Help with husband type 2 Diabetes
Posted , 10 users are following.
Hi, My husband has had type 2 diabetes for a few years he is nearly 69. Firstly just diet, then metformin dose increased after initial dose. He has recently had more bloods done and now the gp has added Gliclazide 80mg in the morning. The gp just rang and explained and left out a prescription. I am no stranger to diabetes as our son was diagnosed with type 1 age 2 in 1974. At that time my husband although he helped would not learn about the condition as I tried to do. He is the same now just not interested and thinks he can just take the tablets and get on with life. My questions are as gliclazide can cause hypos should he not be testing his blood sugar level and what about inbetween meal snacks. The gp did not mention anything when they spoke. What do you think. I know he will no want to do tests and probably say I am over reacting. I try with his diet but he is not good at trying new things. The other thing is alcohol now more important because of the risk of hypos. I have suggested he stop drinking at leat until he know how this new tablet affects him. I am sure he will take m uch notice though. I have enough to deal with as I too have health problems and family problems. He also has arthritis and prostate problems. I am very worried but there is only so much I can do. Just always accused of nagging which I probably do. I am not expecting him to be 100% perfect diabetic just to be interested and try would by a start.
Any one suggest anything. Thanks for reading this.
1 like, 32 replies
debbie27473 libralady13
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libralady13 debbie27473
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libralady13 debbie27473
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debbie27473 libralady13
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Loads of recipes are available online if you search for recipes for diabetics.
I know exactly what you mean about the docs. I have a condition called PMR for which I have to take steroids. The gp knows next to nothing about it and the specialist is a rheumatologist who is clueless about steroids! You are so right. We have to become our own experts to cope. I am so pleased I found this site. The PMR forum is invaluable for both information and friendly support. Don't know where I'd be without it! Debbie
libralady13 debbie27473
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I am sorry you have PMR. I have heard of it, is it an auto immune condition like diabetes and thyroid?
akphoto libralady13
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libralady13 akphoto
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It is a bit of bone of contention with me gps not always knowing a lot about the conditions for which they are prescribing not just diabetes but thryoid disease to name one. I suppose when you live with a chronic condition you become the expert. Thanks again and good luck to you for the future.
archemedes libralady13
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I am a 70 year old male with Diabetes type 2, and can understand your concerns.
Unlike your husband I medicate with Linagliptin (Trajenta) as I am unable to take metformin because I also suffer with Pernicious Anemia.
The problem you are describing with your husbands attitude is typical of some men, simply because they feel if they ignore the problem it will simply go away, which in this case it won't.
Whether or not there is a risk of hypoglycemia your husband should really be checking his bloods regularly. This in itself should not be a problem as the test meters are nearly always provided free of charge from the manufacturers, and the test strips can be obtained from his doctor free of charge on Prescription.
This only leaves the will, or if you like the desire for him to want to do the necessary checks for the good of his own health.
I quite agree with your comments regarding alcohol, in that he should really consider cutting back on this until such time as his Diabetes has stabalized, which at the moment it does not appear to be doing.
It might be beneficial to sit down with your husband and explain to him that his apparent lack of concern for his own condition and welfare is causing you considerable anxiety.
If this fails, maybe you should consider a private word with his doctor, as this may help your husband to focus more attention on the issues.
libralady13 archemedes
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archemedes libralady13
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I live in Lincolnshire and I use a Lifescan test meter.
As I said you do not have to buy a meter as most firms will send you one free of charge.
If you phone Lifescan on 0800 121 200 or email them at CustomerCare@LifeScan.co.uk and tell them that your husband has Diabetes Type 2 which is medicated they should send you a free meter.
Personally I always phone them and find them most helpful.
I prefer the Lifescan meters because they are very simple to use and you can download the results directly onto your computer.
If you do wish to download the cumulative results onto your computer, when you speak to the customer care team you should ask them if they would kindly include a USB dowload lead for the meter with the parcel.
If you have any more questions please come back to me.
archemedes libralady13
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Please do not buy a meter in the meanwhile until you have read that follow-up message.
archemedes
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Hope this information helps you.
libralady13 archemedes
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Thank you for that information about the Lifescan Meter. I went on to their website just to have a look and it says that the meters are available free of charge to insulin users but says nothing about type 2 on medication. Also are the strips for this particular make available on prescription. I might add that they have tightened up on what they will prescribe at our surgery
There are a couple of things that I used to have on prescription which you need to buy yourself in needed. As my husbands gp did no say anything about blood sugar testing that might mean they would not prescribe the strips. I don't know if where you live makes a difference but we are in Greater London.
archemedes libralady13
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I am very surprised to learn that your surgery might not be prescribing test strips as these are essential. If you make enough of a fuss about it, I think you might find that they will prescribe them for your husband.
akphoto libralady13
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Just a word about diets: It appears that the NHS prefers to see us eat a 'balanced' diet and I also see a dietician at the Diabetic Clinic who helps me in this regard. It's not as exclusive as I would have thought and I'm encouraged to not exclude carbs altogether, and the odd ice-cream is wholly acceptable! I have never drunk much alcohol and so that is not a problem and, in fact, I am allowed a few glasses of wine now and again!