Definitely diagnosed now

[Francine]

Saw the diabetes nurse today and she has diagnosed me Type 2 Diabetes. I've had 2 HbA1c results of 48 and 45 in the last 6 weeks ish but because I have symptoms, family history of diabetes and a lot of weight to lose she has given a diagnosis. She has put me on Metformin 1 tablet in the morning to see how i go if i can't tolerate it she said she will change it, she is going to give me a phone call next week to see how I'm doing, she has told me I can phone her or the other nurse anytime with questions and problems. I asked about a blood sugar monitor she said even if she gave me one the surgery wouldn't prescribe the strips and quite openly admitted it was down to cost that management won't allow it but if I wanted to get one myself that was fine with her, so I'm going to get one.

 

[AlisonM]

Sorry to hear this news Francine, but perhaps it god to get a handle on it now rather than later. It's rare to find a DN/GP so open about the reasons why test monitors and strips are so often denied, a brownie point to her for her honesty. This link leads to the SD Codefree meter which is cheap and cheerful for those who must provide their own equipment. It does the job very well. IF you want feedback, I know some of our members are using it and will gladly fill you in.

 

[Mark T]

Welcome to the forum Francine 🙂

At least your nurse was honest about the strips. Did she say anything about all carbohydrates (bread, pasta, rice, etc) convert to glucose and not just "sugar" and therefore you might need to reduce all carbs not just sugar?

The nasty effects to Metformin usually last about a month and then it gets better. So don't be too surprised if you end up rushing to the smallest room for a bit.

 

[Francine]

Yes she was really good explained all about carbohydrates, diabetic food, diet food-processed ready meals and other processed food. She will phone me to see how the metformin is going next week. She also gave me some books and booklets. So, so far I think I've struck lucky.

 

[Northerner]

Yes she was really good explained all about carbohydrates, diabetic food, diet food-processed ready meals and other processed food. She will phone me to see how the metformin is going next week. She also gave me some books and booklets. So, so far I think I've struck lucky.

Sounds good Francine 🙂 It's a shame about the meter and strips, it is such a short-sighted policy - in my opinion it should be an essential part of your treatment plan so that you can understand how diabetes affects you and how to make good food choices based on your tolerance of things. I would recommend getting one and following the process described in
Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S 🙂 Often, GPs can be persuaded to prescribe strips when they can see documentary evidence of how it is helping a person to gain control, so worth doing it and keeping a record to show them 🙂

 

[grovesy]

Sounds like you have struck lucky with her! Good luck.

 

[trophywench]

Brill Francine - she sounds like a 'keeper' that nurse! - wish they were all as honest/knew what they were talking about !

 

[Francine]

Thanks everyone, hope you are all well today xx