Hopefully i got good result....

[jalapino]

Afternoon everyone......well I rang my surgery today after having high bg levels, got to speak to dn and told i here saw the doctor last week and he put my metformin up two 750mg twice daily and to come back in august, she was stunned that having levels from morning ranging from 13.00 then night time up to 30.00 she said he was wrong and it was a good job I did ring as these levels are to high and dangerous, I have just picked up another prescription for a drug called Gliclazide 80mg once daily then she said in one week double that, so she has booked me in too see her for next Tuesday, I no nothing about this drug and been told to keep taking metformin too, hopefully this will help now, I have read a few threads on the drug, anything I should no?

 

[Northerner]

Good to hear Ant! 🙂 The main thing you need to know about gliclazide is that it can cause hypos, and so if you are taking it then you will need to inform the DVLA if you drive. You will also need to test your levels prior to driving to make sure you are above 5 mmol/l. Also, you will need to carry some sugar with you (like jelly babies or glucose/dextrose tablets) in case your levels drop low.

Hopefully, you will soon start seeing better levels, glad that the DN agreed that those levels were far too high - hope she informs your doctor of the error of his ways!

 

[jalapino]

Good to hear Ant! 🙂 The main thing you need to know about gliclazide is that it can cause hypos, and so if you are taking it then you will need to inform the DVLA if you drive. You will also need to test your levels prior to driving to make sure you are above 5 mmol/l. Also, you will need to carry some sugar with you (like jelly babies or glucose/dextrose tablets) in case your levels drop low.

Hopefully, you will soon start seeing better levels, glad that the DN agreed that those levels were far too high - hope she informs your doctor of the error of his ways!

Thankyou alan....im just so glad she she acted on it straight away rather than "see how it goes" and she was not impressed with my doctor, so yes a good result I think, so your saying test every time before I ride my motorbike? even leaving work etc? diabetes really does rule your life eh? the plot just seems to get thicker each time!

 

[Northerner]

Thankyou alan....im just so glad she she acted on it straight away rather than "see how it goes" and she was not impressed with my doctor, so yes a good result I think, so your saying test every time before I ride my motorbike? even leaving work etc? diabetes really does rule your life eh? the plot just seems to get thicker each time!

Yes - the last thing you want to happen is to be riding along and have a hypo! 😱 If it's a long journey then I think you are also supposed to test every two hours, or more often if you feel low, obviously.

 

[jalapino]

Yes - the last thing you want to happen is to be riding along and have a hypo! 😱 If it's a long journey then I think you are also supposed to test every two hours, or more often if you feel low, obviously.

Yes the thought of that is scary.....never had a hypo and would rather not have one! I guess the thought of it is a bit scary, I have seen so many links about people being worried about having a hypo, but I only thought you could have hypos from insulin....so much to learn 🙂

 

[pav]

You might get some false hypos when the gliclazide kicks and drops your levels to more normal rannges, If in doubt test better to be safe.

Test on getting up to give you the days starting point then, then test 2 hours after a meal and just before your meal. Also test before bed as you might find you need a little treat.

The driving part, I test before driving and if I need to have a snack as if only just above 5.0, you bet it won't belong before it drops lower. Then test every 2 hours (or less) until you have finished driving.

I found for some strange reason, when shopping (not my favourite pastime) my BS drops quicker for some strange reason. I then re-test before driving again to make sure I am above 5.0.

Alan looking at all the DVLA's guide lines I can't find (including a 2013 update), if taking tablets even ones causing hypos, unless one has a hypo that needs assistance by some one ie a friend / ambulance etc that you need to notify them if driving a private car or motor bike. If for any other class of vehicles yes its notify them. I actually notified them in 2004 when I was first diagnosed with diabetes and was on metformin only. Can you point us in the direction of the guide lines that show if taking hypo causing tablets then one must notify DVLA.

 

[Northerner]

Alan looking at all the DVLA's guide lines I can't find (including a 2013 update), if taking tablets even ones causing hypos, unless one has a hypo that needs assistance by some one ie a friend / ambulance etc that you need to notify them if driving a private car or motor bike. If for any other class of vehicles yes its notify them. I actually notified them in 2004 when I was first diagnosed with diabetes and was on metformin only. Can you point us in the direction of the guide lines that show if taking hypo causing tablets then one must notify DVLA.

Actually pav, it seems you are right which surprises me (not that you are right, but that you don't have to give notification! 🙂)

This is a quick overview of the requirements:

http://www.npc.nhs.uk/rapidreview/?p=4937

The relevant section is 'MANAGED BY TABLETS WHICH CARRY A RISK OF INDUCING HYPOGLYCAEMIA. THIS INCLUDES SULFONYLUREAS AND GLINIDES', where it says:

Must not have had more than one episode of hypoglycaemia requiring the assistance of another person within the preceding 12 months. It may be appropriate to monitor blood glucose regularly and at times relevant to driving to enable the detection of hypoglycaemia. Must be under regular medical review. If the above requirements and all of those set out in the attached information on INF188/2 are met, DVLA does not require notification. This information leaflet can be printed and retained for future reference.Alternatively, if the information indicates that medical enquiries will need to be undertaken, DVLA should be notified.

I don't drive so not fully au fait with all the ins and outs!

 

[pav]

I thought I would have to re-notify them due to the recent change in meds as I thought it would be treated as some one who was treated by insulin.

In 2000 I had to notify them even for being on metformin (found the letter when tidying a hard drive up), strange how rules change.

Thankfully thanks to the false hypos, I knew what signs to expect / look out for when I had a hypo.

The new DVLA rules for testing & driving hopefully will make it easier for some to get prescriptions for test strips. It certainly help me get the test strips re-added back on my prescription.

 

[jalapino]

One step at a time for me right now....false hypos real hypos......sooo confusing....I just hope I do not get one......so what you are saying is I do not need to notify dvla? just done a reading after dinner veg and chicken 26.8, really looking forward to normal numbers

 

[pav]

DVLA guide lines are shown here about driving and diabetes.

https://www.gov.uk/diabetes-driving

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/193489/INF188_2.pdf

Hope this does not over load you with info, don't forget to apply for your prescription exemption certificate as you are on meds, the form is available from your GP who has to sign it as well. Also you are entitled to annual free eye test, you may need another form from the GP.

When your BS comes down you could well find your vision has changed mine certainly did.

 

[Mark T]

Hopefully the Gliclazide will start to lower your numbers. It should start to work quite quickly from my understanding (whereas Metformin can take a few weeks to get properly into your system)

It's going to be a case of finding the dose that's right for you.

But the one thing I would add is... if you find it isn't working and you are still going up - I would let the DN know as soon as you can!

 

[jalapino]

Hopefully the Gliclazide will start to lower your numbers. It should start to work quite quickly from my understanding (whereas Metformin can take a few weeks to get properly into your system)

It's going to be a case of finding the dose that's right for you.

But the one thing I would add is... if you find it isn't working and you are still going up - I would let the DN know as soon as you can!

Thankyou mark......I have appointment Tuesday with dn so lets hope all is well by then 🙂

 

[PattiEvans]

Gliclazide, in addition to being a hypo risk can also make you put weight on. Just a heads up.

 

[jalapino]

DVLA guide lines are shown here about driving and diabetes.

https://www.gov.uk/diabetes-driving

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/193489/INF188_2.pdf

Hope this does not over load you with info, don't forget to apply for your prescription exemption certificate as you are on meds, the form is available from your GP who has to sign it as well. Also you are entitled to annual free eye test, you may need another form from the GP.

When your BS comes down you could well find your vision has changed mine certainly did.

Thanks pav for info...I already have exemption certificate last year when diagnosed, lucky for me I have test strips on prescription as well 🙂

 

[jalapino]

Gliclazide, in addition to being a hypo risk can also make you put weight on. Just a heads up.

Oh fantastic!!!!! that's all I need 🙂

 

[pav]

Good morning.....what a bad night up all night with youngster she has got the bug!!! typical on week off...pre bed 29.8 this morning 14.6...major drag!!!

Hi jalapino noticed from the morning levels thread, that your levels are still sky high.

Every one reacts to meds n different ways, with me the gliclazide kicked in straight away in dropping BS levels, and I tweaked my gliclazide (after speaking to a doc) a couple weeks later as the levels were still spiking into the teens.

If your nurse is easily contactable, I would be very tempted to ring or see her before next week as it appears your levels are not coming down enough.

When they do start tumbling down keep an eye on them, might need to do a few extra tests. Going off my very limited experience with hypos / hypers, test again if feeling not right.

 

[jalapino]

Hi jalapino noticed from the morning levels thread, that your levels are still sky high.

Every one reacts to meds n different ways, with me the gliclazide kicked in straight away in dropping BS levels, and I tweaked my gliclazide (after speaking to a doc) a couple weeks later as the levels were still spiking into the teens.

If your nurse is easily contactable, I would be very tempted to ring or see her before next week as it appears your levels are not coming down enough.

When they do start tumbling down keep an eye on them, might need to do a few extra tests. Going off my very limited experience with hypos / hypers, test again if feeling not right.

last night I tested about 10.00pm and my meter came up with a symbol "Hi"
looked at meter which said it was 33.00+ which is way of the chart and my highest reading yet...so I left it ten mins checked again and it was down to 29.8....I agree another phone call maybe in order, just got to keep checking bloods and hope to god I do not catch my little girls bug....I think that would finish me 🙄

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Ant - these levels are really scary!

Just wondering what you are eating while you are trying to get your meds right? Have you been cutting back on carbs much?

And also if if might be worth asking for a referral to a hospital clinic to get your case reviewed by a full-time Endocrinologist/Consultant who would be more able to assess what is going on than some primary care staff. Wondering if there is a chance you are LADA or one of the more 'exotic' varieties which do not respond so well to oral meds?

 

[jalapino]

Ant - these levels are really scary!

Just wondering what you are eating while you are trying to get your meds right? Have you been cutting back on carbs much?

And also if if might be worth asking for a referral to a hospital clinic to get your case reviewed by a full-time Endocrinologist/Consultant who would be more able to assess what is going on than some primary care staff. Wondering if there is a chance you are LADA or one of the more 'exotic' varieties which do not respond so well to oral meds?

Mike i no they are high and worrying....as carbs go pitta bread is my staple with salad and chicken mostly since levels been so high....and lots of water....my surgery deals with all diabetes issue's where I live, and do not think there is a diabetes clinic in my local hospital, but I guess worth finding out 🙂 I don,t normally have problems with meds but never had to take any really apart from asthma but I have inhalers for that, sometimes steroids...so I have no idea!

 

[pav]

According to Google pita bread is high in carbs @ 56g per 100g of bread

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=pi...&ie=&oe=&redir_esc=&ei=jwXMUfK6F5Ko0wWi5YGIDQ

I can only eat wholemeal bread which is 49g per 100g

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=wh...&ie=&oe=&redir_esc=&ei=sAXMUcbaFoLa0QWXw4H4Aw

If you are like me foods made with white floor send my BS sky high very quickly.

Some people eat burgen bread, I have tried a couple of varieties of it and its not my cup of tea, though others swear by it.