[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

Apologies for Jumping in, Just wanted to share my story.

I've just been Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Rather complicated how I got hear but the Diagnosis relates partly to a Tyhroid illness and as yet unexplained immune system crash last November requiring hospitalisation for 8 days.

I had been pre diabetic for quite some time , my Thyroid illness resulted in excessively high cholesterol and sugar levels , high blood pressure etc , Meds for both Cholesterol and High blood pressure.

The immune system crash caused my Liver to be compromised , in essence my organs were under attack. I should emphasise I have a strict Diet , Do not Drink alcohol, haven't for over 30 years , I do smoke (I know) and am 55 next month. The liver an amazing organ but my problem appears to be that it's struggling to recover due to excessive cholesterol and sugar levels.

I've had my first educational referral and examination, Feet examined, nerve , circulation tests Referred to Global Vision (actually already referred to eye specialist re Thyroid) and my excellent GP guided me through the Journey ahead. Diagnosis a week ago and medication to be determined as I'm on a regime of other regular meds etc.

I was slightly overwhelmed with the info and information on the Road ahead but pleased at the supports etc on offer. I'd kind of expected the Diagnosis but at 54 a lot to take in with other complications.

Just thought I'd share this story and will check in on this thread more often.

I was on it for a few months...

Good thing was I lost a lot of weight fairly quickly ... bad thing was I lost weight as I was constantly sick from it and couldn't stomach eating at all.

It certainly kept my levels down, but since coming off it I've managed to keep a (reasonably) consistent level through diet and exercise

Loss of appetite came very quickly.

I was 1 injection weekly and on average I reckon I had bouts of stomach cramps (and all that goes with it) around 3 days a week every week!

Stopped completely about 2-3 weeks after I came off it

Just heard about a diabetic girl that let herself get heatstroke and is now unconscious her blood sugars are so low.

very touch and go weather she’s coming out of this. Please be so careful in the sun

So I went to the Eye and Ear for a check up this morning. First time in a very long time. Maybe 2 years.

The retinopathy has not progressed

No fluid in the eye

Pressure is ok

Reading the chart is still fine

We also had a discussion about the Noctura 400 mask that I get from the UK. They said keep using it as it seems to be working, ie no bleeds for years now.

Back to Newcastle in 2 weeks.

It will only help to slightly lower your blood sugar nothing else + side effects. Please research into fasting and ketogenic diet link below.

Very similar story here. They start you on a low dose for a month that progressively gets higher into month 3. I lost appetite almost straight away with no other side effects till month 3 when started on highest dose and have had similar side effects. I've stopped taking it for the moment but may step down to a lower dose as I did find much better levels, less food intake etc with no negative issues when on lower doses however will see how I go the next few weeks.

For anyone interested in Diabetes Ireland's pre-budget submissions they can be found below. I've dropped an email to my local TD's using the template as a basis too.

hello, I was recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes on my trip abroad. Now back in Ireland , where should I go for treatment? Do I need to find a GP first or I can visit a Diabetes center with my blood sugar reports?

Please advise as the near by medical center is very unprofessional ..took my blood tests and never bothered to show the results.. Any good GP referral in Lucan or near by area will be very helpful.

Reminder on this for those that might have missed it. It's very easy to complain about things but people need to take action and this is the simplest action possible. Just try and get your local TD's into this meeting using the templated letter.

So you were diagnosed as diabetic but not prescribed any medication and your most recent blood tests show no problems? That makes no sense. did they tell you what your levels actually were?

Blood tests early 2021 had me one point above normal level (might have been 49 and normal is up to 48...I've forgotten the exact) Then bloods done twice since had me in mid 30s range. As I said, one GP never mentioned diabetes even when I'd asked how the bloods went, I rang for my regular prescription (pain meds, wonky spine) and a different GP rang me asking why I was on them (do they not read your file at all???) and added "Oh, I see you're diabetic" and I was like "What? News to me!" He went so far as to write a prescription for Ozempic injection but when I got the bloods done again and saw the first GP, he said I didn't need it.

First GP has since retired and to be honest it's impossible to get to see any of them and definitely no chance of changing to a different practice as none are taking on patients.

My dad is Type 2 and my Nana was also diabetic so I think the theory is that it's coming for me at some point so might as well treat me like one right away. I've had the retina screening and the foot check, the lot.

Sorry, you were on no diabetic medication and your GP thought you should go on ozempic? That makes even less sense than your first post. There are 2 or 3 steps between no medication and ozempic. You need to get a different GP and ask to be referred to an endocrinologist.