Diagnosed today (by text)

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

mrsbill

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
I received a type 2 diabetes diagnosis today via a text from the GP with a link to the Diabetes UK website. And that was it. No offer of follow up to discuss, healthcare plan etc.
My original blood test was for an infection, and the blood sugar test was a bit of a 'just in case'

So it was a bit of a shock. I have called to ask for a GP appointment which is now booked for Friday.

I am 40 yo and obese. It prob shouldn't be a shock but it is

Not really sure where to go from here. I feel embarrassed to talk to people about it
 
Welcome to the forum. First thing is do not panic this is something that can be addressed with some lifestyle changes. Not the best way to be told but not uncommon.
An important thing is to find out what your HbA1C result is, the actual number as that will give you an idea of your starting point and how much work you need to do. Anything over 47mmol/mol will have given you the diagnosis.
Sometimes the GP may repeat the test as if you have an infection that can skew the result. Though an infection can be something more prevalant when blood glucose is high.
Losing weight and increasing exercise if you can will all help and one way to do that is reduce your carbohydrate intake as it is all carbohydrates that convert to glucose. Many find a low carb approach works well and this link is a good introduction to that way. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
Some people find very low calorie or shakes-based regime suits them and an outline of those can be found on the DUK main site.
Looking through the infromation before your appointment will help you with the many questions you probably have, how much help your GP will be will depend on how clued up they are with some of the newer thinking about managing diabetes.
You should also have foot and retinal eye checks arranged and another HbA1C in 3 months to check that the measures you have adopted have been effective.
Depending on how high your HbA1C is you may be prescribed medication like metformin but if not too high, say less than 55-60mmol/mol I hope you will be given opportunity to try the dietary route first.
 
Leadinglights said:
Welcome to the forum. First thing is do not panic this is something that can be addressed with some lifestyle changes. Not the best way to be told but not uncommon.
An important thing is to find out what your HbA1C result is, the actual number as that will give you an idea of your starting point and how much work you need to do. Anything over 47mmol/mol will have given you the diagnosis.
Sometimes the GP may repeat the test as if you have an infection that can skew the result. Though an infection can be something more prevalant when blood glucose is high.
Losing weight and increasing exercise if you can will all help and one way to do that is reduce your carbohydrate intake as it is all carbohydrates that convert to glucose. Many find a low carb approach works well and this link is a good introduction to that way. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
Some people find very low calorie or shakes-based regime suits them and an outline of those can be found on the DUK main site.
Looking through the infromation before your appointment will help you with the many questions you probably have, how much help your GP will be will depend on how clued up they are with some of the newer thinking about managing diabetes.
You should also have foot and retinal eye checks arranged and another HbA1C in 3 months to check that the measures you have adopted have been effective.
Depending on how high your HbA1C is you may be prescribed medication like metformin but if not too high, say less than 55-60mmol/mol I hope you will be given opportunity to try the dietary route first.
Click to expand...
Thank you this is helpful. I was able to look up the HbA1C result on the NHS app and it was 48
 
mrsbill said:
Thank you this is helpful. I was able to look up the HbA1C result on the NHS app and it was 48
Click to expand...
That is not so bad, it is just the first rung on the diabetic ladder, many do start in 3 figures and by some lifestyle changes get back to normal of below 42mmol/mol.
I reduced my HbA1C from 50mmol/mol to 42 in 3 months and the 39 in another few months and I am still there 2 years on following the low carb principals in the link I posted.
 
Welcome, thats so shocking but at least the GP gave you this useful link. I have found this site so helpful and reassuring, I am sure you will too. Please don’t feel embarrassed to talk about your diagnosis it is not something to apologise for.
 
Hi mrsbill, welcome to the forum.

Can only imagine what a a shock it must have been to get a diagnosis via text! It can be overwhelming either way but we're here to support you along this journey.

I'm sure you'll have lots of questions so it's worth noting them down for when you see your health care professional. It would be helpful to have a record of your HbA1c which is the measurement they would have used to diagnose you with.

We've got a lot of info on the site so feel free to look around and let us know if you have any questions.
 
I thought they had to do two bloodtests with a week or 2 between them, and both be over 47, to confirm diabetes before saying you have diabetes.
 
My first blood test was part of my five yearly check up, the hba1c value prompted a second test (both 51) and I got a text which said my result was in the diabetes range and to ring for an appointment with a diabetes nurse. There was a 3 week wait with no extra information or explanation available from the practice so I can sympathise with the nerves.
If you weren't given any care plan in your appointment, ask the practice for their Primary Care Network's complaints contact number; giving you a diagnosis by text with no further support sounds like a failure in care (that's 20+ years in NHS & healthcare talking). If nothing else, the PCN may be able to put you in touch with local NHS services who can help you adjust.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top