I think things have been moving towards tightening the definition of diabetes over the years. Different criteria are used, whether it is fasting levels, the results of an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) or HbA1c reading, or in some cases a couple of random tests where the patient presents with some of the symptoms. There is a very broad spectrum and some people might be termed 'pre-diabetic', in that they have elevated levels but not quite fitting the diabetes diagnosis definition. Actually, it is quite scary how many doctores miss diabetes altogether and don't test for it, despite a great deal of evidence to the contrary - there are good and bad doctors out there.
Some GPs are much better than others in their initial advice and guidance. The more enlightened ones will suggest a low-carb or GL diet, and encourage you to test before and after meals so that you can learn how different foods and activities affect you. Others simply dish out a couple of leaflets and maybe some pills and leave you to your own devices, just sending you for tests every 3, 6 or 12 months. To be fair to them, many people would rather not test, would rather take pills than change their diet, and resign themselves to feeling rubbish and eventually succumbing to complications.
I am always encouraged to hear when people are directed here, or to other online forums, by a healthcare professional - they are on the ball and acknowledge that diabetes is a disease that can be managed well given the right sort of advice, tools and support. It's a big learning curve, but I have seen countless accounts from people who have turned things around and can now reel off the advice like experts - this is because it is something you work at every day, so it becomes routine - maybe with the odd glitch - but proactive. You have made a good start by coming here and I have no doubt that if you stick with it you will feel much happier and nowhere near as confused in the weeks and months to come! 🙂
- confused...
