Lusobrandane

I'm still trying to come to grips with this condition. I must admit that I remain very ignorant about it, and am probably not doing the things I ought to do to control it most effectively. I don't think that I am consciously trying to ignore it, because I know that it is not just going to go away, yet I always feel as if I ought to be doing more and finding out more.

I can't fault the NHS (National Health Service) at all; the response from my GP, the diabetes nurse, the nutritionist and the specialists at the hospital has been fantastic and swift. Apparently my diabetes was brought on by an undiagnosed under-active thyroid which made it difficult for me to burn off calories. I was put on thyroxine tablets which should now be just about starting to make a difference.

I had to keep a record of my glucose levels and a diary of the food I eat and exercise I take for a couple of weeks. The specialists told me I had a very good diet, and that there was no real scope for cutting anything out, so they put me on 1000mg metformin each day. My levels responded almost immediately (although the initial side effects were unpleasant) from 15-25 to a more healthy 8-11. I suspect that my dosage of both medications will increase when I go to see the nurse on Wednesday.

When I was at the hospital for my annual retinal scan, I was asked if I would be willing to take part in a research project that they are running to isolate the gene that they now believe causes type-2 diabetes. They took a few blood samples. I hope that they can find a cure.

I must also say one last word in praise of the UK's NHS and our health care system. As I have diabetes, I am now entitled to free prescriptions to go along with the excellent free care I receive. If nothing else, it takes the financial worry out of this condition.