"Confusing advice after a blood test at my practice in Sheffield"

I'm a nineteen year old student at the university of Sheffield. Because of my weight I am at risk of diabetes.

Recently I began to exhibit some of the symptoms of diabetes so I went to my doctor who referred me for a blood test.

I have allways been in perfect health and a diagnosis of diabetes at nineteen years old would be understandebly upsetting and serious.

When I rang up to get my results, and I enquired about my blood test the nurse asked me for my date of birth etc at which point she told me 'The Doctor wants to speak to you about your results.'

I was understandebly upset. I was told I'd have to make an appointment a week later to find out my fate.

After I hung up, I realised the gravity of what had happened. I could potentially have a life changing illness, I could become blind, loose limbs, I might have to inject myself with a needle all the time. I rang back, I insisted on knowing about my results.

After much effort and hysterics, I was told to expect a call back that day. I waited and waited and waited. The surgery closed so I had to call in next day which I did. I was told in fact that I didn't have diabetes but that the results of the liver test indicated that I drank to much and that my cholesterol level was slightly above average. Essentially I didn't have diabetes but I drank too much and ate too many kebabs. I was absolutely shocked that I as a patient could be treated like this and that i had to wait so long to find out.

What really annoyed me was allthough I could appreciate that a nurse couldn't interpret my results, she obviously knew that there was something not quite right, and that my results had allready been examined by someone apropriate. Essentially the doctor asked me to come in for a 'lifestyle chat'. I just think that patients should know whether they have a critical illness sooner rather than later.