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Eye tests & prescription exemption certificate

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A

Ann More

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi all
Apols for the silly questions, but it takes me a while to figure stuff out.

2 Jul = bloods 54, nurse said I was diabetic, told to have another blood text in a few weeks etc. went on a strict diet and the help of this site was invaluable. No medication given.
2 Aug = after the second blood test bloods 46. No medication given

  1. So, my first question is (I wish I'd asked the nurse) am I diabetic? I'm not on any medication.
  2. If I am diabetic, but not on meds, can I get an exemption certificate?
  3. Also, how long do I have to wait before I can have an eye test? I was diagnosed 2 Jul,
Thank you for all the help, this site is great.
Ta
 
Ann More said:
Hi all
Apols for the silly questions, but it takes me a while to figure stuff out.

2 Jul = bloods 54, nurse said I was diabetic, told to have another blood text in a few weeks etc. went on a strict diet and the help of this site was invaluable. No medication given.
2 Aug = after the second blood test bloods 46. No medication given

  1. So, my first question is (I wish I'd asked the nurse) am I diabetic? I'm not on any medication.
  2. If I am diabetic, but not on meds, can I get an exemption certificate?
  3. Also, how long do I have to wait before I can have an eye test? I was diagnosed 2 Jul,
Thank you for all the help, this site is great.
Ta
Click to expand...
Hi Ann, It looks like you have made good progress in a short time 🙂 I think that a diagnosis of diabetes is given when you are above 48 mmol/mol and you now fall just below that, although you were above it on the initial test. If you are not on any medication for diabetes then you won't be able to get an exemption certificate for the condition. The same will probably apply to the eye test - if you continue to maintain your levels below 48 then I don't think you will get a retinopathy scan (I could be wrong). You can get these done at most opticians nowadays though, for a small fee. 🙂
 
Welcome Ann. I would knock that nurse down a peg or two. T1 & T2 are quite a bit different. Are you T2 & her advice would be very iffy. I have never met said nurse but don't want too. Well done you for joining a good site. Sorry if I unsettled you but some nurses are so laps-a- daisy !
 
When I checked my blood test results on line my A1c was 46 and note was added to say urgently check for diabetes and give advice on diet. (I've been type 1 for 53 years)

As you had a reading of 54 you are classed as diet controlled thus no exemption certificate for medication but you can have free eye tests.
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/FAQ/Living-with-diabetes-questions#Free perscriptions

Well done on your improved numbers 🙂
 
Northerner said:
Hi Ann, It looks like you have made good progress in a short time 🙂 I think that a diagnosis of diabetes is given when you are above 48 mmol/mol and you now fall just below that, although you were above it on the initial test. If you are not on any medication for diabetes then you won't be able to get an exemption certificate for the condition. The same will probably apply to the eye test - if you continue to maintain your levels below 48 then I don't think you will get a retinopathy scan (I could be wrong). You can get these done at most opticians nowadays though, for a small fee. 🙂
Click to expand...

My Hba1c was 52 at diagnosis 3.5 yrs ago. I’ve never since registered a level above 44 (usually around 40) but I’m still classed as diabetic and receive annual retinal screening and foot checks.
I’d need to be on diabetic meds to get free prescriptions but receive them anyway with a cancer diagnosis.

Much depends on whether the GP registered you as diabetic before you were re-tested. Strictly speaking, you passed the diabetic threshold of 48 but ask your GP is you’re on the ‘diabetic register’ which automatically generates eye and foot checks.

Well done on getting the levels down 🙂
 
@Ann More - If you have online access to your medical records, they should indicate what if any diagnosis was made.
 
Thanks for the feedback. It's extremely difficult to get a gp/nurse appointment. So I'm compiling a list of questions to ask when I next go, whenever that is. I'll try and see if I do/can get access to my records online.
Once again thanks for all your help and support.
Ta
 
as a complete layman i would answer as follows :-

1) borderline, probably diagnosed as pre-diabetic but should be monitored
2) As far as I can see a medical exemptiom certificate is only issue if you are on medication - diet controlled, Diabetics do not get one.
3) newly diagnosed diabetics are advised not to have an eye test fpor at least 2 months as vision will change as the treatment begins to take affect. this may not be relevant in your case, also if diabetic you should have a retinal scan at least once a year.

I think you need to confirm your actual diagnosis with your GP (if only for your own peace of mind)
even if "only" pre-diabetic I would personally recommend following the diet suggestions here to try to prevent things developing further (Heck I would even recommend non diabetics watch their diet).
 
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