Diabetes and gpa

[DevonLottie]

I've just been diagnosed with diabetes on top of gpa and have been given metformin for it. Has anyone else had the two together and, if so, have you any advice on how to manage the conditions together? I know exercise is good but have difficulty walking at present so rather limited!

[RichardE Volunteer]

Hi,

I assume you're on steroids to treat the GPA. If so, has your clinician mentioned that diabetes is a known side effect of long term or high dose steroid use ?

To put a positive spin on this, if the diabetes is steroid induced then it may resolve itself in the long term if your consultant is able to reduce and wean you off the steroids. They don't guarentee it but mine has so it does happen

Regardless, managing diabetes alongside vasculitis is unfortunately something else to deal with. As you say, exercise is good as is watching your sugar intake and trying to control your weight (not easy if you're also on steroids). I'd suggest talking to your GP surgery as they may have a nurse or GP who specialises in diabetes and can offer you some more specific advice and leaflets etc on managing the disease.

[deniseann in reply to RichardE]

I have wegners and was diagnosed with diabetes a year ago .Type 2 ,I found that the tablets made my levels go to low .So have managed to control it with portion controlled diet .I'm still taking steroids but have managed to lose three and a half stone, with the support of my diabetes nurse at the doctors practice. Give myself a cheating day once a week

Hope this helps.

[DevonLottie in reply to deniseann]

Still learning what all this diabetes stuff means! I'm seeing the diabetes nurse tomorrow and will have a mountain of questions for her ... I'm not really keen on adding another load of pills to my already sizeable list but believe the sugar levels are too high for diet control ...

[deniseann in reply to DevonLottie]

Mine was high but they gave me chance to try the diet method first, like you I didn't need another tablet !!.used a book called visual guide to carbs protein fat. by Chris Cheyette. bought it on the internet, became my best friend in the beginning . Let me know how you get on ,if I can be of any further help

[DevonLottie in reply to deniseann]

Thanks - just ordered it on amazon ...

[deniseann in reply to DevonLottie]

Know it sounds daft but bought a smaller plate ,portion didn't look so small.

[DevonLottie in reply to RichardE]

Hi Richard, yes I've been hammered with steroids over the past 10 years so not surprising really. The docs are desperately trying to get me off them (now on 4mg daily) to see if it helps. Would be great if this meant I didn't need the metformin