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Newbie - Insulin Question Type 2

Beth 101

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
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She/Her
Thank you for allowing me to join.

I was diagnosed as type 2, three months ago with HbA1c of 105, and I also had high potassium levels. I was prescribed long lasting insulin (14 units per day). Plus dietary changes were advised. I was informed insulin was a temporary measure.

I had my bloods done again this week and thankfully my potassium levels are now within normal range, and HbA1c is now 54. I have also lost approx 10kg.

I was hoping I may have been offered a medication review, however my NHS app states next diabetes review is scheduled for September.

Does anybody have experience of coming off insulin and trying different medication/s and what the time frame generally is?

In the meantime I will continue, and try and reduce my HbA1c levels further before my next appointment.

Thank you.
 
I was informed insulin was a temporary measure.

I’ve heard of this as an approach, and it seem to be gaining in popularity, especially where people are starting at a relatively high HbA1c level (as you are).

We do have members who have reduced their HbA1c from 3 figures using a combination of menu and oral meds, and were able to come off the oral meds (eg @Martin.A )

But I think there is a strand of current thinking that some additional help with more potent medication (eg insulin) earlier, can take the pressure off the body, and hopefully smooth things out evenly (though not so speedily that might cause extra problems!).

Hope you get on well until your September appointment.
 
I'm surprised this isn't done more often, rather than leaving newly diagnosed T2s to struggle with high levels for ages, or offering the likes of Glicazide which might tax an already struggling pancreas even more.
Congratulations on the weight loss and Hba1c reduction 🙂
 
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