General Medical issues thread

[Seat0B]

I really don't think you should ever be less than certain when entering a country.

Hard agree which is why I followed some quite convoluted requirements in the countries I mentioned. China, however, did not come up with anything specific when I googled requirements following the posting by @mrsterryn. And Smart Traveller just has standard advice- dr letter, copy of script and original packaging. So not really sure how you’d verify requirements for China.

 

[Denali]

Because Im trying to stay off Dr Google, looking for some diabetes and blood sugar advise

In April Mr Denali's test was 17.4 and he was told he's diabetic. We tried oral meds plus insulin for about two weeks but it made him absolutely miserable so we stopped. Complete overhaul of everything he ate and drank.

Tonights blood test was 4.9. Is this too low, should I be concerned? Do I stay up all night and watch him sleep for just in case? Next Dr appointment is the 18th, do I need to get him in sooner? No symptoms from googling but he's not been that low before. Thank you

 

[prozac]

Because Im trying to stay off Dr Google, looking for some diabetes and blood sugar advise

In April Mr Denali's test was 17.4 and he was told he's diabetic. We tried oral meds plus insulin for about two weeks but it made him absolutely miserable so we stopped. Complete overhaul of everything he ate and drank.

Tonights blood test was 4.9. Is this too low, should I be concerned? Do I stay up all night and watch him sleep for just in case? Next Dr appointment is the 18th, do I need to get him in sooner? No symptoms from googling but he's not been that low before. Thank you

My diabetes experience is only during my chemo treatment - chemo/pred -induced diabetes. Apart from insulin I maintained a consistent BSL with diet. I started the day with porridge (no sugar) which sets you up for a mid-range reading (8-9). You can throw some raisins in whilst it is cooking. Now the weather is warming up porridge might not seem attractive. Instead throw oats and milk in a jar and leave in the fridge overnight. Eat cold in the morning for added benefit of fermentation overnight which is great for gut health. Baked beans are also great, add chilli / chorizo for more interest. Basically you need low GI foods and carbs so that BSL does not fluctuate wildly and no / little sugar. I guess that means no slushies @Denali .

 

[drron]

4.9 is not too low at all. It looks like diet alone will be fine even if he does have diabetes. One elevated sugar reading is not enough to make the diagnosis.

 

[markis10]

Not quite sure where to ask, husband is on codeine just wondering if it would be a drama to go to China with it (doctor's letter and the medication will still be in packaging )
Hopefully for some direction where to look/check

Doctors letter won’t hurt, however just a copy of the prescription will suffice. You can double check with the relevant email address here

https://www.incb.org/documents/Travellers/files/CPR_ENG_2024.pdf

You may want to run it through google translate and send the request in simplified Chinese.

 

[Denali]

4.9 is not too low at all. It looks like diet alone will be fine even if he does have diabetes. One elevated sugar reading is not enough to make the diagnosis.

Thank you. I was on hubby watch most of the night and he seemed fine so I eventually got some sleep. I told him to eat a bit extra today as his carbs and protein was low yesterday and this morning it was 6.4 so whew. He started back at swimming last week after having a lurgy so maybe the extra exercise made it low.

Mr Denali does not like the endocrinologist, if it was up to her he would be on 20units insulin per night to get below 8 in the first month. We said we just needed time to work on his diet and now I'm worried it's too low.

 

[Pushka]

Because Im trying to stay off Dr Google, looking for some diabetes and blood sugar advise

In April Mr Denali's test was 17.4 and he was told he's diabetic. We tried oral meds plus insulin for about two weeks but it made him absolutely miserable so we stopped. Complete overhaul of everything he ate and drank.

Tonights blood test was 4.9. Is this too low, should I be concerned? Do I stay up all night and watch him sleep for just in case? Next Dr appointment is the 18th, do I need to get him in sooner? No symptoms from googling but he's not been that low before. Thank you

Seems good to me. I bounce between 4.5 to 5.5. I don't watch my diet.

My results for last few months, when I was on steroi_s (which raises glucose) and I don't fast for the test if that matters.
Glucose 5.4 [3.2-5.5] mmol/L
Glucose 4.5 [3.2-5.5] mmol/L
Glucose 5.0 [3.2-5.5] mmol/L
Glucose 5.1 [3.2-5.5] mmol/L
*Glucose 6.0 H [3.2-5.5] mmol/L
Glucose 5.0 [3.2-5.5] mmol/L
Glucose 4.8 [3.2-5.5] mmol/L

I've never had any comment about my glucose levels. I eat sweets and chocolates. Not deserts. Not soft drink except that tonic for the gin. And Ginger Ale every few months.

Having said that, if I've only eaten breads for the morning and no protein, and do something like a long walk, I do find I feel a bit woozy amd sweaty, so likely hypo and seem to know I need something sweet to eat. And then I dive into the cheese. But I usually don't eat breakfast.

 

[RooFlyer]

Tonights blood test was 4.9. Is this too low, should I be concerned? Do I stay up all night and watch him sleep for just in case?

I'd ask @drron to correct me, but if the blood sugar is low, then just have him suck on a lolly - quick source of sugar.

Finding it hard to understand what insulin was prescribed, but its a complicated condition. Diet and exercise and something like Janumet (Januvia+Metformin), or just metformin perhaps.

 

[mrsterryn]

My blood sugars are relatively under control however I do take , currently, four medications. Hoping that the newest one will work very effectively and I can lose one of the others. I still have gone up to 6.2 which triggered the new medication. I do monitor sugar etc intake
Husband on the other hand (yes he has numerous health problems but diabetes isn't one ) loves his lollies and jubes and crisps etc, some full sugar soft drinks. Yep no elevated sugar for him. He treads very carefully around the house on the days we have our blood works done

 

[tgh]

Diabetes is a progressive disease, so the gold standard , at diagnosis, is diet and exercise.
After 30 years of diet only management, still well within the hba1c diet only parameters, I chose to start Metformin
It allows me a more relaxed diet and kills the postprandial peaks that had given me a touch of diabetic neuropathy.
My personal opinion is that GP management based on hba1c is not an optimal process if seeking to avoid diabetes driven mortalities

 

[Denali]

I'd ask @drron to correct me, but if the blood sugar is low, then just have him suck on a lolly - quick source of sugar.

Finding it hard to understand what insulin was prescribed, but its a complicated condition. Diet and exercise and something like Janumet (Januvia+Metformin), or just metformin perhaps.

He tried metformin but it had him on the toilet for long bouts so it wasnt worth it. He started the gym today to focus on building muscle as hes lost weight with us being super strict on his diet.

 

[VPS]

Thank you. I was on hubby watch most of the night and he seemed fine so I eventually got some sleep. I told him to eat a bit extra today as his carbs and protein was low yesterday and this morning it was 6.4 so whew. He started back at swimming last week after having a lurgy so maybe the extra exercise made it low.

Mr Denali does not like the endocrinologist, if it was up to her he would be on 20units insulin per night to get below 8 in the first month. We said we just needed time to work on his diet and now I'm worried it's too low.

Find another doctor he is comfortable with otherwise it’s going to be too traumatic

 

[drron]

From your original post it sounded like when he went on treatment as well as the GI symptoms from metformin he had low blood sugars which can make you feel terrible.
I guess the endocrinologist has proven the diabetes but in my day the initial treatment was as @tgh said -diet + exercise. here is 1 study (there are many) suggesting diet + exercise is the best treatment initially for type 2 diabetes.
As for low blood sugars above 3.9 is not considered a low blood sugar. Keep something on hand to take if you are often having low blood sugars.

Personal story. 15 years ago my random blood sugar was 16.5 Hba1c was 6.5. Initially diet only. With exercise in the last 3 years sugar levels in normal range and Hba1c ~5,2. My haemochromatosis makes me more likely to be diabetic.

 

[Denali]

From your original post it sounded like when he went on treatment as well as the GI symptoms from metformin he had low blood sugars which can make you feel terrible.
I guess the endocrinologist has proven the diabetes but in my day the initial treatment was as @tgh said -diet + exercise. here is 1 study (there are many) suggesting diet + exercise is the best treatment initially for type 2 diabetes.
As for low blood sugars above 3.9 is not considered a low blood sugar. Keep something on hand to take if you are often having low blood sugars.

Personal story. 15 years ago my random blood sugar was 16.5 Hba1c was 6.5. Initially diet only. With exercise in the last 3 years sugar levels in normal range and Hba1c ~5,2. My haemochromatosis makes me more likely to be diabetic.

Mr Denali tested negative for this gene but his iron levels are out of wack with everything else. Everything he is tested for so far is improving and they were already good numbers but his iron level is still increasing.

I have asked for his testosterone to be tested as well in the next one/3 weeks from now

I also had some 95% dark choc in the fridge (been there for months) so I added some chopped pistachio, sea salt and raspberries for a small snack, about 20g

 

[drron]

Not all Haemochomatosis is found by testing for the 2 most common genes though they are positive in 90-95% of cases in Australia. Several other genes have been found. QIMR was the major investigator of HC in the past and I used to be able o send blood samples there for testing rarer genes. There has even been a gene found in Indigenous Australians that predisposes them to Haemochromatosis. I don't know if they still offer that service.
however I assume that his ferritin levels have been checked. If not high Haemochromatosis is unlikely.

 

[RooFlyer]

Mr Denali tested negative for this gene but his iron levels are out of wack with everything else. Everything he is tested for so far is improving and they were already good numbers but his iron level is still increasing.

I also have hemochromatosis and T2 diabetes. I don't think I was aware they may be linked. I've never had the gene test. I just have it.

For high iron levels - a blood donation at the Red Cross, monthly or whenever required, will fix it; not a bad idea in any case. My hemochromatosis was discovered accidentally when I was about 32 - some other test showed the iron to be really, really high. Was 'bled' regularly for a couple of years . I had a liver biopsy when first found to check for any cirrhosis - OK

I was referred to a gastoenterologist when my haem was first diagnosed. Saw him for a few years - then dropped him. Waste of time. GP has looked after me quite adequately ever since - 6 monthly blood tests.

My T2 diabetes has only ever been controlled by diet, medication and, periodically exercise. Ask about metformin alternatives. I had the bowel thing, but 'moved on'.

 

[Himeno]

I have an appointment with the Orthopaedics on Friday morning about my broken elbow.
Since it happened during the journey to work, it is covered by workers compensation (in Canberra).
My boss wants to go to the appointment...

 

[RooFlyer]

My boss wants to go to the appointment...

I hope you’re telling them to get stuffed?

 

[Pushka]

I have an appointment with the Orthopaedics on Friday morning about my broken elbow.
Since it happened during the journey to work, it is covered by workers compensation (in Canberra).
My boss wants to go to the appointment...

are trips from home to work covered in your state? They aren't in SA.

MRP broke his elbow during an interstate work trip and was covered. Broke the actual 'point bit' right off. Has a titanium elbow now. Surgery a bit gruesome. There are many nerves in this area and he lost the ability to straighten his arm and play golf as he can't pronate? He also received a small settlement due to permanent partial disability in a limb .

Good luck. And maybe get confused and tell your boss a different time. But he cannot have a right to be there, surely?

 

[mrsterryn]

I have an appointment with the Orthopaedics on Friday morning about my broken elbow.
Since it happened during the journey to work, it is covered by workers compensation (in Canberra).
My boss wants to go to the appointment...

On what grounds is your boss going ? I would imagine they have the rights to reports (?) under workers comp but not to attend