Hello.
I have read the posts for over two years and thought it was time to say hello.
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in November 2021 after three blood tests, with the last one being a fasting test.
I was called by the receptionist at the surgery advising me I needed a telephone appointment with the GP because I had diabetes.
I wasn't impressed when the receptionist told me this. When the GP called, I advised him that I don't expect to be told my medical condition by someone who is not medically qualified.
The GP didn't provide much information but said my HbA1c was 58, and I needed to see a practice nurse. He prescribed two 500mg Metformin tablets per day.
I saw the nurse, and she gave me a booklet from diabetes.org.uk, and provided minimal additional information.
I asked about sugar intake and whether there was a daily limit, as I knew some products contained sugar.
Her answer: You don't need to worry; eat what you want, and Metformin will control your level.
I ignored her comment because I knew I couldn't continue eating what I wanted as I had before.
I was offered an Oviva course and considered using it, but after reading the information, I didn't have time to take a photo of every meal for them to review, so I didn't proceed with meeting with them. Also, my role at work at the time was very inflexible.
My next check was six months later, and the HbA1c was 42. I was then advised to reduce the dose to one Metformin tablet daily.
My last reading was 50 in June 2023. I was advised to continue taking one tablet daily; the next check would be in 12 months.
I had my feet checked in December 2021, and when I went in to have blood taken in June, I mentioned that the foot test should be every 12 months. I was told it had changed to 24 months. This may be different in Scotland from the rest of the UK.
However, it's almost 2.5 years, and I haven't had any further checks.
I check my feet daily and will contact the GP surgery if I notice any changes.
My first retinopathy check in January 2022 didn't highlight any problems. A minor change was detected in my retinopathy check in January 2023, as stated in the generic letter I received.
My next check was in December, and the change is still minor.
I visited the optometrist in December, and they showed me a small bleed in one eye, which they said was the issue detected by the retinopathy check. The optometrist said I had cataracts developing, which is common in people with diabetes.
I have started using the Libre 2 sensor. I bought a few, and when they have been used, I will revert to testing with a finger prick.
I won't buy any more because of the cost, as I cannot get them free.
The sensor is very useful for seeing what difference food makes to my level and what foods I should avoid. I have already tried to avoid potatoes, rice, and pasta, along with some other foods where I can. Whatever type of breakfast cereal I eat increases my level. I thought porridge would be good, and appreciate it affects everybody differently. Unfortunately, it increases my level too much.
I haven't been given a target to work with, so I'm trying to keep the level between 4 and 8 mmol/L, which is easier said than done, as anyone with diabetes will appreciate.
Apologies for the long post.
I have read the posts for over two years and thought it was time to say hello.
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in November 2021 after three blood tests, with the last one being a fasting test.
I was called by the receptionist at the surgery advising me I needed a telephone appointment with the GP because I had diabetes.
I wasn't impressed when the receptionist told me this. When the GP called, I advised him that I don't expect to be told my medical condition by someone who is not medically qualified.
The GP didn't provide much information but said my HbA1c was 58, and I needed to see a practice nurse. He prescribed two 500mg Metformin tablets per day.
I saw the nurse, and she gave me a booklet from diabetes.org.uk, and provided minimal additional information.
I asked about sugar intake and whether there was a daily limit, as I knew some products contained sugar.
Her answer: You don't need to worry; eat what you want, and Metformin will control your level.
I ignored her comment because I knew I couldn't continue eating what I wanted as I had before.
I was offered an Oviva course and considered using it, but after reading the information, I didn't have time to take a photo of every meal for them to review, so I didn't proceed with meeting with them. Also, my role at work at the time was very inflexible.
My next check was six months later, and the HbA1c was 42. I was then advised to reduce the dose to one Metformin tablet daily.
My last reading was 50 in June 2023. I was advised to continue taking one tablet daily; the next check would be in 12 months.
I had my feet checked in December 2021, and when I went in to have blood taken in June, I mentioned that the foot test should be every 12 months. I was told it had changed to 24 months. This may be different in Scotland from the rest of the UK.
However, it's almost 2.5 years, and I haven't had any further checks.
I check my feet daily and will contact the GP surgery if I notice any changes.
My first retinopathy check in January 2022 didn't highlight any problems. A minor change was detected in my retinopathy check in January 2023, as stated in the generic letter I received.
My next check was in December, and the change is still minor.
I visited the optometrist in December, and they showed me a small bleed in one eye, which they said was the issue detected by the retinopathy check. The optometrist said I had cataracts developing, which is common in people with diabetes.
I have started using the Libre 2 sensor. I bought a few, and when they have been used, I will revert to testing with a finger prick.
I won't buy any more because of the cost, as I cannot get them free.
The sensor is very useful for seeing what difference food makes to my level and what foods I should avoid. I have already tried to avoid potatoes, rice, and pasta, along with some other foods where I can. Whatever type of breakfast cereal I eat increases my level. I thought porridge would be good, and appreciate it affects everybody differently. Unfortunately, it increases my level too much.
I haven't been given a target to work with, so I'm trying to keep the level between 4 and 8 mmol/L, which is easier said than done, as anyone with diabetes will appreciate.
Apologies for the long post.
