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Off the rails

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Christine1953

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi everyone. I have recently rejoined after being away for a while, and my diabetes self-care is non-existent. I desperately want to get back on track. I take insulin once a day, and haven't checked my numbers for ages. When I do, they're terrible and I get afraid. I was prescribed gliclazide over the phone by my GP last year during lockdown as I had readings of over the limit on my meter, but I haven't taken them, as I am afraid of taking new medicine. This is all completely irrational and stupid I know. I think I just need someone to help me have some confidence and get back on track. What do I do if my readings are high? I just inject 52 ml of insulin at night before I go to bed, but realise it isn't really doing anything. Can someone put up with my stupidity and give me some advice? Thank you.
 
I'd go and see the Doctor personally. Sounds a bit dodgy they prescribed a drug over the phone without verifying your readings. When was the last time you had a blood test? What is your HbA1C like?
 
Hi Christine1953, welcome to the forum.

Firstly, you're not stupid at all. Dealing with diabetes, taking new medication, getting to grips with measurements and reading can all be very overwhelming so please don't be hard on yourself.

Is there anything in particular that worries you about taking the medication or is it just that you're not sure exactly what you're doing?

I wonder if it would be possible for you to speak with a diabetic nurse so they can talk you through what to do and reassure you a bit?
 
I think everyone gets a bit of burnout sometimes, your brain gets to the point when it doesn’t want to think about numbers and doses and sensible food choices and all that any more. But you’ve taken the first step and realised that you need to get back on track, well done.

The next step is do something about it. Start doing some blood tests, if they are bad just remind yourself that ignoring them isn’t going to make them any better. Maybe make a diary for a few days of everything you eat, how much insulin/what medication you take (unless it’s the same every day!), and what your numbers are, then make an appointment with the doctor to find out what you can do about it. Maybe your insulin dose needs increasing, or maybe you need something else as well. If the doctor is any good he will listen to you and want to help. If after that he still want you to take gliclazide then why would you be afraid of taking it if a doctor has prescribed it? At least give it a chance for a few weeks before you write it off. Good luck 🙂
 
Hello Christine1952. You have taken a big and brave step already in admitting that you are not happy with how your diabetes is and that you need/want some help. Having diabetes is relentless, 24/7 365 days per year, no pay out for good behaviour other than getting control. That is all that any of us can do. Why not phone your surgery and ask to speak to the doctor or the nurse that you know. Explain to them what you have said here. Ask for a Zoom appointment to discuss how to tackle this. You are the sole beneficiary here. You are going to enjoy much better health when you are back in control of you condition. You know that you can do this. Take that next step to regain control. Sending you a hug and many positive thoughts. Take care and good luck! 🙂
 
Thank you everyone - you're all so kind. I'm having a cataract operation tomorrow, and have decided to start being proactive by keeping a diary of food and sugar levels from Friday.
 
Soooo - did they not do an HbA1c test as part of the normal pre-med for the operation? When I had both mine done, (at separate times) they did - and one fingerprick test before they started putting the eyedrops in, and another immediately afterwards once I was out of the theatre. Type 2 chap next after me, exactly the same.
 
No they haven't. You've worried me now that I won't be able to have the operation. I am having it done under local anaesthetic?
 
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