Welcome Pete,
Yep a reading of 45 never bodes well. I was diagnosed at 18 but months later went into Diabetic KetoAcidosis(DKA) at 60.8
As that was on deaths door, I feel for you and how you must have felt.
Did you not have any other symptoms previous to your high reading at diagnosis?
Welcome to the forum, there is a wealth of experience and info, everyone is lovely and hold meets/day out in various locations. Please feel free to post any queries you have as I'm sure you'll have a lot to learn...I know I did 🙄