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Hi, newly diagnosed

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L-J300

New Member
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Type 2
Hi everyone,

I'm L-J, I'm 35 and am in the process of being diagnosed with type 2. I've been classed as prediabetic for the past 6 years and this year have moved into the diabetic range. My HbA1C is only 49(though I am awaiting the result of my second confirmatory blood test), so I know that I can change things. I am quite significantly overweight, have several chronic diseases and severe mental health difficulties, although I'm currently very well. I ignored the prediabetes for a very long time as getting my mental health on track was more important, but have had a severe wake-up call over the last two months with various health investigations.

I have significantly changed my diet. I have a gluten intolerance that I've ignored and just lived with the consequences of for years, so have taken this as a sign to finally go gluten free, for good! I also had a huge sugar addiction which I've bopped on the head by cutting out all non-natural and added sugars. I now eat a mainly veggie diet and I've lost a stone in the last 5 weeks. Many more to go, but it's a start.

As someone who professed to be allergic to exercise, I have also begun to cycle on my stationary bike for 30 mins 5 days a week. This is harder for me than the eating regime and I would appreciate any support you could offer in this area.

Thank you all!
 
Hi L-J, it sounds like you're off to a good start with your weight loss, diet changes and exercise, a stone of weight loss in the last 5 weeks is really good.
There's a weight loss thread on the forum, and an exercise one, in case you've not found either, and I can recommend signing up to the Learning zone (red link at the top of the page) as there's information on there about weight loss and exercise which I found helpful.
Best of luck, you sound like you've made some really positive changes to your life, well done!
Sarah
 
Any exercise is good, whatever you find enjoyable as you are more likely to maintain it so brisk walking is good exercise, gardening also.
As far as diet is concerned then going gluten free is helpful as many of the wheat products are also high carbohydrate. You will have to find your tolerance to the foods you can have and maybe compromise on things but as you are only just in the diabetic zone then some modest changes may be all that is needed.
Have a look at this link which may be helpful for you to find some ways of modifying your diet which will suit your other dietary needs. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
 
Hi L-J300, welcome to the forum.

Glad you found us as support can make the world of difference. Exercise is great however your diet is what can help with getting your numbers down and reducing weight so you're on the right track.

You've done really well so far and I feel that slow and steady is the best approach so keep doing what has worked best for you.

We've got a lot of info on the site so do have a look around and let us know if we can help in any way.
 
Thank you all for your kind comments.

I'm finding it really difficult to tell people about my diagnosis as I feel really ashamed that I've done this to myself. I tried to explain to my dad last night and he doesn't really get it. I'm still waiting on that second blood test result and feel like I'm on a precipice. Did anyone else experience feelings of shame when diagnosed?

I'm on holiday from work at the moment and am finding that it's much harder to stick to my food rules with other people around, than it is on my own at home. The probably shouldn't have come as a surprise!

Have a good day everyone.
 
L-J300 said:
Did anyone else experience feelings of shame when diagnosed?
Click to expand...
Morning LJ, no I don't and didn't feel any shame, there were lots of reasons that I'd put weight on, and my family has type 2 in it, so my genetics were against it. I piled on the weight in the pandemic as I use a comfort eating as a way of coping. I know society has a bit of a downer on people carrying too much weight, but they can do one as far as I'm concerned.

You were trying to get your mental health in a better place, and probably didn't have enough head space to tackle your diet due to your pre-diabetes too, that's not a reflection on you, you can't do everything at once, and needed to prioritise what's most important at the time.

Be proud of yourself that you've got to a place where you're tackling your diabetes with diet and lifestyle changes, and don't be ashamed of your diagnosis, the past is done, don't let it wear you down or hold you back. You're changing the things you can change now to make a difference.
It makes it easier if other people know about your T2 as it discourages them from trying to give you biscuits etc, or buy chocolates for you or whatever, makes it easier to stay on track with your diet and lifestyle changes.
Look forward to the future and don't let the past be a millstone around your neck, you've got this 🙂.
Best wishes, Sarah
 
I did not feel ashamed, I already knew with a family history of Type 2 I was likely to develop.
 
My niece was diagnosed as gluten intolerant quite a while ago, and found it easiest just to remove wheat rather than eat the substitute things, and she felt and looked so much better - but she was then told that she was not, after all intolerant, but I don't think she ever went back to using flour etc.
I am so unable to deal with carbohydrate that my daily limit is 40 gm, so I'd find it difficult to survive on a vegetarian diet, but I try to get the carbs from veges and berries which are low carb, and then eat good quality protein and fat to supply the rest of my requirements.
I did get one comment about how I'd brought it on myself - to which I responded that it was such a pity I had followed the advice to eat 'healthy' high carb foods for 45 years rather than accepted being told I was wrong to think that it made me feel ill.
 
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Thank you for your insights. It's really useful to hear what you have to say.

I got some good news yesterday. My HbA1C level has come down to 45! I'm very pleased, and glad that what I'm doing is working. I have am appt with the nurse next week to discuss everything, so we'll see what she has to say.
 
L-J300 said:
Thank you for your insights. It's really useful to hear what you have to say.

I got some good news yesterday. My HbA1C level has come down to 45! I'm very pleased, and glad that what I'm doing is working. I have am appt with the nurse next week to discuss everything, so we'll see what she has to say.
Click to expand...

Great to hear @L-J300!

Hope you are encouraged continue with your positive changes by the result 🙂
 
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