Hello everyone, I'm new. I am reaching out for support. I was diagnosed with T2 4 days ago, I've been given Gliclazide to take once a day it's an 85mg tablet. Up to now I've been feeling awful on this, I felt better before I started taking it. I take it at about 7am but I wasn't told if I should take it before or after I've done my finger pick test. My readings in the past 4 days have been over 13 mmol so I've had to do keytones as well which have been between 0.00 and 0.4. Sometimes at midday my finger pick test is 20.1 mmol at midday. I feel awful first thing in the morning , , cold nauseus, don't want to eat but forcing myself too, am I doing this right? Am I supposed to take my meds before or after the finger pick test. I had anxiety before being diagnosed and its so much worse now until I get into some kind of routine. I live on my own and to be honest I'm terrified. I'm 58 and need to reach out. I would really appreciate some advice.thank you.
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Diagnosed with T2 4 days ago - very overwhelmed
- Thread starter Smorg14
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Leadinglights
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Welcome to the forum. The medication you have been given is one which encourages the body to produce more insulin, but it is probably early days and the symptoms you are getting are side effects that some people get or are symptoms of high blood glucose.
Do you know what your HbA1C is, that would be the test that was done to give you the diagnosis and likely somewhat above 48mmol/mol.
Have you been given any dietary advise about reducing carbohydrates as that will be something that will have a bit impact on reducing your blood glucose as the readings you are getting are quite high.
The medication you have been prescribed is not usually the first port of call as it is one that can cause people to get hypos (low blood glucose) but your readings don't show that is happening to you.
The finger prick testing is to make sure you do not have low blood glucose particularly if you are driving and to see if the medication is having any effect.
People adopt a testing regime to see what foods they can tolerate by testing before they eat and 2 hours after and want to see no more than 2-3mmol/l increase and aim to be not above 8mmol/l after eating.
I hope somebody who is on that medication will be along to give you any further advice.
Do you know what your HbA1C is, that would be the test that was done to give you the diagnosis and likely somewhat above 48mmol/mol.
Have you been given any dietary advise about reducing carbohydrates as that will be something that will have a bit impact on reducing your blood glucose as the readings you are getting are quite high.
The medication you have been prescribed is not usually the first port of call as it is one that can cause people to get hypos (low blood glucose) but your readings don't show that is happening to you.
The finger prick testing is to make sure you do not have low blood glucose particularly if you are driving and to see if the medication is having any effect.
People adopt a testing regime to see what foods they can tolerate by testing before they eat and 2 hours after and want to see no more than 2-3mmol/l increase and aim to be not above 8mmol/l after eating.
I hope somebody who is on that medication will be along to give you any further advice.
Felinia
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Hello and welcome
I think most medications have side effects and it might take the body a few weeks to adapt. I had a quick look at the side effects of Gliclazide, apart from the one mentioned by Leadinglights. Apparently there is a slow release version where you take one in the morning with your breakfast, so after your finger prick, and it lasts 24 hours. It seems the slow release versions are kinder on the system - that is certainly true for Metformin, the most common diabetes medication for Type 2.
I don't feel too good first thing in the morning either - queasy and not hungry. But I have a glass of water, and a cup of tea, then have my breakfast about an hour later. But I am retired, and I expect you have to work. Is there any way you can have your breakfast a bit later?
It is a bit overwhelming at first but it is amazing how quickly one can get into a new routine. Best wishes
I think most medications have side effects and it might take the body a few weeks to adapt. I had a quick look at the side effects of Gliclazide, apart from the one mentioned by Leadinglights. Apparently there is a slow release version where you take one in the morning with your breakfast, so after your finger prick, and it lasts 24 hours. It seems the slow release versions are kinder on the system - that is certainly true for Metformin, the most common diabetes medication for Type 2.
I don't feel too good first thing in the morning either - queasy and not hungry. But I have a glass of water, and a cup of tea, then have my breakfast about an hour later. But I am retired, and I expect you have to work. Is there any way you can have your breakfast a bit later?
It is a bit overwhelming at first but it is amazing how quickly one can get into a new routine. Best wishes
Hello leadinglights, thank you for yiur reply. Yes when I was given the diagnosis the reading was 128, as opposed to what it should have been. Sorry im not used to the terminology yet. When I went in for my tests results I was given a 30 min appt and completely bombarded with information which tbh I had no idea what most of it meant. I managed to set my blood monitor up correctly - I think - and am doing the tests hopefully correctly. The same night I had the diagnosis I think I had my first hypo, it was either that or shock hitting my system, I have anxiety also. I am well informed about my dietary requirements, low carb high fibre. Fibre seems to do me good and settle me. Just not sure if I need to take my meds before or after finger pick testing. My readings to date have fluctuated from 21 at pre lunch to 10.2 at pre dinner. Thank you
Hello Felinia, thank you so much for replying. Ok so I need to take my meds after my finger pick, I will do that tomorrow. Yes I need to take the meds 30 mins before food. I do work, another 9 years till retirement, but I'm currently working from home but log in at 6. 45 which is too early to eat. I will do water, then a cup of tea, after my finger prick test and leave breakfast for a bit and see how that goes. I have anxiety as well and my main fear of doing the finger prick test when it's over 13mmol and I do the keytone, I am terrified it's going to go over the normal amount. Touch wood it's OK at the moment. I've changed my diet instantly I don't have a problem with that, if only I'd applied the knowledge years ago, but I have recently found that my birth mother had diabetes so perhaps hereditary too. I have a 10 min telephone appt with a diabetes nurse tomorrow to give her my readings and will see what she says. Thank you. Oh also, I get a ringing in my ears, is that common?
Felinia
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Hi again
That's the problem - stuff you with information when it's well known only about a third goes in. I have a couple of suggestions. First work your way through the Learning Zone (orange tab above), just one module a day, so it can sink in. Second, keep some jelly babies handy for when you have a real hypo, if you do. I'm fairly sure, although I could be corrected, that it won't matter whether you prick before or after. However, as the instructions for Gliclazide say to take with breakfast, and you have to finger prick immediately before eating, I would say prick, then meds.
Your HbA1c was high at 128, but you know about reducing carbs. I would suggest you do the reduction steadily over a period of time, as reducing too much too soon can affect the smaller blood vessels and cause vision problems.
That's the problem - stuff you with information when it's well known only about a third goes in. I have a couple of suggestions. First work your way through the Learning Zone (orange tab above), just one module a day, so it can sink in. Second, keep some jelly babies handy for when you have a real hypo, if you do. I'm fairly sure, although I could be corrected, that it won't matter whether you prick before or after. However, as the instructions for Gliclazide say to take with breakfast, and you have to finger prick immediately before eating, I would say prick, then meds.
Your HbA1c was high at 128, but you know about reducing carbs. I would suggest you do the reduction steadily over a period of time, as reducing too much too soon can affect the smaller blood vessels and cause vision problems.
Felinia
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So, as I understand it, you have to take some meds 30 minutes before food, and Gliclazide with food. Same as me with my Sukkarto. I keep my "before" meds in one place, and have them with my tea and water, and my Sukkarto on the dining table, so I don't forget it, with my meal.
Not come across ringing in the ears! For your phone appointment, I suggest you have a list of questions prepared, most important ones at the top. Feel free to come back with any further queries, and after you have spoken to your DN.
Not come across ringing in the ears! For your phone appointment, I suggest you have a list of questions prepared, most important ones at the top. Feel free to come back with any further queries, and after you have spoken to your DN.
Hi, you sound terrified, but don’t worry it’s totally normal. I’m relatively new to diabetes so I won’t add too much other than, you say your worried about keytones, please don’t forget that they can be present in small amounts when you cut the carbs and diet hard so don’t get too stressed about that. Obviously if the are over the threshold and your sugars are really high at that time then take action. Ringing ears can be a side effect off nearly all medications. Especially if it started around the same time as you started taking yours. Another thing and this is a long shot, you say you have anxiety.. me too, you don’t grind or clench your teeth do you ? This can lead to ringing ears… drives me nuts but I’m sort of used to it now. And PS. Your not on your own anymore, you got us lot
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🙂
Hi Emma, thank you so much, I'm amazed at the fast responses and I already feel a little bit better, yes I probably do clench my teeth/jaw without even realising and I hadn't realised meds could make your ears ring. Its early days for the diagnosis and my anxiety goes through the roof before I test, do you think it would impact the score? It wouldn't would it? Also, as I was told to test 3 times a day, first thing in the morning, pre lunch and then pre dinner I was scared to eat anything incase it spiked my levels, I'm not even sure if I'm allowed to eat anything between the tests, ive gotten some advice from members on here already which has been very useful, but forgot to ask if I'm allowed to eat in between testing....Thanks for your reply Emma
Hi no thanks necessary. We all help each other. I have the libre sensor so I don’t really need to finger prick very much, but it’s really difficult to gauge what’s going on from only 3 tests a day. As spikes happen with different foods for different people it’s really important to know what’s raising your sugars. My bad times are mornings, I could never have a bowl of cereal as I would be high as a kite till lunch. My typical day would be Nuts greek yogurt and berries for breakfast. An omelette with all sorts of veggies /meat for lunch, chicken and salad for tea. I tend not to snack but if I do it would be protein bars/ nuts/ plain yogurt and small amounts of fruit. Yes anxiety can raise your sugars a little but really it its the foods you eat. There is nothing to say you can’t eat whenever to you want, as long as they are the right choices but many of us do try and stick to a routine where possible once we find out what works for us. Please don’t feel pressure to get it all right straight away, and you may feel a bit weird as your sugars lower for a while. Funnily enough I felt great when my blood was basically syrup but pretty rubbish for ages after diagnoses. Least you can come here every day, tell us how your getting on and get some suggestions. It will take a while but you will make progress I promise.
Leadinglights
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@Smorg14, I hope some of the comments from people have eased your mind a bit, you have some good suggestions, Emma has mentioned a few of the things she has for meals but it would be helpful if you were to give some examples of the sort of meals you are having so people can make some suggestions about where you could make some lower carb substitutions or some things which it just won't be wise to have.
I should ask your nurse what the testing times she suggested are going to tell you. Really you want to know if the meal/food you just had is pushing your level up too much, that is by more than 2-3mmol/l as that would indicate your meal was too carb heavy for your body to cope with. So testing before your meal as suggested but also after 2 hours as that will tell you something useful i.e. the meal was OK for you.
If you are testing 3 times a day then yes, you have to eat between tests because that will be your meals.
The effect of reducing carbs can make you feel a bit off as your body has to get used to the lower glucose levels having been used to a high level for some time.
I should ask your nurse what the testing times she suggested are going to tell you. Really you want to know if the meal/food you just had is pushing your level up too much, that is by more than 2-3mmol/l as that would indicate your meal was too carb heavy for your body to cope with. So testing before your meal as suggested but also after 2 hours as that will tell you something useful i.e. the meal was OK for you.
If you are testing 3 times a day then yes, you have to eat between tests because that will be your meals.
The effect of reducing carbs can make you feel a bit off as your body has to get used to the lower glucose levels having been used to a high level for some time.
Thank you, I will take your advice on board, definately grateful for this site.
Hi again, breakfasts so far since I've been doing this since last Thursday evening have been scrambled eggs no butter made with skimmed milk, weetabix, lunch lentil and vegetable soup, chicken salad sandwich on wholemeal bread using hummus as spread and not butter, skryr no fat yoguert with blue berries, tuna with brown rice and red pepper with a blob of yoguert. I've gone from a big dinner plate to a side plate and med size pasta bowl, I have an apple not all in one go , I slice it and nibble through day, banana full one but decided half is probably enough, I've bought pears and plums, salad, I drink water and decaf tea. I've literally thrown everything out that was 'bad" for me. I've bought sweet potato to bake for the fiber in the skin, I've got olive oil spread, wholemeal pasta, chicken, satsumas, that's pretty much all the shopping I've bought since I found out last Thursday... since taking the meds, especially in the morning everything tastes super sweet even water, until mid morning.
Leadinglights
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You look to have made some good changes but there is no need to avoid fat so you can still use butter and full fat yoghurt is less carbs than low fat. By using hummus rather than the butter your are adding carbs to something which is already quite high carb so mayonnaise (not light ) or guacamole would make your sandwich lower carb. Many people substitute rice for cauliflower rice or spiralised courgette instead of pasta although there are some low carb pastas made from edamame bean or black bean.
Fruit is always tricky as people react very differently but berries are usually tolerated well but bananas are a no go area for many people.
Keeping a food diary is helpful to show you what carbs you are having and helping to see where you can make some savings.
The book Carbs and Cals is a good resource for giving you the carb value of many foods and of course you can Google it but you need to know the total carbohydrate value. Also a digital kitchen scale is invaluable.
It is early days yet so just take things slowly and make some gradual changes.
Fruit is always tricky as people react very differently but berries are usually tolerated well but bananas are a no go area for many people.
Keeping a food diary is helpful to show you what carbs you are having and helping to see where you can make some savings.
The book Carbs and Cals is a good resource for giving you the carb value of many foods and of course you can Google it but you need to know the total carbohydrate value. Also a digital kitchen scale is invaluable.
It is early days yet so just take things slowly and make some gradual changes.
Felinia
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As usual @Leadinglights offers excellent food advice. Most cereals, including Weetabix are high in carbs, so I tend to go for a grilled breakfast like bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes and poached egg - occasionally a small slice of wholegrain bread, or 80gm berries and full fat Greek yogurt. Lunch is usually home made soup (you don't know what goes into the shop bought ones), or a salad with protein and a light dressing (no made up shop salads like potato salad or coleslaw). But an open sandwich with lots of salad vegetables (just one slice) would be fine.
I don't have any spread if I have something wet, like tomato, egg, or a few baked beans (reduced sugar and salt) on the bread. I have to totally avoid rice and pasta, but occasionally have 2 small new potatoes plus I have a lot of cauliflower or roasted squash or sweet potato as a potato substitute. I mainly stick to berries or melon, as apples, pears and bananas are lethal for me. I keep digital scales and a clear bowl on my kitchen top, so I can weigh my portions easily - no guessing. Also I record everything on an app, so I know my carbs by meal and by day. It's less fuss than pen and paper, and you can take it round the supermarket!
Todays menu was fairly typical: grilled bacon, mushrooms, poached egg and a small slice of bread; mackerel salad; grilled pork chop with roasted Mediterranean veggies; 80 gm plums with a dessertspoon of full fat Greek yogurt. With my daily milk, it came to 90gm carbs. Tomorrow is my 10am Aquafit class, so I'll have a lighter breakfast, of an egg on small toast, then home made chickestrone soup (minestrone but with chicken instead of pasta) for lunch. I've got a fresh tuna steak which I'll probably have with cauliflower and mixed green veggies.
I hope these posts have given you some ideas but there is a section on the forum for food and recipes as well.
I don't have any spread if I have something wet, like tomato, egg, or a few baked beans (reduced sugar and salt) on the bread. I have to totally avoid rice and pasta, but occasionally have 2 small new potatoes plus I have a lot of cauliflower or roasted squash or sweet potato as a potato substitute. I mainly stick to berries or melon, as apples, pears and bananas are lethal for me. I keep digital scales and a clear bowl on my kitchen top, so I can weigh my portions easily - no guessing. Also I record everything on an app, so I know my carbs by meal and by day. It's less fuss than pen and paper, and you can take it round the supermarket!
Todays menu was fairly typical: grilled bacon, mushrooms, poached egg and a small slice of bread; mackerel salad; grilled pork chop with roasted Mediterranean veggies; 80 gm plums with a dessertspoon of full fat Greek yogurt. With my daily milk, it came to 90gm carbs. Tomorrow is my 10am Aquafit class, so I'll have a lighter breakfast, of an egg on small toast, then home made chickestrone soup (minestrone but with chicken instead of pasta) for lunch. I've got a fresh tuna steak which I'll probably have with cauliflower and mixed green veggies.
I hope these posts have given you some ideas but there is a section on the forum for food and recipes as well.
Drummer
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Ah - I would not have skimmed milk, weetabix lentils bread or hummus - no low fat anything, and blueberries are about the highest carb berries so I have them only as part of a mixture, no rice apples banana plums pears, potato wholemeal pasta or satsumas - they are all too high in carbs for me.
They do give you quite a few things you can cut down on to lower your blood glucose levels gradually, replacing them with low carb veges, salad and topping up the calories with protein and fats
Leadinglights
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There are some things to consider from what @Drummer says but she does go pretty low carb, and with the medication you are on you need to be a bit careful about cutting the carbs too quickly, you need to let your body get used to having a lower blood glucose level.
You have the benefit of having a monitor that you can test the effect various food have and a suitable regime for you will evolve over time. Reducing blood glucose slowly is better so hopefully avoid vision issues that can occur from a rapid drop in levels.
You have the benefit of having a monitor that you can test the effect various food have and a suitable regime for you will evolve over time. Reducing blood glucose slowly is better so hopefully avoid vision issues that can occur from a rapid drop in levels.
Drummer
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Although your blood glucose levels are high at the moment, by cutting back little by little on the high carb foods there will come a time when the medication will be effective and your levels will drop so if you can keep a count of the carbs you are eating and see how many per day get you to the top of normal numbers that is when to be cautious and ensure you don't go too low without reducing medication.
I started my response to my diagnosis by dialling down the carbs over a couple of weeks, getting them to around 50 or 60 grams per day after 3 weeks. No sudden change. Using a phone app and kitchen scales to get the best estimate of the quantity that I could. I dumped the prescribed metformin after about 3 weeks because I wanted to see what I could achieve without it, I would have gone back to it if I had not been successful.
Then I allowed daily carbs to edge up to an amount I could cope with, around about 80 to 100 grams . Eight months on I am now having 150 to 200 grams and staying within BG limits. The key to my control seems to be exercise. On normal days, try to be moderately active (so no sitting at my desk working for hours on end, regularly getting and moving about). If I know I am going to be out for a long walk then nothing is off the table mealtimes.
I also ate less calories than required for maintaining my weight - but not by a large margin. I reached a target weight and then I modulate intake to stay thereabouts. Ceased all between meals snacking, allowed BG to complete its recovery after a meal. And monitor your BG response to whatever you eat, and your physical activity. Find out what works. You will notice some happy discoveries, for instance I found that red wine with a meal really does reduce the BG response to that meal. Just 1 or 2 standard glasses mind, not a whole bottle.
Then I allowed daily carbs to edge up to an amount I could cope with, around about 80 to 100 grams . Eight months on I am now having 150 to 200 grams and staying within BG limits. The key to my control seems to be exercise. On normal days, try to be moderately active (so no sitting at my desk working for hours on end, regularly getting and moving about). If I know I am going to be out for a long walk then nothing is off the table mealtimes.
I also ate less calories than required for maintaining my weight - but not by a large margin. I reached a target weight and then I modulate intake to stay thereabouts. Ceased all between meals snacking, allowed BG to complete its recovery after a meal. And monitor your BG response to whatever you eat, and your physical activity. Find out what works. You will notice some happy discoveries, for instance I found that red wine with a meal really does reduce the BG response to that meal. Just 1 or 2 standard glasses mind, not a whole bottle.
Leadinglights
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It sound like you have cracked it and found a regime which is sustainable for you. That is the most important thing rather than a bull in a china shop approach which can easily lead to being in a worse situation. Well done, as they say gently, gently, does it.
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