[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118189468#Comment_118189468

if you read all posts you would of seen i was T1 from my original posts.

you can work professionally driving buses or trucks as T1 insulin dependant, i had done the research befor applying for the job.

for what ever reason they chose not to pass me fit due to diabetes and they said it was due to possibility of hypos. now it looks like they are basing it on diabetes and not me personally which is something i may have to deal with.

but you have left two posts on my queries and both were wrong and misleading information.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118186597#Comment_118186597

Just a quick update, DI came back to me (after I told them all the details that the DR said to me over the phone as to why i cannot be passed fit)

because it was over the phone and they did not send me a letter it is very difficult to prove that they used diabetes as the reason to not offer me the job, so they referred me to a solicitor to see if i have a case.

I'm not really sure i want to go down that road yet.

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118189468#Comment_118189468

If you had read his, you'd know he was T1. However, even if you hadn't bothered to read his posts? You clearly had no idea which mode of Diabetes he has, yet still? You felt it appropriate to offer potentially dangerous advice.

Similarly, with regards to the requirements around driving. You had zero clue as to the actual legal requirements. Yet you still offered dangerous and wholly incorrect advice.

As for your notion that getting signed off for a professional driving job with insulin dependent diabetes is difficult? That chances are slim? Once you meet the requirements lain down, you are entitled to be licensed.

Again, you have zero clue what you are talking about and at this point, should really stop waffling on about issues you clearly know nothing about.

Gremlinertia

MOD NOTE - please stop the misinformation @GoogleBot take a break from the thread please, pm me for further discussion if you wish..

banie01

Just over a week back on Insulin now. My morning BG's are for the 1st time in months consistently under 8 and even better... Under 10 😁 rapid and needed impact there.

I have managed to add 2kg 😞in the same timeframe though. Which TBF, was expected.

My diabetes team have brought forward a review appt from March to next month to see me and discuss if any other options are available for me meds wise.

100% insulin is making a big impact on my BG levels but, hopefully a med review can help me either tweak my dosing regime or my meds with perhaps a GLP-1 instead of Insulin for another while.

CalisGirl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118195897#Comment_118195897

I'm a T1 but have seen in a couple of places that there's been a lot of research in the UK that a low-calorie diet for a short period can help reverse T2. Would that be worth investigating? Obviously, maintaining your blood sugar control is the most important thing.

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118201533#Comment_118201533

There is reams of research on it, the Newcastle Diet, medically supported by the NHS. It's still very unknown here and when I did my diabetes team were zero use. Thankfully my GP was great and offered a lot of support when I did it.

It does certainly have an effect. It had me off Insulin for @2yrs. Unfortunately beta cells are still dying off and insulin resistance does return. I was the guinea pig for that diet on this thread and the efforts are documented on here in my posts from @ early 2019 or so.

If someone is pre-diabetic or lifestyle acquired T2 it certainly makes a difference and plenty of evidence to support successful remission in many cases. Unfortunately for other modes of Diabetes, genetic T2, T1.5, lada and any of the others that are on the spectrum of diabetes it isn't as effective in gaining remission but it still offers benefit. The main improvement seems to be a result of a reduction in fat around the pancreas and a concurrent improvement in bodies own insulin response and resistance.

CalisGirl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118201783#Comment_118201783

I hadn't realised it wasn't applicable to all T2. Thanks for the great explanation.

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118201858#Comment_118201858

More than welcome. The old system of viewing diabetes as just T1, T2 and gestational are falling out of favour with a lot of Endocrinologists. Most now view it as a spectrum and with quite a few triggers for "traditional" T2 aside from lifestyle. There are also a lot of theories regarding T1 and adult onset being a result of viral infections.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21068340/

And a breakdown of the currently generally accepted types of diabetes.

https://diabetesstrong.com/how-many-types-of-diabetes/

kowloon

Anyone here using a Dexcom? Do you use the reader or your phone, and how do you find it?

banie01

Has anyone else had a prescription for dexcom g6 sensors drop in their door? I've just received same and in other news for me, I'm also now T1 🤷

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118249499#Comment_118249499

how long befor they upgraded you to T1? had you been treated as T2 or LADA? i was T2/LADA for almost 18 months.

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118250008#Comment_118250008

I've been T2 then T1.5 since 2007, LADA was ruled out via antibody testing back around 2017. The 1st inkling I've had of being moved to a T1 diagnosis was the prescription dropping in my door this morning.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118250057#Comment_118250057

ah so they made the decision without telling you?

I rang them one evening with few BG readings around 12mmol and asked if i wanted to try the insulin, been on it ever since.

i also hope to be getting the dexcom in january myself.

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118250150#Comment_118250150

Yep. I had been on insulin for a few years from around 2015-2019 went off it in Feb 2019 and kept my control tight. It's crept out over the last few months and my last Hba1c was 63/7.9 which is the highest it's been since 2008. My mobility is currently v restricted and as such I decided to go back on Insulin with an eye to tighter control until other issues are sorted.

I did bring forward an appt with my Endo team from April to December to get a med review in the meantime.

No other contact with them, them this morning a script signed off by it looks like the LTI team for the dexcom with a confirmed T1 diagnosis as the reason.

It doesn't change anything for me in treatment or management, although if I was still insulin free there would be an interesting conversation 😉 It's already on my Driving License and nothing else changes for me. It was just a little bit of a surprise to read that on a letter before I knew myself.

Saint_Mel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118249499#Comment_118249499

I'm going the other way ... diagnosed 4 months ago with T2, but wasn't carrying much extra weight so then was changed to suspected T1, then told possible LADA and now back to T2.

When 1st tested/diagnosed, my Hba1c was 119 so put on daily Tresiba injection straight away. Had a review test a little while ago and Hba1c was down to 56.

(Had a complete overhaul of my diet during that time too)

Only very low dose of insulin and Avg reading of 6.5 mmol/L over the past 90 days so would really hope to be able to lower and maintain it with just diet if possible.

banie01

For anyone on the Dexcom G6? My script is for the Dexcom Platinum sensors 3 pack. The Core list F GMS number is 97629, and that's precisely what my pharmacist dispensed to me today.

Thing is these need a transmitter, and there's none in the box nor listed on Core list F that I can find?

How does one get hold of that?

FFVII

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/it-s-like-a-miracle-the-man-who-may-be-the-first-person-cured-of-type-1-diabetes-1.4742846

..

airy fairy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118264293#Comment_118264293

Dexcom should send a transmitter direct to you every 3 months, by DHL. Nothing to do with the chemist.

Get onto Dexcom and see if the paperwork has been sorted.

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118264428#Comment_118264428

Thanks for that 👍

uli84

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118264293#Comment_118264293

Amazing story, gives some hope too. Stem cells research all the way, that’s where all the money should go, not some “artificial pancreas” nonsense

FFVII

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118267421#Comment_118267421

Same for knee and hip problems. People have to go to Bermuda for stem cell. Crazy.

Consultants charging 20k to use hammer and chisel on ya here.

banie01

The return to a basal insulin dose has had a fairly marked effect already for me. My Hba1c in late Oct was 62/7.9 and my average out of range was @ 25%. I resumed insulin on the 10/11 and already my time in range has improved hugely. Its went from 65% in range, to 100% albeit via fingerprick rather than CGM.

I've managed to keep the basal dose quite low too, at least compared to my prior run with insulin where my basal dose was as high as 48 units regularly and sometimes higher due to trying to nail down morning highs. My new regime currently hasn't been higher than 18 units and once I get the transmitter for my CGM sorted? I can hopefully taper that down a bit more too.

My main aim is to find the balance between best impact from insulin on my BG and preventing the weight gain that I experience last time around on it. So far? It seems to be working, weight is staying stable and I'm happy with the effects so far.

whiterebel

I was having a burning sensation in my right thigh and numbness the rest of the right leg. I put it down to T2 Diabetes until I mentioned it to my GP.

He was quite concerned as it was in one leg, and not both. I had an older MRI which shows bulging discs in L3 and L4. He referred me to an Orthopaedic surgeon, who had a look at me, and discovered that I had less reaction on the right side upper body, as well. Sent for 3 MRIs, Brain, upper and middle spine. Turns out I have a severe narrowing of the spinal column way up in C3 and C4, he referred me to a Neurosurgeon who has me pencilled in for the operation on 26th January. He seems confident it will solve the problems at the thigh and upper leg, and that diabetes will account for the rest.

For the lower back he has referred me to a physio as he says it isn't so bad in the lumbar spine. Didn't expect this outcome.

banie01

Good luck with your recovery WhiteRebel, fingers crossed your op goes well.

I had my Endo review on Tuesday. Went quite well despite them issuing a script at the start of the month for Dexcom G6 and noting I'm a T1. The registrar has said that as my 2018 antibodies were negative that I'm not T1 and there is "diagnostic uncertainty". The prescription may have issued in error?🤦 Because dropping an unsolicited letter to a patient with a new diagnosis is always a great way to go.

Weirdly, whilst I have a script for the Dexcom sensor, I don't have one for the transmitter 🤷 but I am a fan of CGM and the libre was a game changer when I used that! So, I've bought the transmitter and I'll try xdrip+ to see if I can eke longer intervals out of the transmitter than 3 months to keep a cap on my costs.

I'm treating it like a co-pay 😉 free sensors and I'll cover the transmitter.

Gerard93

Hi all,

I have recently (past month) been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, I am using a Contour next Blood Glucose Monitor checking blood with Finger pricks

Currently on no medication carrying a bit extra weight GP hoping if I can loose weight and review in 3 x months.

Just reading about the Dexcom Continuous Blood Sugar monitoring can this be got through the Long term illness scheme or any other suggestions for Continuous Blood Sugar monitoring, just feel at the moment if I could get Live monitoring it would help with my diet etc, know what then triggers the Glucose levels.

Thanks for reading any suggestions / comments would be appreciated.

leche solara

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118422839#Comment_118422839

I don't think any continuous glucose monitoring devices are available on the LTI for Type 2s. If you want one you will need to self fund. Diabetes Ireland have made a submission to the government that CGMs be available on LTI scheme but what becomes of that remains to be seen.

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118422839#Comment_118422839

As Leche Solara has said, short answer is no. CGM funding is reserved for T1's and even then it can be hard to get a consultant to sign off on. If you want to use a CGM you will need to self fund. The other thing to note is that as a non insulin dependent diabetic, that there is a limit on the number of test strips that will issue to you. As you are trying diet only and not on any meds currently. That limit is 100 strips per year. More info on the test strip limits here.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/publications/clinical-strategy-and-programmes/type-2-diabetes-test-strips-questions-and-answers-for-patients.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiKnpm9tpv1AhVJSsAKHScDCroQFnoECAwQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1hUaSqLQQFcXSOT6-wPXNi

https://www.diabetes.ie/hse-changes-to-the-number-of-blood-glucose-strips-supplied-to-people-with-type-2-diabetes/

Regarding your own diagnosis, welcome to the club it sucks to start with but, with some effort you will get on top of it and your pancreas will thank you for it.

Weight loss will help as will upping your exercise and learning to be a bit more aware of your carb intake. No need for carb counting, but being aware of what is and isn't a carb and what effect they have on your BG will help with your control.

Good luck 🤞

Gerard93

Thanks @leche solara @banie01 for your replies I did not realise there would be a limit to the strips, looks like I have more research to do !

Appreciate the replies.😉

kowloon

100 strips a year?! That's quite low. We really should be aiming to provide everyone with the supplies they need rather than just supporting the groups/illnesses that get the most sympathy. Ireland is not a poor country by any means, but our health system seems to be stuck behind many of our peers in the EU.

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118424402#Comment_118424402

I agree it's crazy but, that's the system the powers that be running the LTI scheme and the clinical requirements in particular have taken.

I'm very much of the opinion the CGM and flash monitoring offers huge benefits in both real time monitoring and improvement in A1c. Research to date would support that belief too. I think if better data via CGM offsets medication, and delays onset of diabetic complications? That it's very much money well spent.

https://www.healio.com/news/endocrinology/20210607/realtime-cgm-lowers-hba1c-reduces-ed-visits-in-insulintreated-diabetes

banie01

This is one for the T1's or anyone using CGM.

Have ye tried tidepool? To manage and track your data? I've started using it and tbh I'm already quite impressed with the quality of data and it's presentation.

I'm using a Dexcom G6 but running it via Xdrip+ and exporting the CGM data out to tidepool from there. All very straight forward despite sounding complicated. Tidepool export is integrated in Xdrip+ now. Nightscout is also an option, but the set up is far more involved.

Anyway one of the upshots from exporting my data to tidepool and reviewing the reports there is scope for a 4unit drop in my basal dose.

Will give it a spin and see how it goes and I am really looking forward to my next Hba1c to see how the CGM data matches up with the actual numbers.

kowloon

Wait a second, you can run a Dexcom with non-Dexcom software? Did I just buy a phone I didn't need?

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118435190#Comment_118435190

Hey Kowloon, you can. There is also the option to use Dexcom software via any phone using a brilliant service called build your own Dexcom app Dexcom's choice to hobble their app to a specific range of devices is bypassed.

That's if you want to stick with Dexcom's app in any device.

Personally I tried that and Xdrip+ and far preferred the latter.

kowloon

Aww, feck. I couldn't run their software on my LTE tablet that I have a sim in to use as a phone. It flat out forbids you from running it on anything not on the list (I'm guessing it's a medical testing issue or something?). Bought a phone that works but the screen is much smaller so I find it a lot less useful.

Thanks for the links, I need to figure this all out.

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118436643#Comment_118436643

I'm in the midst of figuring it all out myself. I've only been running the Dexcom since Xmas but, if you have any questions! Fire away.

The 1 thing I will say before you change any software is, give the Dexcom subreddit a read and also for Xdrip+ the Facebook group is very good too. The developers are very responsive.

kowloon

I got mine recently too. I was told to wait until I was called to set it up so I have it all sitting here while I'm using test strips like a common peasant. I'm guessing the Dexcom person is going to show me how to use their app. So I'll swap over my sim and the third-party app as soon as that's out of the way. Expect questions when I have it up and running.

Alanstrainor

Has anyone moved to a Medtronic 780G with guardian sensor 4 yet? I've used a bunch of Medtronic pumps since 2006, and the 780G with guardian 4 is the next one that's available to me. Currently using a 640G, which does not have an auto mode like the 780G, but the sensor 3 is a frustrating CGM to use. I've used all the Medtronic CGMs and although the sensor 3 is the most accurate, it's also the most needy.

I guess my worry is that if I go Medtronic again, if Guardian 4 sensors are as picky as 3, then I'll be in pump notification hell. But since 4 is so new, it's not so easy to find real world impressions.

got an email today that i will be getting the dexcom g6 woo woo!!!

Saint_Mel

Hmm didn't realise there was a limit on the test strips. I've recently been taken off daily insulin injections and switched to a weekly shot of Ozempic.

Just finished my 1st month on it and am still testing myself 3 times a day.

Readings were averaging out about 6.0 per day for the month, but 1 day I happened to have a slice of white bread toast for breakfast, tested a few hours later before lunch and levels had shot up to 8.2

whiterebel

My doctor told me that once a week is fine, before eating. Then do 3 in a day every now and again, before breakfast and after 2 meals. I would ask your doctor what they recommend.

hey!

i picked up my dexcom g6 yesterday and will set it up later or tomorrow, i didn't need the training in the clinic as i done it with my dad recently too, but they handed me the box that was opened and they took the receiver and said i wont need one as my phone is compatible....is this normal practice? just i was unsure if id use my phone or the reciever, anyone care to give me advice on if phone or receiver is better? not a major issue anyways as im sure it is handier to use the app just found it strange

kowloon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118538828#Comment_118538828

I ended up getting a new phone to read it (didn't know there was alternative software at the time that would work). I never even got the option of a receiver. The transmitter and sensors just arrived in the post. Still haven't heard anything from Dexcom about it.

thanks, i rang dexcom and they said the hospital ordered one so if i wanted it to ring them, rang them and they posting it up they just assumed i wouldnt use it.

going well so far using it but the spikes between meals look frightening until the levels are in normal range at the next meal.

Saint_Mel

Anyone here on Ozempic?

I recently moved over to it from insulin (Tresiba). Had 4 weeks of 0.25mg (once weekly) and now into my 2nd week of 0.5mg once weekly.

Appetite completely gone. Lost the best part of a stone over the 6 weeks! Feeling nauseous quite a bit.

Any idea how long these side effects last?

whiterebel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118600901#Comment_118600901

I'm on it for Type 2. I changed my time to late in the evening before bedtime and I'm not affected by the nauseous feeling now. I think that could be a permanent side effect.

Started going off food that I would usually eat, loss of appetite - Going on over 12 months

Matt Cooper of Today FM lost 11kgs in 12 months. Thank you Semaglutide......😀

Saint_Mel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118600931#Comment_118600931

Same here T2

I usually take it on a Saturday morning. Never thought of switching the time. I'll give it a go and see how it works

whiterebel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118601107#Comment_118601107

Go to Friday or Saturday night instead, you won't know it. Definitely better to change, as I presume you'll go up to 1mg per week when you've done your 0.5mg cycle.

Saint_Mel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118601133#Comment_118601133

No mention of increasing past 0.5mg so far. Consultant just said to start on 0.25 to get used to it and then tip away at 0.5

Xofpod

Was at the clinic in St.James and I have to say they're brilliant over there. Very knowledgeable, always very helpful, etc.

Why I'm posting now though is to share something I picked up which may be old news to many but was the first time I'd seen it - the new Novopen 5 for Novorapid penfills. It comes with a little LCD face on the end which displays the amount of your last dose and how many hours ago it was. For me, it's a nifty little gadget - who hasn't at some point had a brainfreeze and forgotten whether they'd just taken their shot or not? - but for people with memory issues or cognitive impairments (and their carers), this will be a fantastic benefit. My mother is in this category and I'm going to talk her through it at the weekend and see if I can get her on it asap. It's only a small technical tweak but could be of great reassurance and comfort to people.

I'll give the caveat that I haven't used it yet but it just strikes me as a brilliant idea, simply executed.