Stuck in limbo

[Felinia]

I was diagnosed just under a month ago with Type 2, but it was not really a surprise. I had been in the pre-diabetic range on and off for a couple of years, and I didn't feel right. I had to wait 6 weeks just to get an appointment for the blood test (excuses - staff shortages, holidays). I can't fault the prompt response to my blood test - GP within 2 days, and diabetic nurse practitioner the following day. I was given advice to lose weight, exercise more, reduce BP / cholesterol, and join Diabetes UK. Also that I would be sent for a retinal scan and an education programme. It's what has not happened that I'm concerned about. So far I have heard nothing about the scan or education programme.

I read here that people like me with Type 2 are put on Metformin - I was not. I read that people measure their levels before and after every meal, and have been supplied with testing equipment. When I asked I was told - not necessary, just lose weight and we'll re-test you in 3 months. So I have done what I think is required - joined Aquafit, got a mini exercise bike (I can't stand or walk for long), reduced carbs to 90gm (inclusive of 45gm sugars) and monitored calories, fat, protein. Did other people feel the same as me - that once the NHS protocols had been met, you were left in limbo, waiting for appointments that take weeks or months to come, and just hoping you were doing the right things?

 

[mikeydt1]

it is now NHS policy not to issue blood glucose meters for type 2 (cost saving exercise), but then ask yourself a question, without testing your blood glucose there is no way of knowing if your diabetes is getting under control. i had this pulled on me until i played hell about it.

you will find many on here test their blood glucose levels, you can buy meters fairly cheap along with lancets and test strips.

you are doing the right thing with carbs and diet but you really need a meter to see if it is having any affects.

others should be able to advise on the best meters to buy.

 

[SueEK]

I waited approx 5 months for my course and 4 for retinal eye screening (can’t remember exact times). In the meantime I just followed the info I was given on this forum as I didn’t have a clue what I was supposed to do. Basically I was told I wasn’t the ‘usual ‘ T2 diabetic, told to take Metformin and that was that.

 

[Docb]

Can you tell us what your HbA1c reading was?

If it was just over the threshold for diagnosis then your GP/DN are doing all the right things. The retinal screening and foot checks will be be sorted in due course and finding out if loosing some weight and getting more exercise reduces your HbA1c is the sensible place to start. If it works, you avoid medication and testing which saves you a lot of hassle and the taxpayer a few quid.

Things are obviously different if your HbA1c increased dramatically.

 

[Felinia]

it is now NHS policy not to issue blood glucose meters for type 2 (cost saving exercise), but then ask yourself a question, without testing your blood glucose there is no way of knowing if your diabetes is getting under control. i had this pulled on me until i played hell about it.

you will find many on here test their blood glucose levels, you can buy meters fairly cheap along with lancets and test strips.

you are doing the right thing with carbs and diet but you really need a meter to see if it is having any affects.

others should be able to advise on the best meters to buy.

Thanks. Not a surprise about the cost cutting exercise. My cousin who was a nurse practitioner and ran her practise's diabetic clinic was surprised at the omissions, but she has been retired a number of years and said that things must have changed since then.

 

[Felinia]

I waited approx 5 months for my course and 4 for retinal eye screening (can’t remember exact times). In the meantime I just followed the info I was given on this forum as I didn’t have a clue what I was supposed to do. Basically I was told I wasn’t the ‘usual ‘ T2 diabetic, told to take Metformin and that was that.

Thanks. I wasn't that far out then in guessing months. At least you were given Metformin so knew something was being done apart from your own efforts. I've started working my was through the website's training videos now.

 

[Felinia]

Can you tell us what your HbA1c reading was?

If it was just over the threshold for diagnosis then your GP/DN are doing all the right things. The retinal screening and foot checks will be be sorted in due course and finding out if loosing some weight and getting more exercise reduces your HbA1c is the sensible place to start. If it works, you avoid medication and testing which saves you a lot of hassle and the taxpayer a few quid.

Things are obviously different if your HbA1c increased dramatically.

Thanks. My HbA1c was 57, from 41 last November. That seemed to be a pretty dramatic increase to me! I've no idea what the the finger test would have been as it wasn't done. I've had the foot check (OK and full pulses), and am seeing a chiropodist today at my own expense to have the dead/dried skin removed, as instructed. Yes - avoiding medication and tests to save money sounds about right! So I'm very motivated.

 

[Docb]

Have you seen this graphic - it helps to get a perspective on the numbers. You have gone from the green zone into the yellow zone in terms of risk and explains why your GP/DN are looking at weight loss and exercise as the first thing to try. They are following standard protocols. Some of us have gone from green to red zone in sucessive HbA1c tests, and that makes them sit up and take notice.

You have picked up one important point very quickly. T2 diabetes is a chronic condition treated by the person who has it. The professionals advise and help but it is what you do that has more effect on the course of the condition than almost anything else. When you get that, and are motivated to do something about it, then you can crack it.

 

[SueEK]

I’ve o

Thanks. I wasn't that far out then in guessing months. At least you were given Metformin so knew something was being done apart from your own efforts. I've started working my was through the website's training videos now.

I very recently had my foot check so I guess you were lucky to have had that done! I think I was put on Metformin straight away because I had no symptoms that I was aware of, am slim and my hba1c was 90, nevertheless I still didn’t get any info just two leaflets. Through changing my diet, small increase in exercise and advice from everyone here it is now 43 and taken off medication, I’m hoping by continuing to do the same I can keep my levels under control. Sounds like you are doing all the right things x

 

[Felinia]

View attachment 12214

Have you seen this graphic - it helps to get a perspective on the numbers. You have gone from the green zone into the yellow zone in terms of risk and explains why your GP/DN are looking at weight loss and exercise as the first thing to try. They are following standard protocols. Some of us have gone from green to red zone in sucessive HbA1c tests, and that makes them sit up and take notice.

You have picked up one important point very quickly. T2 diabetes is a chronic condition treated by the person who has it. The professionals advise and help but it is what you do that has more effect on the course of the condition than almost anything else. When you get that, and are motivated to do something about it, then you can crack it.

Thanks - that was very helpful, as it shows not only the HbA1c levels but other measurements as well, so now at least I understand what others are reporting. I had 2 HbA1c tests 3 weeks apart and both were 57.

 

[grovesy]

Thanks - that was very helpful, as it shows not only the HbA1c levels but other measurements as well, so now at least I understand what others are reporting. I had 2 HbA1c tests 3 weeks apart and both were 57.

That is the current recommendation for diagnosis.