Hi Folks - Newbie 3 weeks in

[Paul D]

Well this is a shocker! 3 weeks diagnosed and 10 days into Metformin. Having previously had an active life and taking part in 100Km events just before lock down to T2D diagnosis less than 3 years later! I am massively confused by all the jargon and different levels that need to be monitored. In fact I still have no idea what my levels were as I wasn't told! My first diabetic appointment was yesterday so am now waiting for an invite to attend First Steps and Mapmydiabetes; It is certainly a lot to take in so I am hoping this will be arranged quite quickly.

I have also been diagnosed with arthritis which is currently only in my right foot which makes exercise a little difficult so I'm guessing it's low impact for me going forwards. In addition, last November I was diagnosed with a fatty liver and a rise in cholesterol from 4.6 to 6.8 - I have managed this down to 5.7 as according to my results from 3 weeks ago. Apparently due to a delay in bloods getting to the lab they couldn't test for Diabetes in November so wasn't detected then. I am not sure if the delay has made the condition worse or not during the non-diagnosed period? Does anyone else have a combination of these and are they related in any way?

The one thing I have noticed (and tbh I am probably guilty of this myself before starting the read to material provided to me yesterday) is that most people I have told simply believe that "it is just Type 2 and you can reverse that so what's the issue". I am quite astounded by the amount of information that is out there and guess it is a lack of education surrounding diabetes that give individuals this impression but I now know it can be serious and not reversed but put into remission. Has anyone else experienced this?

I am learning that there is support out there and I can only achieve the remission by listening to the professionals, making life changes and keeping focused to get there.

 

[SurreyFifties]

Well this is a shocker! 3 weeks diagnosed and 10 days into Metformin. Having previously had an active life and taking part in 100Km events just before lock down to T2D diagnosis less than 3 years later! I am massively confused by all the jargon and different levels that need to be monitored. In fact I still have no idea what my levels were as I wasn't told! My first diabetic appointment was yesterday so am now waiting for an invite to attend First Steps and Mapmydiabetes; It is certainly a lot to take in so I am hoping this will be arranged quite quickly.

I have also been diagnosed with arthritis which is currently only in my right foot which makes exercise a little difficult so I'm guessing is low impact for me going forwards. In addition, last November I was diagnosed with a fatty liver and a rise in cholesterol from 4.6 to 6.8 - I have managed this down to 5.7 as according top my results from 3 weeks ago. Apparently due to a delay in bloods getting to the lab they couldn't test for Diabetes in November so wasn't detected then. I am not sure if the delay has made the condition worse or not during the non-diagnosed period? Does anyone else have a combination of these and are they related in any way?

The one thing I have noticed (and tbh I am probably guilty of this myself before starting the read to material provided to me yesterday) is that most people I have told simply believe that "it is just Type 2 and you can reverse that so what's the issue". I am quite astounded by the amount of information that is out there and guess it is a lack of education surrounding diabetes that give individuals this impression but I now know it can be serious and not reversed but put into remission. Has anyone else experience this?

I am learning that there is support out there and I can only achieve the remission by listening to the professionals, making life changes and keeping focused to get there.

Hi and welcome. I am newly diagnosed myself so can’t offer much wisdom, but there are plenty on here that can.

I read two books that I found really useful, one was by Professor Roy Taylor, ‘reversing Type 2 diabetes‘ - gives a great rundown on action plans rather than sole reliance on drugs. You’re right that reversing is a misnomer, it is really putting it into remission.
the other was

Glucose Revolution: The life-changing power of balancing your blood sugar​

good luck, and I can honestly say there are some very well informed people on here, so ask away!

 

[Paul D]

Thanks SurreyFifties, I will certainly keep an open mind and with determination and help from fellow diabetics and medical professionals hope to manage my condition. Take care.

 

[Mrs Mimoo]

Hi and welcome. I am newly diagnosed myself so can’t offer much wisdom, but there are plenty on here that can.

I read two books that I found really useful, one was by Professor Roy Taylor, ‘reversing Type 2 diabetes‘ - gives a great rundown on action plans rather than sole reliance on drugs. You’re right that reversing is a misnomer, it is really putting it into remission.
the other was

Glucose Revolution: The life-changing power of balancing your blood sugar​

good luck, and I can honestly say there are some very well informed people on here, so ask away!

I followed Professor Roy Taylor's advice and have got my hba1c down to 37. NO idea what it is today but my average pre meal glucose is 4.9 to 5.7mmol (normal). I have lost 12kg. the trick is to lose 10-15kg if you can and then keep it off by changing to a low carb lower food volume diet. Prof taylor says to eat 75% of what you ate before.

Have a look at the freshwell app and website. It is good on lower carb and swapping out foods. Remember all beige food is carbs - brown rice is just as bad as white rice..... I have stopped eating any beige foods apart from the amazing Livlife bread which is 80 cals a slice and only 3g of carbs.

 

[Paul D]

Thanks Mrs Mimoo. I have lost about 8.5Kg since April and before I knew about the diagnosis. I am still 91Kg though so yes a lot more to go as I'm only 5' 6". Thanks for the Tips on places to look (Prof Taylor, etc).

Thankfully I started cutting carbs last year after high cholesterol result but do relapse when there is a good BBQ on! I need to find those alternatives.

I will have a look at Freshwell App and the LivLife bread. Thank you.

 

[Leadinglights]

Thanks Mrs Mimoo. I have lost about 8.5Kg since April and before I knew about the diagnosis. I am still 91Kg though so yes a lot more to go as I'm only 5' 6". Thanks for the Tips on places to look (Prof Taylor, etc).

Thankfully I started cutting carbs last year after high cholesterol result but do relapse when there is a good BBQ on! I need to find those alternatives.

I will have a look at Freshwell App and the LivLife bread. Thank you.

This is the freshwell link https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/.
I think it gives a very good explanation and some of the principles of a low carb approach, it sounds as if you have made a start on that front.
The BBQ is not all that bad as long as you go easy on the bread rolls and the beer. Most meats are fine, even sausages as long as they are good quality high meat content. Many do find their cholesterol reduces with low carb even though they have more healthy fats.
It would be a good idea to find out what your HbA1C is as that gives an idea as to how much work you need to do.
Loosing a bit of weight should help relieve pressure on your foot.
You should also have a foot check from your doctor and retinal eye screening as well.
Make sure you ask for a repeat HbA1C in 3 months so you can see if the measures you are taking are being successful.

 

[Mrs Mimoo]

Thanks Mrs Mimoo. I have lost about 8.5Kg since April and before I knew about the diagnosis. I am still 91Kg though so yes a lot more to go as I'm only 5' 6". Thanks for the Tips on places to look (Prof Taylor, etc).

Thankfully I started cutting carbs last year after high cholesterol result but do relapse when there is a good BBQ on! I need to find those alternatives.

I will have a look at Freshwell App and the LivLife bread. Thank you.

I too am 5'6".... I was quite chunky. and in total denial! a nice paramedic diagnosed me while I was in an ambulance with tachycardia. Wish I'd lost the weight before this.

 

[Mrs Mimoo]

This is the freshwell link https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/.
I think it gives a very good explanation and some of the principles of a low carb approach, it sounds as if you have made a start on that front.
The BBQ is not all that bad as long as you go easy on the bread rolls and the beer. Most meats are fine, even sausages as long as they are good quality high meat content. Many do find their cholesterol reduces with low carb even though they have more healthy fats.
It would be a good idea to find out what your HbA1C is as that gives an idea as to how much work you need to do.
Loosing a bit of weight should help relieve pressure on your foot.
You should also have a foot check from your doctor and retinal eye screening as well.
Make sure you ask for a repeat HbA1C in 3 months so you can see if the measures you are taking are being successful.

bbq: instead of rolls, I sometimes have white cabbage leaves round my burger (but I'm a bit daft) you can also try livlife bread as a roll, or lettuce round the burgers. If feeling clever, You can make fathead dough and make keto bread rolls and breads. See you tube for fathead dough methods - it's very easy.

 

[Windy]

There's more about Roy Taylor's work here - it was research paid for by Diabetes UK, and inspired me to lose weight and try and put the brakes on my diabetes. I can recommend watching one of his talks on youtube or buying his book(s).

Can you do swimming as exercise to avoid putting weight on your foot? Not sure if it would still put pressure on your joints though.

Best wishes with whatever you choose to do - keep asking questions if you have them, Sarah

 

[Paul D]

There's more about Roy Taylor's work here - it was research paid for by Diabetes UK, and inspired me to lose weight and try and put the brakes on my diabetes. I can recommend watching one of his talks on youtube or buying his book(s).

Can you do swimming as exercise to avoid putting weight on your foot? Not sure if it would still put pressure on your joints though.

Best wishes with whatever you choose to do - keep asking questions if you have them, Sarah

Swimming fan I am not! Would never have made a great Triathlete 🙂 I was considering rowing and Stepper / Cross trainer. I walk my dog twice a day but that doesn't get a great deal of cardio in as he is getting on a bit now and slowed down a bit. Local Gym for me I think. Will have a look at You Tube. Thanks Sarah

 

[Paul D]

bbq: instead of rolls, I sometimes have white cabbage leaves round my burger (but I'm a bit daft) you can also try livlife bread as a roll, or lettuce round the burgers. If feeling clever, You can make fathead dough and make keto bread rolls and breads. See you tube for fathead dough methods - it's very easy.

I really enjoy cooking so that is going to be an easy win for me. Thanks Mrs Mimoo

 

[Felinia]

Hi and welcome
Coming to grips with diabetes can seem difficult at first but it's surprising how quickly one can adapt. You've had lots of good advice and suggestions already. I just want to add a couple of things. You are entitled to know your HbA1c and as you have been diagnosed your GP surgery must have it. I suggest you ring them and ask for it, so you know where you are starting from. You haven't mentioned medication, so perhaps you are just in the diabetic range. If you have not already done so, I suggest you get an app like MyFitBit or NutraCheck, to monitor your cals, carbs and exercise. It helps you plan, and was the first thing I did on diagnosis. Best wishes

 

[Paul D]

Hi and welcome
Coming to grips with diabetes can seem difficult at first but it's surprising how quickly one can adapt. You've had lots of good advice and suggestions already. I just want to add a couple of things. You are entitled to know your HbA1c and as you have been diagnosed your GP surgery must have it. I suggest you ring them and ask for it, so you know where you are starting from. You haven't mentioned medication, so perhaps you are just in the diabetic range. If you have not already done so, I suggest you get an app like MyFitBit or NutraCheck, to monitor your cals, carbs and exercise. It helps you plan, and was the first thing I did on diagnosis. Best wishes

10 Days into the Metformin Felina. Just doubled the dose this week. I now have an excuse to leave early from work to phone the GP. Not that I would do that on a lovely sunny Friday afternoon of course! Thanks for the info.

 

[Drummer]

Hello @Paul D - I am one of the blasé ones. At diagnosis I might just have muttered 'well I've been telling you I can't cope with carbs for the last half century' and I ordered a whole lamb from the butcher on the way home, and probably half a pig too. I'd been on a GP dictated diet for almost 2 years and was not feeling at my best.
These days I eat twice a day or less, based on meat, fish, eggs and cheese. Dairy has been difficult to get hold of so I have done without and my weight is reducing again. I play a melodeon which has shoulder straps with a bar across the back and had to shorten one of them recently, to stop it sagging.
My Hba1c was quite high to start with, but now am just at the top of normal - which I have to accept is normal for me as even lowering my carb intake from a maximum of 50 gm a day to 40 gm did not make it drop into the 30s.
I am classed as in remission, but as I seem to be just fine now I am not all that bothered if the title is disputed, I will go on happily eating the same way even if I have to raise the animal myself as I know how ill eating low fat high carb made me feel.

 

[Paul D]

Thank you all for some great advice and guidance.

 

[Paul D]

Just got my Hba1c result. It turns out it is at 70. The Nurse has said that this is quite high. I have Still not been given any appointment dates for start up course, retinologist or anything else and was supposed to have had a login and password for a website called mapmydiabetes. It's only been 10 days since the last appointment so wondered whether this is normal.

 

[Leadinglights]

Just got my Hba1c result. It turns out it is at 70. The Nurse has said that this is quite high. I have Still not been given any appointment dates for start up course, retinologist or anything else and was supposed to have had a login and password for a website called mapmydiabetes. It's only been 10 days since the last appointment so wondered whether this is normal.

Yes that is quite high but not something that cannot be addressed by some dietary changes, do take time to look at the link I sent you and you can hopefully take some of the messages on board.
Don't think there is nothing you can do until you get your appointment. It is in your own interests to take control over managing your diabetes.

 

[Felinia]

I'm pleased you got your HbA1c so at least you know your starting point. Most Type 2 diabetics are able to reduce their HbA1c with lifestyle changes. That includes healthy eating, losing weight if necessary, and upping the exercise level. You say you have already reduced your carb intake, which is good. A maximum of 130gm a day is usually suggested, but everyone is different. It's a matter of trial and error, and others have pointed you to helpful websites. It's probably best if you weigh your carb items at first, rather than guess, as it's easy to underestimate your portion. You soon get to recognise portion sizes.
Exercise can be as simple as walking daily. My neighbour cycles (he's over 80!) and I go to the pool 3 times a week. In lockdown, I had a mini exercise bike in the kitchen and used it every time I waited for the kettle to boil, or the microwave to ping.
It can take some time for courses to come through and appointments for various tests, (blamed on the backlogs). Frustrating but that's why the Learning Zone is so useful. But once you are in the system, you should be tested at least annually, and initially more frequently.