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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Type 1 diabetes

43 replies

Oliversmumsarmy · 09/07/2018 12:39

Posting here for traffic and because I can't find health.

Dp has diabetes so we are familiar with the disease.

DD (18) is showing signs that things are not right.

Losing weight (she is quite slim anyway and eats a lot)
Thirsty, tired all the time etc

We have done the testing strips and it comes out pink not normal.

This morning she phoned the doctor for An emergency appointment.

Got one but then doctor phoned back to say no, a diagnosis for type 1 diabetes is not an emergency.

DD now has an appointment in 3 weeks.

She went to a local pharmacy and they directed her back to the doctors.

DPS blood sugar level machine was brand new a few months ago. Changed because his old one was obsolete and they no longer made the testing strips.

New machine testing strips are now also obsolete so because he only has had this machine a few months they are refusing to change it

Is there anywhere to test for blood sugars

OP posts:
Original poster
Oliversmumsarmy · 09/07/2018 12:40

Also is DD OK waiting 3 weeks for an appointment

OP posts:
ElphabaFlies · 09/07/2018 12:47

Definitely not ok to wait 3 weeks - she needs seeing today. Urgently. T2 could well wait but not T1.

Some pharmacies will do testing - Boots also sell own brand machines for £10ish which usually come with some strips but the GP should see her.

LML83 · 09/07/2018 12:55

Make sure the receptionist knows it is symptoms of type 1. This cannot wait.

My nephew was diagnosed a few months ago. Doctors were glad she brought him in at that point as often they are very ill when brought in.

As you prob know lots of people confuse type 1 and 2. If your DD said diabetes they will have assumed type 2.

Hope DD is ok. It's a lot to take in if she does have it but at least you all know a lot about it already.

TinCanAlleyCat · 09/07/2018 12:56

She needs to go to a&e. If she is suffering DKA it can be fatal, I ended up in critical care after going to a&e with symptoms, I'm lucky to be alive. Please don't delay.

Lindtnotlint · 09/07/2018 12:57

This is absolutely an emergency. She must be seen TODAY. Call the doctors back and insist. You can buy a cheap blood tester with a few strips in Boots or other pharmacies meanwhile. (T1D here).

WreckTangled · 09/07/2018 12:57

What's her blood glucose reading? Assuming when you say 'it's pink' you mean the ketones?

Once you know the blood glucose level you can go from there

alligatorsmile · 09/07/2018 12:59

Blimey, are they waiting for ketoacidosis to occur before they deign to see her? And was that an actual healthcare professional saying that or a person on reception?

WreckTangled · 09/07/2018 12:59

Also agree with others that it definitely is an emergency if it's looking like she does have it. Can't believe a dr would say that Angry

ch0c0milkrox · 09/07/2018 13:01

It's an emergency
Go to A&E

ch0c0milkrox · 09/07/2018 13:04

I went to my GP on the Monday very poorly she arranged a blood test said I had exam stress I was 17. I was stressed I was half dead. Mum gave me her booked appointment the following day and I was told straight away to go to A&E after a finger stick test and urine dip at the GP. I was very poorly. Please call GP back or go to A&E

Original poster
Oliversmumsarmy · 09/07/2018 13:04

Yes the doctor.

Dp has just got back from a colonoscopy (check up for his cancer) so he might have an idea what to do.

When Dp wazs first diagnosed he went from 17.5 stone to 9 stone before anyone took him seriously. Doctor kept telling him he was stressed

OP posts:
abbey44 · 09/07/2018 13:04

I'm Type 1 and if you suspect this, it absolutely is an emergency. Undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes can turn to DKA (ketoacidosis) very quickly indeed and that is life-threatening (I speak from experience here).

Please go to A&E.

CantPleaseEvery1 · 09/07/2018 13:05

March her into the doctors and refuse to leave until she is seen. Unbelievable that they haven't recognised the seriousness of this. Might want to consider changing doctors too.....

Original poster
Oliversmumsarmy · 09/07/2018 13:06

A &E sent dp away when he was showing signs

OP posts:
Original poster
Oliversmumsarmy · 09/07/2018 13:07

Unfortunately doctors surgery has taken over all surgeries around here. All roads lead back to the same group.

OP posts:
ch0c0milkrox · 09/07/2018 13:07

Call GP for emergency appointment and they can refer her to admissions ward.

Also pop to boots/chemist/ supermarket and get a tester to test her blood.

Vanillaradio · 09/07/2018 13:09

Type 1 diagnosis is an emergency. I ended up in intensive care on the verge of organ failure when i had my diagnosis . If the gp won't see her (and quite frankly they are negligent not to) then walk in centre or a and e. Today!

mavornia · 09/07/2018 13:10

Another one agreeing with posters who said to go to a&e. It could turn into ketoacidosis very quickly. It’s extremely serious and definitely an emergency. Very important she gets checked.

ConfessionsOfTeenageDramaQueen · 09/07/2018 13:13

I'm confused - do you have a little device to test your DP's blood sugar? If so, just change the lancet in the finger pricker so it's fresh and test your DD's. If it's over 7 it's an emergency and you need to go to GP or hospital.

GlassSuppers · 09/07/2018 13:15

Another T1 here, please go to A&E.

Or at least call 111.

Better to get checked than go in to Ketoacidosis as it can be fatal if left too long. Three weeks is definitely too long!!!

MsChanandlerBoing · 09/07/2018 13:16

Forget the GP - go straight to A&E now.
Personally I would not leave A&E until the doctor can show her glucose, ketones, pH and bicarbonate are normal. If the strip turning pink that you’re describing is a urine ketone testing strip then the GP is bordering on negligence for not at least telling you to go to A&E if they can’t see you.

OpenThatTrapDoor · 09/07/2018 13:18

If you suspect type 1 she needs to be seen immediately. If no luck with the gp you could try to speak to the Diabetes department in the hospital (switchboard should be able to put you through) for advice and they should be able to pull strings to get her seen. Or failing that A&E. If you suspect type 1, and especially if she may already be producing ketones, please don’t wait around for DKA to develop.

Original poster
Oliversmumsarmy · 09/07/2018 14:07

Finally found a few strips for another machine.

Her blood glucose levels is 13

Phoned the doctors and got told still no available appointments.

Maybe ring back tomorrow to get an emergency appointment.

Sent DD off to a walk in clinic .

OP posts:
alligatorsmile · 09/07/2018 14:34

Fingers crossed for her

mrscampbellblackreturns · 09/07/2018 14:38

I am utterly astonished at your Dr saying that someone with type one symptoms is not an emergency.

You really need to make a formal complaint through the practice manager.

Our GP was utterly amazing when my child was diagnosed at age 10. As everyone else says she needs to be seen so am glad she has gone to the walk in centre.