Will T1 diabetes show up on blood sugar monitor?

[DogTiredAllTheTime]

Adult dd has come round for Sunday lunch with her boyfriend. I thought he looked a bit tired and he’s just gone for a lie down as he’s not feeling well. Turns out he called the GP last week as he’s concerned he may have diabetes - he’s been v tired, v sweaty, he’s v thin and he’s been v thirsty.

GP said they would do blood tests but could only do them in 2 weeks time. He’s otherwise fit and healthy.

I know those symptoms could be millions of things but I just realised we have one of those lifestyle libre 2 monitors as Dp had pancreatitis last year and they sent him home with some for a while as he had some issues with diabetes till he was better.

the boyfriend’s parents don’t live in the UK and he lives by himself and tbh I’m a bit concerned about him going home on his own if he’s unwell with something ‘unknown’ so I’ve invited them to stay till he’s feeling a bit better. Is it worth him sticking it on? I’m hoping it might ease his worries one way or another (!).

Type 1 diabetes can easily be tested by a finger pricker and a blood glucose test strip. I suppose you could use a libre sensor. If his blood glucose readings are high, over 11, it COULD indicate type 1. I’m not a professional and only offering advice. It might be useful to wear it and show the GP the results to help them with a diagnosis.

GP said they would do blood tests but could only do them in 2 weeks time. He’s otherwise fit and healthy.

You can get a blood test done privately if you (he) is willing to pay for it. Just Google private blood test + your area. Its HbA1C that needs testing for diabetes.

Thanks. He’s put the monitor on and it says it will give a reading in an hour so fingers crossed it’s all ok. He still looks dreadful but maybe it’s just a virus.

Worth knowing that pharmacists do finger pricks for glucose (which is actually a little more accurate than libre which looks at glucose in interstitial fluid rather than blood) but tbh if it’s high seek urgent medical attention today. Go to A&E. Ketoacidosis can be fatal. Nurse.

look up the symptoms of DKA and if he has any of them straight to a&e. If the libre says bg is high go straight to a&e too. T1 diabetes can kill fast, it can’t wait 2 week+ for gp to do tests and wait for results

Problem is the cgms can be off! You need a glucose monitor to make sure its correct. This sounds werid but this is important does he smell like a fruit?

It's not going to diagnose and type of diabetes. It should show if he has any current issue with his glucose level, but not why.

He needs to go to a&e straight away. Waiting two weeks for a blood test could kill him if it is T1.

He doesn’t smell sweet and we had urine dipsticks and he doesn’t have glucose in his wee. The monitor is giving results now and it was normal for a bit and then he started to feel ill and when we checked it, it had dropped below 4 (3.3) so he’s now wondering if his ‘ill’ feelings are related to hypoglycaemia. I’ve shoved him full of food now and he’s going to keep a diary and call the doctor tomorrow.

I had a quick look at what causes hypos without diabetes and it all seems to be things they will have to test his blood for (adrenal gland issues, pancreas issues) so I’ve told him to insist he has some tests tomorrow and not in 2 weeks time!