What is going to happen

[Shellygrace10]

Hi I am new here, I have been medicated for type 2 diabetics for 3 years now. I have been taking metformin. After feeling unwell for a few months I asked for a hba1c test the results have come back and my reading has gone from 52 to 90!!! Has anybody else had this and what will the doctors do???

 

[Northerner]

Hi I am new here, I have been medicated for type 2 diabetics for 3 years now. I have been taking metformin. After feeling unwell for a few months I asked for a hba1c test the results have come back and my reading has gone from 52 to 90!!! Has anybody else had this and what will the doctors do???

Hi Shelleygrace, welcome to the forum 🙂 When was the previous test taken, that returned a 52? Have you made any big changes to your diet, been under a lot of stress lately, less active? It's possible that you may be given more medication, but it may be that you can get your levels back under good control by reexamining your diet and seeing if there are certain things that your body doesn't tolerate well - discovering this and excluding/reducing those things may bring your levels down to a better level without needing extra medication. Do you have a glucose monitor so you can check the effects of your food choices on your blood sugar levels? If not, I would highly recommend asking your GP/nurse for one, and a prescription for test strips. Then you can follow a testing regime, as described in Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S to help you identify what may be contributing to the rise in levels. Explain this to your GP/nurse when you are requesting the monitor and if they say you don't need to test then ask them how you are supposed to find out how things are affecting you? An HbA1c won't be able to tell you this information, it can only tell you that something was going wrong, but not what 🙄

When you see the doctor make sure he has a proper plan, agreed with you, to help you bring your levels back under control - don't just be fobbed off with more medication without explanation 🙂 Let us know how you get on - when will your appointment be?

 

[Alister]

I was 109 when diagnosed but that was only a few months ago so Have no idea what the next step would be (I was placed on insulin from the start).
regardless of if or how they change your medication I would suggest you get a BG meter if you don't already have one ( I assume not or you would probably not have requested the HBa1c or at least expected a high result)

if you cant bully the Dr into giving you one (& strips!) on the NHS then the recommendation here seems to be the codefree unit on Amazon as it has the lowest running cost.

once you can self test you will be better able to judge what in your diet is bad for you & hopefully be able to change it.

dont let the thought of being moved to insulin scar you if it happens, there is nothing to it & it should get you funded for self testing as well so could be an advantage (still not sure bout that one but I have seen at least one member here post being please about it after pushing his GP for some time)

 

[Alister]

Northerner put it much better than me whilst I was typing, that's the sort of help you get from the old hands around here. Im still just a newbie

 

[Maz2]

I think testing is the important thing. I was pre-diabetic, got out of it, and now back into it again. I am wondering why that is and GP not sure either as I am underweight so not weight related. I am testing to see what foods suit me and which don't. I haven't really changed my diet much over the past few months so not sure what happened. My haemoglobin tends to fluctuate a lot due to regular blood donations so not sure if that is it.

 

[Maz2]

Agree with Alistair. Northerner is much more knowledgeable than I am too. His advice is definitely to be listened to. He gave me some p ointers when I first joined as I was amazed that my food choices were not good. Here was me thinking my diet was healthy - not!!!!

 

[Shellygrace10]

Thank you all, my last hba1c was taken 6 months ago. So has raised quite quickly. I have been under a lot of pressure at work and also got married so have had a lot on my plate. My appointment is tomorrow morning. So hoping that something can be done and will start to get better.

The only way I can explain how I feel is that I am tired of being tired. If that makes sense x

 

[HOBIE]

Take care pls 🙂

 

[Alister]

Stress can certainly cause BG levels to rise so this may have been a contributing factor.
hopefully now things have calmed down & things will improve naturally.
Testing is still highly recommended on this forum & enable you to spot trends & changes sooner than the HB1AC tests at the doctors would although it is important to not least 1 or 2 bad readings cause unnecessary worry. but that has all bebn said previously,

 

[Drummer]

I was diagnosed at 91, but I have been eating low carb and that seems to have solved the problem.
My doctor is totally uninterested in my progress, but as all he did was put me on tablets I don't really care - just wish I'd been able to do low carb only right from the start rather than go through the misery of the first five weeks, and then I threw the tablets in the bin. I think it was some old Greek who said 'whilst we are alive, let us live' - but whoever it was, I agree with the sentiment.
I used a meter for a few months until I was confident that I had my diet sorted out - and then I got my first retest result of 47 so I just went on low carbing.

 

[Bubbsie]

Hi I am new here, I have been medicated for type 2 diabetics for 3 years now. I have been taking metformin. After feeling unwell for a few months I asked for a hba1c test the results have come back and my reading has gone from 52 to 90!!! Has anybody else had this and what will the doctors do???

Shelly I'm wondering how many HbA1c tests you've had...since you say you asked for one?...whether you had regular reviews or tested your own blood sugars...tomorrow will be about reducing your levels & how best to do that...its not about who's to blame you...if you haven't had regular reviews you might need to address that with your GP...try to think of what you'd like to ask them...possibly note them down so you don't; forget...try to discuss what s/he suggests...whether there are different options...I'd be interested to hear how the appointment goes...I started off with a higher BG level than yours but have managed to reduce it steadily over the last two years...after your review ask any questions you need to here...one of us will have be able to offer support...make some suggestions...good luck tomorrow.

 

[trophywench]

Shellygrace - one of the main symptoms of high blood glucose is awful tiredness and absolutely having to have a nap. Now I'm a pensioner that's sort of not unusual LOL - but at 22 I knew I wasn't right - and I was right - Type 1 diagnosed later.

I still get bone tired and can hardly keep my eyes open when I am high so I always test my BG when that happens - it's a nice surprise when I'm not high and I'm only tired! But you actually knew what I've just told you because how could your A1c be too high without fingerprick tests also being too high? It's not possible.

I'm just wondering something which I'd like to ask for some more information from you, before telling you what it is for the simple reason it might be highly unlikely. Tell us if you will, how your original diagnosis came about?

 

[Ljc]

Shellygrace - one of the main symptoms of high blood glucose is awful tiredness and absolutely having to have a nap. Now I'm a pensioner that's sort of not unusual LOL - but at 22 I knew I wasn't right - and I was right - Type 1 diagnosed later.

I still get bone tired and can hardly keep my eyes open when I am high so I always test my BG when that happens - it's a nice surprise when I'm not high and I'm only tired! But you actually knew what I've just told you because how could your A1c be too high without fingerprick tests also being too high? It's not possible.

I'm just wondering something which I'd like to ask for some more information from you, before telling you what it is for the simple reason it might be highly unlikely. Tell us if you will, how your original diagnosis came about?

🙂

 

[Ljc]

Hello Shellygrace10. You must be feeling so rough it’s the high BG levels causing it, once your levels start coming down you will start to feel better and have more energy.
It’s possible you medication will be increased or changed.
What dose of Metformin are you on.

I hope you get the help you need tomorrow, please let us know how you get on.

If your not testing your own BG levels , I suggest you ask for a glucose meter , if your told no for any reason
This one is the cheapest one we know of to self fund than what’s available in chemists.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Codefree-G...fm-21&linkId=f39210144fdc26c27738e45b6d957003
It’s testing strips are around £8 for 50.

 

[Shellygrace10]

Shellygrace - one of the main symptoms of high blood glucose is awful tiredness and absolutely having to have a nap. Now I'm a pensioner that's sort of not unusual LOL - but at 22 I knew I wasn't right - and I was right - Type 1 diagnosed later.

I still get bone tired and can hardly keep my eyes open when I am high so I always test my BG when that happens - it's a nice surprise when I'm not high and I'm only tired! But you actually knew what I've just told you because how could your A1c be too high without fingerprick tests also being too high? It's not possible.

I'm just wondering something which I'd like to ask for some more information from you, before telling you what it is for the simple reason it might be highly unlikely. Tell us if you will, how your original diagnosis came about?

Hi Jenny,

I have been prediabetic all my life always on the boarder line, my grandfather was type 1 and my mother and uncle are both type 2. I had gestational in both pregnancies. I don't have a BG monitor but shall ask for one today. I am currently medicated with 1000mg metformin a day. Xx

 

[Suzi]

Hi ShelleyGrace, you seem to be going through the same as me last year. I was exhausted and thought it was stress at work and I was selling my house but it was getting ridiculous and I was sleeping all the time. After going to the doctor extremely worried, they worked out that my diabetic medication wasn't working. I had been on metformin which did not agree with me at all on any dosage (I lived on the toilet while taking it) they moved me onto Stitiglipton which worked at first then stopped and my sugar was way over 100, I was so shocked and very upset. I have had a rather unfortunate experience with my doctor but my suggestion is do as Bubbsie has suggested, think out all of your questions and write them down so you don't forget, you need to be given some answers, regularly testing your blood sugar does help, I was prescribed a meter and strips and it really does help to known what you are eating and how it affects you.
I really feel for you because it is really scary and awful to feel that exhausted way all the time. The doctor may want to see your levels regularly and they may try other medication, which they have been doing with me for months now. I joined the forum last week and it has really helped having somewhere to vent and to people that understand and are very friendly - good luck with your appointment x

 

[Bubbsie]

Hi ShelleyGrace, you seem to be going through the same as me last year. I was exhausted and thought it was stress at work and I was selling my house but it was getting ridiculous and I was sleeping all the time. After going to the doctor extremely worried, they worked out that my diabetic medication wasn't working. I had been on metformin which did not agree with me at all on any dosage (I lived on the toilet while taking it) they moved me onto Stitiglipton which worked at first then stopped and my sugar was way over 100, I was so shocked and very upset. I have had a rather unfortunate experience with my doctor but my suggestion is do as Bubbsie has suggested, think out all of your questions and write them down so you don't forget, you need to be given some answers, regularly testing your blood sugar does help, I was prescribed a meter and strips and it really does help to known what you are eating and how it affects you.
I really feel for you because it is really scary and awful to feel that exhausted way all the time. The doctor may want to see your levels regularly and they may try other medication, which they have been doing with me for months now. I joined the forum last week and it has really helped having somewhere to vent and to people that understand and are very friendly - good luck with your appointment x

Disappointing to hear your relationship with your GP was a problem Suzi...however not surprising...I had an horrendous time with my own GP initially...finally I wrote to him advised him I found it difficult to speak to him...that he didn't listen...said I wanted to be as involved as I could in discussions about my treatment...I wanted to work with him to improve things...it worked...we now get on really well...have you addressed your problems with your GP...any improvement yet?...if so great...if not why not put your concerns in writing...that helped me a great deal.

 

[Suzi]

Hi Bubbsie (that's a great name!), I actually raised a complaint at the practice with the manager but that didn't really get me anywhere, other than to give me a massive headache and to be told I was being unreasonable and it was my anxiety that was causing all of the problems. My doctor and I have reached an understanding (kind of) She now listens to what I say but I don't think she is comfortable making decisions on my medication and leaves that to the hospital. I had an appointment this morning to discuss my Hb1aC result which is 61(a vast improvement from last summer but still not great) She has put up my dose of Empagliflozin to the maximum amount (I'm also on maximum amount of pioglitazone) and see if my readings come any further down, I have an appointment next month with the diabetic clinic at the hospital and she told me to wait and see what they say, as it is looking like I may have to be put on insulin as they have tried almost every other medication and nothing seems to work fully. It is good to hear that I'm not alone in doctors disappointing reactions, I understand the NHS is struggling but that's not an excuse to be fobbed off everytime something 'normal' doesn't work. Thanks for the advice which I may do at my next appointment. Fingers crossed the medication increase works.

 

[Bubbsie]

Hi Bubbsie (that's a great name!), I actually raised a complaint at the practice with the manager but that didn't really get me anywhere, other than to give me a massive headache and to be told I was being unreasonable and it was my anxiety that was causing all of the problems. My doctor and I have reached an understanding (kind of) She now listens to what I say but I don't think she is comfortable making decisions on my medication and leaves that to the hospital. I had an appointment this morning to discuss my Hb1aC result which is 61(a vast improvement from last summer but still not great) She has put up my dose of Empagliflozin to the maximum amount (I'm also on maximum amount of pioglitazone) and see if my readings come any further down, I have an appointment next month with the diabetic clinic at the hospital and she told me to wait and see what they say, as it is looking like I may have to be put on insulin as they have tried almost every other medication and nothing seems to work fully. It is good to hear that I'm not alone in doctors disappointing reactions, I understand the NHS is struggling but that's not an excuse to be fobbed off everytime something 'normal' doesn't work. Thanks for the advice which I may do at my next appointment. Fingers crossed the medication increase works.

Hi Suzi...I hadn't realised who started this thread or what the subject was...why not post a separate one about the medications increase...you may pick up some tips on that...possibly a change in diet...increased activity...its always worth a try...several here have been at the same point you have...but have managed to make some improvements...I can't see from your post how long you've been diagnosed or what diet you're on...well worth your while to start your own thread on this...see what responses you receive...who knows there may be something there you could try...again I cannot tell from your post but I am assuming you are type2...hope I've got that right?

 

[Suzi]

Hi Suzi...I hadn't realised who started this thread or what the subject was...why not post a separate one about the medications increase...you may pick up some tips on that...possibly a change in diet...increased activity...its always worth a try...several here have been at the same point you have...but have managed to make some improvements...I can't see from your post how long you've been diagnosed or what diet you're on...well worth your while to start your own thread on this...see what responses you receive...who knows there may be something there you could try...again I cannot tell from your post but I am assuming you are type2...hope I've got that right?

Hi Bubbsie, that was my thought when I was responding, I'll set up another thread about my medication. Shelley Grace sorry to encroach on your thread. Good luck with the treatment! x