Hello - newly diagnosed Type 2

[SisterGoth]

Hi everyone - I was told last Friday that I have developed Type 2 diabetes, after having my 3 yearly bloods taken (post gestational diabetes). I had gestational diabetes back in 2009, when I was pregnant with my son and was injecting insulin 3 times a day.

Anyhow, I have been feeling not quite right for a while, and very tired but I also have psoriatic arthritis so fatigue goes hand in hand with that, haven't been overly thirsty or peeing a lot but my body reactions generally confuse all medical professionals, the joys of a faulty immune system I guess I am late to the party at 49.............

To be honest I feel a bit overwhelmed, lots to take in and learn. I know I haven't given myself the level of care and attention that I should have over the last few years (and diet has slipped terribly, blame Covid for all those takeaways) but that all needs to change. I need to also drop weight and exercise more (I am a University Administrator so mainly a sedentary role, moving from one meeting to another). So, must DO BETTER!

I was meant to meet with nurse at my GP's last Friday but it was cancelled (her husband had a positive LFT) and I was a new diabetic patient and there was a prescription waiting for me to collect for Metformin (taking 1 per day for the first week and increasing to 2 per day after that). I was told my blood readings were 100, with a normal reading being 48. I'm in for a diabetic check and more blood tests next Thursday.

Anyhow, I figured there will be a lot of honest and open discussions on here so decided to join the forum I'm sure I'll be asking and searching for lots of guidance and advice.

 

[DM101]

Hi @SisterGoth I can’t really help with advice yet as I’m newly diagnosed myself so in a similar situation in that respect. Having said that I’ve learnt a lot already but is still a bit overwhelming at the moment. So much information to take in! Still navigating what meals are good/bad as well.

I was kinda thrown some medication and left to my own devices so far. I don’t even know my hba1c yet (still trying to find out).

You will definitely get some good advice and guidance from the people on here though. Good luck on your journey

 

[Leadinglights]

Welcome to the forum.
You probably have a good idea of diabetes but it is always a shock to get a diagnosis, yes your HbA1C of 100mmol/mol is high and will explain why you don't feel too well.
You say you are having more tests so I wonder if they are doing tests for potential Type 1,since you have other autoimmune condition, worth asking.
Metformin you have been prescribed works by helping the body use the insulin it produces but also needs dietary changes in reducing carbohydrates otherwise you are merely bailing out the overflowing sink not turning the tap off.
Making a food diary with everything you eat and drink with quantities and an estimate of the amount of TOTAL carbohydrate you are having.
Many people have success with a low carbohydrate approach which would be less than 130g per day so by looking at your food diary you can see how far away from that you are and see where you can make some saving on high carb foods with cutting them out of reducing portion sizes. Reducing the carb intake gradually by one third for a couple of weeks, then another third, until you get to where you need to be.
Many people use Carbs and Cals or other apps as a good resource for carb values of foods. Also looking at the back of packets for the total carb info.

 

[SisterGoth]

Hi @SisterGoth I can’t really help with advice yet as I’m newly diagnosed myself so in a similar situation in that respect. Having said that I’ve learnt a lot already but is still a bit overwhelming at the moment. So much information to take in! Still navigating what meals are good/bad as well.

I was kinda thrown some medication and left to my own devices so far. I don’t even know my hba1c yet (still trying to find out).

You will definitely get some good advice and guidance from the people on here though. Good luck on your journey

I feel the same to be honest, just left to my own devices and Googling a million things. Weekly food shopping last Saturday was horrendous!

Good luck on your journey also

 

[Windy]

Welcome to the forum @SisterGoth. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis and how it's made you feel overwhelmed.
I was diagnosed in October with an HbA1c of 80 and am also on 2 metformin. I need to warn you that they may upset your tummy and if they do, you should contact the doctor and get the slow release version of metformin as that's meant to be kinder on your digestive system.
There's loads of information on the site, stuff about food, weight loss and lots of other stuff too. And loads of experience. I've also found it helpful making contact with people here and it's definitely helped me get my head more together that I would have done without the forum.
Can you ask for a phone consultation with either a GP or a diabetes nurse, if your practice has one?
Is there anything specific that you'd like to find out?
Cheers, Sarah

 

[SisterGoth]

Welcome to the forum.
You probably have a good idea of diabetes but it is always a shock to get a diagnosis, yes your HbA1C of 100mmol/mol is high and will explain why you don't feel too well.
You say you are having more tests so I wonder if they are doing tests for potential Type 1,since you have other autoimmune condition, worth asking.
Metformin you have been prescribed works by helping the body use the insulin it produces but also needs dietary changes in reducing carbohydrates otherwise you are merely bailing out the overflowing sink not turning the tap off.
Making a food diary with everything you eat and drink with quantities and an estimate of the amount of TOTAL carbohydrate you are having.
Many people have success with a low carbohydrate approach which would be less than 130g per day so by looking at your food diary you can see how far away from that you are and see where you can make some saving on high carb foods with cutting them out of reducing portion sizes. Reducing the carb intake gradually by one third for a couple of weeks, then another third, until you get to where you need to be.
Many people use Carbs and Cals or other apps as a good resource for carb values of foods. Also looking at the back of packets for the total carb info.

Oh, I never thought about the additional testing - just figured it was what they did when you were diagnosed..... Thanks, I will ask that question.

I have been keeping a food diary since last Saturday but not working out Carbs or noting what I'm drinking. I'll take a look at the apps and start doing that - so at least I can take that with me to the appointment next week. Thank you so much for the advice and really appreciate the guidance 🙂

 

[DM101]

@Leadinglights is carbs and calls any good? I don’t mind paying a one off fee for it if it is but reading the reviews it says a heck of a lot of foods aren’t on there which kinda defeats the point if that’s true. Also is it a one off fee or regular payments or if anyone else knows?

 

[DM101]

“calls” auto correct!!! I meant cals

 

[SisterGoth]

Welcome to the forum @SisterGoth. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis and how it's made you feel overwhelmed.
I was diagnosed in October with an HbA1c of 80 and am also on 2 metformin. I need to warn you that they may upset your tummy and if they do, you should contact the doctor and get the slow release version of metformin as that's meant to be kinder on your digestive system.
There's loads of information on the site, stuff about food, weight loss and lots of other stuff too. And loads of experience. I've also found it helpful making contact with people here and it's definitely helped me get my head more together that I would have done without the forum.
Can you ask for a phone consultation with either a GP or a diabetes nurse, if your practice has one?
Is there anything specific that you'd like to find out?
Cheers, Sarah

Thanks Sarah - I think it's just information overload - trying to learn so much, so quickly. My stomach has been OK so far but it's early days so thanks for the tip about the slow release version.

I think I just want to be sure I'm eating the right stuff, I have started going for a walk at lunch time after I've ate instead of just working through so that is a good change for me too. I need to get my head around putting myself first and work can wait (if that makes sense).

 

[Leadinglights]

@Leadinglights is carbs and calls any good? I don’t mind paying a one off fee for it if it is but reading the reviews it says a heck of a lot of foods aren’t on there which kinda defeats the point if that’s true. Also is it a one off fee or regular payments or if anyone else knows?

I have the book which is now some years old but still find it useful to compare raw ingredients rather than for pre-prepared foods. The app used to be for a one off cost but I think it has gone to a subscription now, but there are other free apps or one off payments I think.
But just doing an google search for Food X and total carbs will also give you the info or looking on the back of jars or packets, you may then need a bit of athematic to work out for the portion you are going to have.

 

[Windy]

Thanks Sarah - I think it's just information overload - trying to learn so much, so quickly. My stomach has been OK so far but it's early days so thanks for the tip about the slow release version.

I think I just want to be sure I'm eating the right stuff, I have started going for a walk at lunch time after I've ate instead of just working through so that is a good change for me too. I need to get my head around putting myself first and work can wait (if that makes sense).

It is a bit of an information overload, and I seemed to have a festival of medical appointments and blood tests.
The thing is, you don't have to do everything on day one - if you're looking to change your diet, you can look at what you eat for breakfast and think how you can change it, or have soup for lunch instead of your normal lunch etc.
Going for a walk at lunch sounds like a great plan, it helps with your blood glucose levels, and your head if you have a break from your desk.
I can recommend buying (or getting from the library) a diabetes recipe book to get some other ideas for what to eat. There's some suggested books here.
It does all get easier, it's just a bit intense at first.
Best wishes, Sarah

 

[trophywench]

I think though if you do get the App despite it not being free any more you do get access to any updates pdq.

 

[Cat2]

Hi @SisterGoth. I'm in a similar position to you. Am 42 and was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago after routine test because of history of gestational diabetes. I was absolutely gutted, and really cross with myself for not looking after myself better when I knew I was at higher risk. Also really overwhelmed at feeling like I can't just eat "normally " ever again. I posted here and got some good advice although not sure I was ready for it all then so will read responses to you with interest now.
My hba1c was 69 and fasting 9.8. The Gp has agreed to me trying to diet control for 3 months then reviewing to consider medication, as I was diet controlled for GD.

You said you haven't seen anyone yet or know what tests you will have so it might help if I tell you what I've had in one visit to go and one to practice nurse. Although of course yours may be different! I had additional bloods taken to check cholesterol, kidney and liver function. Cholesterol is high but leaving medication for now while seeing how diet goes. Other test normal. I've also had to do a urine sample for kidney tests - no results yet. They also checked my blood pressure (good) and the nurse examined my feet for pulse, feeling etc. I did ask about the test for type 1 as my dad has type 1 which started in his 30s, but GP refused as sure it us type 2 from presentation. I will ask again if difficult to control though.

I've downloaded My Fitness pal for free which will count calories, carbs etc for you. The nurse suggested buying to Carbs and Cals book but I think am happy checking on-line. I looked at the high fat low carb diets, Keto and the 800 calorie ones with shakes, but I don't want anything too extreme for my mental health/ family life, so am trying to go moderately low carb and lose some weight. Also I worry about high fat I my cholesterol is high. The app has given me 1200 as a calorie limit if I want to lose a couple of pounds in week , and I seem to be managing to stick to under 100g of carbs so far. Generally I'm just having much smaller portions of starchy foods and switched to wholemeal/ brown, and cut out all sweet treats for now at least. It's a huge change from how I was eating! I won't say it's been easy but I'm managing so far.

The GP wouldn't prescribe a blood sugar monitor but I have been able to borrow my dads old / spare one for the bit and it has helped to give me an idea what I can and can't get away with eating.

Good luck! Hope we can both do this!

 

[Cat2]

Meant to say I've now decided to buy a blood sugar monitor myself as it's been so useful. Annoyed I can't remember what I did with the one they gave me when I had GD!

 

[OFJ]

hi @SisterGoth, newbie here today too 🙂 xxx

 

[Leadinglights]

Hi @SisterGoth. I'm in a similar position to you. Am 42 and was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago after routine test because of history of gestational diabetes. I was absolutely gutted, and really cross with myself for not looking after myself better when I knew I was at higher risk. Also really overwhelmed at feeling like I can't just eat "normally " ever again. I posted here and got some good advice although not sure I was ready for it all then so will read responses to you with interest now.
My hba1c was 69 and fasting 9.8. The Gp has agreed to me trying to diet control for 3 months then reviewing to consider medication, as I was diet controlled for GD.

You said you haven't seen anyone yet or know what tests you will have so it might help if I tell you what I've had in one visit to go and one to practice nurse. Although of course yours may be different! I had additional bloods taken to check cholesterol, kidney and liver function. Cholesterol is high but leaving medication for now while seeing how diet goes. Other test normal. I've also had to do a urine sample for kidney tests - no results yet. They also checked my blood pressure (good) and the nurse examined my feet for pulse, feeling etc. I did ask about the test for type 1 as my dad has type 1 which started in his 30s, but GP refused as sure it us type 2 from presentation. I will ask again if difficult to control though.

I've downloaded My Fitness pal for free which will count calories, carbs etc for you. The nurse suggested buying to Carbs and Cals book but I think am happy checking on-line. I looked at the high fat low carb diets, Keto and the 800 calorie ones with shakes, but I don't want anything too extreme for my mental health/ family life, so am trying to go moderately low carb and lose some weight. Also I worry about high fat I my cholesterol is high. The app has given me 1200 as a calorie limit if I want to lose a couple of pounds in week , and I seem to be managing to stick to under 100g of carbs so far. Generally I'm just having much smaller portions of starchy foods and switched to wholemeal/ brown, and cut out all sweet treats for now at least. It's a huge change from how I was eating! I won't say it's been easy but I'm managing so far.

The GP wouldn't prescribe a blood sugar monitor but I have been able to borrow my dads old / spare one for the bit and it has helped to give me an idea what I can and can't get away with eating.

Good luck! Hope we can both do this!

You sound to have got a pretty good handle on this, I think really the low carb high fat is a bit of a misnomer and most people consider it just not low fat as low fat products tend to have more carbs.
100g per day is what many people find they can tolerate though some do go lower. What ever you do has to be sustainable.
Bare in mind that the 'brown' versions of things like bread, pasta and rice are just the same carbs as the white so it is something people find substitutions for or don't bother at all and have extra veg or salads.

 

[Cat2]

You sound to have got a pretty good handle on this, I think really the low carb high fat is a bit of a misnomer and most people consider it just not low fat as low fat products tend to have more carbs.
100g per day is what many people find they can tolerate though some do go lower. What ever you do has to be sustainable.
Bare in mind that the 'brown' versions of things like bread, pasta and rice are just the same carbs as the white so it is something people find substitutions for or don't bother at all and have extra veg or salads.

Thanks. I thought brown versions were better due to low GI so more steady blood sugar? Still experimenting really!

 

[Leadinglights]

Thanks. I thought brown versions were better due to low GI so more steady blood sugar? Still experimenting really!

The theory is that they convert to glucose more slowly but the amount of carbohydrate is still the same.

 

[Windy]

hi @SisterGoth, newbie here today too 🙂 xxx

Hi @OFJ welcome to the forum. How are you coping with life and your diabetes?
Sarah

 

[Cherrelle DUK]

Hi SisterGoth, welcome to the forum.

It's natural to feel overwhelmed when first diagnosed especially when typically, so little info is provided. It seems like you're on the right path and have had lots of great advice on the thread so far.

Food is a tricky one as whilst there are some foods that have a more negative impact than others, the best way to find out what works for you is by testing which you can find out more about here https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/testing.

Do keep posting and asking questions and we'll do our best to help.