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Scared..

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J

JudeM

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Type 2
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Finally admitted that I can’t manage to control my diabetes.. I feel so scared
Prescribed Metformin.. will take in the morning ambit sure how forums work … I feel very old tonight ! 71 years old and widowed Arrggh !!
JudeM
 
Hi judeM don’t know much about type 2, I’m type 1 diagnosed in April at 58. I’m sure it’s been as big a shock for you as it was for me. This forum is good for help and support, just ask anything your not sure about and someone will answer
 
JudeM said:
Oh thank you… I just feel a tad overwhelmed tonight, much appreciated
Jude
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Yes your bound to be, I was miss diagnosed type 2 last October then type 1 in April. Your not alone on here plenty off support
 
JudeM said:
Finally admitted that I can’t manage to control my diabetes.. I feel so scared
Prescribed Metformin.. will take in the morning ambit sure how forums work … I feel very old tonight ! 71 years old and widowed Arrggh !!
JudeM
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum.
First of all many are here because they need some help to manage their condition and will have faced the same challenges as you so by thinking about what you need to do logically and make a plan for a way forward.
What you will need to do will to some extent depend on how far you are into the diabetic zone, the threshold is over 47mmol/mol but I assume as you have been prescribed metformin the it may be rather above that. The metformin will help the body use the insulin it produces more effectively and reduce the release of glucose by the liver but will not work well without some dietary changes to reduce the carbohydrate intake but by doing that people can manage to reduce their HbA1C level to normal.
Have a look at this link to see that you can still have very nice filling meals whilst keeping your carbohydrate intake to what is suggested as being no more than 130g carbs not just sugar per day.
https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
The forum is a mine of information and people will reply to specific questions you have and point you to various good resources.
 
Many thanks, will definitely look into diet changes. My eating habits changed dramatically when I was bereaved and my body has plummeted!! Can’t seem to find my way back. Find it hard to eat. This is a wake up call. I do lots of walking but exist on sandwiches and soup with crisps!
 
@JudeM Welcome to the forum. I am your age group and was diagnosed in July saw a nurse in August and started metformin. I phoned the helpline in July as I felt totally cast adrift by the surgery even though i realised there was little they could do. I joined the forum after an uninspiring appointment with the Diabetes nurse. How long have you been diagnosed? What level was your Hba1c?
There is lots of information here and some very kind and knowledgeable people. Ask anything. I found the Freshwell site extremely helpful.
I found a site for a GP practice in the New Forest which set out information about diabetes really well. Subsequently I have seen it posted here but here is the link. Take it at your own pace.

 
Many thanks, will definitely look into diet changes. My eating habits changed dramatically when I was bereaved and my body has plummeted!! Can’t seem to find my way back. Find it hard to eat. This is a wake up call. I do lots of walking but exist on sandwiches and soup with crisps!
saffron15 said:
@JudeM Welcome to the forum. I am your age group and was diagnosed in July saw a nurse in August and started metformin. I phoned the helpline in July as I felt totally cast adrift by the surgery even though i realised there was little they could do. I joined the forum after an uninspiring appointment with the Diabetes nurse. How long have you been diagnosed? What level was your Hba1c?
There is lots of information here and some very kind and knowledgeable people. Ask anything. I found the Freshwell site extremely helpful.
I found a site for a GP practice in the New Forest which set out information about diabetes really well. Subsequently I have seen it posted here but here is the link. Take it at your own pace.

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Eeh thankyou. I feel that the nurse I see has great knowledge but little ability to share it
I think my Hba1c is 50 … but not sure what it means- she was quite abrupt! Prescription issued and here I am. My son suggested Diabetes Uk.
I have accessed the site you mentioned and will watch the video tomorrow… there is hope I feel. So pleased I accessed this site too
Many thanks - this is a strange day
 
@JudeM I am resisting the urge to greet you 'Hey Jude' - but only just.
If your HbA1c is 50 - take a deep breath and relax - that is not far into diabetic numbers.
Just easing back on the intake of starches and sugars and you should be fine, absolutely fine.
 
Made me laugh too… tho must say I have heard it before!
Thank you I’m going to try hard - you’re doing so well! Will keep in touch
JudeM
 
The number you mention of 50 will be 50mmol/mol which is the result of that HbA1C test which is basically the average of blood glucose over the 3 months prior to the test, the good news is you are only just over the threshold and often people will be given the opportunity to make dietary changes before being prescribed medication.
At the age you are and quite a few others the newer NICE guidelines are for a more lenient level for diagnosis, that is not to say that making some modest changes wouldn't improve your overall well being.
I reduced my HbA1C from 50mmol/mol to 42 in 3 months by following the Freshwell approach, the principals rather than the menu plans as such.
Home made soup is a good option and simple to make with the aid of a hand blender and a few vegetables.
Basing some meals on protein and healthy fats, if you don't want to cook then salads, cooked meats, cheese, coleslaw, eggs are all good options, full fat yoghurt with berries or sugar free jelly with berries are also good.
 
That’s wonderful thank you. Simplified it for me. It’s very encouraging,
It sounded so daunting
I feel more positive now… what a difference a few hours makes to my mindset!
 
JudeM said:
Many thanks, will definitely look into diet changes. My eating habits changed dramatically when I was bereaved and my body has plummeted!! Can’t seem to find my way back. Find it hard to eat. This is a wake up call. I do lots of walking but exist on sandwiches and soup with crisps!
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Try an omlette or frittata for a change and try and wean yourself off crisps. Meat and fish are low carb. I like smoked salmon usually from M and S. with salad or rye bread. My cholestral has crept up so ive cut out processed meat and effectively red meat but if you eat meat is there a cafe you like who does a fry up? Preferably no beans or hash browns. Bread is high carb but you don't seem to be eating much. I live alone and enjoy going to local cafes so I eat bread in cafes because if you cut potatoes and pastries the choice is limited.
However, I see your HBA1C is 50. My first reading in June was 69 and at end of July 64 I was put on metformin and at end of September reading was 51. It's now 44 which is prediabetic.
Do try and relax. I assume from the way you talk about your recent sad experiences you need building up emotionally and physically. Someone who joined at a similar time to me is in that category @silver minion look for her posts.
Take care of yourself, have a good read of the website and forum. Workout what you eat which is high carb decide what you are happy to cut what you could replace. Apart from sugary drinks and adding sugar to meals you don't need to stop eating anything. Just have smaller portions and up the veg.
 
Inspirational… it can be done.
I will check @silver minion … many thanks. I’m doing a proper shopping list tomorrow. You’re all so kind and helpful..I’ll keep you posted!
Should have this info in the doctors. Gives me some feeling of control rather than absolute fear.
 
@silver minion is a type 2 who did not need to lose weight. She does not live alone and occasionally mentions her husband. I realised that the way I phrased my earlier post you may have thought she needed building up emotionally, from her posts I think this is unlikely.
I'm highly delighted that we've brought some joy back into your life and that you had the courage to follow your sons advice.
 
JudeM said:
Inspirational… it can be done.
I will check @silver minion … many thanks. I’m doing a proper shopping list tomorrow. You’re all so kind and helpful..I’ll keep you posted!
Should have this info in the doctors. Gives me some feeling of control rather than absolute fear.
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Hello @JudeM and welcome to the forum. Everyone is friendly and helpful. I found the forum in August and got a lot of useful information and support as a newbie to diabetes. So sorry to hear about your bereavement. Be kind to yourself and try not to stress about your diabetes.

I followed the advice about reducing carbohydrates. I reduced portions of potatoes, rice, pasta and bread but increased protein and fat along with plenty of veg to keep my calorie intake to 2000 a day as I didn't want to lose weight. I found as my blood sugars went down I started feeling healthier and gained a bit of weight. I also take Metformin and Gliclazide but my blood sugar earlier this year was extremely high.

From the details you have shared, it sounds like some modest changes to your diet will help a lot. Are there any activities you enjoy?
 
JudeM said:
Finally admitted that I can’t manage to control my diabetes.. I feel so scared
Prescribed Metformin.. will take in the morning ambit sure how forums work … I feel very old tonight ! 71 years old and widowed Arrggh !!
JudeM
Click to expand...
Please don’t be scared @JudeM you found the forum your a :star:
so is your son for the recommendation you check in

i was about to ask you what your Hba1c level was at on diagnosis, then I saw it’s 50 so, as a few others said, it will only be minor changes you will need to kick everything into place,
of that I’m sure

Yes It can be daunting, sometimes I think if some of the Dr’s and Nurses could/should write on a prescription to the newly diagnosed …
head over to the DiabetesUK friendly forum
I’m sure someone there can help

but equally there are some excellent HCP’s (HealthCareProfessionals) out there
looking after us special people
 
JudeM said:
Finally admitted that I can’t manage to control my diabetes.. I feel so scared
Prescribed Metformin.. will take in the morning ambit sure how forums work … I feel very old tonight ! 71 years old and widowed Arrggh !!
JudeM
Click to expand...
Hi Jude.
So sorry you are feeling like this. It can all be a bit overwhelming- especially on top of being widowed. Hopefully the metformin will help get your blood sugar down. Have you been given some information about what to eat? I know Diabetes UK has a lot of good information.
Try not to stress too much - there will be little changes you can make that will make a big difference.
This forum is great for support x
 
Dear Jude
im sorry to hear you are widowed and now diabeties on top of it please feel free to look around the site its full of information People are really good for support and ideas Remember no question to small or to silly just ask away
you are on a journey with your diabeties and this site will help you lots
take care
gail
 
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