I have now been pressed into starting insulin. Which has changed my life completely and despite various promises I am on my own with it. No one told me about titration. Am I supposed to keep putting it up until I get to an undisclosed goal. I get an appointment if I'm lucky about every three months with someone different each time I am told there is one nurse. For the whole area. If the appointment doesn't suit it's that or wait another month or so!
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Please Remember: Members are only permitted to share their own experiences. Members are not qualified to give medical advice. Additionally, everyone manages their health differently. Please be respectful of other people's opinions about their own diabetes management.
Hi I new here I have had your two for around 15 years and feel my care has been really sketchy to say the least. I have now been pushed into starting
- Thread starter gertylove
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I have put on over 10lb when I was terrified about it. I have had severe itching all over. High iron levels. Altered liver function. All I've been told is join Kent one which has an undisclosed waiting list an come on this forum! I'm suffering with burnout. I'm 62 working in full time demanding job. I can't leave for a year otherwise I have to pay 3.5k agency fee back. I walk to work about 2 miles and doctor seems to think I can manage my diet without support and carry on walking that will manage severe fatty liver. Never met the Dr in person so how does he know I don't qualify for dietary support. I have a massive waistline with skinny legs arms and bum. My life is obviously not important to the NHS
Windy
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Morning Gertylove, welcome to the forum and sorry to hear about the lack of support that you're getting from your GP practice and the burnout that you're feeling. Sadly the NHS is under a lot of strain and is underfunded, but that's no comfort to you at all. There's not massive amounts of NHS support for type 2s, it's patchy and you have to be politely pushy to get it I'm afraid.
I've googled and found Kent One - seems to be a NHS run diet and exercise programme (sign up button in the bottom right hand corner) I'm guessing that's what they're referring to. It looks good to me, hopefully the waiting list isn't too long.
Can you go back to the doctors and ask for more support? The things I'm thinking of are:
Also, if your GP surgery is a bit rubbish, is there another you can get to and sign up with them instead? They vary between surgeries, they're all under pressure, but you might do better at a different one.
Also, try phoning the Diabetes UK helpline
I've got no knowledge of insulin injections, so if you have anything you'd like to know about that, someone else will need to pitch in.
Hope you get some support, with your diabetes and burnout, best wishes, Sarah
I've googled and found Kent One - seems to be a NHS run diet and exercise programme (sign up button in the bottom right hand corner) I'm guessing that's what they're referring to. It looks good to me, hopefully the waiting list isn't too long.
Can you go back to the doctors and ask for more support? The things I'm thinking of are:
- being referred to a diabetes course
- being referred to a weight loss group - my doctor can prescribe slimmers world/weight watchers, not sure if it's offered in other areas
- ask if you're eligible and if they offer the meal replacement three month weight loss programme - I see it's offered in the Kent and Medway CCG - not sure if that covers you or not?
Also, if your GP surgery is a bit rubbish, is there another you can get to and sign up with them instead? They vary between surgeries, they're all under pressure, but you might do better at a different one.
Also, try phoning the Diabetes UK helpline
0345 123 2399
to talk to them, might be easier talking to an advisor there about your diabetes and they should have more time than the nurse/GP.I've got no knowledge of insulin injections, so if you have anything you'd like to know about that, someone else will need to pitch in.
Hope you get some support, with your diabetes and burnout, best wishes, Sarah
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- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
- Pronouns
- He/Him
So sorry to hear you are not getting enough support with your diabetes management.
Have you been given a supply of test strips to monitor your glucose levels now that you are on insulin?
Which insulin(s) are you taking?
It’s a shame you haven’t been given a clear idea of your blood glucose goals.
Generally you would be encouraged to aim for 4-7 before meals and no higher than 8.5mmol/L by 2 hrs after meals.
But the insulin doesn't work in isolation along with any other meds you are taking, they need to be balanced with your menu to keep your levels in line. This can involve keeping a count of the amount of total carbohydrate in your meals and choosing the types of carb that convert to glucose at a steady rate alongside the activity of the insulin.
Hopefully you can manage to get on your local course to help with that, but in the meantime you might like to sign-up for the Learning Zone (orange tab in the main menu), or look at some of these resources.
General suggestions around food and diet
Carbohydrate counting
www.diabetes.org.uk
Different types of insulin
www.diabetes.org.uk
Good luck! And keep asking questions 🙂
Have you been given a supply of test strips to monitor your glucose levels now that you are on insulin?
Which insulin(s) are you taking?
It’s a shame you haven’t been given a clear idea of your blood glucose goals.
Generally you would be encouraged to aim for 4-7 before meals and no higher than 8.5mmol/L by 2 hrs after meals.
But the insulin doesn't work in isolation along with any other meds you are taking, they need to be balanced with your menu to keep your levels in line. This can involve keeping a count of the amount of total carbohydrate in your meals and choosing the types of carb that convert to glucose at a steady rate alongside the activity of the insulin.
Hopefully you can manage to get on your local course to help with that, but in the meantime you might like to sign-up for the Learning Zone (orange tab in the main menu), or look at some of these resources.
General suggestions around food and diet
Carbohydrate counting
The nuts and bolts of carb counting
When you live with type 1 diabetes, carb counting is a great way of managing your blood sugar or glucose levels. It can give you more freedom and flexibility in what you eat when you're preparing meals at home, grabbing food on the go or eating out. Carb counting does take some time and effort...
Different types of insulin
Insulin and diabetes
Everyone with type 1 diabetes needs to take insulin as a medication. And so do some people with type 2 diabetes, some people with gestational diabetes and some people with other types of diabetes. Insulin helps you manage your blood sugar levels and helps prevents short-term or long-term serious...
Good luck! And keep asking questions 🙂
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Perhaps you could say what circumstance has led to you being put on insulin, Other meds, dietary changes not being effective could be the reason. What is your HbA1C as that info will help people make suggestions.
You should ask for referral to a specialist diabetes clinic as they are better placed than the GP to offer help with your insulin regime.
You should ask for referral to a specialist diabetes clinic as they are better placed than the GP to offer help with your insulin regime.
Inka
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
What insulin(s) do you take @gertylove ? Some Type 2s are put on only a basal (slow) insulin. There are a number of different kinds. If you can give more information, you’ll get more tailored suggestions. Are you counting the carbs you eat?
What are your blood sugar results like at the moment?
I am taking humulin. I have not been making notes of my hba1c results but they are consistently high. I just don't know how to manage this I don't know what questions to ask. I am consistently ignored when I talk about my weight concerns. I have never been offered a course of any description.y prick test are around 18 to 30 17 in the morning. I just don't know how to get the best out of the NHS.
Inka
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
There are different types of Humulin @gertylove Can you tell us the full name? It will have additional letters or numbers after the ‘Humulin’.
As I’m sure you realise, your blood sugar is too high. Have you been told to increase your insulin? Have you made any dietary changes?
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