Lots of questions!

[Jack333]

Sorry - lots of questions…
What does the test scale for diabetes go to … 48 to what and - what is high? What is this test known as please? Is there a chart somewhere?
Why would one GP say ‘pre-diabetes’ one day and another the very next says same readings are ‘sky-high’?
Prescribed metformin - but told may need insulin; isn’t it only Type 1 diabetes that needs insulin injections?
Are there any pre-symptoms of eye problems - is blurred vision sporadic or constant? Is there associated pain/sore eyes etc.?
And why, even when someone knows that it is most likely they have had this for some time and have ignored addressing it is it still a shock to them?
Sorry - read loads on the internet but no clear information directly from the GPs - ‘hospital will explain it all’… how long might it take to receive initial appointments currently?
Thank you if you are able to answer any of it…

 

[Leadinglights]

Welcome to the forum, I can see lots of things are going around in your head.
The test to diagnose diabetes is the HbA1C which tests the average blood glucose over the previous 3 months, it does not distinguish between Type 2 and Type 1, there are addition tests if clinical symptoms indicate that may be a possibility.
The thresholds are below 42mmol/mol is normal, 42-47mmol/l prediabetes or at risk and anything over 47mmol/mol will give a diagnosis of diabetes. Many people will start their journey in triple figures but the higher the number the more likely are people to get symptoms, thirst, frequent loo visits, fuzzy vision which are what will often send people to their GP.
It is a condition which is manageable by making some life style changes, reducing your intake of carbohydrates and getting more exercise. If your HbA1C it would be likely that medication would be prescribed but if just over the threshold then hopefully people are given the opportunity to make changes.
Many who are Type 2 would be managed by their GP or diabetic nurse at the surgery, referral to hospital is often if complications are suspected or that somebody may not be a straightforward Type 2.
I'm afraid these days people need to become their own expert and self manage their condition.
There are checks you should get, feet checks and retinal eye screening and a second HbA1C 3 months after diagnosis to check that treatment / dietary changes are being effective.
This link explains a lot and may set you on the right track. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
Do have a look and come back with any more questions. I hope I have helped set your mind at rest a bit.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry - lots of questions…

No problem! Welcome to the forum @Jack333 - ask away 🙂

What does the test scale for diabetes go to … 48 to what and - what is high? What is this test known as please? Is there a chart somewhere?

Some members join the forum with a diagnosis at 48, while others are in the 80s, 90s or even into 3 figures!

Why would one GP say ‘pre-diabetes’ one day and another the very next says same readings are ‘sky-high’?

“At risk of diabetes“ is generally indicated by an HbA1c between 42-47mmol/mol, with 48+mmol/mol giving a diagnosis of diabetes.

Prescribed metformin - but told may need insulin; isn’t it only Type 1 diabetes that needs insulin injections?

I think pretty much any type of diabetes can involve insulin at some points. In T2 it can be that metabolic signalling can become negatively impacted (especially if there is a build-up of visceral fat around the organs), and along with insulin resistance it can lead to people with T2 needing additional insulin. In fact, in pure numbers, because there are so many more T2s than T1s, I think there are actually more T2s using insulin than the entire number of T1s.

Are there any pre-symptoms of eye problems - is blurred vision sporadic or constant? Is there associated pain/sore eyes etc.?

Blurry vision is associated with high glucose levels, it generally doesn’t cause discomfort in my experience, and when I had it the blurriness was quite consistent, but was more noticeable at some times.

And why, even when someone knows that it is most likely they have had this for some time and have ignored addressing it is it still a shock to them?

Yes it’s funny that isn’t it. But I think it‘s the same with lots of things. Just because you know something is coming, when it actually happens it can still come as a shock. I guess the reality is somehow different from the expectation?

 

[harbottle]

In my case the blurring started around 6 months before I was diagnosed. I noticed I was struggling to read the number plates of cars (I wear glasses anyway, and assumed it was just natural changes as I was due an eye test.)

People with T2 may have to progress onto insulin if medicines (Usually around 3 different medications on full dose) + lifestyle cannot keep blood sugar under control. Although if you have pre-diabetes then it's not really something you need to worry about. I have no idea why your GP has given you conflicting information. Do you have access to your results? (I can see mine via an app on my phone.)