Edinburgh-based newly diagnosed

[stacy_87]

Hi all,

I only just discovered this forum, and love how supportive everyone is here!

I had my glucose tolerance test a couple of weeks ago, and I'm currently waiting to see the doctor about my results (appointment is on 20th April). I saw the nurse today about an unrelated thing, but she mentioned my test results (she didn't give me exact results/numbers but told me that both of my results were high), and she wasn't willing to give me much information, however she kept mentioning diabetes and when typing up my prescription I saw her typing "diabetic - recently diagnosed". So at the moment, all I know is that I have diabetes!

The nurse has asked me to return next week to have more blood taken to check my kidney function.

So right now I'm just a bit confused and worried, my anxiety is really high after that appointment! I'm not really sure how to process it all

 

[Alan.tnh]

Hi Stacy and welcome, sounds very frustrating, I would be tempted to try and get an appointment with GP sooner. As you live in Scotland you will be able to access My Diabetes My Way a great site you can take a look once your diagnosed you will be able to join. It gives you all your related records online. There is a post on here from Alison M regarding it you should read it. You will get some great advice and support here wish you luck Al

 

[pottersusan]

I think you need to see your doctor sooner than that!

Everyone on here is really helpful and supportive. Ask away and someone will know the answer!

By the way, whereabouts in Edinburgh? I lived there for a long time.

 

[Alan.tnh]

My Diabetes My Way If I've done this right it should link to the thread.

 

[Mark Parrott]

Hi Stacy. I was told over the phone I could be diabetic & was given an appointment for 2 weeks time. I decided this wasn't good enough & saw a doctor the next day who confirmed my diagnosis.

 

[Lynn Davies]

Hi and welcome Stacy - I too was told over the phone and appointment for 2 weeks time! Seems to be a bit of a trend here!

It is scary and confusing when you are delivered information like that but no follow up on what to do. Checking kidney function is a normal procedure for newly diagnosed so don't worry about that one. Everyone has one. It gives them a benchmark figure to work from.

You can start helping yourself easily but cutting out sugar (obviously) and high carb foods such as white bread, rice, pasta and potatoes and once you have been seen by your Dr you will have more information to work on. You should also be referred to your practice diabetes team and they will arrange all the other checks you are entitled to. Once again nothing to worry about as every newly diagnosed gets them (benchmark thing again).

If you have an questions just ask away - there are plenty of folks around to help.

 

[stacy_87]

Thanks for the messages everyone!! You've put me more at ease! 🙂

I've just called the doctor's, told them that I'm quite worried and would like to be seen sooner - they've booked me in for telephone consultation with a doctor next Tuesday, so hopefully that will help and give me some more information!

 

[stacy_87]

I think you need to see your doctor sooner than that!

Everyone on here is really helpful and supportive. Ask away and someone will know the answer!

By the way, whereabouts in Edinburgh? I lived there for a long time.

Hi Susan,

I'm based in Gilmerton. Love Edinburgh, I've lived here almost my whole life barr my uni years! 🙂

 

[Lynn Davies]

Good news Stacey - but ... don't hold your breath on the Dr being able to go beyond diagnosing you. It is the specialist diabetic team that will lead you forward.

 

[stacy_87]

Good news Stacey - but ... don't hold your breath on the Dr being able to go beyond diagnosing you. It is the specialist diabetic team that will lead you forward.

Thanks Lynn, yes I'd imagine that's going to be towards the end of the month if I have to keep my appointment on the 20th April too. But they haven't officially diagnosed me yet - so I'm hoping they can at least clarify that for me during my telephone consultation, and let me know what happens next etc 🙂

 

[Northerner]

Hi all,

I only just discovered this forum, and love how supportive everyone is here!

I had my glucose tolerance test a couple of weeks ago, and I'm currently waiting to see the doctor about my results (appointment is on 20th April). I saw the nurse today about an unrelated thing, but she mentioned my test results (she didn't give me exact results/numbers but told me that both of my results were high), and she wasn't willing to give me much information, however she kept mentioning diabetes and when typing up my prescription I saw her typing "diabetic - recently diagnosed". So at the moment, all I know is that I have diabetes!

The nurse has asked me to return next week to have more blood taken to check my kidney function.

So right now I'm just a bit confused and worried, my anxiety is really high after that appointment! I'm not really sure how to process it all

Hi Stacy, welcome to the forum 🙂 I would recommend reading Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter (click on the blue text) - these will give you a good understanding of what it is all about, and help to prepare you for your diagnosis - always better to go with a little understanding so you cna have an idea of any questions you might want to ask. I'd also highly recommend getting a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker - this is a really excellent book giving helpful, positive and practical information to help you through the early months.

Please do let us know if there is anything confusing or worrying you, and hopefully we will be able to put your mind at ease 🙂 Diabetes is a serious condition, but the good news is that it is manageable with the right knowledge and a bit of hard work, and may actually lead to you feeling happier and healthier (it's true - the changes people make in order to manage their diabetes are often things that will improve your health in many ways 🙂)

 

[stacy_87]

Hi all, sorry for the late reply but I finally have a bit of an update!

I managed to get a telephone consultation with the doctor which was on Tuesday this week. The doctor told me that my blood sugar levels were up on my glucose tolerance test (I didn't get the exact results from her). She told me that my blood sugar levels were only just over the cut off point for diabetes, so I won't need medication or any drastic measures. Hopefully just a healthy diet and exercise!

I saw the nurse today who did the hb1ac test - I didn't realise that was the test I was getting. I thought I was going to get my cholesterol and kidney function tested! My next appointment is with the doctor on 20th April, when they'll discuss the results of that test with me. I haven't heard of this hb1ac test before - can anyone give me any information about it?

 

[Mark Parrott]

The HbA1c shows your average blood sugar level over the past 3 months. 42-48 is pre-diabetic & over 48 is diabetic. So sounds like you are around the 49-50 range. You nurse or doctor may give you dietary advice but beware that most give outdated advice. For some reason they think we all need starchy carbs and low fat. This doesn't help blood sugar levels. I was diagnosed in Jan with a HbA1c of 86. Just had my latest test and now im 45. This is due to the great advice I have received from this forum & reduced my carb intake.

 

[SB2015]

Welcome Stacy. I would second Marks advice. Am questions on here and there will be someone with a lot of experience who comes along with answers. It is a great source of info from people living with the condition so with practical advice. Keep us up to date with how you get on.