Type 2 - talking about going on insulin and not happy

[mrsT62]

Hi all
New on here. Diagnosed about 7yr and been having meds tweaked and added during this time
Just had two tests for the Hb and it has risen to 89😱 from around 60
All other tests are good liver &kidney function, v low cholesterol(2.4) etc and my eye screenig is normal
I am now being referred back to the hospital from the GP.

My diet is fairly good.
I have in the last few yr had diagnosed inoperable neck problem and arthritis in some joints plus leg pains which i take Gabapentin. I also have trigger point injections in my neck/shoulder every 4 month.
The other pain relief i take is Raboxin, co codamol
My diabetic meds are: Metformin, Bydureon(weekly injection) Sitlagiptin, plus the usual statins and blood pressure stuff.
I have lost 8 stione in the last 7 yr and I am terrified if they put me on insulin I will put weight on! and, have hypos ! My Dad had those and lost his sight.
I have been tweaking my diet cutting carbs etc but it hasnt done much its s reading 8-13 blood testing strips BEFORE food.
I am reasonably active.
Could the trigger point and meds be spiking me? I am at a loss
Suggestions please.Thinking the only way is to sew up my mouth !!! 🙄😉
regards
Sheila

 

[Eddy Edson]

Hi Sheila - Not a doc, but I guess if the trigger point injections involve steroids they could well have an effect on yr BG. Eg: http://diabetesnsw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/DA-45-Steriods-and-diabetes.pdf

And pain can always have a BG impact.

I'd quizz yr doc about these things, if I were you.

Insulin: I don't have any direct experience, but Type 2's around here who are on it often say how much they've benefited from it, so would it really be a bad thing if it's necessary?

All the best!

 

[mrsT62]

Hi Sheila - Not a doc, but I guess if the trigger point injections involve steroids they could well have an effect on yr BG. Eg: http://diabetesnsw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/DA-45-Steriods-and-diabetes.pdf

And pain can always have a BG impact.

I'd quizz yr doc about these things, if I were you.

Insulin: I don't have any direct experience, but Type 2's around here who are on it often say how much they've benefited from it, so would it really be a bad thing if it's necessary?

All the best!

 

[mrsT62]

Hi Eddy
Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I’ve broached the subject about meds and pain injections but GP was JUST focused on me having been “very naughty!”. I am waiting to see a Rhumatologist although tgectest for polymyalgia was negative.

 

[Radders]

Hi Eddy
Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I’ve broached the subject about meds and pain injections but GP was JUST focused on me having been “very naughty!”. I am waiting to see a Rhumatologist although tgectest for polymyalgia was negative.

How very patronising. I wouldn’t put up with being spoken to like that by anyone. I hope that you do get some pain relief for your other conditions.

 

[Drummer]

Do you stick to a low carb diet?
What sort of things are you eating?

 

[SB2015]

Hi @mrsT62

I know that when I have a steroid injection I have to drastically increase my insulin I order to keep my levels in range. Also when I am in pain my BG rises more so I need more insulin. I have learntover the years how much more to give depending on which steroid is used and how much. So both the injections and your pain will have an impact on the BG, since both will increase your resistance to the insulin in your body, which is what enables you to use the glucose in you blood.

You could go back to GP with a food diary showing the efforts you are making with your diet, and ask about how they would advise you to reduce these, although I am not sure I would want to discuss this with your current GP!

It is good that you have been referred to the hospital specialist team, as that is exactly what they are, and they are likely to help you adjust your meds. If you do need insulin, as @Eddy Edson has said, many on here have said how much easier they found things once they switched to insulin.

Whatever happens, keep in touch and keep asking questions.

 

[mrsT62]

Do you stick to a low carb diet?
What sort of things are you eating?

I have always been careful but I have had times where I lapsed say Christmas and some occasions with friends and most of the time I am full so don’t have dessert. Or I choose a healthier option. I’ve learnt Low fat isn’t low sugar!!!! and I use Greek to plain yoghurt add granulated sweetener plus small amount of fruit.
I do eat a lot of fruit so have been told to curb it. Hard to get your five a day when they say eat less and more veg. I eat fresh veggies another than frozen green beans and peas.

I am so thankful you all share experiences on here and wish I’d posted months ago . As supportive as my family are it’s “talking” to those in the same boat that helps x

 

[Ljc]

Hello @mrsT62 . It seems to me that Just about anything can upset our glucose control and you certainly have a lot going on .

Well done on your weight loss

What I’ve come here to say is that for me going on insulin has been the best thing , I needed to go on it as other meds either were not suitable for my kidneys or became as effective as drinking a glass of water . I haven’t put on any weight since going on it a couple of years ago and I am certainly not starving myself.
You still need to watch your carbohydrate intake as the more carbs you eat the more insulin you need and so I’ve been told it’s less effective at higher doses also more carbs mean more weight.

 

[mrsT62]

Hello @mrsT62 . It seems to me that Just about anything can upset our glucose control and you certainly have a lot going on .

Well done on your weight loss

What I’ve come here to say is that for me going on insulin has been the best thing , I needed to go on it as other meds either were not suitable for my kidneys or became as effective as drinking a glass of water . I haven’t put on any weight since going on it a couple of years ago and I am certainly not starving myself.
You still need to watch your carbohydrate intake as the more carbs you eat the more insulin you need and so I’ve been told it’s less effective at higher doses also more carbs mean more weight.

Hi Lin
Thank you. I am really happy to hear that you haven’t put weight on. Which insulin type is it please? Are you still taking tablets?
True about carbs! Shame as I enjoy a good butty!! Lol x
Sheila

 

[TheClockworkDodo]

Hello Sheila, and welcome 🙂

Please don't worry if you do have to go on insulin - insulin doesn't cause weight gain. It's people eating up to the insulin (rather than adjusting the insulin down to what they eat) which causes weight gain.

Also, hypos don't cause sight loss, so please don't worry about that either. High blood sugar or rapidly changing blood sugar are the things which can cause problems with our eyes. Not that hypos are fun things to have, but all insulin-users get them from time to time, and so long as you know how to treat them and you do it quickly there's no reason they should cause any complications or be anything other than a minor nuisance.