Newly diagnosed - Appointment next week for treatment...

[RandomChlo93]

Hey all,

A few years back I was diagnosed due to two raised fasting glucose tests with my A1c being normal and the Dr said results were "confounding" but after going to group education sessions and constantly being questioned why I was there I ended up going to a different Dr who e-mailed the specialist at hospital who said no I wasn't diabetic and to monitor.

Flash forward to these past few weeks I've had a ridiculous dry mouth and drinking and weeing loads, so while at another appt with a nurse I mentioned this and she told me to book a blood test.

Although I knew the result was going to come back as being diabetic because of all the symptoms it's hit me light a freight train as I know it's going to be a long road to get it under control.

A little bit anxious as didn't think my HbA1c was going to be as high as it was at 124mmol/mol so not knowing what the treatment is going to be but I'll find out next week.

I'm already inadvertedly losing weight and don't think I'm personally that overweight. I mean I'm a 30yr old woman. Standing at 5ft4 tall and wear size 14 jeans.

I suffer with IBS so going forward I know the two diets aren't always going to go hand in hand. Recently I cut out garlic and cut down massively on lactose because my IBS flared up massively. I worry now if i cut things out or change things for diabetes my IBS will flare up or I'll end up with not many options of food in my diet which really getting me down.

I know it's super early days for me but I know its going to be an interesting journey...

Any useful tips, tricks and suggestions would be appreciated...

 

[Robin]

Any useful tips, tricks and suggestions would be appreciated...

The first thing I’d ask is, what type of diabetes are they considering. A lot of people are assumed to be Type 2, because it’s more common, but a high HbA1c and unexpected weight loss, along with other symptoms, should raise red flags for Type 1. So if they assume Type 2, ask why they think that, and have they considered doing further tests, like a GAD antibody test, or a C peptide test (which measures how much insulin you are producing. Type 1s produce less and less, whereas people with Type 2 often produce a lot, but their bodies can’t use it correctly).
Once you know what you are dealing with, it will be easier to get your head round it.

 

[RandomChlo93]

The first thing I’d ask is, what type of diabetes are they considering. A lot of people are assumed to be Type 2, because it’s more common, but a high HbA1c and unexpected weight loss, along with other symptoms, should raise red flags for Type 1. So if they assume Type 2, ask why they think that, and have they considered doing further tests, like a GAD antibody test, or a C peptide test (which measures how much insulin you are producing. Type 1s produce less and less, whereas people with Type 2 often produce a lot, but their bodies can’t use it correctly).
Once you know what you are dealing with, it will be easier to get your head round it.

The nurse did want to book me in tomorrow but I've got work for 6 days straight so next Wednesday it is. I definitely want to query which type like you say. She did mention tablets and the fact my HbA1c is pretty high so it's going to be a week of wondering for me...

 

[PattiEvans]

Like Robin says, your symptoms do point more to T1 than T2 diabetes and frankly that week's wait could be a problem. May I suggest you go to the chemist and purchase a tub of Ketostix. You dip these in your wee to see if you have Ketones. If you do then please take yourself to A&E and tell them as they could result in a serious condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis. I do hope you are OK.

 

[Carlos]

Like Robin says, your symptoms do point more to T1 than T2 diabetes and frankly that week's wait could be a problem. May I suggest you go to the chemist and purchase a tub of Ketostix. You dip these in your wee to see if you have Ketones. If you do then please take yourself to A&E and tell them as they could result in a serious condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis. I do hope you are OK.

I third @Pattidevans and @Robin's comments, with your symptoms it sounds like a type 1 'debut', which can get quite serious. Do follow @Pattidevans' advice about checking for ketones, and take yourself to A&E at the first sign of trouble.

 

[Tdm]

If you are type 1 you don't need to change your diet.
Type2 is a different kettle of fish - i'm sure some t2 will be able to give you some advice.
Theres not too much we can say re diet / management til you know your type.
With a a1c like yours, i would have expected they put you on some sort of medication straight away. Could you not contact them and get that earlier appointment they advised? It would make more sense to miss half a day than end up in a hospital with diabetic keto acidosis (DKA) for a week or so.
When i was diagnosed with a lower a1c than you it was straight to boots for meds, then straight to a & e...
At the very least, test for ketones, drink lots of water (it helps flush out the sugar via the urine) and read up on the symptoms of dka, and if you have them, get yourself to a&e. Your health is more important than work.

 

[Inka]

The nurse did want to book me in tomorrow but I've got work for 6 days straight so next Wednesday it is. I definitely want to query which type like you say. She did mention tablets and the fact my HbA1c is pretty high so it's going to be a week of wondering for me...

Welcome @RandomChlo93 I second (third?) the comments about not waiting that long. This does sound like it could be Type 1. If it is, that wait could be dangerous. I’d also add that most nurses at GP surgeries have very little experience of Type 1 and sometimes a number of misconceptions about it.

 

[Inka]

@RandomChlo93 Here is a link to information about DKA:

What is DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis)?

Diabetic Ketoacidosis, known as DKA, is a life-threatening diabetes complication. It is caused by a severe lack of insulin. Without insulin your body can’t move sugar into the cells for energy so instead breaks down fat releasing harmful chemicals called ketones which build up and make your...

www.diabetes.org.uk

If you begin to develop this, it’s an emergency and needs immediate medical support.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @RandomChlo93

Do keep a close eye on things over the next few days.

If you begin to feel breathless, or experience nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, or have a ‘pear drop’ smell on your breath do go to A&E, or call NHS 111.