Nope,no phone number to call...and he didn't want me to go with him so I can't be sure of what was said. they def said type 1. but were unsure how to proceed immediately, and made several phone calls elsewhere before deciding on Metformin stuff. I get the impression that's just to get him over the weekend, then monday he goes back again-maybe for insulin?
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In a panic!
- Thread starter clare w
- Start date
- Status
shiv
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
If he's definitely type 1 he needs to be on insulin, not metformin - I don't know the ins and outs of metformin but it basically helps your body use your own insulin better - but if he's type 1 he won't be producing any!
Please keep us informed 🙂
Please keep us informed 🙂
Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
There can be some confusion when Type 1 strikes in later life Clare, so this is perhaps why they gave the metformin rather than insulin straight away - he would need some instruction on how to administer it (and how much) and they must have deemed his levels and symptoms OK to last him until more help could be given (all my assumptions, of course!). If the urine sticks are ketone testing sticks, then I'm afraid it will need a trip to the hospital as things can get quite horrible very quickly if ketones show up (I'd already reached this stage when I got diagnosed - not pleasant!)
The best thing to do over the weekend is to try and avoid food with too much carbohydrate in it, especially refined carbs like white bread and sugary food. Bacon and eggs, omelettes, small quantities of seeded/granary bread, lots of vegetables (not potatoes), nuts etc. are best to have the least effect on his blood glucose levels whilst he is waiting for his appointment on Monday.
We're here all weekend, so don't hesitate to ask if you have questions! 🙂
Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Metformin helps primarily by reducing the liver's output of glucose, plus other, lesser effects, Shiv. He may still have some insulin production if slow-onset (suggested by symptoms only being thirst). Having said that, I doubt the metformin would get to work so quickly to have an effect over the weekend!
Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
From a quick look online it seems that one version of Valuestix can test for both glucose and ketones. Better read the patient information leaflet carefully so you know what any test is showing.
Metformin is normally introduced gradually - it can have side-effects, so expect some gastric upset/windiness etc. Building up to 3 over a weekend seems a bit swift, so the side-effects may be quite pronounced if your husband is prone to them!
Robster65
Senior Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
It could be that we all learn something from your husband in the coming weeks. As has been said, the late onset of type 1 seems to bring with it slightly differing needs.
If he's really lucky, he may even avoid the needles (at least for the time being) ! 🙂
I think metformin lowers insulin resistance as well (or I may have dreamt that) making a small amount of insulin go a bit further. If his pancreas is producing none at all, then I doubt they would have prescribed it, unless there are other reasons.
Rob
If he's really lucky, he may even avoid the needles (at least for the time being) ! 🙂
I think metformin lowers insulin resistance as well (or I may have dreamt that) making a small amount of insulin go a bit further. If his pancreas is producing none at all, then I doubt they would have prescribed it, unless there are other reasons.
Rob
Ellie Jones
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Just check out he Valustix
I would assume that you've got the valustic 8, which covers protien, glucose and kentone etc..
The smaller Valusitx 2's only test glucouse and protien which at BG of 29 he's going to have both glucose and protien in his urine!
I really don't know what they are playing at if they think he's T1 diabetic then the only treatment is insulin..
Metformin does slow of the glucose from the liver and also Rob say, helps to reduce insulin resistence help cells to take up the glucose easier.. But he's not going to see much of an effect as it take about a month to fully see it's effects on the blood glucose levels.. and it has a maxium capability of lower blood glucose by about 1 or 2%!
If he's T1 then it seems that they are trying to stall an hospital admittence on top of the weekend!
But best advise is if he's worried take himself off to the hospital...
P.S for clares hubby..
If Clare is willing to go with you to your appointments, it don't half make life easier as there's a lot of new information to take on board and two pairs of ears are better than one, what you miss being said hopefully she will pick up..
I would assume that you've got the valustic 8, which covers protien, glucose and kentone etc..
The smaller Valusitx 2's only test glucouse and protien which at BG of 29 he's going to have both glucose and protien in his urine!
I really don't know what they are playing at if they think he's T1 diabetic then the only treatment is insulin..
Metformin does slow of the glucose from the liver and also Rob say, helps to reduce insulin resistence help cells to take up the glucose easier.. But he's not going to see much of an effect as it take about a month to fully see it's effects on the blood glucose levels.. and it has a maxium capability of lower blood glucose by about 1 or 2%!
If he's T1 then it seems that they are trying to stall an hospital admittence on top of the weekend!
But best advise is if he's worried take himself off to the hospital...
P.S for clares hubby..
If Clare is willing to go with you to your appointments, it don't half make life easier as there's a lot of new information to take on board and two pairs of ears are better than one, what you miss being said hopefully she will pick up..
cath12134
Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
My blood sugars were over 44 mmol when I was diagnosed as a type 1 almost 20 years ago. Life does go on, honestly! Good luck to you both - I would recommend that you read everything you can get your hands on once you have a definite diagnosis and if in doubt, ask!
margie
Moderator
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Hi Clare - you said they said to go back if the strips turned colour - but if there are eight different tests - did they tell him which one to look at ? and do you know what the eight tests are ?
29 is very high - could you call your GP or NHS Direct and ask for clarification on what you are meant to be looking out for ?
29 is very high - could you call your GP or NHS Direct and ask for clarification on what you are meant to be looking out for ?
Mark T
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
29 is very high. As marge has said on her post - does the stix show that he has any ketones?
If he is eating cereal in the morning, this is usually not very good many diabetics as they are absolutely loaded with carbohydrate which your husbands body cannot tolerate right now. Eggs and bacon would actually be better from a blood sugar point of view!
Yes,he was told to watch the ketones,and so far they are fine....thanks for the warning re cereal..he has it every morning but it looks like I'll be cooking from now on !! He still feels tip top though....strange....!!!
The one thing he is struggling with,is the realisation his career,and indeed hobby, is over for good....a real end of an era,man and boy type of thing...devastating..
The one thing he is struggling with,is the realisation his career,and indeed hobby, is over for good....a real end of an era,man and boy type of thing...devastating..
Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
There is very little that you can't do with diabetes that you could do before. Piloting a plane solo is one, HGV/PSV driver, joining the armed forces. Most of the problems are due to the possibility of getting unpredictable low blood sugars. 🙂
Mark T
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
No ketones is very good! (especially at 29). If you see those it's head off to A+E for an insulin injection.
There are a few threads on here for breakfast, I'm sure you will find a few other ideas in case he gets bored of cooking 😉
It doesn't have to be a complete end of an era, once the shock has settled in and he has had time to consider things I'm sure he will realise that diabetes is not as limiting as he might think.
If you do the right precautions nothing much changes - of course there are always exceptions, my father had to be transferred within his company when the DVLA went all weird on insulin dependent lorry drivers (he could drive a 7.5 tonne but not a 11 tonne).
Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
That's a real shame, sorry to hear it
There is an organisation called Pilots With Diabetes which may be of interest to him:http://www.pilotswithdiabetes.com/
Robster65
Senior Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
That's a real blow Clare.
I hope he can find a career/hobby that allows him still to play with planes. Maybe he'll be able to go into training on simulators or something ?
Best of luck and don't let the doctors ignore any concerns you may have. If those BGs don't come down very soon, he'll need to get his medication reviewed.
Rob
I hope he can find a career/hobby that allows him still to play with planes. Maybe he'll be able to go into training on simulators or something ?
Best of luck and don't let the doctors ignore any concerns you may have. If those BGs don't come down very soon, he'll need to get his medication reviewed.
Rob
Doghouse
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Hi Clare
Welcome to the group. I cannot add much technical help, others have got there first, and they are better at it than me. This is what I like about here, loads of good advise, and support when needed.
I am a late onset Type 1, diagnosed at 57. I had been developing symptoms over about 4 months. At first my surgery assumed I was type 2, and gave me Metformin. This had no effect in the D. So they gave me Gliclazide as well, and then I really felt ill.
Eventually they realized. I was sent to the diabetics dept of my hospital, who showed me the way of insulin. When they found out I spend time on my own walking in Snowdonia, they were in a minor flap, and I was given a crash course in carb counting and other things there and then, (I had others later). Two weeks later I was back in the hills.
There is life after diagnosis. Its not all plain sailing, and you do have to learn lots. However it does not stop me doing much of what I want to. For me, the worst problems are time constraints.
I think it is important that you attend your husbands consultations. As well as medics, his care team consists of himself and you.
Hope this helps, Mike
Welcome to the group. I cannot add much technical help, others have got there first, and they are better at it than me. This is what I like about here, loads of good advise, and support when needed.
I am a late onset Type 1, diagnosed at 57. I had been developing symptoms over about 4 months. At first my surgery assumed I was type 2, and gave me Metformin. This had no effect in the D. So they gave me Gliclazide as well, and then I really felt ill.
Eventually they realized. I was sent to the diabetics dept of my hospital, who showed me the way of insulin. When they found out I spend time on my own walking in Snowdonia, they were in a minor flap, and I was given a crash course in carb counting and other things there and then, (I had others later). Two weeks later I was back in the hills.
There is life after diagnosis. Its not all plain sailing, and you do have to learn lots. However it does not stop me doing much of what I want to. For me, the worst problems are time constraints.
I think it is important that you attend your husbands consultations. As well as medics, his care team consists of himself and you.
Hope this helps, Mike
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