[sallyb]

A couple of weeks ago I had my first HbA1c test - the result was 8.9. My second test came back 8.1. As both my parents and my younger sister have diabetes this was not a surprise. I have had many symptoms of diabetes for some time, including thirst and extreme fatigue. The fatigue in particular has been going on for around 8 years - my dr has repeatedly put it down to anaemia and treated me for that. My sister had the same symptoms, which vanished as soon as she began taking metformin. After my first blood test my Dad lent me his blood glucose monitor for self testing, and I have been doing that whilst waiting to hear from my dr. Typical levels are over 9 on waking, before meals around 7, and 2 hrs after meals about 12. I have made real efforts to cut down on sugar and carbs, and have lost weight but the numbers aren't changing much. I have now heard from my dr. I have been given an appointment for the end of August to see the dietitian. Is this a normal wait? I am desperate to get some advice and start taking medication to improve my general health. Am I too impatient? Should I insist on seeing the dr?

[zoelula]

I'm a bit confused about what your doctor's instructions were. Just to see the dietitian at the end of August? No, I don't think that is very reasonable with the numbers you are having even with cutting carbs. I would ask to see the doctor and ask him what is his plan of treatment. If you are making a serious effort at diet and exercise and seeing no change in your numbers, he needs to consider oral meds.

[sallyb]

Thanks for reply. I originally saw Dr J at the practice who ordered the blood test, but have been transferred to Dr W who deals with the diabetics. I haven't seen Dr W - I received a message from the recpeptionist that I was to see the dietician in 6 weeks. She checked with Dr W if I should be seen before then, and he said no. So basically it has been a diagnosis and immediate referral to dietician w/out a consultation with dr at all!

[yannah]

rule number 1 - hang out at Df!!

rule number two - no waiting around for doctors.


rule number three, what are you realtives numbers like, chances are good they are not great. so don't necassarily take advice from other diebetics without knowing what progress has been.

get a meter of your own. have the doctor call it in.
cut carbs ALOT. ALOT. no sugar. and test before food and 2 hours after and fasting. ultimatley you want to be under 100 fasting and under 140 at the 2 hour mark

6. this takes different people different time to attain. my body was slow. (ac's in signature) I went to under 50 carbs a day and still it took months. but most people are quicker. look for numbers that are heading in the right direstion at first.

7. metformin can take up to 6 weeks to have a good effect.

8 excercize.

I have pages of opinions and advice but I better let other people talk now.

WELCOME!!!!!! Hurray!!! you have arrived!!

[yannah]

oh yeah, hope you have a good dietician - beware of dieticains

lots of opinions out there.

and sorry, i don't even try to have good typing anymore.

[Real4]

Originally Posted by yannah

ultimatley you want to be under 100 fasting and under 140 at the 2 hour mark

This is about 5 and 7.5 for those not in the US.