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New to forum...I have a question

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
T

Theresa Dawn

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi! I have been type 2 for a few years now and gradually moved through stages diet only, and meds etc. Just had meds increased to 4 metformin daily one week ago. I am also on 2 types of diuretic...spironolactone and indapamide...along with enalopril,simvastatin and a digestion pill.

Yesterday I had some pain around the right kidney area and gave a urine sample to health centre (at their request) but did not hear back so assumed that infection was not found.

Today I have had several bouts of diarrhoea and thought that might account for the pain. But now my lips taste sweet all the time. This is a new symptom for me and I wonder if anyone can give me advice. I don't want to keep bothering health centre but is this important? I do not self-test by the way so have no idea what my blood sugar level is today.
 
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Hi Theresa, asking these question of health professionals isn’t a bother if you are not well, you are not well and need advice. Not saying it is, as I’m not a medical person, but metformin can upset digestion and there is a slow release preparation that some folks are prescribed, which can make a difference.
Remember you are as important as others, and sometimes need a wee bit more advice and support than at other times.hope you are feeling better today
 
It's my birthday and I am still feeling sweet ...or tasting sweet on my lips I should say. I will see how I go over the weekend before deciding whether to bother anyone....but thanks a million Carol for making me realise it's silly not to see someone if I am worried. Seems that I have not been really well since I had the metformin increased and I had better not wait until the next blood test in a month before asking the diabetes nurse.
 
Theresa Dawn said:
It's my birthday and I am still feeling sweet ...or tasting sweet on my lips I should say. I will see how I go over the weekend before deciding whether to bother anyone....but thanks a million Carol for making me realise it's silly not to see someone if I am worried. Seems that I have not been really well since I had the metformin increased and I had better not wait until the next blood test in a month before asking the diabetes nurse.
Click to expand...
Happy birthday
 
DO bother the health centre. Chase them up. Get in to see a doctor.
Also, don't assume. Chase up the test. DON'T let them get away with the no telling the patient anything nonsense.
 
Ralph-YK said:
DO bother the health centre. Chase them up. Get in to see a doctor.
Also, don't assume. Chase up the test. DON'T let them get away with the no telling the patient anything nonsense.
Click to expand...
OK then....I'll give it a try....getting an appointment is not as easy as it sounds but I'll try.
 
Good luck, I hope you get it shorted.
Oh, sorry. Happy Birthday
 
Please please please - you or me or anyone else is never 'bothering' any medical type person when we need to ask them something about our health! They were employed and are PAID to assist us and if nobody was ever ill they'd be unemployed!
 
But I know how overstretched they are these days so I try to resolve issues without going. I tried to make an appointment and they offered my nothing before 19th Feb....so my husband says we will walk in and demand an appointment on Monday...goodness me!!
 
I was right to be worried. They have taken me off metformin as the larger dose was affecting my renal function. I am now on gliclazide tabs...low dosage to start but probably will be increased until it is effective. They gave me a blood testing machine etc and my first test after food is 10.6 which is too high but I've always been higher than I should be and you could say this indicates they have not yet found the right balance for me. I am glad they are patient and determined...just like their patient and determined patient!
 
The nurse took a reading before I had breakfast. It was 7.6. Same day, I took a reading after dinner. It was 10.6. I was a bit overstressed at the time as I'd never done this before and kept making mistakes before I finally worked out how to do it properly. Also, I have a cold and possible chest infection. I am sure all those things contribute. Right?
 
today before breakfast is also 7.6. I only got the gear yesterday for the first time so wasn't sure what I was doing....now I have to do it 2 o r 3 times a day.
 
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Hi Theresa
Yes there are many.many things that can affect BG levels. a reading of 7.6 before a meal is a bit on the high side. I would suggest testing just before a meal. then about 2 hours after. You can then see how the food you've eaten has affected your BG levels and if they are within the normal range. You can then adjust your diet if the readings are higher than the 'norm'. Many members on here go for low carb foods which tend to lower levels. By testing regularly you will be able to see which foods are good or bad for you and how they affect your BG levels. If you then record consistently lower levels you can then test less often. Good luck. Dave
 
Theresa Dawn said:
Also, I have a cold and possible chest infection. I am sure all those things contribute. Right?
Click to expand...
Yes infections will affect your levels.

As Dave said, test both before and after meals. While 10.6 is high, if you were 10.1 before the meal, then that difference is good.
 
When I was in hospital last May 2017 for asthma attacks when I had a cold. My metaformin was stop completely because of elevated lactose levels for the 2 days I was in & for another 2 weeks after returning home. Then I was put back on it at a much lower dose & slowly increased until I could tolerate my usual pre hospital dose. It took a few months. I had a lot of stomach problems too when I was first put on the normal tablets but, changed to the SR (slow release) ones & my stomach settled down. Lactose levels can increase a lot if your ill or have an infection & you might need to stop taking them for while & go back on them gradually.
 
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