi @Phil 63 Sorry to hear your mother’s not feeling 100%. The blood glucose meters aren’t supposed to be used for diagnostic purposes but you could use one to get an idea of whether your mum’s blood sugar appears to be ok.

My immediate concern is the spot in her eye. I think this needs looking at very soon or, at least, an informed opinion about what it might be. Can you/she phone the optician and get advice?
 
Sorry - I meant to add that a vaccine isn’t that imminent. One might be approved towards the end of the year, but then you’re looking at manufacture, distribution, etc, which would add weeks on to the time at which it’s available.

I wouldn’t delay health concerns until then. I’ve visited my local surgery and they had a good system for PPE and protection. She could do a telephone consultation and see what her GP thought the best steps were.
 
Hi Phil 63 and welcome. Inclined to agree with @Inka, your mum needs to speak to her GP or if you are her carer and known to the surgery, you could speak to them to ask what she should do. Odd finger prick measurements will tell you very little, a lab test is needed if your GP thinks it wise.
 
Docb said:
Hi Phil 63 and welcome. Inclined to agree with @Inka, your mum needs to speak to her GP or if you are her carer and known to the surgery, you could speak to them to ask what she should do. Odd finger prick measurements will tell you very little, a lab test is needed if your GP thinks it wise.
Click to expand...
I agree too she needs to speak to a Doctor. I too have found Dr. Surgery are not packed to the rafters like they used to !
 
Phil 63 said:
My mother is 88 and displaying symptoms of diabetes (e.g. dry throat, frequent toilet visits). Ideally, she would get a blood test at her surgery to aid diabetes diagnosis. However, she is concerned about catching COVID at the surgery, and wants to wait a few weeks in the hope that a vaccine is on the horizon? My immediate concern (I am her son), is that she is seeing a black spot in her left eye (only when lying down) and I’m worried that this could be retina/diabetes related. Therefore, could a blood glucose meter help to indicate diabetes, and give us more information so that we can weigh up the benefit versus risk of a doctor’s visit during the virus. Thank you for any feedback during this difficult time. Phil.
Click to expand...
Hi Phil,
I can assure you and your mum there is no chance of catching covid at your GP surgery. All staff are in full gear for their and your protection. The patients temp is taken before they enter the building and the patient wears a mask as well.
 
Inka said:
Sorry - I meant to add that a vaccine isn’t that imminent. One might be approved towards the end of the year, but then you’re looking at manufacture, distribution, etc, which would add weeks on to the time at which it’s available.

I wouldn’t delay health concerns until then. I’ve visited my local surgery and they had a good system for PPE and protection. She could do a telephone consultation and see what her GP thought the best steps were.
Click to expand...
Inka said:
Sorry - I meant to add that a vaccine isn’t that imminent. One might be approved towards the end of the year, but then you’re looking at manufacture, distribution, etc, which would add weeks on to the time at which it’s available.

I wouldn’t delay health concerns until then. I’ve visited my local surgery and they had a good system for PPE and protection. She could do a telephone consultation and see what her GP thought the best steps were.
Click to expand...
Hello Inka,

Thank you so much for your reply. I confirm that I have booked a hospital appointment for my mum with an Opthalmologist, and a blood test via her GP. I think investing in a blood glucose meter will also be worthwhile. I really appreciate your feedback and the contributions of others on this site. Wishing you the best of health.
 
Docb said:
Hi Phil 63 and welcome. Inclined to agree with @Inka, your mum needs to speak to her GP or if you are her carer and known to the surgery, you could speak to them to ask what she should do. Odd finger prick measurements will tell you very little, a lab test is needed if your GP thinks it wise.
Click to expand...
 
Thank you Docb for your welcome and reply. As I’m a novice I’m not sure if you can see my reply to Inka? Anyway, to recap I’ve followed up with our hospital and made a blood test appointment for my mum. Much appreciate your input. Cheers.
 
Pumper_Sue said:
Hi Phil,
I can assure you and your mum there is no chance of catching covid at your GP surgery. All staff are in full gear for their and your protection. The patients temp is taken before they enter the building and the patient wears a mask as well.
Click to expand...
Hello, thank you for your reassuring response. I have made a blood test appointment at our local surgery and also a hospital appointment for my mum. Wishing you the best of health. Phil.
 
Phil 63 said:
Hello Inka,

Thank you so much for your reply. I confirm that I have booked a hospital appointment for my mum with an Opthalmologist, and a blood test via her GP. I think investing in a blood glucose meter will also be worthwhile. I really appreciate your feedback and the contributions of others on this site. Wishing you the best of health.
Click to expand...

Excellent 🙂 I hope you and your mum get some answers soon.

All the best to you both - Inka
 
Hello and welcome to the forum @Phil 63

Our surgery is the Mary Celeste! I'll be over there today putting in repeat prescriptions...
 
Phil 63 said:
Thank you Docb for your welcome and reply. As I’m a novice I’m not sure if you can see my reply to Inka? Anyway, to recap I’ve followed up with our hospital and made a blood test appointment for my mum. Much appreciate your input. Cheers.
Click to expand...

Hope all works out OK and for future reference, everybody can see all contributions to a thread.
 
Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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