Do I have diabetes? No appt

[Emma998282]

Hello, my names a Emma, I’m 20. Im sure this has been posted many times and I know you can’t give diagnosis.
But I’m 90% certain I have type one diabetes. It’s come on really suddenly. Symptoms started just over a week ago but really progressed since Saturday night. E.g. bad circulation and nothing helps it (tingling, numbness) all over my body, I feel so exhausted, thirsty. I have 2 close family members with diabetes (type1&2)
Now my issue is nobody will help me
Next blood test at my doctors is on monday, by the time I get the results it will have been 2 weeks. Am I right to be concerned by this when my symptoms have progressed so quick? I don’t feel like they are taking me seriously. I don’t know much about diabetes but surely 2 weeks left untreated is too long. Plus I need to be able to work (I run a business so can’t take time off) and right now I’m too exhausted to get out of bed and I have a child to look after.
thanks

 

[Mephistophlillie]

If I was you I'd go to A+E, or try ringing 111 they may refer you to an urgent care centre?

Even if it's nothing it will have been worth it to settle your mind.

 

[Emma998282]

If I was you I'd go to A+E, or try ringing 111 they may refer you to an urgent care centre?

Even if it's nothing it will have been worth it to settle your mind.

I rung 111 Sunday morning they said to see my GP on Monday which I did (well a telephone call)
Nearest walk in centre would be a £50 taxi journey :/

 

[Mephistophlillie]

I rung 111 Sunday morning they said to see my GP on Monday which I did (well a telephone call)
Nearest walk in centre would be a £50 taxi journey :/

if I was sufficiently concerned in your situation I’d seriously consider 999 then. Let the call handlers / paramedics make the call. Take care of yourself.

 

[Toucan]

Hello Emma,
I am sorry to hear that you are having such a difficult time, and it is obviously very stressful for you.
One thing to do would be ring 111 again, and tell them that things are still difficult and not improving.
I am a Type 2, so not very familiar with Type 1 symptoms to I am copying @everydayupsanddowns on this message, who I am sure will help if he can.

 

[Emma998282]

I just rung 111 who said to book a routine GP appt :/
I also forget to mention I’ve lost over a stone in 4 weeks, even though I’ve been eating more than. I usually do

 

[MrDaibetes]

If you are worried I would ring 999. Undiagnosed diabetes can cause serious problems.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

I also forget to mention I’ve lost over a stone in 4 weeks, even though I’ve been eating more than. I usually do

I suggest trying a pharmacy. I believe people have said they'll often be able to do a blood test. Even if not, talking to a pharmacist might help escalate things.

 

[Emma998282]

Also just rung the doctors and they have absolutely 0 appointments before Monday and are not taking it seriously at all

 

[stephknits]

A pharmacy should do a walk in finger prick test which should give you a blood sugar reading immediately. This will help indicate if your symptoms are down to diabetes. I would start there. If the reading is very high (say over 20) then I would progress to A&E.

 

[Emma998282]

A pharmacy should do a walk in finger prick test which should give you a blood sugar reading immediately. This will help indicate if your symptoms are down to diabetes. I would start there. If the reading is very high (say over 20) then I would progress to A&E.

Is there any big name pharmacies that do this? Local village one doesn’t

 

[stephknits]

I would ring round any local ones. When I was struggling with diagnosis, the local chain did. Alternatively, if you don't mind spending a bit of money, you can buy your own blood sugar testing meter at Boots. However I would check and get a free test first if possible.

 

[stephknits]

Or, do you know anyone local who could pop round and test you with their meter?

 

[Emma998282]

I will ask about. My mums type 2 and doesn’t test her blood herself, it’s done regularly at the doctors. if I can’t find somewhere that does it are there any symptoms I need to watch out for?

 

[Ralph-YK]

I don’t know much about diabetes but surely 2 weeks left untreated is too long.

Two weeks or more for a type 2 can be OK. Depending. For a T1 it's more urgent.
I say ring 999. Getting to A&E can be an issue in some places. Try if you have to. Though, with the being really tired I know that makes it harder.
If you were able to self test, and had a high result you could use that when calling 999.

 

[Emma998282]

Two weeks or more for a type 2 can be OK. Depending. For a T1 it's more urgent.
I say ring 999. Getting to A&E can be an issue in some places. Try if you have to. Though, with the being really tired I know that makes it harder.

I’d like to avoid a&e as much as possible as I have a young baby, who I can’t leave due to breastfeeding. It’s also really hard for me to get to with buses. I haven’t researched much I’m just guessing it may be Type 1, with how quickly it’s progressed

 

[trophywench]

Raging thirst, rapid and irregular heartbeat, palpitations, constant need to urinate.

 

[Ralph-YK]

Yes, a problem with having a young baby.

It’s also really hard for me to get to with buses.

Me too. It can be a ... pain in rear. My nearest hospital doesn't have an A&E

 

[Emma998282]

Yes, a problem with having a young baby.

Me too. It can be a ... pain in rear. My nearest hospital doesn't have an A&E

Same here. Nearest A&E is 45 mins or 2 hours on the bus as it goes round the villages

 

[leonS]

Add to list of symptoms loss of weight, disturbance to vision, tendency to fall asleep frim which it is difficult for others to wake you, and a smell on the breath.

The smell is often referred to as fruity or being like nail varnish remover. This is an indication of very serious problems.

All first responders have blood glucose meters. The test only takes a few minutes. A result of over 10 mmol/L would be abnormal and 20 would indicate real serious problems.