Type 2 Question

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Corrine

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Type 2
I have recently been diagnosed type 2, and at the moment am diet controlled and using diastix. However, I have never had a positive reading, no matter what I have eaten (or drunk). It seems from some of the threads that others test using a meter. As I am only urine testing I have no idea what is, or will affect my blood sugar levels. So I am wondering if I should invest in a meter which may give me a better idea of what my body is doing? Any advice appreciated - thank you.:confused:
 
Hi I'm type 2 and use a meter. I generally now check a couple of time's a week unless I feel funny (which I do sometimes as readings have dropped below 4). Ask your GP or Diabetic team if you can have a meter (mine came free) and maybe do random tests. If you can avoid buying I it will save you a pretty penny especially if you can get the testing strips and lancets on precsription. When my urin is tested it generally does not show any sugar.

This will probably give you a little more peace of mind knowing everything is under control.
 
I would ask for a meter.

Glucose only spills into your urine at a certain level, usually abive 10mmol but this differs for each person and people may have a high or low renal threshold.

Ask your Nurse if she can give you a meter, you may or may not get test strips on precription. If your nurse won't give you one ring the manufacturers and ask them to send you one, you shouldn't have to pay for one.
 
I got my meter from the hospital and the test strips and lancets from the doctor.

If you have to buy one, it may be worth seeing if you qualify for VAT relief as you are diabetic.

My dad tests using the sticks, he wont use a meter and is still in good health and things are under control.

Find out what is out there and make an informed choice.
 
My husband tests using urine sticks too (Type 2 diabetes, on metformin). He gets a +ive reading mostly from going to chinese restaurants, and if he eats too many squares of chocolate or has a "naughty" day.

He syas that mostly he knows if he has eaten something that is not good for him as he becomes very thirsty and can also become tired. Maybe you too will start to feel your own triggers, and the urine sticks will be confirmation or reassurance?
________
SUZUKI HAYABUSA
 
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Thanks for your help. I've got my first yearly review shortly so I think I'll wait and see what that throws up - if my BG's and A1c's are lower then I must be doing the right thing - which I guess means I can probably stick with the sticks until I start to get positive readings. I'll try and keep a diary too about how I feel after I've been naughty. Thank you
 
I know several people who keep food diaries very effectively. Then if they are ill or get a glucose high, they can pin point the trigger. It also helps if you need to see the doctor or dietician about anything as you have all the information to hand, and in chronological order. the food diarists also keep a log of their medication and activity levels, which can be a gret help.
 
I think I will do the diary thing - thank you. I still need to recognise triggers/reactions - I didn't get any symptoms of diabetes either so am a little in the dark about eating things that will give me a reaction and being able to recognise it. Although I do know that Haribo has me bouncing off the walls!
 
I don't know how individuals react differently but the biggest recognition features of "wrong" food in my husband are:

*dry mouth (strangely since adjusting to a lower sugar diet I experience this too from sugary food, but not as badly!). This comes on very quickly after eating the food in question.
*thirst - being noticeably unusually thirsty, not just fancying a small drink of water. Takes a little longer than dry mouth does but fairly soon after eating.
*tiredness - he will "crash out" and fall asleep/be drowsy. This takes the longest of the three, it isn't falling asleep face down in the plate 😉, more falling asleep shortly after eating.

Perhaps if you try making it a "food and mood" or food and experiences diary it will help you tune in? I think he came to recognise these as they are not how he normally feels with good control of his diabetes. I normally spot the tiredness one as I wake him up at some strange hour of the day - he struggles to notice when it happens as he is too drowsy!

You might benefit from asking someone around you to tell you how you seem different to them after eating/going out to a restaurant etc.
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Free xxx streaming
 
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If you receive the 'Balance' mag from 'Diabetes UK', you will often find application cards for Free Meters. If you don't get the mag, look in your Dr's Waiting room in the magazine rack. Remember that if you do decide to buy one, ask for the VAT to be taken off, if the shop/chemist does not offer it as VAT Free.
 
I was given a meter at my first session with the nurse. Also, I attended my local support conference, where the sales reps could not wait to give them away. You should not have to pay at all.

Good luck

JOHN
 
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