Newly diagnosed

[ClaireS91]

Hi my name is Claire, I'm 32 from the West Midlands. I have been recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and I am really struggling to process the information. The hardest thing for me to understand is that I don't need to take my blood sugars. How am I meant to know what levels they are in order to keep them stable on a day to day basis? Any advice would be most appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Martin.A]

HCPs always say that about self testing (unless you're on certain meds) but you'll find few on here who agree. As you say, how are you supposed to know how you're doing. Bit like driving a car with no speedometer.

Can I ask what your HbA1c was and whether you've been prescribed medication?

In the meantime welcome aboard.

 

[CliffH]

Hi my name is Claire, I'm 32 from the West Midlands. I have been recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and I am really struggling to process the information. The hardest thing for me to understand is that I don't need to take my blood sugars. How am I meant to know what levels they are in order to keep them stable on a day to day basis? Any advice would be most appreciated. Thanks.

Welcome Claire! I was diagnosed (with Late Onset Type 1) at New Cross Hospital, in Wolves.

 

[ClaireS91]

HCPs always say that about self testing (unless you're on certain meds) but you'll find few on here who agree. As you say, how are you supposed to know how you're doing. Bit like driving a car with no speedometer.

Can I ask what your HbA1c was and whether you've been prescribed medication?

In the meantime welcome aboard.

Hi Martin, thank you for your reply.

I haven’t had my first blood test through the Long Term Conditions team at my GP office yet, I was diagnosed from a Glucose Tolerance Test by a consultant.

My level after the glucose test was 11.3mmol/l

 

[Sharron1]

My GP told me there was no need to check my BG . I couldn't understand that, bacause how else would I know what food is ok or not? I elected to ignore her and bought a monitor and related gear. 5 years down the road, I hardly test and my GP is none the wiser to this act of disobedience . I have learnt over the years from this forum, that the advice not to test isn't unusual. Good luck.

 

[ClaireS91]

Welcome Claire! I was diagnosed (with Late Onset Type 1) at New Cross Hospital, in Wolves.

Thank you Cliff, I appreciate your welcome

 

[Ieva DUK]

Hi @ClaireS91 and welcome to the forum! I'm sorry you've had to join us, but do know that you're 'in good hands'. Forum users have a lot of gathered knowledge and lived experience so someone always has an answer to the most curious of questions.
To answer your current question, the general medical advice that newly diagnosed people get told is indeed to not test your levels, but as a few users have pointed out - testing helps you understand your body better. Different bodies react to things differently - any lifestyle changes you might choose to make will have an affect and monitoring that would give you an idea of what works and what doesn't. It is quite common for 'newbies' to sometimes 'over-test' or rather worry about their levels too much and spiral down a rabbit hole of questioning every single thing they consume. So it's all about finding that balance for yourself.

 

[Martin.A]

Hi Martin, thank you for your reply.

I haven’t had my first blood test through the Long Term Conditions team at my GP office yet, I was diagnosed from a Glucose Tolerance Test by a consultant.

My level after the glucose test was 11.3mmol/l

I believe that a Glucose Tolerance result of 11.1mmol/L is the threshold for a diagnosis of diabetes, in the same way that an HbA1c of 48 is. Hopefully you won't have to wait too long for an appointment with your GP..

 

[Leadinglights]

Hi Martin, thank you for your reply.

I haven’t had my first blood test through the Long Term Conditions team at my GP office yet, I was diagnosed from a Glucose Tolerance Test by a consultant.

My level after the glucose test was 11.3mmol/l

That is not the current test used to diagnose diabetes so hopefully you will get the standard HbA1C which is. However the G
TT test result indicates that it is likely you will be in the diabetic zone so it will be worth preparing yourself for some lifestyle changes that will improve you blood glucose levels. This link will give you a good introduction to the dietary changes you will need to make. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
I agree with all said about testing, indeed how will you know the changes you are making are sufficient and are working for you.
The GlucoNavii, TEE2 and Contour Blue are monitors with the cheaper strips and are cheaper if bought on line.
Just curious as to what led to you having the GTT test rather than an HbA1C.

 

[goodybags]

Hi @ClaireS91 welcome to the forum, good that you found the forum soon after your diagnosis
hopefully soon you will get a Hba1c blood test
then I’m sure you with advice of your HCT understand more about how best to make any necessary diet changes & any medication your GP feels would help

 

[Martin.A]

Just curious as to what led to you having the GTT test rather than an HbA1C.

Claire mentions the Long Term Conditions Team at her GP practice. There are some conditions for which HbA1c shouldn't be used.

 

[ClaireS91]

That is not the current test used to diagnose diabetes so hopefully you will get the standard HbA1C which is. However the G
TT test result indicates that it is likely you will be in the diabetic zone so it will be worth preparing yourself for some lifestyle changes that will improve you blood glucose levels. This link will give you a good introduction to the dietary changes you will need to make. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
I agree with all said about testing, indeed how will you know the changes you are making are sufficient and are working for you.
The GlucoNavii, TEE2 and Contour Blue are monitors with the cheaper strips and are cheaper if bought on line.
Just curious as to what led to you having the GTT test rather than an HbA1C.

Hi, thank you for your information - it is very much appreciated 🙂 The GTT was done by a consultant I am under for weight management (chemical pathology) at the hospital. Thank you for your information around monitors and testing.

 

[ClaireS91]

Just by way of an update to this - I have had my HbA1c blood test and it has come back as 38 which is considered normal I believe? I am very confused now as to whether I am actually classed as diabetic still, as my GP does not seem to be providing me with an answer. It's very confusing and I'm finding it mentally draining.. does anyone have any advice on what avenue to go down with this now? Thanks, Claire

 

[harbottle]

Just by way of an update to this - I have had my HbA1c blood test and it has come back as 38 which is considered normal I believe? I am very confused now as to whether I am actually classed as diabetic still, as my GP does not seem to be providing me with an answer. It's very confusing and I'm finding it mentally draining.. does anyone have any advice on what avenue to go down with this now? Thanks, Claire

Yes, that's normal.

An OGTT generally isn't used to diagnose diabetes as it is possible for the result to be incorrect. (For example, people on low-carb diets may fail it even though they are not diabetic.)

 

[saffron15]

@ClaireS91 welcome to the forum. Usually you have a second HbA1c test to confirm diabetes. My first was 69 and had symptoms so it was obvious to me though I hoped things would improve my second would still be in diabetic range. It was lower but still diabetic. I assume they have taken the glucose test of suggesting diabetes so have done the hbaic which looks at averages over the last three months and you are not diabetic nor even a step away which is prediabetic. Your surgery will not treat you as diabetic. You are only 32 if this encourages you to look at what you eat and how much you move that is good for your general health. I think you need to speak to your consultant as to his views about the two different results.

Good luck

 

[ClaireS91]

Yes, that's normal.

An OGTT generally isn't used to diagnose diabetes as it is possible for the result to be incorrect. (For example, people on low-carb diets may fail it even though they are not diabetic.)

Hi,

Thank you for your reply. That is good to know and very useful thank you 🙂

 

[Drummer]

Hi,

Thank you for your reply. That is good to know and very useful thank you 🙂

You might find that a low carb diet will help with weightloss - like the many people following Dr Atkins advice.
I lost loads of weight without even trying.

 

[ClaireS91]

@ClaireS91 welcome to the forum. Usually you have a second HbA1c test to confirm diabetes. My first was 69 and had symptoms so it was obvious to me though I hoped things would improve my second would still be in diabetic range. It was lower but still diabetic. I assume they have taken the glucose test of suggesting diabetes so have done the hbaic which looks at averages over the last three months and you are not diabetic nor even a step away which is prediabetic. Your surgery will not treat you as diabetic. You are only 32 if this encourages you to look at what you eat and how much you move that is good for your general health. I think you need to speak to your consultant as to his views about the two different results.

Good luck

Hi Saffron,

I have to go back in January 2025 for a repeat blood test to check my levels after 3 months. I received a letter following the glucose test to tell me that I have diabetes, not that I was prediabetic. I have already had a consultation with the Long Term Conditions team regarding diabetes and booking in for diabetic eye tests, bloods and an education course which they have recommended that I attend, hence my confusion.

Thanks,
Claire

 

[Alan44]

Hi @ClaireS91 and welcome, if it helps, I am also new to the forum having been tested just over 2 months ago.
My HbA1c blood test came back at 51 (diabetic) and like you the docs weren't very helpful and just gave me a link to this site and said come back in 3 months to have another blood test.

This whole diabetic thing can for sure be very confusing at first, but many people on here will be able to answer a lot of questions you and me for that matter may have.

I bought myself my own monitor so I could judge my own progress, just a simple finger prick tester.

As confusing as it all is, I have learnt 3 things I should do before my next blood test

1) Weight management ie lose weight
2) Diet ie eat healthy
3) Exercise ie at least 30 mins per day (I do a good brisk walk each day)(most days lol)

Having said all that and yes it's working, a HbA1c blood test of 38 would to me suggest that you are not diabetic and within normal range.

Hope this helps

Alan 😉

 

[rebrascora]

I am by no means a medical professional, but I think that the consultant may have jumped the gun by diagnosing diabetes from a GTT especially if they are not a diabetes consultant? Just wondering if they are not up to date with current NICE guidelines on diabetes as this does seem to be odd to do such a test. Clearly an HbA1c has subsequently been done on you and it has come back normal at 38, so I cannot really understand why a GTT has been done in the first place. It is far more labour intensive process and less reliable, than doing a quick and simple HbA1c test.

The only reason I can think of where a GTT would be helpful was if someone was potentially suffering from Reactive Hypoglycaemia. Have you been having issues with possible low Blood Glucose (BG) events? Feeling faint or collapsing perhaps?

Are you needing to lose or gain weigh?