• Please Remember: Members are only permitted to share their own experiences. Members are not qualified to give medical advice. Additionally, everyone manages their health differently. Please be respectful of other people's opinions about their own diabetes management.
  • We seem to be having technical difficulties with new user accounts. If you are trying to register please check your Spam or Junk folder for your confirmation email. If you still haven't received a confirmation email, please reach out to our support inbox: support.forum@diabetes.org.uk

Diabetes and Haemochromatosis

Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
R

Rod1969

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi, I am new to this site but have been diagnosed for over a year now. I'm looking for help to point me in the right direction for what I can eat and drink.
I test my blood regularly and I am sitting on average at 12.5. My nurse has increased my tablets without any affect, currently 4 Metformin 500mg and 4 Gliclazide 80mg.
I also have Haemochromatosis and when I read up about it it says that I shouldn't be on Metformin due to my Haemochromatosis, has anybody else found this.
Since increasing my tablets I have had constant diahorea and boils have started coming out over my body. Anybody else had this reaction. I am at a loss of what to do as I think my GP is only concentrating on my diabetes and not my other conditions. Any help and advice would be most welcome. I just want to feel better again.
 
Rod1969 said:
Hi, I am new to this site but have been diagnosed for over a year now. I'm looking for help to point me in the right direction for what I can eat and drink.
I test my blood regularly and I am sitting on average at 12.5. My nurse has increased my tablets without any affect, currently 4 Metformin 500mg and 4 Gliclazide 80mg.
I also have Haemochromatosis and when I read up about it it says that I shouldn't be on Metformin due to my Haemochromatosis, has anybody else found this.
Since increasing my tablets I have had constant diahorea and boils have started coming out over my body. Anybody else had this reaction. I am at a loss of what to do as I think my GP is only concentrating on my diabetes and not my other conditions. Any help and advice would be most welcome. I just want to feel better again.
Click to expand...

Hi Rod,

You mention a nurse but with Haemochromatosis, are you not seeing either an endocrinologist and/or haematologist? It is more unusual to be on Metformin with this condition as I understand it can be more akin to type 1. I think you need to seek specialist advice on the suitability of your medication.
Do you receive any treatment for this iron overload condition such as venesection?
It must be miserable suffering these side effects so I hope your GP will refer you for more specialist advice very soon.
 
Hi @Rod1969 , I have Haemochromatosis and type 2. Have you joined the Haemochromatosis UK charity? They're very helpful, info pack, FB support group and advice line. I was referred to Gastro and am now in "maintenance" after many venesections. Pretty sure my diabetes was linked to being overweight and not to Haemochromatosis. I wasn't prescribed any meds so can't help re Metformin but happy to answer any other questions if I can.
 
Hi again. I believe, as Amigo indicated above, that Haemochromatosis is more likely to cause type 1 so it would be worth checking that. If it turns out to be type 2 like me it may be a reduced carb diet would be helpful to you.
 
The boils are much more likely to be a side effect of constantly high blood glucose than of the actual drugs you are on. Now - whether they are the correct way of treating your diabetes is a different question.
 
Amigo said:
Hi Rod,

You mention a nurse but with Haemochromatosis, are you not seeing either an endocrinologist and/or haematologist? It is more unusual to be on Metformin with this condition as I understand it can be more akin to type 1. I think you need to seek specialist advice on the suitability of your medication.
Do you receive any treatment for this iron overload condition such as venesection?
It must be miserable suffering these side effects so I hope your GP will refer you for more specialist advice very soon.
Click to expand...
Yes I am seeing a consultant for my Haemochromatosis but haven't had my annual review due to covid, my haemochromatosis is in maintenance and levels are ok. I will chase my haemochromatosis consultant.
 
Hope you get some answers @Rod1969

Certainly seems like your body is struggling to successfully metabolise the carbohydrates you are eating, and the excess glucose is being left sloshing around in your bloodstream unable to make it into the cells.

Slightly reducing your carbohydrate intake while you wait for your consultant appointment may take the pressure off a little?
 
Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
Back
Top