New, not new!

[This Old Grouse]

Just saying my hellos, New here but not new to diabetes, could say newish as diagnosed in 22 with type 2. Have been doing well with an average Hb of 45, but shocked by latest result of 109, not changed my habits in between tests so puzzled. have asked for another but have already taken measures to lower my finger prick results which are down to 11.ish so now down to 70- 80 ish range in a week. I have other conditions which haven't affected my levels previously, including Osteoarthritis of the spine, COPD (newish diagnosis) Peripheral neuropathy in my legs, as my back problems mean I am only able to stand for a short time, leg ulcers and Oedema, Hypertension and I survived a stroke in 2018. I suppose my excess in my youth is coming back to bite me now.

 

[Leadinglights]

Welcome to the forum, wow that is a big jump, is that over the course of a year.
Have you also lost weight without trying as I wonder if something had changed that now indicates LADA, a maturity onset Type 1.
Are you on any diabetic medications or just managed by diet as they may need adjusting.
What has your GP said in terms of future treatment or tests.
Could it be worth looking again at your diet, what would be suitable would depend on any medication. There are some suggestions we can make if that is something that may help you.

 

[This Old Grouse]

Thanks @Leadinglights, yes that is over a year and gave me a fright, I had stopped taking BG as I couldn't afford the strips, and thought I had it well controlled. I am on metformin (500g three times a day). just puzzled as my diet hasn't changed from what was working for me before, so perhaps reviewing my diet is needed. Edit: I haven't seen my GP as they tend to only do phone appointments now and getting one of those is like finding a golden egg. All four of us hit the phone at 8am redialling many times, usually around 40 to 50 times each to get into the queue.

 

[Leadinglights]

Thanks @Leadinglights, yes that is over a year and gave me a fright, I had stopped taking BG as I couldn't afford the strips, and thought I had it well controlled. I am on metformin (500g three times a day). just puzzled as my diet hasn't changed from what was working for me before, so perhaps reviewing my diet is needed.

Sometimes peoples tolerance to the carbohydrates in their diet changes and they are eating more than their body can cope with. Aldo there is diet creep where portions gradually increase or the extra snack. You are not on the maximum dose of metformin so there may be some mileage in an increase as long as it doesn't cause stomach problems. Your activity level may have decreased with the other health issues you have.
You might find this link helpful in reviewing your diet, https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
That would be the first thing to try but there are other medications which could be added to your meds.
Have you by any chance been taking steroids as they can cause an increase in blood glucose which may need medication as well as diet. Just a thought because of your other conditions for which sometimes people take steroids.

 

[This Old Grouse]

I think a diet review is needed, have been living off peanut butter on toast (high fibre wholemeal bread) for the past week. There may have been some creep as always telling my wife there is too much on my plate. One of the lucky ones that hasn't experienced side effects on metformin. My activity levels have dropped but I do have a pedal thingy under my desk which I use a couple of times a day and have pinched my sons weights for my arms, plus I now have a local council gym membership and am going to an exercise class every week albeit a sitting exercise class as I have not lost weight in the past three years but have gained a little. No not on steroids but on a whole lot more meds than I would like.

 

[Leadinglights]

Maybe a return to testing would be a good idea, I know test strips have increased in price recently but you may find by shopping around there may be cheaper ones even if it means buying a new monitor as it would save in the long run. Cutting portion sizes would make meals cheaper, we found that what previously did 4 meals of things like chilli and curry were doing 6 so 2 days for the 2 of us and 2 for the freezer for home made ready meals. Bulking out with veg as well meals don't need to be expensive.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @This Old Grouse

Sorry to hear your BG levels have changes so dramatically, and swiftly without you changing the strategies that were previously keeping your diabetes well managed.

Good to hear you have been able to access a gym membership. Hope the increased activity makes a positive contribution to your diabetes management efforts, along with a review of your menu and perhaps a few tweaks.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on 🙂

 

[HayleyR]

Hello @This Old Grouse and a very warm welcome from me 🙂 Lots for you to cope with but great are putting in the effort to make improvements. We're a friendly, supportive bunch here so do let us know how you're getting on ...

 

[This Old Grouse]

Thanks for the warm welcome @everydayupsanddowns and @HayleyR I will be keeping you posted.

 

[This Old Grouse]

Well after 45 minutes on the phone to the Dr's trying to get through, the earliest appointment I could get was 9th April for the modern day vampire and 17th April to see the diabetic nurse. Which to be fair is a reasonable delay here. If I wasn't taking my levels into the boxing ring to show them who's the boss, I would have pushed a bit harder to be seen sooner.