Doctor or self treat

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Carrie McG

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hello all
I am the wife of a type 1 diabetic. I am overweight and have been experiencing symptoms over recent months so have been secretly testing my blood sugar because type 2 is in my Mother's family. It has been 11 over the last three days so I am presuming the worst. Should I see the doctor or just get on with dieting and exercise and hope this sorts it out?
 
Hi Carrie, welcome to the forum 🙂

Are those fasting readings? Even if they are random ones, I think you should go to your doctor to get an official verdict as he/she will know whether diet and exercise will be sufficient to help you control your levels, or whether you may need the assistance of medication. 🙂
 
Welcome to the forums Carrie 🙂
 
Carrie McG said:
Hello all
I am the wife of a type 1 diabetic. I am overweight and have been experiencing symptoms over recent months so have been secretly testing my blood sugar because type 2 is in my Mother's family. It has been 11 over the last three days so I am presuming the worst. Should I see the doctor or just get on with dieting and exercise and hope this sorts it out?
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Hi Carrie,
welcome to the forum. You do need to go to the Drs and be tested and registered if you are diabetic as this opens up the doors for reg checks to monitor you and stop complications setting in. It also makes things better for you if for any reason you need medical attention or surgery. The Drs then know and can then treat you acordingly instead of sending you away to start meds etc.
Hope that makes sense.
 
I'd suggest going to see the GP too.

When I was diagnosed in October 2009 I was quite happy to use the medication given to get my levels under control whilst I set about losing the weight.

Fortunately for me, my weight loss did help my symptoms, so much so that I am now diet/exercise controlled only. The only thing is there was no guarantee that was going to be the case. So, the best option for you is to get a proper diagnosis and course of treatment.

Good luck with it all,

Andy 🙂
 
Thank you folks.
They were all fasting tests so perhaps I better pay a visit. I just don't like being labelled and know this is my own fault.
 
Welcome Carrie (and your husband is very welcome to join us, too!)

No to self diagnosis, as you need proper tests at proper times, not just home testing - as others have said, levels need to be linked to situation eg fasting (morning before eating anything) etc. So, do see a GP as soon as possible - preferably a first thing in the morning appointment and go along without eating anything first, and drinking only water.

Yes to self treating, in that you have the power to control your weight and exercise levels - decreasing weight and increasing exercise (not just gym etc, but walking, cycling, gardening etc) improve health in so many ways, not just diabetes related.

By the way, it's not all your fault - as you realise from the incidence of diabetes in your Mum's family, genetics plays a big part, in combination with environment / behaviour etc.
 
Carrie McG said:
Thank you folks.
They were all fasting tests so perhaps I better pay a visit. I just don't like being labelled and know this is my own fault.
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If you have a strong genetic link then don't be so hard on yourself. Many people find that a diagnosis is the push they need to turn things around and can become much healthier and happier because of it 🙂
 
Hi Carrie. Welcome.🙂

Some excellent advice already so I won't try and add to it. Go make that appointment and you'll feel much relieved I'm sure.🙂

Rob
 
Hi Carrie and welcome aboard. I agree with what has been said. Get that appointment made and find out for definite one way or the other. Take care and let us know how you get on. XXXXX
 
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