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Hello

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Brianson

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Type 2
Hi. Newly diagnosed but have no type, numbers or medication from the Dr yet. The Dr said the number was very high and I’ve likely been diabetic for a long time. They have booked me an appointment with a diabetic nurse on Friday so hopefully I’ll know more then, though it’s a telephone appointment so not sure what to expect.
What I know now is I have a dilated pancreatic duct and calcification (this is known from a CT scan I had in A&E a couple of weeks ago when I had severe abdominal pain). I’ve not had any issues prior to this. I’ve been referred to endocrinology and gastrointestinal. My assumption is someone will be sticking tubes up and down.
I’m trying to get my head around why I’ve gone from feeling heathy ish (just a little over weight), to this in a short period whilst being told I had it for a long time. I’m secretly hoping it’s all a mistake and once the cameras are having a look they’ll say or there’s the problem and we’ve fixed it.
I’m scared about what this means to my long term health the effect on life and my mental state.
Any tips on the questions I need to ask would be appreciated. I’m on a steep learning curve.
 
Hi Brianson, welcome to the forum and sorry to hear about your diagnosis (type unknown at present).
I hope that the diabetic nurse and the doctors offer you some more information to go on, must be worrying not having an answer at present.
These are the sort of questions I can think of that you might want to ask:
  1. Do you know what type of diabetes you think I have?
  2. Do I need further tests to confirm, if so, what tests?
  3. What medication (if any) will I need?
  4. If you're still having abdominal pain, can they offer you anything in terms of treatment or medication which will help with that.
  5. Can you book me on a course to learn more about diabetes?
  6. What are the potential long term effects of it, and what can I do to help minimise any problems?/What things can I do to manage my condition better?
  7. Do I need to test my blood glucose levels? If so, what do you recommend?
Probably you will have other questions too - I'm sure others on the forum will pitch in. Write them on a notepad, with the most important ones at the top, then jot notes down when you see the nurse. We're happy to pitch in if you have more questions.

Best wishes and fingers crossed for an uneventful meeting with the nurse, Sarah
 
Thank you. That’s helpful.
 
Hi @Brianson

If you have damage to the pancreas this may have had an impact on your Beta cells which are the ones that produce the insulin. We have a few on here who have become diabetic due to partial Or complete removal of their pancreas (I will flag @eggyg who is one of our resident experts in this area)

@Windy has given you some good questions to ask. Read around the forum and add any other questions that arise. Let us know how you get on.
 
It’s been a few weeks now so wanted to share my progress.
I’ve had a blood test to determine what type I am though 2 or 3c is most likely.
My initial HbA1C was 94, almost double the threshold for diabetes. I’m not sure how that translates to the finger prick tests. By the time I started finger prick tests I was about 13 but had already started changing my diet for a couple of weeks before. I’m now on Metformin (500g twice a day) and levels are now around 6.7 on weekly average.
I use a Contour Plus Blue test device which is great. There’s an app for the phone and it Bluetooth’s the reading automatically. You can also add medication, food eaten etc. I’m just doing the meds and sugar reading at the moment.
I read the Michael Mosley 8 week blood sugar diet book and have the accompanying cook book. I think it’s great, I’m not doing the diet (yet) but the book has lots of great info and I’ve changed my diet to the Mediterranean one (no potatoes, rice etc, low GI/GL) it’s working very well for me. Very tasty food and you soon get used to it. Also walking 10k steps a day and have lost 10lbs so far. I really think a reversal might be on the cards in my case.
Foot test done and ok. Eye test in a couple of weeks.
I’ve turned down the statins for now as I hope to reduce my cholesterol with the new diet and exercise. Will retest in September.
 
Brianson said:
My initial HbA1C was 94, almost double the threshold for diabetes. I’m not sure how that translates to the finger prick tests. By the time I started finger prick tests I was about 13 but had already started changing my diet for a couple of weeks before.
Click to expand...
They don't really translate exactly. Judging by the chart at the end of https://www.ipag.co.uk/hba1c-conversion-chart/ an HbA1c of 94 corresponds to average spot glucose of a bit less than 15 mmol/l. I wouldn't read too much into that but it does seem consistent with your finger prick tests of about 13.
 
Hi Brianson, congratulations on your diet changes, 10k steps a day and 10lbs lost, sounds like you're doing really well.
Excellent work! Sarah
 
Thanks for the update @Brianson

Congratulations on your weight loss, and the changes you have been making so far. Good to hear you have a BG meter, and that your levels have come down into range.

Have your clinic suggested the sort of range they would like you to aim towards before and after meals?
 
everydayupsanddowns said:
Thanks for the update @Brianson

Congratulations on your weight loss, and the changes you have been making so far. Good to hear you have a BG meter, and that your levels have come down into range.

Have your clinic suggested the sort of range they would like you to aim towards before and after meals?
Click to expand...
I was told between 5 and 8 mmols. I was also told to test just morning before breakfast and last thing before bed. I’ve been sneaking in one before lunch too. My average is 6.7 for the week. However, after reading this blog (https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1163546496236752896.html) I’m going to try testing much more to see what different foods do to me. I understand everyone is different.
 
Brianson said:
I was told between 5 and 8 mmols. I was also told to test just morning before breakfast and last thing before bed. I’ve been sneaking in one before lunch too. My average is 6.7 for the week. However, after reading this blog (https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1163546496236752896.html) I’m going to try testing much more to see what different foods do to me. I understand everyone is different.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure you can compare how a non diabetic responds to foods to how a someone diabetic responds. May not be realistic.
 
Yes, hence why I’m now interested to know how I will react to different foods.
 
Single readings here and there are great for keeping an eye on what‘s going on the background, but you are right, many members here find pairs of checks one immediately before eating and the second 2hrs after the first bite are very helpful to identify foods and sources of carbs (or just portion sizes) that our bodies struggle with.

Ideally you’d want to keep the ‘meal rise’ to 2-3mmol/L or less. And if you can manage that with most meals, you should find your overall levels gradually reduce into range, and the meals don’t usually push you too far out of it - even when you have an occasional treat 🙂
 
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