[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

CramCycle

purplestar1986 wrote: »

Just a question, does any have constant physical pain all over?

I suffer from physical pain when my bloods are running high, back pain and joint ache, but there could be several reasons for constant physical pain, alot of it not diabetes related. I wouldn't use the net for a diagnosis. What are her BG levels like? Have they done an insulin sensitivity test? C peptide levels (they have to have done this).

My partner has diabetes (they still don't know which type after 16 months since she was first diagnosis).

Thats shocking, they must have some idea?

She's on novarapid, levemir, bydureon, metformin. Has had to get a load of B12 injections as she was severely lacking and has now been told she pretty much has no iron in her system and it's been like this for the past year.

Oddly enough, I hear several Diabetics (type 1) with low Iron, I may have even glanced a paper on it recently, must investigate. I had low iron a year before I was diagnosed and my mother was anaemic before and during pregnancy.

BlackEdelweiss

CramCycle wrote: »

Thats shocking, they must have some idea?

I was well over a year before I was actually diagnosed as a type 1. It is not as straight forward if the person is middle aged, we are too old for type 1 and not old enough for type 2.

Munstermissy

BlackEdelweiss wrote: »

I was well over a year before I was actually diagnosed as a type 1. It is not as straight forward if the person is middle aged, we are too old for type 1 and not old enough for type 2.

Dunno about that, I was diagnosed with type 1 at 35 years, 7 years ago next week. Then again I was diagnosed in an NHS hospital in Wales and was up in HD unit within 4 hours of admittance. They were excellence over there. Spent 6 days there in total and sent me home loaded up with insulin, etc.

PickledLime

BlackEdelweiss wrote: »

I was well over a year before I was actually diagnosed as a type 1. It is not as straight forward if the person is middle aged, we are too old for type 1 and not old enough for type 2.

You're never too young for type 2!

I was diagnosed at 28.

gerrybbadd

purplestar1986 wrote: »

My partner has diabetes (they still don't know which type after 16 months since she was first diagnosis)

I wish I could say this surprises me. I'm just about 2 years diagnosed as a diabetic,but they still haven't diagnosed me as type 1 or 2. I'm on insulin, but had to stop taking metformin due to its brutal effects on my stomach. I'm now on Januvia instead. Much better.

Out of interest, is anyone here on Lipitor, and if so, have you any muscle problems? I get muscle fatigue really easily when I'm taking it. I've said it to the diabetic clinic, but they say I'm unfit... Despite it being known that Lipitor causes muscle problems. I mean, even typing on the keyboard in work causes fatigue in my forearms after maybe 20 seconds.

BlackEdelweiss

PickledLime wrote: »

You're never too young for type 2!

I was diagnosed at 28.

I dident mean you cant get it outside a certain age but the general age for developing type 1 is childhood and type 2 is most commonly associated with older people. That is why I said it was harder to pin it down to one type or another in middle age.

PickledLime

BlackEdelweiss wrote: »

I dident mean you cant get it outside a certain age but the general age for developing type 1 is childhood and type 2 is most commonly associated with older people. That is why I said it was harder to pin it down to one type or another in middle age.

Of course. I was saying that in jest

My friends do joke that I'm actually in my 60s and use really good Just For Men, but the type 2 diagnosis blew my cover

darkhorse

gerrybbadd wrote: »

Out of interest, is anyone here on Lipitor, and if so, have you any muscle problems? I get muscle fatigue really easily when I'm taking it. I've said it to the diabetic clinic, but they say I'm unfit... Despite it being known that Lipitor causes muscle problems. I mean, even typing on the keyboard in work causes fatigue in my forearms after maybe 20 seconds.

Yes on Lipitor, yes I have muscle problems, but I dont know if it is down to the Lipitor or not, as I am on some other tablets, I am overweight, always have the feeling of tiredness, and could be deemed to be unfit, but I walk every day for at least 45 minutes, brisk walking. I am type 2 for 7 years now, and one of my main problems, which I have just since I contracted diabetes, is a feeling of constant weakness, where the top of my legs is joined to my torso. I explained this to my doctor and he told me it is nerve endings, affected by the diabetes. It means that I have to push myself much harder now when I am exercising than before I got diabetes. Its a bummer, but wha ya gonna do. Just stay positive.

5live

gerrybbadd wrote: »

I wish I could say this surprises me. I'm just about 2 years diagnosed as a diabetic,but they still haven't diagnosed me as type 1 or 2. I'm on insulin, but had to stop taking metformin due to its brutal effects on my stomach. I'm now on Januvia instead. Much better.

Out of interest, is anyone here on Lipitor, and if so, have you any muscle problems? I get muscle fatigue really easily when I'm taking it. I've said it to the diabetic clinic, but they say I'm unfit... Despite it being known that Lipitor causes muscle problems. I mean, even typing on the keyboard in work causes fatigue in my forearms after maybe 20 seconds.

On Lipitor for 4 years and havent noticed anything unusual as regards tiredness or muscle pain. But i am farming so maybe i regard them as par for the course.

I remember one doctor after i was diagnosed telling me i would get tired very quickly for a couple of months until my body had a chance to adjust to the new glucose balances, iirc

Royal Legend

Anyway, I got my test results back last week from the private diabetic clinic, doctor says all ok, my HbA1C is 56mmol/mol, and he wants me to get it down below 53, so I am increasing my Glucofage from 2 x 500mg tabs to 4 per day. My cholesterol level is I think 3.5
I am not overly too cautious with what I eat, and the doc said eat whatever just keep the carbs low if possible and he said the key to a healthy existence is exercise.
P.S. the macro/micro thing previous was in relation to disease, 80% diabetics killed by heart, 15/5% brain and Kidneys I think, don't quote me. And also a random quote, Fat diabetics live longer than skinny ones, once they are fit.

5live

Just back from my checkup. My doc put me on some new drug (glucon?? cant read the script:mad:). Its supposed to dramitically reduce the ammount of hypos:):)

Something to do with insulin stopping glucagon working and this drug allows glucose to be released to stop hypos. Happy days if it works with no side effects.

Anybody on this?

girl_friday

I've type 2 diabetes, diagnosed this summer. I'm having a really hard time with work as I got behind on stuff and just don't seem to be able to catch up. I find I have days where it takes me ten times longer to do things and I'm really struggling with concentration and memory. Anyone else experienced this?

Honestly afraid I'm going to be disciplined at this rate with a view to possibly letting me go! I can't work any harder than I have been though and the stress it's causing is just putting me into a vicious circle!

BlackEdelweiss

I dont know anything about your personal situation but I was being treated as a type 1 for 2 years and by the end I could not walk up the stairs without doing the last few steps on my knees, work was even harder as I often had to do 12 hour shifts and had to drag my lead like feet around all day. I eventually got put onto insulin and my life has changed so much, I feel like a normal human being again that can go a whole day without feeling completely exhausted. Worth enquiring about anyway.

Bannasidhe

I am exhausted most of the time. I wake up exhausted. Half the time my brain just won't function - which is not good for an academic. I am nervous of driving as my vision blurs unexpectedly. Been like this for 2 years - which is how long I have been waiting for an appointment at the Diabetic Clinic. Finally got an app. for Jan when hopefully they will be able to sort this out. My GP has been doing his best but he is not a specialist.

CathyMoran

Got HbA1c result about a week ago - 5.3 in old terms, 34 in new - am a type 1 over 28 years. I have brittle diabetes and they have been trying to get me to accept the pump for years and my current consultant is delighted that I have finally got my head around it - now the hoops to get the pump.

My husband is exausted from staying slightly awake from all my night time lows and he has crohns...

Also being tested for something that my daddy is very ill in ICU with so stressed over him being so ill and over the tests...

CramCycle

5live wrote: »

Just back from my checkup. My doc put me on some new drug (glucon?? cant read the script:mad:). Its supposed to dramitically reduce the ammount of hypos:):)

Something to do with insulin stopping glucagon working and this drug allows glucose to be released to stop hypos. Happy days if it works with no side effects.

Anybody on this?

Never heard of it, i seen the name glucon pop up after a quick google but its not a drug I am familiar with. In terms of Glucagon, T1DM lose counter regulatory glucagon response, i.e., its not that Glucagon doesn't work for us, its that it is not secreted if it is needed.

girl_friday wrote: »

I've type 2 diabetes, diagnosed this summer. I'm having a really hard time with work as I got behind on stuff and just don't seem to be able to catch up. I find I have days where it takes me ten times longer to do things and I'm really struggling with concentration and memory. Anyone else experienced this?

What are your blood sugar levels like? It sounds like your running slightly high all the time. I am a type 1 myself but the symptoms are the same, people running high blood sugars alot tend to run into difficulty with energy levels and concentration problems. As I always say, go to your doctor, but it does sound like continuous high BG levels.

Bannasidhe wrote: »

I am exhausted most of the time. I wake up exhausted. Half the time my brain just won't function - which is not good for an academic. I am nervous of driving as my vision blurs unexpectedly. Been like this for 2 years - which is how long I have been waiting for an appointment at the Diabetic Clinic. Finally got an app. for Jan when hopefully they will be able to sort this out. My GP has been doing his best but he is not a specialist.

Sounds similar to above, try and take it easy over christmas (easy to say I know) and keep an eye on your bloods. If it gets worse, I'd take the trip into Aand E, explain the issues, bit of luck they may get you on an Insulin drip or something thats needed. I am an academic myself, it can be quite stressful when your bloods are out of sorts in that setting.

girl_friday

CramCycle wrote: »

What are your blood sugar levels like? It sounds like your running slightly high all the time. I am a type 1 myself but the symptoms are the same, people running high blood sugars alot tend to run into difficulty with energy levels and concentration problems. As I always say, go to your doctor, but it does sound like continuous high BG levels

Bloods tend to be higher in the morning than any other time. Last weeks were consistently higher than average but I had gotten to a stage where my morning/fasting BG was about 6.8 which I considered good. A bad BG for me is anything 7.4 upwards as I can feel the difference at this point. Last week my fasting bloods were all high 7s/low 8s

Feel like I have been unwell forever though! First 'abnormal' bloods were a year ago in January as I was feeling run down/tired. Feel like I'm playing catch-up on about the last 18 months!! Have spoken to GP but his attitude is that it'll improve in time but he can't really say when... Not much good to my boss who is now VERY frustrated with me.

When others were diagnosed did ye take time off work or just work through?

robinph

girl_friday wrote: »

When others were diagnosed did ye take time off work or just work through?

I was off work for a while, but that was due to how bad they had let me get before the GP eventually decided to try doing a bg test. I'd been off for a while before diagnosis, then in hospital for a week, then recuperating at the parents for another week or so. Then work let me do half days as and when I felt able to, and come and go as I pleased until I was able to last a full day again.

I hope that kind of thing is not normal though.

BlackEdelweiss

I am flying to New Zealand in January with an overnight stop in Dubai. Is there anything I should get to carry my insulin with regard to keeping unopened vials cool?

robinph

BlackEdelweiss wrote: »

I am flying to New Zealand in January with an overnight stop in Dubai. Is there anything I should get to carry my insulin with regard to keeping unopened vials cool?

I use Frio pouches to keep the insulin cool:

http://friouk.com/buy/

Just need to dunk the pouch in water and then it should be good for keeping stuff cool for several days, varys a bit depending on the humidity etc of where you are going. Also, although they are technically gel once you have charged it with water, and the insulin in a liquid, I have never had the airport security have any issue with them, or even notice it on their scanner.

BlackEdelweiss

I was looking at the frio pouches, I was hoping to take 20 3ml vials with me. Would they fit?

robinph

Was about to say that you wouldn't get that many in, but seems they now have an extra large wallet that does claim to hold 20 vials. I have the large one and could probably believe their claims of how much that would hold. What you can fit in does vary a bit depending on how long you soak the pouch for before hand as it will just keep expanding so it can be a squeeze to get things in initially.

CramCycle

girl_friday wrote: »

Bloods tend to be higher in the morning than any other time. Last weeks were consistently higher than average but I had gotten to a stage where my morning/fasting BG was about 6.8 which I considered good. A bad BG for me is anything 7.4 upwards as I can feel the difference at this point. Last week my fasting bloods were all high 7s/low 8s

TBF, considering some of the diabetics I have worked with in the past, your bloods seem good, that said every diabetic is different, and there can be a plethora of things affecting your mood/energy levels. How often are you testing?

I should also say that if your bloods seem pretty good (IMO, waiting for the wrath of others), it would be worth getting a full work up, in case there is anything else going on. It can often be quite hard for others, medical professionals included, to see anything but the Diabetes and its always an issue for me if I have something unusual.

When others were diagnosed did ye take time off work or just work through?

Happened before I started school, so i didn't even get a day off, short changed I tell you. From working with groups though, some people need to, some don't, in my own opinion it depends on how good your doc is at picking it up, then both you & your doc getting you on the right path, the longer it takes to get there, the more likely you will have to take a bit of time.

5live

CramCycle wrote: »

Never heard of it, i seen the name glucon pop up after a quick google but its not a drug I am familiar with. In terms of Glucagon, T1DM lose counter regulatory glucagon response, i.e., its not that Glucagon doesn't work for us, its that it is not secreted if it is needed.

Apologies about getting the name wrong. Galvus 50mg tablets (vildagliptin) from novartis

Rebel_Kn1ght

Hi all, recently diagnosed (type2) and was satarted on Glucophage I think it's called. Been reading through this thread and to be honest I'm totally swamped! Hope to be more active here when I get my head around it all!

Bannasidhe

My long awaited appointment (over 2 years and counting) with the Diabetic clinic which was rescheduled from last Dec to Jan has now been rescheduled to May. :mad:

gctest50

Bannasidhe wrote: »

My long awaited appointment (over 2 years and counting) with the Diabetic clinic which was rescheduled from last Dec to Jan has now been rescheduled to May. :mad:

Since you are having some problems could you see the endocrinologist privately ?
There is some "rule"* that if you see them privately once , you cannot see them publicly again.


*another rule created with that special version of logic


You might find books below in the library


2070 Pages, 2 Volumes, Hardcover
- Handbook/Reference Book -
ISBN 978-0-471-48655-8 - John Wiley & Sons

Bannasidhe

gctest50 wrote: »

Since you are having some problems could you see the endocrinologist privately ?
There is some "rule"* that if you see them privately once , you cannot see them publicly again.


*another rule created with that special version of logic


You might find books below in the library


2070 Pages, 2 Volumes, Hardcover
- Handbook/Reference Book -
ISBN 978-0-471-48655-8 - John Wiley & Sons

Can't afford it unfortunately.

Will look out for the book. Thanks!

Redmal

Are there any other type 1's who have been prescribed glucophage? Since having my baby my blood sugar has been really difficult to control. I didn't want to take more insulin as it is harder to lose the weight the more insulin you take so that's why I was prescribed the glucophage. I've been on it about 2 months now and haven't really noticed a difference, although I do have my own issues that probably don't help. I was wondering if any other type 1's have taken it and what difference, if any, they noticed. The reason I ask is that I'm wondering whether it's worth me staying on it or should I just bite the bullet and go for more insulin.

Edit: Not looking for advice on the insulin bit, just what experiences other people have had on this medication. Apparently it's a fairly new thing to give type 1's type 2 medication.

gctest50

Redmal wrote: »

Are there any other type 1's who have been prescribed glucophage? Since having my baby my blood sugar has been really difficult to control. I didn't want to take more insulin as it is harder to lose the weight the more insulin you take so that's why I was prescribed the glucophage. I've been on it about 2 months now and haven't really noticed a difference, although I do have my own issues that probably don't help. I was wondering if any other type 1's have taken it and what difference, if any, they noticed. The reason I ask is that I'm wondering whether it's worth me staying on it or should I just bite the bullet and go for more insulin.

Edit: Not looking for advice on the insulin bit, just what experiences other people have had on this medication. Apparently it's a fairly new thing to give type 1's type 2 medication.

Ask them would

http://www.wockhardt.co.uk/animal-insulin/index.asp

be worth a try ?

"The Department of Health fully accepts that some people are better suited to porcine or bovine insulin and that these insulins should continue to be made available."