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Blood glucose question

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J

Jangles

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
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....

I think that it's the consensus of the majority of this group that testing is an essential aspect of getting this disease under control, unfortunately most T2's are not issued a meter & have to fund their own, the SD Codefree from Amazon is a popular choice as it's affordable.
By testing we can see daily what is happening to our blood glucose levels & then are able to address issues in a timely manner.
 
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Hi Martin

Thanks for your reply. I think I will get a blood glucose monitoring kit. Do you know if after initial diagnosis if / when you go back to see the doctor? I am wondering if they check if the medication is working?
 
I second getting a meter. I was given one and I'm on lower dose of Metforim. I've been told they will see me again in 3 months and recheck my hba1c
 
I've been told nothing, I'm going to phone the surgery tomorrow and ask for an appointment and ask for a meter. I'd like another hba1c check to know if the medication is working and a meter to check my own.
 
Jangles said:
Thanks for your reply. I think I will get a blood glucose monitoring kit. Do you know if after initial diagnosis if / when you go back to see the doctor? I am wondering if they check if the medication is working?
Click to expand...
I go every 3-4 months but I'm an Expat living in the States so I don't know what the NHS recommendation is
 
Jangles said:
I've been told nothing, I'm going to phone the surgery tomorrow and ask for an appointment and ask for a meter. I'd like another hba1c check to know if the medication is working and a meter to check my own.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately you are unlikely to get another HbA1c within three months of the previous one at the very least. I had an HbA1c and a couple of months later the doctor wanted blood tests for something else and added HbA1c The results came back but a note at the bottom that they have not done HbA1c as it was done within three months and go look at them. I had an HbA1c and then put on insulin. I was given a blood test form for FBC and HbA1c and told not to have it done for another three months.
 
Hi Lilian

I probably didn't phrase it right. I should have said I'm going to phone the surgery to find out when I should be seeing the GP again and make an appointment for whenever it is. I'm just newly diagnosed so completely in the dark about it all. I've seen the GP once since diagnosis but she never said when I should come back and if they would follow it up to see if the medication is working. I should have thought about it at the time but my mind was whizzing with the new information and the GP also told me she was already over her alloted time with me so I felt I had to leave. I'm not sure if I'm eating right (I've cut out all sugar and cut back on carbs) .
 
Jangles said:
Hi Lilian

I probably didn't phrase it right. I should have said I'm going to phone the surgery to find out when I should be seeing the GP again and make an appointment for whenever it is. I'm just newly diagnosed so completely in the dark about it all. I've seen the GP once since diagnosis but she never said when I should come back and if they would follow it up to see if the medication is working. I should have thought about it at the time but my mind was whizzing with the new information and the GP also told me she was already over her alloted time with me so I felt I had to leave. I'm not sure if I'm eating right (I've cut out all sugar and cut back on carbs) .
Click to expand...
Unfortunately as you will find what happens can vary from different parts of the country and even different surgeries in the same area. The HBA1C covers about 12 weeks.
My appointments vary from 3 months to 6 months, depending on changes in treatment. I have bloods done, then two weeks later I have a double appointment with the Diabetic Nurse. I also get a letter asking me to make the appoinments.
 
The effect diabetes has on us is very varied, along with what foods we tolerate.... That's where the meter is so important & in the likely event that one won't be issued (particularly given the lack of advice your GP gave you) then it's a good idea to get one sooner than later.
As far as diet, we have varying strategies, ranging from very low carb to Glycemic Load, research & chose a strategy that works for you
 
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.
 
Jangles said:
Hi Lilian

I probably didn't phrase it right. I should have said I'm going to phone the surgery to find out when I should be seeing the GP again and make an appointment for whenever it is. I'm just newly diagnosed so completely in the dark about it all. I've seen the GP once since diagnosis but she never said when I should come back and if they would follow it up to see if the medication is working. I should have thought about it at the time but my mind was whizzing with the new information and the GP also told me she was already over her alloted time with me so I felt I had to leave. I'm not sure if I'm eating right (I've cut out all sugar and cut back on carbs) .
Click to expand...

This makes me furious. Hello Mrs Bloggs - you have a serious Chronic Long Term Condition which if you don't look after, could easily cause all sorts of horrible complications or even kill you if you don't treat it right - but you'll get no help from me so just run along right now please. Next!
 
Definitely agree with getting a meter it can do wonders in showing what and in which way the food effects you, the SD code free meter is the cheapest to feed with strips. If you order from here you can claim the vat relief by clicking the right option. when ordering select the right meter reading type of mmol/L https://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/codefree-blood-glucose-monitoring-system-mmoll-or-mgdl/ . I don't think you will get offered another Hba1c test until the 12 weeks is up from having the first one, you might be lucky and have an understanding doctor or nurse to have one sooner. This is one area I am lucky in as I tend to have blood tests very often due to other on going investigations and can ask for a HbA1c to be thrown in with them or the Doc will request one as part of all the other blood tests.
 
Hi Jenny

That cheered me up! . and sums it up too! It's made me feel determined to be proactive now otherwise I might never get on top of this!
 
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?
 
Unfortunately it can be patient driven, your not in alone in this situation of left wondering whats going on or what happens next. When you get your meter you will be able to see if any changes you are making has any effect on your levels. What you might get as well from the GP or nurse is why are you testing as there is no need espec as you are type 2.

It should be a max of 3 months before they see you, but would of thought as newly diagnosed it would be like a month at most to see if the metformin is working. Normally with metformin they start you on a low dose and over a few weeks work you up to the max of 2 x 500 mg taken twice a day. Without another blood test the professionals can see if the metformin is working, this is where the meter comes in handy, not only does it show what foods do to your levels it should show a steady decline in levels when it works.

The other thing with metformin is it can cause tummy upsets and a increase in exhaust gas (noted for it), they will probably of given you the standard metformin to start with, though there is a slow release version which is more gentle on ones system.
 
Hello from a fellow T2
Jangles said:
My query is do I see the GP again?
Click to expand...
I told the practice I didn't want to see the nurse again and complained in writing. That's the only reason I ever saw the GP about my diabetes. It's all done by the nurses and healthcare assistants.

Jangles said:
Do you know if after initial diagnosis if / when you go back to see the doctor? I am wondering if they check if the medication is working?
Click to expand...

Jangles said:
how will I know that the metformin is working?
Click to expand...
Two years in and I've got no idea if its working.
 
Hi Jangles. I must say I heartily agree with Jenny. If their is another GP at the practice I would try to see them in future also some practices have a GP who takes a special interest in diabetes.
The GP should also have told you when you need to be seen again (so another failing) , at some practices after the initial diagnosis you see one of the practice nurses who has had a bit of extra training in diabetes. IMO as someone newly diagnosed this should happen around a month after dx (diagnosis)
Btw Metformin is also known as Metfartin on here :D
 
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