Scared T2

[Carrie_J]

Hi, told today during phone call from GP I'm T2, must start metformin today. Pointed to this website. Came totally out of the blue, no symptoms whatsoever (had blood test after recent eye test) and quite frankly I'm confused and scared out of my wits. Don't know what I should be doing or not doing. Diabetic Part 1 check not for another 3 weeks.
Any advice gratefully received, thanks.

 

[Inka]

Welcome @Carrie_J 🙂 A diabetes diagnosis is always a shock, so give yourself time to get used to things. Slow and steady is the way. Do you know what your HbA1C result was (the result of the blood test that diagnosed you with diabetes)?

You could have a look at the Learning Zone (orange tab at the top of this page) to begin with. Do ask any questions you want here. Nothing is too trivial or ‘silly’ 🙂

 

[NickyCB]

Hi, told today during phone call from GP I'm T2, must start metformin today. Pointed to this website. Came totally out of the blue, no symptoms whatsoever (had blood test after recent eye test) and quite frankly I'm confused and scared out of my wits. Don't know what I should be doing or not doing. Diabetic Part 1 check not for another 3 weeks.
Any advice gratefully received, thanks.

Firstly, it's going to be ok, you will adapt.
Within a few weeks you will be adjusting nicely to a changed diet.
Do your notes in your booklet, keep notes of foods eaten, especially if you get a high read.
You won't notice a drop immediately in your bloods, but you will see it soon.
Google best low carb/sugar fruit and veg. Pick what you like and start there.
If you like bread, Warburtons do a nice reduced sugar sliced.
Drink lots of water, go decaf if you can.
I was diagnosed April 1st this year, I've gone from 110 mmol to 58mmol, lost 17lbs and feel really good. More energy and sleeping better. I've also just had a treat of 4 delicious sugar free vanilla cream Wafers! Take control, and kick its butt!

 

[Carrie_J]

Welcome @Carrie_J 🙂 A diabetes diagnosis is always a shock, so give yourself time to get used to things. Slow and steady is the way. Do you know what your HbA1C result was (the result of the blood test that diagnosed you with diabetes)?

You could have a look at the Learning Zone (orange tab at the top of this page) to begin with. Do ask any questions you want here. Nothing is too trivial or ‘silly’ 🙂

Thank you. My result was 103mmol.

 

[saffron15]

Welcome to the forum. I was diagnosed last July and didn't join until after I'd seen the diabetes nurse in mid August. I felt bewildered and grief struck. I've not seen a GP just an HCP.
I asked for a diabetes test when my creeping cholestral was being discussed and I discovered they hadn't tested my annual blood test for high blood pressure since 2014.

Usually they like to do two tests in case first is an anomaly. I suspect your optician saw signs of high blood sugar so you may only have one test. My first test in June was 69 and second after making some changes was 64. 48 and above is classed as diabetic.
I didn't start metformin until 6 weeks after first test. It is a drug usually used initially one tablet with food then if needed increasing one tablet each week. I was given slow release which is kinder to the stomach. Initially I was bunged up then by 4 things were looser.

You do not want to rush things. You should reduce the carbs you are eating. I went between 100 and 130. Some people choose to go much lower even keto. Carbs turn to sugar.
If you are fat round your tummy try to lose it. If you are a healthy weight check if your waist is half your height or less.

Try to drink more water and move more.

Start a food diary so you can decide what to drop, what to reduce portion size of and what to replace. I no longer eat pasta or rice ut use substitutes.

High blood sugar can cause blurry eyesight. Once your levels reduce your eyesight should improve. If you need glasses to function bare this in mind and don't spend a fortune.

I have previously posted a website from the New Forest that has links to lots of websites. For starters look up the Freshwell site or app. It's well written and there is a good graphic showing foods. Basically eggs, meat fish and most veg fine plus traditional British fruit. Tropical fruit ( very sweet) best avoided or small portion occasionally.

Ask anything you like and check out the Diabetes UK site

 

[Carrie_J]

Firstly, it's going to be ok, you will adapt.
Within a few weeks you will be adjusting nicely to a changed diet.
Do your notes in your booklet, keep notes of foods eaten, especially if you get a high read.
You won't notice a drop immediately in your bloods, but you will see it soon.
Google best low carb/sugar fruit and veg. Pick what you like and start there.
If you like bread, Warburtons do a nice reduced sugar sliced.
Drink lots of water, go decaf if you can.
I was diagnosed April 1st this year, I've gone from 110 mmol to 58mmol, lost 17lbs and feel really good. More energy and sleeping better. I've also just had a treat of 4 delicious sugar free vanilla cream Wafers! Take control, and kick its butt!

Thank you for the words of encouragement and advice. I'm at 103 mmol, so your result since April has given me a real boost and confidence I can do this.

 

[goodybags]

Hi @Carrie_J, welcome to the forum you will get some great advice on here
but don’t stress or panic, the main thing is you know your Diabetic and as others have said you might need some medication and a change of diet, you mentioned in your post about your diagnosis following a blood test that was recommended following an eye test, I’m assuming therefore your optician saw something and it’s gone from there, I’ve just seen you’ve just replied as I’m composing this post stating that your Hba1c was 103 so well into the Diabetic scale

what kind of diet were you previously eating
Probably something similar to me and many others were before I’m thinking

 

[goodybags]

a great place to look online is the freshwell website for food choices
cutting down on carbs can be a great help
have a look here

Freshwell Low Carb Project - Home

lowcarbfreshwell.com

 

[Carrie_J]

Welcome to the forum. I was diagnosed last July and didn't join until after I'd seen the diabetes nurse in mid August. I felt bewildered and grief struck. I've not seen a GP just an HCP.
I asked for a diabetes test when my creeping cholestral was being discussed and I discovered they hadn't tested my annual blood test for high blood pressure since 2014.

Usually they like to do two tests in case first is an anomaly. I suspect your optician saw signs of high blood sugar so you may only have one test. My first test in June was 69 and second after making some changes was 64. 48 and above is classed as diabetic.
I didn't start metformin until 6 weeks after first test. It is a drug usually used initially one tablet with food then if needed increasing one tablet each week. I was given slow release which is kinder to the stomach. Initially I was bunged up then by 4 things were looser.

You do not want to rush things. You should reduce the carbs you are eating. I went between 100 and 130. Some people choose to go much lower even keto. Carbs turn to sugar.
If you are fat round your tummy try to lose it. If you are a healthy weight check if your waist is half your height or less.

Try to drink more water and move more.

Start a food diary so you can decide what to drop, what to reduce portion size of and what to replace. I no longer eat pasta or rice ut use substitutes.

High blood sugar can cause blurry eyesight. Once your levels reduce your eyesight should improve. If you need glasses to function bare this in mind and don't spend a fortune.

I have previously posted a website from the New Forest that has links to lots of websites. For starters look up the Freshwell site or app. It's well written and there is a good graphic showing foods. Basically eggs, meat fish and most veg fine plus traditional British fruit. Tropical fruit ( very sweet) best avoided or small portion occasionally.

Ask anything you like and check out the Diabetes UK site

Thank you for the advice and sharing your experience, it's made me feel more positive.

 

[saffron15]

Thank you. My result was 103mmol.

I replied before seeing your result. Your surgery may decide not to give you a second test. You have said you are type 2 but some doctors assume if you are over 30 you must be two. However if you have autoimmune conditions or have lost weight unexpectedly you might be type 1. Lots of people on the forum were diagnosed type 1 after 30 although most over 30 particularly if overweight are type 2.

Metformin is a good starter for either type though with type 1 it is likely to be dropped. As your reading is high I would suggest you buy some ketostix from the chemist or Amazon. If you feel unwell you pee on one and if it goes dark you may need to contact a doctor. There is a colour chart with advice. I have them because I was placed on a drug which can cause ketoacidosis. Ive been on it 9 months and only tested twice and was normal. You can get a prescription but they are modestly priced. If you are an undiagnosed type 1 it is a sensible precaution.

Do not panic.

 

[Carrie_J]

a great place to look online is the freshwell website for food choices
cutting down on carbs can be a great help
have a look here

Freshwell Low Carb Project - Home

lowcarbfreshwell.com

Thanks for the reply, and the Freshwell link. I don't eat anything to excess, but rather a typical UK diet. I don't have a sweet tooth, and rarely eat biscuits, chocolates, sugary stuff etc. I do like my carbs, so now know what my first move will be!

 

[Martin.A]

Thank you. My result was 103mmol.

That's high but many of us have started higher yet have still managed to turn things around, get back into normal numbers (below 42) and come off medication. It took me 5 months. As is often said, it's a marathon not a sprint.

You've already had some good advice to get you started on your journey, as I did when I joined the forum. I got barely anything from my GP.

 

[Carrie_J]

That's high but many of us have started higher yet have still managed to turn things around, get back into normal numbers (below 42) and come off medication. It took me 5 months. As is often said, it's a marathon not a sprint.

You've already had some good advice to get you started on your journey, as I did when I joined the forum. I got barely anything from my GP.

Thank you for sharing, it's giving me real hope.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Thank you. My result was 103mmol.

Welcome to the forum @Carrie_J

Sorry to hear about your sudden diabetes diagnosis

I’m glad @Martin.A and @NickyCB have shared their experiences and stories to offer you a little inspiration.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on 🙂