Heads spinning

[Anniec]

Had a blood test last week,and was told yesterday afternoon I've got diabetes
Came away bewildered,numbers here,numbers there,metformin to fetch today.
I haven't got a clue about anything,just been on here to try and get as much info as possible,got an appointment with the diabetic nurse nxt week.

 

[grovesy]

Welcome.

 

[Greyhound Gal]

Hi @Anniec and welcome to the forum🙂
Can you remember what the number was that you were given?
It is an awful lot to take in at first, but it does honestly get easier. Ask anything you want and one or more of us will be along to try and help wherever we can.
For you appt next week, I'd write anything down that you wish to ask them, and the answers, as again, you may get a bit bombarded with info. Anything you don't understand when you get home, let us know.

 

[PinkGrapefruit]

Welcome, loads of really friendly and helpful advice here; it will get easier.

 

[Copepod]

Welcome to the forum aaniec.
A couple of tips:
First for metformin - ask the pharmacist, after explaining it's the first time you've taken it, and read the patient information leaflet.
Second tip - take a notebook next week, so you can write down numbers AND units AND names of blood tests. Also write down questions between now and then, so you'll remember what to ask at the appointment next week and you can write down answers as you get them.

 

[Anniec]

The doc printed my results off
Hba1c level 10.2 %of Hb
HBA1C IFCC units 88 mmol/mol
Wot ever that means lol
Well I've just took my first metformin,felt a bit tearful this morning,but had lots of support and advise off my FB friends.
Reading loads of info on here x

 

[PinkGrapefruit]

There is a range for Hba1c that is used for diagnosis and future reference.

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/what-is-hba1c.html

I was given a big Metformin prescription straight away, which was reduced once my HBA1c got under control. In fact I'm currently trying to control my blood sugar without the tablets...

 

[Grannylorraine]

Welcome

 

[Northerner]

Had a blood test last week,and was told yesterday afternoon I've got diabetes
Came away bewildered,numbers here,numbers there,metformin to fetch today.
I haven't got a clue about anything,just been on here to try and get as much info as possible,got an appointment with the diabetic nurse nxt week.

Hi @Anniec, welcome to the forum 🙂 Try not to worry! There is a lot of information to absorb, but nothing will go drastically wrong if you don't immediately grasp everything, so take your time to understand and ask any questions that occur - no question is considered 'silly' here, so if there is something that is confusing or worrying you, please let us know and we will do our best to explain and put your mind at ease 🙂

Diabetes is a serious condition, but the good news is that it is something that can be managed well 🙂 I would highly recommend reading Maggie Davey's letter for starters, as it clearly explains the situation you currently find yourself in and will help you to see the bigger picture - away from all the myths and confusion you will find elsewhere. I'd suggest reinforcing this information with a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker, which is an excellent guide to these first few months.

Once again, don't panic, we are here to support you. Please let us know how your appointment goes, and if any questions occur beforehand so you are armed and ready 🙂

 

[Anniec]

Thanks for all your replies,feeling much better today x

 

[Northerner]

Thanks for all your replies,feeling much better today x

Good to hear Annie 🙂

 

[Ditto]

Hello Anniec and welcome to the forum 🙂 Just take it a day at a time.

 

[Carolg]

Hello and welcome to forum

 

[Maz2]

Welcome to the Forum Anniec. It is awful to have a diagnosis and not be given any info. I felt bad enough last year with pre-diabetes which came as a shock although my GP was helpful. You will get lots of useful info here.

I found it useful taking advice from here, looking and trying recipes from this forum, reading lots of books about it. I have tried to keep off the Internet in general as I think it can frighten you to death. I find Dr David Cavan's books helpful and also Michael Moseley's books. I cannot do his blood sugar 800 cal diet as I am underweight but I find the recipes useful as a base. Dr Cavan has some lovely recipes in his "Reverse your Diabetes" book too. I also like Tom Kerridge's book too. "The Dopamine Diet."