Type 2 Newbie

[Tracy Booth]

Hello

I was diagnosed Type 2 just over a month ago, my Dad had Type 1. I had been going backwards and forwards to my doctor for over three years with tiredness, too many toilet trips, raging thirst and all the usual symptoms but my Dr didn't take my concerns seriously. My last visit was with a new doctor who actually asked me what I wanted testing for, within three days she confirmed that I did indeed have diabetes. My BS was 100 and I was put on 3 X 500mg of Metformin. I saw my diabetic nurse who told me she was very busy and couldn't go into much with me, I felt incredibly let down and alone. I've received the bare minimum of help. Before I left she gave me a True You Mini, no talking me through it just read the manual! I have tried to use it but it isn't testing my blood, I'm getting just a droplet symbol or various error messages. Frustrating isn't the word, my poor fingers . I can't see my doctor until next Friday, so for now I'm on my own. Sorry for ranting and thanks for reading.

Tracy

 

[Ralph-YK]

Welcome to the forum Tracy from a fellow T2.
What are the error messages? How easy are you finding it to get blood from your fingers?
I'm sorry to hear you haven't got the help from your practice.

 

[Tracy Booth]

Hi Ralph,

I'm finding it quite easy to get blood but maybe I'm not putting enough on. The error codes I'm getting are E2 and E3.

 

[Bubbsie]

Hello

I was diagnosed Type 2 just over a month ago, my Dad had Type 1. I had been going backwards and forwards to my doctor for over three years with tiredness, too many toilet trips, raging thirst and all the usual symptoms but my Dr didn't take my concerns seriously. My last visit was with a new doctor who actually asked me what I wanted testing for, within three days she confirmed that I did indeed have diabetes. My BS was 100 and I was put on 3 X 500mg of Metformin. I saw my diabetic nurse who told me she was very busy and couldn't go into much with me, I felt incredibly let down and alone. I've received the bare minimum of help. Before I left she gave me a True You Mini, no talking me through it just read the manual! I have tried to use it but it isn't testing my blood, I'm getting just a droplet symbol or various error messages. Frustrating isn't the word, my poor fingers . I can't see my doctor until next Friday, so for now I'm on my own. Sorry for ranting and thanks for reading.

Tracy

Tracy that's not a rare occurrence unfortunately...many members here have had the same experience and have been left to manage their diabetes on their own...the good news is T2 diabetes is one condition where we can achieve good management on our own providing we have the right information/support...the first thing I would recommend is a book called Type2 Diabetes The First Year by Gretchen Becker...she is diabetic herself and writes about her first year month by month from her diagnosis onwards...she explains what Type 2 is...how/why it develops...discusses diet & testing our blood glucose...why we should & what the benefits of doing that are...the book is available on Amazon so you can preview it before deciding whether to buy it...or possibly borrow it from your local library...it is well written and very easy to follow...your problems with the testing meter sound like you are not getting enough blood on the strip...I would try again...just take your time...check your instruction leaflet...that will tell what the error code stands for...I'm not surprised you felt let down by the lack of support...you can ask anything you need to here I'm sure one of us will be able to provide some advice...make the right suggestion...good luck.

 

[Ljc]

Hello Welcome to the forum. I am sorry to hear you had to wait so long to get a proper diagnosis , it’s really not good enough nor is a rushed appointment with the nurse esp the first couple.

You need to scroll down quite a way to get to the error codes.
http://nipro-diagnostics.co.uk/application/static/pdfs/TRUEyou_owners_booklet.pdf
E2 is, sample not detected or wrong test strip
Action
Retest with new Test Strip and larger sample.
E3
Used test strip or test strip out ov vial too long
Action
Repeat with new Test Strip. Make sure sample is touched to edge of Test Strip (not top). If error persists, call for assistance.

Hope this helps

 

[Tracy Booth]

Thank you so much X. I will try a bigger drop and most definitely get the book! So grateful for your help

 

[Ljc]

Thank you so much X. I will try a bigger drop and most definitely get the book! So grateful for your help

your welcome. 🙂

You should find these two links about self monitoring BG levels helpful.
test-review-adjust by Alan S
painless-pricks also by Alan S

When your ready their is a lot more helpful info on this thread, just scroll down to the T2 section.
For future reference it’s at the top of the newbies forum.
useful-links-for-people-new-to-diabetes

 

[Drummer]

Have you had any advice such as reducing the amount of carbs you are eating in order to control your blood glucose levels?
That seems to be the single greatest omission when first diagnosed.
With the meter - are you waiting for the visual prompt to apply the blood to appear on the screen?

 

[Jeandp]

Welcome to the forum. I am not surprised you feel let down, you haven't been given much help at all, but at least you have the testing kit. Take your time with the blood testing. Be sure to wait for the drop symbol to appear before putting your blood on there. I was doing it too quick at first and getting the error message.

 

[CathyB]

Welcome Tracy, so sorry you have had such a bumpy start but I am glad you have found this forum, you will find so much information and support here. Like most things, the testing is really easy once you get the hang of it, when I first got mine I didn’t read the instructions, thought it would be obvious (first mistake), I worked out how to get the top off and place the lancet but didn’t know I was supposed to put the top back on....I thought I had to stab my finger my self 🙄 took me a few days and a lot of frustratingly sore fingers to realise 😉

 

[Grannylorraine]

Welcome to the forum. Sadly your story is not unusual, the level of information given on diagnosis is appalling. But you have come to the right place for support and advice.

 

[New-journey]

Hello

I was diagnosed Type 2 just over a month ago, my Dad had Type 1. I had been going backwards and forwards to my doctor for over three years with tiredness, too many toilet trips, raging thirst and all the usual symptoms but my Dr didn't take my concerns seriously. My last visit was with a new doctor who actually asked me what I wanted testing for, within three days she confirmed that I did indeed have diabetes. My BS was 100 and I was put on 3 X 500mg of Metformin. I saw my diabetic nurse who told me she was very busy and couldn't go into much with me, I felt incredibly let down and alone. I've received the bare minimum of help. Before I left she gave me a True You Mini, no talking me through it just read the manual! I have tried to use it but it isn't testing my blood, I'm getting just a droplet symbol or various error messages. Frustrating isn't the word, my poor fingers . I can't see my doctor until next Friday, so for now I'm on my own. Sorry for ranting and thanks for reading.

Tracy

How are you now getting on? I hope you have now had much better support and doing better.

 

[Spireite72]

Welcome to the forum you will get lots of support and answers to all your questions here. I was scared and clueless 2weeks ago I,ve learned so much in such a short time from these amazing people.