Hi everyone

[AngieFromCroydon]

New and nervous to using forum’s but loosing trust in diabetes team so looking for additional support. Can feel really confusing when being told different information. Looking forward to your views.

 

[Leadinglights]

New and nervous to using forum’s but loosing trust in diabetes team so looking for additional support. Can feel really confusing when being told different information. Looking forward to your views.

Welcome to the forum.
If you say a bit more about yourself and your diagnosis it will help people give you appropriate comments, so a fwe questions.
Have you been diagnosed as Type 1 or Type 2 or prediabetes (At risk). What was your HbA1C which has given you the diagnosis, it will be a number over 47mmol/mol if diabetic, between 42 and 47 mmol/mol if 'at risk'.
Have you been given any medication?
Do you have a blood glucose monitor for home testing as many people find that helps enormously with making good food choices.
Are there any specific things you need clarification about and any questions. please do ask.
Sorry if this sounds like the third degree but it does help.

 

[AngieFromCroydon]

So here goes,,,,,I was diagnosed gestational diabetes 24 years ago was put on insulin during pregnancy then after my son was born diet controlled. I then became pregnant with my daughter it came back, was put back on insulin and after pregnancy on metformin, taken off insulin and have been taking metformin since (21 years). In last four years was also injecting Victoza to aid weight loss. Moving forward to January 2022. Due to sceptic gallbladder experienced a DKA and had emergency surgery to remove gallbladder, resulting in ICU for five days then on ward where I was put back on insulin. 21 units of Lantus each morning, and if readings go above 15, I take 6 units of novo rapid. Still taking 1000mg of metformin am and pm.
Been in discussions with DN was put on the Abbot Libre two training provided with a sensor, loved it, was then told change of plan no funding. Have also been told need to have blood test to confirm if type 1,2 or LADA. Readings are mostly okay, hypo aware and also do get spikes that I am trying to learn from. Having no more than 1200 calories and 130 of carbs a day. Have done a Desmond so trying to self care, but sometimes feel overwhelmed, trying to stay positive

 

[Leadinglights]

Thank you for all that information, I'm sure it will useful for those with experience of using insulin to answer any questions you have. There are a variety of people on here from Type 2 dietary managed to folk with Type 3c and 1.5, LADA and Type 1 who manage with a whole range of regimes so I'm sure there will be people who can support you in making sense of what you are feeling.
I think these days you have to push for the various tests and technology. If you have the tests and get confirmed as Type 1 or 1.5 then you are more likely to be able to get the Libre. Your other option is to self fund but they are expensive.
Please do ask any questions that you have.

 

[AngieFromCroydon]

Thank you so much

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @AngieFromCroydon

Sorry to hear about your tricky diagnosis, and some of the uncertainty which has followed.

Diabetes seems to have a bit of a tricky relationship with the gall bladder - and some people end up with damage being caused to their pancreas meaning that it can no longer produce enough insulin. Diabetes as a result os pancreas damage in this way is called type 3c.

It’s a bit niche, and not all non-specialists have heard of the classification. If that applies in your case it’s likely you would need to be taking Creon with food to make up for a lack of digestive enzymes.

Hopefully the checks that are being done will clarify your diabetes type, and mean you can get access to appropriate treatments, education and tech.

Are you only taking NovoRapid to correct high glucose levels? And are you always taking the same fixed amount?

Have you been told anything about the relationship between total carbohydrate intake and blood glucose levels?

 

[AngieFromCroydon]

Welcome to the forum @AngieFromCroydon

Sorry to hear about your tricky diagnosis, and some of the uncertainty which has followed.

Diabetes seems to have a bit of a tricky relationship with the gall bladder - and some people end up with damage being caused to their pancreas meaning that it can no longer produce enough insulin. Diabetes as a result os pancreas damage in this way is called type 3c.

It’s a bit niche, and not all non-specialists have heard of the classification. If that applies in your case it’s likely you would need to be taking Creon with food to make up for a lack of digestive enzymes.

Hopefully the checks that are being done will clarify your diabetes type, and mean you can get access to appropriate treatments, education and tech.

Are you only taking NovoRapid to correct high glucose levels? And are you always taking the same fixed amount?

Have you been told anything about the relationship between total carbohydrate intake and blood glucose levels?

Thank you for your reply. Yes when discharged from hospital I was told 25 units of Lantus in the morning and only need to take 6 units of novo rapid if reading goes above 15. The Lantus has now been reduced to 21 units due to lunchtime hypo’s. Still taking 1000mg of metformin am and pm. Been really strict with my diet so readings are managed and only taken novo rapid four times since January. Had to submit driving license have a medical type so checking readings around driving as well. I do get spikes but not above 15 normally. Thank you

 

[Deleted member 34756]

Hi @AngieFromCroydon, thank you for joining the forum it's great to see you. There is a lot of information to take in at times, we do have a great helpline team at diabetes UK, if you want to have a chat with them they'll be more than happy to. 🙂