Diagnosed Type 2 yesterday at 24

[scottwatters]

Hey folks,

So I was in getting blood tests done for allergies when they found that my blood sugar was really high. Had to go back in and do another set of blood tests, and then got a call saying I needed a face to face appointment with the doctor which I had yesterday, and got told I’ve got Type 2 diabetes!

I had expected it to be honest, as I had psyched myself out over the weekend to the point I was relaxed yesterday. I’ve been out on glycozide (spelling?) and took my first tablet this morning.

Just after I finished lunch I was feeling quite shakey and felt quite spaced out. I went and bought a Mars bar which has calmed it down a bit. Is this hypoglycaemia, or am I just psyching myself out again because I’m on new medication? Tbh, I’m feeling quite anxious about hypoglycaemia in general. I’m scared of the idea of fainting or passing out.

I’ve been trying to read up as much as I can, and my grandad is diabetic (and very prone to hypoglycaemia) so I’ve been asking him questions, but it’s still a huge learning experience for me!

Thanks folks, and I’m looking forward to joining the community

 

[Inka]

Welcome @scottwatters 🙂 If your blood sugar has been high for a while (which it probably has), normal blood sugar levels will make you feel hypoglycaemic even though you aren’t. These are called ‘false hypos’. However, as you’re on Gliclazide ‘real’ hypos are also a possibility too. Did you test your blood sugar when you felt funny?

 

[scottwatters]

Hey Inka, I haven’t checked my blood sugar. I asked the doctor about whether I needed the wee finger prick machine or whatever, but she said she wasn’t going to give me one until I’ve had an appointment with the endocrinologist at the hospital. But she said that could take weeks or months.

 

[Inka]

Hey Inka, I haven’t checked my blood sugar. I asked the doctor about whether I needed the wee finger prick machine or whatever, but she said she wasn’t going to give me one until I’ve had an appointment with the endocrinologist at the hospital. But she said that could take weeks or months.

I’d definitely buy a meter. @Martin.A are there rules relating to Gliclazide and testing? I’d assumed there were and I’m surprised no meter has been provided.

(@scottwatters I am Type 1 so @Martin.A will know more about such things)

 

[trophywench]

Err - leading questions here @scottwalters - do you hold a driving licence and do you drive?

 

[goodybags]

Hi @scottwatters
welcome to the forum as others have suggested it sounds like you were having a false hypo
when our blood sugars have been high for a long time, the best way to describe it is the body just craves more sugar and although it’s not a real hypo it can feel quite scary if it’s lower than before
(at least it did to me when I went through it)

I think Gliclazide can cause hypos, but it’s highly unlikely as you had only just started taking it, but obviously if your also changing your diet your BS could be coming down also

I remember telling my Dr I was having hypos and felt terrible, however my levels were at the time of testing 6 which obviously more normal, than I had previously been running at When it was out of control like 15,18,20 and over 20

Definitely recommend self testing !
this advice comes from someone who’s finally got their T2 diabetes under some kind of control,
I’m unsure what’s going to be the best meter for you to self fund,
as I get mine and the strips on prescription.

Do you drive or operate machinery for a living ?
if you do it might be worth asking your GP to reconsider providing a meter / strips on prescription.

if you need to self fund it’s not the meters that cost the money it’s the test strips,
I’m sure someone on here will advise you.

did the GP tell you what your Hba1c came back as ?

 

[scottwatters]

Hey folks, just to answer some of the stuff above:

• I hold a driving license, and drive to/from work which is about an hour and a bit each way (although I'm frequently working from home right now)
• I started a meal plan a month and a half ago, before I was diagnosed, so I'm working on counting macros just now while I work with my personal trainer
• I had assumed I'd get a testing device too, and was surprised when I didn't, especially since the endocrine appointment could take as long to get, but I had grown up assuming that it was needed, given that my grandad had to use his for as long as I can remember
• I'm not sure if it was Hba1c that the doctor told me, as I was mainly just listening to the numbers, but she said the upper limit should be no more than 6.5 (ish?) and that mine was sitting between 12 - 13. I remember the nurse called it my 'here and now' test, but when I googled it I saw no other person calling it that 😛

.@goodybags .@trophywench .@Martin.A

 

[Drummer]

Hey folks, just to answer some of the stuff above:

• I hold a driving license, and drive to/from work which is about an hour and a bit each way (although I'm frequently working from home right now)
• I started a meal plan a month and a half ago, before I was diagnosed, so I'm working on counting macros just now while I work with my personal trainer
• I had assumed I'd get a testing device too, and was surprised when I didn't, especially since the endocrine appointment could take as long to get, but I had grown up assuming that it was needed, given that my grandad had to use his for as long as I can remember
• I'm not sure if it was Hba1c that the doctor told me, as I was mainly just listening to the numbers, but she said the upper limit should be no more than 6.5 (ish?) and that mine was sitting between 12 - 13. I remember the nurse called it my 'here and now' test, but when I googled it I saw no other person calling it that 😛

.@goodybags .@trophywench .@Martin.A

Your GP is playing fast and loose with your ability to drive, your getting to work and your future too - people on gliclazide can have hypos and they must, to be legal, know that they are safe to drive - because if they don't then they are not, and they are also not insured or driving legally - so perhaps a rather pointed communication with the surgery manager could be in order.

 

[Leadinglights]

Hey folks, just to answer some of the stuff above:

• I hold a driving license, and drive to/from work which is about an hour and a bit each way (although I'm frequently working from home right now)
• I started a meal plan a month and a half ago, before I was diagnosed, so I'm working on counting macros just now while I work with my personal trainer
• I had assumed I'd get a testing device too, and was surprised when I didn't, especially since the endocrine appointment could take as long to get, but I had grown up assuming that it was needed, given that my grandad had to use his for as long as I can remember
• I'm not sure if it was Hba1c that the doctor told me, as I was mainly just listening to the numbers, but she said the upper limit should be no more than 6.5 (ish?) and that mine was sitting between 12 - 13. I remember the nurse called it my 'here and now' test, but when I googled it I saw no other person calling it that 😛

.@goodybags .@trophywench .@Martin.A

It looks like you have been given medication without having a clear explanation of your test results or having the implication of the medication on your ability to drive etc. It is a bit surprising you have been referred to an endocrinologist unless they suspect you may be Type 1, not something that was suggested to me.
I think you should insist on a monitor otherwise you are not only putting yourself at risk but others as well and also clarify your test results as that will help people to give you appropriate advice about diet.
It is better to bring down your glucose levels slowly as some people get vision issues if they reduce it too quickly.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I would say you certainly need a blood glucose meter, and should be getting one as a matter of urgency from your surgery, not being made to wait some unspecified length of time for an appointment while taking a glucose-lowering medication.

It might help to call the DUK Helpline on 0345 123 2399 (Mon-Fri 9-6) to chat things through with them.

Having a meter so you can check your levels will really help you differentiate between false hypos where the warning signs are triggered but your levels are still safe, and those which need urgent action.

BG readings below 4.0mmol/L should be treated with 15g of fast acting carbohydrate (eg 190ml Lucozade, 3x Glucose Tabs, 3xJelly Babies) and rechecked after 15 minutes. A Mars bar isn’t ideal because the fat in the chocolate slows down the absorption of the sugars, and it‘s approx 40g or carbs, so has the potential to push your BG too high again.

 

[Inka]

Only reason for suggesting self-funding was because GP won't provide a meter and prescription until after endocrine appointment, which might be weeks or even months away. Anyone on Gliclazide should be given these straight away I thought.

Thanks @Martin.A That was what I thought but I don’t always remember all the details about Type 2 treatments but was confident you would 🙂

@scottwatters You definitely need a meter from your surgery ASAP. Look very carefully at the DVLA information above and make sure you inform the necessary people about your diagnosis.

If you’re being referred to an endo, it looks like they might think you actually have Type 1. There are blood tests that can help determine that. It’s important to get the correct diagnosis because some Type 2 meds don’t suit Type 1s. Many adult-onset Type 1s are misdiagnosed as Type 2, so it’s good if you’re being checked.