Bad (but not awful) health news

[Mark13]

If reading about being diagnosed with an illness stresses you stop now

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So, anyway, I found out today that I have Type 2 diabetes, which was a bit of a shock.

I've had high blood glucose in the past (classed as pre-diabetic) but by last year my readings had come down to high normal.

So I went for my yearly blood check last week, got the result today and it was high, well into diabetic range. I'd done a test at home too, and I thought the device was faulty but the test results confirmed what my home results showed.

Still - you have to look on the bright side, they reckon I don't need medication (I rang the Doc) but if they confirm the diagnosis at another blood test on Wednesday (which they will) then no doubt I'll be told to lose weight - I'm about 50lbs over my ideal weight.

I've wanted to lose weight for years but this is a drastic solution

I posted here on the duloxetine board, because I tend to "live" here in the medication sub-forums, and for the fact that my blood sugar has shot up from last year, my diet is still balanced, I exercise loads (walking 20-30 miles a week), I don't drink or smoke, so the only difference is my medication.

But duloxetine surely can't be the cause as it's also marketed to deal with diabetic neuropathy...

Anyway, thanks for reading and letting me get it off my chest.

Mark

[clairejayne]

All the best with it Mark.
Keep strong.
Claire.

[Annie0904]

Sorry to hear this Mark

[almamatters]

Sorry to hear your news Mark, all the best.

[Mark13]

Thanks folks, your good wishes are much appreciated.

[*willow*]

Hi Mark sorry to hear your news. Hope you get things sorted out.


Lynn.

[Mark13]

Thanks Lynn

Strangely enough I just did 2 home blood tests after a meal which show blood sugar readings in the normal range.

I had an official blood test at the Docs today, so I'll know for sure on Friday whether the diabetes diagnosis is confirmed.

If it's not, and my fasting readings have gone down, the only thing I can think of is the duloxetine. I can't remember whether I took it before the last official test and the one I did at home 5 days later.

I certainly took my daily dose after the blood test today, so there's definitely nothing that should interfere with this reading.

Anecdotal evidence on the web indicates duloxetine may raise blood sugar (temporarily, presumably).

At best I'll still be classed as "pre-diabetic" because I do have Impaired Fasting Glycaemia (IFG).

Anyway, thanks to those who sent best wishes, sorry if I jumped the gun, but official notification will be received on Friday either way and I'll post here again.

[bernie1977]

Hope you have good news for us on Friday, fingers crossed xx

[hanshan]

Sorry to hear that, Mark.

I don't know anything about diabetes blood tests, but I do know my blood pressure and pulse rate can go all over the place, even within a short time.

Keep having tests - you'll soon know if it's an ongoing thing.

I've come across the odd statement from time to time about ADs affecting insulin levels, but it's not something I've gone into. Also, there are some scientific-looking assertions out there that aren't really backed up by evidence.

Anyway, best of luck, and keep us posted.

[Mark13]

Thanks bernie and hanshan

The GP's surgery actually rang this afternoon - the test results were obviously quicker than they anticipated.

They do confirm I have diabetes as this reading was slightly higher (8.8 and 9.1 in the two tests) - on the plus side they say it's mild, which I presume means losing weight will be the first treatment rather than oral drugs or insulin. The Doc did say after the first result, if it was confirmed there would be no drug treatment at this stage.

I see the Doc about it on 3rd June and the Diabetes Nurse on 4th, so I'll know more then what they have in mind, but they obviously don't see it as being very urgent or else I'd have got an earlier appointment