Blood glucose question

[Bubbsie]

Hello

I was diagnosed about 5 weeks ago and sinace then I've seen the diabetic nurse and the GP once. I've been prescribed metformin 1000 mg x 2 daily but not been given a monitor for testing, I've been told it's not necessary for metformin.
My query is do I see the GP again? answer if so when? how will I know that the metformin is working?

Many thanks in advance ☺

Hello

I was diagnosed about 5 weeks ago and since then I've seen the diabetic nurse and the GP once. I've been prescribed metformin 1000 mg x 2 daily but not been given a monitor for testing, I've been told it's not necessary for metformin.
My query is do I see the GP again? answer if so when? how will I know that the metformin is working?
Many thanks in advance ☺

Hi Jangles...your experience sounds almost identical to mine and I suspect many other type 2 diabetics here...the first thing I would recommend is buying a book...Type 2 Diabetes The First Year by Gretchen Becker is an excellent read...written by a type 2 diabetic...explains your condition through the first year month by month...how/why you may have it...how to test your bold glucose...if funds permit of course... it really was essential for me in managing my diabetes...secondly despite advice to the contrary by my GP and the clinic I have tested regularly since being on the forum...the only way I have of monitoring my condition...unfortunately most GP practices do not give Glucose meters so funding your own will be the best way forward...you can buy a starter kit including meter...plus a small quantity of lancets and testing strips...best to buy more of those at the time you purchase your meter...I use the Codefree meter...available from Amazon...this forum provided me with so much support and advice...five months in my BG has reduced from17.4 to and average of 6.7...things will improve for you...early days yet...unfortunately my experience demonstrated I would get little support from my GP...so I've relied on the book...testing...and this forum...you'll get there.

 

[Bubbsie]

Hi Pav
Thanks for the link I will use it. What I was wondering was how soon you should be seen by the GP again after initial diagnosis, mine hasn't said anything and if it's as long as a year how would you know if the medication is working? I'm going to chase it up with the surgery as surely there must be some follow up?

I agree with Pav Jangles...you need to be proactive...usual for a follow upHbA1c test in three months...then have a review...if in between those you test you'll have some idea of whether the medication is working...I see you are on the maximum dose of Metformin...can I ask what your Blood Glucose levels were at diagnosis?...and whether your GP practice have recommended a diabetes education course...at first diagnosis I was stunned...more or less left on my own to deal with it...but bit by bit I have managed to educate myself...adjust my diet...test...and now feel more confident in my ability to manage my diabetes...thankfully you are in the right place for support and guidance here...in time you'll work out which direction is best for you...good luck.

 

[grovesy]

Hi Martin

I think a meter is a must. I can get myself one , I'm not sure about lancets, where to get them (assuming the chemist ) and how to dispose of them but again I can ask the chemist . I think the GP was great at spotting my symptoms and getting me tested but then I had to see another GP who didn't give me any information about what happens next. From everyone's responses it seems that there should be some kind of follow up in about three months so I can chase that up.

Lancets can be bought in the Chemist but the Code Free meter sold on Amazon is the most affordable to buy. They also sell the lancets.
Again disposing of sharps varies around the country.

 

[Jangles]

Hi Bubsie,
Thanks for your reply. I've since spoken with the GP who said that as not on insulin there's no need to monitor bg but to come for a hbac1 3 months after diagnosis. My bg was 22.7 on diagnosis. Hba1c was 115.

I've decided to monitor my bgs despite what the GP says as the general consensus on this forum is that it is beneficial for knowledge and management of own diabetes.

 

[Ljc]

I'm glad you have decided to test, it's the only way to learn how foods etc affect your BGs (blood glucose) . The SD Codefree meter mentioned by others here is much cheaper to self fund, test strips are around £7 for 50 rather than £15-£25 of high street brands , don't forget to claim VAT relief
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Codefree-Glucose-Monitor-Monitoring-Testing/dp/B0068JAJFS
As initially at least you need to test just before and two hours after eating the cost of test strips is an important consideration, IMO the most likely real reason why we're told we don't need to test, some people are told not to test because, it would only upset them, it hurts (done right you hardly feel it)
It's a good idea to have a read of , Test review adjust
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.co.uk/2006/10/test-review-adjust.html.

Their is also lots of useful reading, links for diabetic-info in pinned section over in, newbies say hello here
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/useful-links-for-people-new-to-diabetes.10406/

 

[Grogg1]

I was diagnosed almost 4 weeks ago and I was given a monitor by my GP and told to test 3 times a week. I asked if I could test more and was told yes but nurse laughed as if I was over anxious. My hba1c was 117 and BG over 15 on the day I saw the nurse. Now I'm waking with BG levels of 5.2 and usually under 7 two hours after eating food. Some meals I don't even rise 2 hours after eating even after pinching 2 or 3 of my hubbies chips!

Following advice and info. on this and other sites I'm following a very low carb diet which seems to be working for me. I now need to reintroduce small portions of carbs to see what I can tolerate. Yesterday I had carrots and peas with my lunch as it was mixed veg in staff canteen so only option. My blood sugar 4 hours after eating was 6.3 whereas I normally expect to be in the fives so carrots and peas weren't too good for me.

 

[Bubbsie]

Hi Bubsie,
Thanks for your reply. I've since spoken with the GP who said that as not on insulin there's no need to monitor bg but to come for a hbac1 3 months after diagnosis. My bg was 22.7 on diagnosis. Hba1c was 115.

I've decided to monitor my bgs despite what the GP says as the general consensus on this forum is that it is beneficial for knowledge and management of own diabetes.[/QUOTE

Good news Jangles...testing will be so beneficial in managing your diabetes...good luck...keep us updated!

 

[Ralph-YK]

I was diagnosed almost 4 weeks ago and I was given a monitor by my GP and told to test 3 times a week. I asked if I could test more and was told yes but nurse laughed as if I was over anxious.

3 times a week isn't that helpful. If you do it several times a day you can see what effect things have. I don't know what's wrong with medical people. Other than being like the civil service (Sir Humpthry) in Yes Minister (the minister mustn't know anything. If he knows he might start thinking for himself).

My hba1c was 117 and BG over 15 on the day I saw the nurse. Now I'm waking with BG levels of 5.2 and usually under 7 two hours after eating food. Some meals I don't even rise 2 hours after eating even after pinching 2 or 3 of my hubbies chips!

Excellent 🙂

Following advice and info. on this and other sites I'm following a very low carb diet which seems to be working for me. I now need to reintroduce small portions of carbs to see what I can tolerate. Yesterday I had carrots and peas with my lunch as it was mixed veg in staff canteen so only option. My blood sugar 4 hours after eating was 6.3 whereas I normally expect to be in the fives so carrots and peas weren't too good for me.

Hang on, carrots and peas?!?!!?? Would they affect BG? And what was your BG before eating? It's quite possible that 4 hours after eating you're at the same level as before eating.
Also, 6.3 is a reasonable level.

 

[Amigo]

6.3 is an excellent level after eating Grogg. It's a bit unrealistic to expect to remain in the 5's after eating to be honest. Most non diabetics would struggle to manage it. Try to introduce a small portion of carbs to see how you go if you really want them. This has to be sustainable long term and won't be if you get very hungry trying to cut down to unmanageable levels. My advice would be 'eat by the meter' and ignore the medics on the testing issue. They seem to view glucose testing in the same way as checking your blood pressure.
Initially it's really valuable to know how your body is uniquely reacting to certain foods so a good idea to get one yourself. Even just testing on a morning and then before and 2 hrs after an occasional meal would be helpful.

 

[Grogg1]

Hang on, carrots and peas?!?!!?? Would they affect BG? And what was your BG before eating? It's quite possible that 4 hours after eating you're at the same level as before eating.
Also, 6.3 is a reasonable level.

I was told to avoid them if possible as they raise BG. Peas more so than carrots.

Also I feel sh!t today. Tired, headache, awful taste in my mouth. My BG was 5.1 at 6am. I couldn't face breakfast as I felt so sick and the thought of food turned me. I just drank water and at 11am checked my BG in case it was too low - it wasn't it was 6. Ate some chicken breast at 1pm, couldn't face anything with it, 2 hours later my BG 7.2. I know the rise is acceptable but I'm surprised it rose in the morning when I hadn't eaten and the rise for just a bit of chicken.

The horrid taste in my mouth is lessening but I have zero appetite.

Is this the low carb diet or the metformin? I finished a 7 day course of antibiotics yesterday or an infected cyst on my neck. I felt sick the last couple of days and thought it might have been them. My hubby asked me if I was pregnant! As I'm 52 that's a no!

 

[Martin Canty]

Is this the low carb diet or the metformin? I finished a 7 day course of antibiotics yesterday or an infected cyst on my neck. I felt sick the last couple of days and thought it might have been them

I would be more inclined to suspect the infection/antibiotics.... Low Carbing may cause "Keto Flu" but only in the first week, Metformin may cause gastric upsets but they quickly pass if you are having a "Metformin Day".

Having said that, do monitor over the next few days; BG is one of my early warning indicators of a possible infection happening.

 

[Grogg1]

6.3 is an excellent level after eating Grogg. It's a bit unrealistic to expect to remain in the 5's after eating to be honest. Most non diabetics would struggle to manage it. Try to introduce a small portion of carbs to see how you go if you really want them. This has to be sustainable long term and won't be if you get very hungry trying to cut down to unmanageable levels. My advice would be 'eat by the meter' and ignore the medics on the testing issue. They seem to view glucose testing in the same way as checking your blood pressure.
Initially it's really valuable to know how your body is uniquely reacting to certain foods so a good idea to get one yourself. Even just testing on a morning and then before and 2 hrs after an occasional meal would be helpful.

This is my plan now my BG is down in "normal" levels. Strangely I have not missed chocolate but I am going to make a chocolate dessert. Just Lindt 99% cocoa chocolate bar and whipped cream. The chocolate isn't very nice on it's own, hoping when melted and mixed with cream it's nicer. I've also bought myself some strawberries. I don't really like them but need to eat fruit and I've read berries are usually tolerated better than other fruit so a couple of them with some cream might be a nice treat.

I know I can tolerate Lidl's protein roll so that with olives is fab. Need to google balsamic vinegar as not sure if I can have that.

I haven't been hungry on my low carb diet, in fact I struggle to finish my food. My go to snack is dry roasted peanuts -10 g is a small handful and is great for satisfying my need for a nibble when I'm not hungry but just want to eat!

Weight is starting to drop now. I was 12.9 three and half weeks ago and now 12.4. I exercise more so have gained muscle weight I hope and my waist is 4cm less. I've been losing weight for 2 years now, I started when I almost hit 15 stone!

 

[grovesy]

Some people who have been on Metformin have said they have a a strange taste, and also loss of appetite.

 

[Grogg1]

Some people who have been on Metformin have said they have a a strange taste, and also loss of appetite.

My friend Mr Google said the same and while I have noticed my appetite is reduced I had no odd taste in my mouth so find it strange it would suddenly happen almost 4 weeks in. I wonder if it's been caused by some interaction with the antibiotics.

I'm really feeling under the weather though, so tired and nauseous. I only had a Lidl bread roll for dinner with some cheese and cucumber and I struggled to finish it. I've only a piece of chicken as well today. This isn't normal for me!! Just checked BG 2 hours after bread roll and only 6.7. I am happy I can have a bread roll with food at times. I was vegetarian, considering going vegan but I can't live on Tofu - I used to eat so much rice & pasta !

 

[Martin Canty]

appetite is reduced I had no odd taste in my mouth

Can't respond to the taste thing, but on Low Carb I sometimes forget to eat..... Never used to do that but nowadays it's my Wife who is urging us to get lunch if we are out...

 

[Ralph-YK]

Tired, headache, awful taste in my mouth. My BG was 5.1 at 6am. I couldn't face breakfast ... I just drank water and at 11am checked my BG in case it was too low - it wasn't it was 6. Ate some chicken breast at 1pm, couldn't face anything with it, 2 hours later my BG 7.2. I know the rise is acceptable but I'm surprised it rose in the morning when I hadn't eaten and the rise for just a bit of chicken.

You BG can varry throughout the day, and from day to day. That's why you need to test before as well after eating, over a period of time.
You're body can store sugar and release it when needed. On here I've seen a reference to dawn fenominon. BG going up in the morning. It's suggested it's you have energy to get up. Because you didn't eat, your body could have released sugar to give you energy.
One time I had a full meal, including peas, carrots, roast potatoes (4), mashed and chips (4). My BG went up by 0.7.

I finished a 7 day course of antibiotics yesterday or an infected cyst on my neck. I felt sick the last couple of days and thought it might have been them.

Infections can make you feel grotty. They can also raise your BG.

 

[Grogg1]

Thankfully today the awful taste has almost gone and I have eaten more (Breakfast & dinner). My BS though are odd!

• Waking 5.8 (normally lower fives)
• 2 hours after Breakfast 6.7
• No lunch as in meetings so didn't test either
• Before Dinner 6
• 2 hours after dinner 4.7

My dinner was homemade quorn Bolognese sauce (quorn, tomatoes, peppers, tinned tomatoes, courgette, garlic, onions & basil, with some cheddar on top and a Lidl bread roll.

I have never gone below 5. Now I'm concerned I may be going to bed too low or is it okay?

I'm feeling so much better today thankfully though I still have the horrendous boil on my neck that is like a second head growing!

 

[Martin Canty]

I have never gone below 5. Now I'm concerned I may be going to bed too low or is it okay?

No problem there as you are just on Metformin.... Coming out of an infection, particularly if you used antibiotics, things are likely to take a few days to settle down.

 

[lesley from Chelmsford]

Hello

I was diagnosed about 5 weeks ago and since then I've seen the diabetic nurse and the GP once. I've been prescribed metformin 1000 mg x 2 daily but not been given a monitor for testing, I've been told it's not necessary for metformin.
My query is do I see the GP again? answer if so when? how will I know that the metformin is working?

Many thanks in advance ☺

Hi welcome to the group..I was diagnosed 2 months ago and I have seen my Dr nearly every week so far she has been brilliant..I wasn't put on medication even tho my blood was very high but I have now managed to get it right down..call your surgery and make an appointment because they are supposed to keep an eye on you..good luck.

 

[Grogg1]

Indian takeaway (Chicken Jalfrezi with spinach bhaji and 3 glasses of wine and 2 hours after food 5.7. I've found my new diet!!