Concerned

[LittleSunflower]

Hello everyone, hope you’re all keeping safe in these uncertain times.
I’ve posted a couple of times before about being told I fall within the pre-diabetic catergory. (My bloods have come back 43 and 47 on two different occasions; HBA1C and a fasting glucose) I have recently had another HBA1C done to try and narrow it down to which type I may be developing (as type 1 runs in my family) but no further action has been put into place as of yet.
I am in my 20s and have always had a problem with my diet - whether that be not eating enough or eating too much of the wrong things. (Previously diagnosed Anorexic at one stage in my life.)
Obviously with all that’s happening in the world right now, I’m sure we are all concerned about our health but without a proper conclusion of what I may be struggling with, I’m feeling very down about it all. As mentioned, I have had problems with food in the past and it’s clear that I’m still not over them to this day but I’m in a much better place with daily intake.
To my concern -
Recently, I have been finding myself feeling my blood sugars changing once every week or so; to describe it, I feel warm and weak at random times; I’d say mostly mid afternoon or just before I go to sleep. I get light headed, feel sick and my vision deteriorates during these episodes. My instinct is that I need sugar to bring me back to some sort of control? I have mentioned this to my GP but he said he would be expecting me to go high more than low if anything.
I know there’s the two factors contributing to me feeling this way but has anyone else experienced this - have you any idea on how to turn this all around and keep this under control?
Thank you

 

[zoombapup]

The dizzyness, weakness and vision problems were exactly what I had just prior to being diagnosed with diabetic keto acidosis and checked into hospital the same day. My blood glucose was massively high, after eating way too many carbs and having too much fruit juice and the like.

Being high can be just as problematic as being low. So I'd urge you to get a blood glucose meter and begin testing yourself. I'd also speak to the GP again and make sure they take the situation seriously as DKA can put you in a coma.

One thing you can do positively for yourself right now, is to cut down the number of carbohydrates you take in dramatically. I've done this and after an initial patch where I needed insulin injections to get my blood glucose under control, have been able to stop it and simply keep this under control by eating a diabetic friendly diet instead.

I'm sure people will link some useful info for diet advice, but just be aware that the symptoms you describe are potentially life threatening if severe enough, so speak to a GP about it.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Good to see you again @LittleSunflower

Sorry you’ve not been feeling well.

I think @zoombapup has given excellent suggestions. The only way you can be sure if any of the symptoms you are experiencing are due to your blood glucose levels is to check them.

Nausea and tiredness can certainly be symptoms of high BG, and people developing T1 sometimes say they craved carbs before diagnosis, because their body was not able to get the energy from the food they were eating.

it’s an uncertain time for you. I would recommend you try to speak to your GP again and discuss your changing symptoms, or get hold of an affordable BG meter like the SD Gluco Navii so you can check your own BG when your symptoms occur.

 

[Toucan]

Hello @LittleSunflower
I see from your previous postings that you have had some issues in getting a diagnosis from your GP, but it is important to keep trying and make them aware of your symptoms.
Having some results available from a meter would help with this.

I know it's not easy to do but try to take some action so that you feel that something is being done, so that you can reduce your worry and stress about this, as that in itself can make the situation worse.

 

[SB2015]

Good morning @LittleSunflower

Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well and struggling to get a clear diagnosis.
There is some very useful advice above, focusing on getting hold of a glucose test kit. That would enable you to match your feelings to specific numbers. That alongside a record of the amount of carbohydrates that you are eating will give a clearer picture to work with in making clinical decision.

Take care and keep in touch.

 

[LittleSunflower]

Good to see you again @LittleSunflower

Sorry you’ve not been feeling well.

I think @zoombapup has given excellent suggestions. The only way you can be sure if any of the symptoms you are experiencing are due to your blood glucose levels is to check them.

Nausea and tiredness can certainly be symptoms of high BG, and people developing T1 sometimes say they craved carbs before diagnosis, because their body was not able to get the energy from the food they were eating.

it’s an uncertain time for you. I would recommend you try to speak to your GP again and discuss your changing symptoms, or get hold of an affordable BG meter like the SD Gluco Navii so you can check your own BG when your symptoms occur.

Thank you for your words - in regards to the BG meter, are there any others you recommend as the link to that one says it’s currently unavailable?

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Thank you for your words - in regards to the BG meter, are there any others you recommend as the link to that one says it’s currently unavailable?

Ah sorry about that. Some here use the Caresens (who I think will send you a meter free of charge) and others the Tee 2.

Essentially you want to look for one which has affordable strips - because these vary significantly in price, and are the major cost going forwards.