Hi my name is Ken

[Kenaldo4817]

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes yesterday, came as a complete shock as I was seeing my new doctor on an unrelated matter.
Doctor was scrolling through my notes then informed me I was diabetic as my 3 previous readings had gone over the trigger points.
He couldn’t give me any explanation as to why I hadn’t been given this information, I was sent for another blood test last week which confirmed I do have type2 diabetes.
I am really angry about this. Any advice.

Thanks

 

[Drummer]

I have read of several other people in the same situation - no explanation given.
All I can suggest is that you now act to reverse the situation, and if you are lucky just by altering your diet you can get back to normal numbers.
Do you know your Hba1c number?

 

[Kenaldo4817]

I have read of several other people in the same situation - no explanation given.
All I can suggest is that you now act to reverse the situation, and if you are lucky just by altering your diet you can get back to normal numbers.
Do you know your Hba1c number?

It is currently 53 and has been for nearly 2 yrs, still getting my head round all this stuff. I can’t believe why I wasn’t informed about this high reading. Thanks

 

[Kenaldo4817]

I have put myself on a healthy eating and fitness regime, hope I have the same success as you. Amazing achievement to lose so much weight.

 

[Drummer]

Ah - not really bad - I was not diagnosed - not tested, until my Hba1c was 91 - but eating the same amount and type of carbs as when doing Atkins, I was no longer diabetic in 80 days, but then - I ought to have been all the time. Being encouraged so hard to eat carbs is very difficult - I was almost spherical (I probably lost more weight but I gave up weighing myself). On my way back from the surgery after being told I was a very bad diabetic, I called at the butchers and ordered a whole hogget - a large lamb. I used the 'healthy' diet sheets to light the barbecue.

 

[Wirrallass]

Hi Kenaldo4817
A warm welcome to our friendly forum from another T2. I was dx on 53 too. There's lots of experienced and knowledgeable people here so if you want to know anything then please do ask and we'll do our best to help you.

Sorry to learn you have been diagnosed with T2. You're not alone ~ nearly all of us went into shock when dx (Diagnosed) Its quite a daunting prospect as we wonder what on earth can we eat to survive living with Diabetes. How awful for you to find you have Diabetes the way you did, it should never have happened. I'm understanding why you are so angry and quite rightly so. Try to put that behind you now and concentrate on tomorrow & thereafter.

If you don't already have a copy do buy the book CARB & CALORIE COUNTER. Availalable from Diabetes UK /and Amazon. It's a very informative book with over 1700 photos of a range of popular food & drink items. The Carborhydrate ~ Calorie ~ Protein ~ Fat ~ Saturated fat ~ Fibre values are clearly displayed in colour-coded circles below each photo. Having all this information at your finger tips, in an easy to understand format, will help to give yourself greater control over your Diabetes. Carbs are our enemy ~ ie bread; pasta; chapatis; potatoes; yam; cereals; rice; white flour and root vegetables.

There's so much more that we can advise you but I don't wish to overwhelm you more than you are already. Oh, if you scroll down to 'Information' you will see the thread 'Useful links for people new to Diabetes'. Once in that thread, scroll down to Type 2 Diabetes. There's more info there for you to read at your leisure.

Do please stay in touch and update us as to how youre getting on. Glad you found us Kenaldo4817, good to have you on board.
Take care
WL

Edited to add: 'Apologies for the length of my reply'

 

[Docb]

Hi kenaldo. No need to be angry about not being told about your HBA1c readings. One of the problems of fixing a limit on anything is that the limit can be treated as some sort of cliff edge. Below it OK, above it, disaster. Reality is that this is rarely the case. The fact that your HBA1c is in the low 50's and staying there simply says that it is above a level where it is worth doing something about it to make sure it does not creep up to where you could finish up with long term problems. I'm guessing that maybe you are in generally good health and not significantly overweight and maybe your GP wanted to make sure that the earlier readings were reproducible before suggesting you do anything. Could be just good medical practice.

One of the things that irritates me most in the modern world is that things have to be considered good or bad, safe or unsafe, perfect or disastrous, black or white. Shades of grey are not allowed.

 

[Eddy Edson]

Hi Ken - As @Docb says, yr excess risks for diabetes-related complications with an HbA1c are insignificant and the main thing for you IMO would be to work out how to stop it going higher and hopefully make it go lower.

But in yr shoes I'd also be pretty p*ssed that I didn't get this wake up call from yr former doc at the time it became apparent.

 

[Toucan]

Hello. So good that you have joined the forum, there is plenty of help and support here.
It is a big shock finding out that you have diabetes, and I understand that the way in which you found out, would increase this feeling.
I can still remember that big shock of first diagnosis although it was over 8 years ago, it really knocked me off my feet.

Please try to stay positive as there are many good solutions, but there is no ‘one size fits all’ and you need to find what right for you.
It sounds as if you are well on the way to getting this under control, well done.

For me it has also been a healthier diet, and increased exercise, that has worked. As well as cutting out all the sugary things, I cut down on the carbs particularly the ‘white’ ones (white bread and flour,rice,pasta,etc ) and mainly eat fresh fish and poultry and have learned to love vegetables (although that took a while!). I also try to avoid to much processed food, and to include plenty of fibre some from the veg, plus seeds and pulses. There are many good recipes to make these things really tasty.

I would suggest starting by reading Maggie Davey's letter, which gives a lot of information on how this lady approached the problem.
It does all take time to find what’s right for you and adjust your lifestyle, but please be patient, it will be very worthwhile.

 

[Kenaldo4817]

Hi kenaldo. No need to be angry about not being told about your HBA1c readings. One of the problems of fixing a limit on anything is that the limit can be treated as some sort of cliff edge. Below it OK, above it, disaster. Reality is that this is rarely the case. The fact that your HBA1c is in the low 50's and staying there simply says that it is above a level where it is worth doing something about it to make sure it does not creep up to where you could finish up with long term problems. I'm guessing that maybe you are in generally good health and not significantly overweight and maybe your GP wanted to make sure that the earlier readings were reproducible before suggesting you do anything. Could be just good medical practice.

One of the things that irritates me most in the modern world is that things have to be considered good or bad, safe or unsafe, perfect or disastrous, black or white. Shades of grey are not allowed.

Hi Dockb. Thanks for your reply, yes I am in general good health except for tiredness and a couple of stone overweight. I understand all the points you raised but I still think my GP had a Duty of Care to me to at least have a conversation as to what steps I should take to improve my situation. My 3 previous blood tests over 2 yrs were in the range of Type2. I think I had a right to know. Saying all that I’m confident with support and some changes in lifestyle I will turn things around.

 

[Kenaldo4817]

Hi Ken - As @Docb says, yr excess risks for diabetes-related complications with an HbA1c are insignificant and the main thing for you IMO would be to work out how to stop it going higher and hopefully make it go lower.

But in yr shoes I'd also be pretty p*ssed that I didn't get this wake up call from yr former doc at the time it became apparent.

Hi Eddy Edson. Thanks for your response, I am now taking steps to turn things around, the funny thing is I never eat white bread, or pasta, never add sugar to anything. I always have porridge or whole grain cereal, eat plenty of fruit, veg, and nuts I thought my diet was quite healthy. I must admit though my downfall was chocolate, sweets and probably drink too much, Onwards and upwards.

 

[Kenaldo4817]

Hello. So good that you have joined the forum, there is plenty of help and support here.
It is a big shock finding out that you have diabetes, and I understand that the way in which you found out, would increase this feeling.
I can still remember that big shock of first diagnosis although it was over 8 years ago, it really knocked me off my feet.

Please try to stay positive as there are many good solutions, but there is no ‘one size fits all’ and you need to find what right for you.
It sounds as if you are well on the way to getting this under control, well done.

For me it has also been a healthier diet, and increased exercise, that has worked. As well as cutting out all the sugary things, I cut down on the carbs particularly the ‘white’ ones (white bread and flour,rice,pasta,etc ) and mainly eat fresh fish and poultry and have learned to love vegetables (although that took a while!). I also try to avoid to much processed food, and to include plenty of fibre some from the veg, plus seeds and pulses. There are many good recipes to make these things really tasty.

I would suggest starting by reading Maggie Davey's letter, which gives a lot of information on how this lady approached the problem.
It does all take time to find what’s right for you and adjust your lifestyle, but please be patient, it will be very worthwhile.

Hi Toucan thanks for your response and all the information you gave me I certainly will be looking at things you have suggested. It’s such a minefield at the moment and lots of things to take in.I always thought I had a decent diet except for chocolate, sweets and probably to much alcohol. I have already taken steps to cut these things out out of my diet and hopefully I can turn things around and get back to a healthier position.

 

[Docb]

Yes, Ken, your doctor should have said something for sure, but it is not a disaster that he did not and you can put forward a case for his approach. Whether it is a good case or not is open to doubt!

At least in our practice I can see all my test results on line so I can make my own mind up about their significance and ask questions if there is any doubt.

 

[Kenaldo4817]

Hi Kenaldo4817
A warm welcome to our friendly forum from another T2. I was dx on 53 too. There's lots of experienced and knowledgeable people here so if you want to know anything then please do ask and we'll do our best to help you.

Sorry to learn you have been diagnosed with T2. You're not alone ~ nearly all of us went into shock when dx (Diagnosed) Its quite a daunting prospect as we wonder what on earth can we eat to survive living with Diabetes. How awful for you to find you have Diabetes the way you did, it should never have happened. I'm understanding why you are so angry and quite rightly so. Try to put that behind you now and concentrate on tomorrow & thereafter.

If you don't already have a copy do buy the book CARB & CALORIE COUNTER. Availalable from Diabetes UK /and Amazon. It's a very informative book with over 1700 photos of a range of popular food & drink items. The Carborhydrate ~ Calorie ~ Protein ~ Fat ~ Saturated fat ~ Fibre values are clearly displayed in colour-coded circles below each photo. Having all this information at your finger tips, in an easy to understand format, will help to give yourself greater control over your Diabetes. Carbs are our enemy ~ ie bread; pasta; chapatis; potatoes; yam; cereals; rice; white flour and root vegetables.
View attachment 13060
There's so much more that we can advise you but I don't wish to overwhelm you more than you are already. Oh, if you scroll down to 'Information' you will see the thread 'Useful links for people new to Diabetes'. Once in that thread, scroll down to Type 2 Diabetes. There's more info there for you to read at your leisure.

Do please stay in touch and update us as to how youre getting on. Glad you found us Kenaldo4817, good to have you on board.
Take care
WL

Edited to add: 'Apologies for the length of my reply'

Hi Wirralass
Thanks for getting in touch and your advice, as you say there’s a lot to get my head round. I will have a look at the CARB & CALORIE COUNTER BOOK, at the moment I’m a bit confused what is good and what isn’t.
I’ve been told too much fruit can be harmful as it contains too much sugar,then others say eat as much fruit as you like. I’m still angry with my GP I still wouldn’t know if I had type2 diabetes today only because I seen another doctor on a unrelated matter. Hopefully given the right support and advice I can turn things around. My next bloods are due in May, fingers crossed I hope things have improved by then.

Hi Kenaldo4817
A warm welcome to our friendly forum from another T2. I was dx on 53 too. There's lots of experienced and knowledgeable people here so if you want to know anything then please do ask and we'll do our best to help you.

Sorry to learn you have been diagnosed with T2. You're not alone ~ nearly all of us went into shock when dx (Diagnosed) Its quite a daunting prospect as we wonder what on earth can we eat to survive living with Diabetes. How awful for you to find you have Diabetes the way you did, it should never have happened. I'm understanding why you are so angry and quite rightly so. Try to put that behind you now and concentrate on tomorrow & thereafter.

If you don't already have a copy do buy the book CARB & CALORIE COUNTER. Availalable from Diabetes UK /and Amazon. It's a very informative book with over 1700 photos of a range of popular food & drink items. The Carborhydrate ~ Calorie ~ Protein ~ Fat ~ Saturated fat ~ Fibre values are clearly displayed in colour-coded circles below each photo. Having all this information at your finger tips, in an easy to understand format, will help to give yourself greater control over your Diabetes. Carbs are our enemy ~ ie bread; pasta; chapatis; potatoes; yam; cereals; rice; white flour and root vegetables.
View attachment 13060
There's so much more that we can advise you but I don't wish to overwhelm you more than you are already. Oh, if you scroll down to 'Information' you will see the thread 'Useful links for people new to Diabetes'. Once in that thread, scroll down to Type 2 Diabetes. There's more info there for you to read at your leisure.

Do please stay in touch and update us as to how youre getting on. Glad you found us Kenaldo4817, good to have you on board.
Take care
WL

Edited to add: 'Apologies for the length of my reply'

 

[grovesy]

Not all surgeries allow access to online results.

 

[ColinUK]

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes yesterday, came as a complete shock as I was seeing my new doctor on an unrelated matter.
Doctor was scrolling through my notes then informed me I was diabetic as my 3 previous readings had gone over the trigger points.
He couldn’t give me any explanation as to why I hadn’t been given this information, I was sent for another blood test last week which confirmed I do have type2 diabetes.
I am really angry about this. Any advice.

Thanks

Same here last week. GP said “I’ll prescribe you these as they’ll be fine with your diabetes...”
“What diabetes?”

First thing I did was join this forum and I’ve found it invaluable. Read the posts that the admins point you to and buy yourself a blood glucose monitor.

We are all different but we have common experiences that we can all learn from so pull up a chair, vent if you need to, ask anything, comment on other people’s posts, ask anything, and make yourself at home. You’re amongst friends.

 

[ColinUK]

Hi Wirralass
Thanks for getting in touch and your advice, as you say there’s a lot to get my head round. I will have a look at the CARB & CALORIE COUNTER BOOK, at the moment I’m a bit confused what is good and what isn’t.
I’ve been told too much fruit can be harmful as it contains too much sugar,then others say eat as much fruit as you like. I’m still angry with my GP I still wouldn’t know if I had type2 diabetes today only because I seen another doctor on a unrelated matter. Hopefully given the right support and advice I can turn things around. My next bloods are due in May, fingers crossed I hope things have improved by then.

Have a read of Allen Carr Bad Sugar Good Sugar too as it’s very clear and a very powerful method of making you more mindful about what you eat. And it’s designed to help you kick the bad sugar habit.

 

[Wirrallass]

Not all surgeries allow access to online results.

You're right there grovesy. It was only this afternoon when I was in the surgery that I asked to be able to see results of: bloods; xrays etc but my request was declined. However I was informed that I could obtain a copy of said results if I so wish. If I so wish?!!! Of course I so wish!!!
WL

 

[Felinia]

Hi Wirralass
Thanks for getting in touch and your advice, as you say there’s a lot to get my head round. I will have a look at the CARB & CALORIE COUNTER BOOK, at the moment I’m a bit confused what is good and what isn’t.
I’ve been told too much fruit can be harmful as it contains too much sugar,then others say eat as much fruit as you like. I’m still angry with my GP I still wouldn’t know if I had type2 diabetes today only because I seen another doctor on a unrelated matter. Hopefully given the right support and advice I can turn things around. My next bloods are due in May, fingers crossed I hope things have improved by then.

You asked about fruit. I was told a portion size is 80 gm and to restrict it to one or two a day. I have found berries best for me, so I get frozen ones and measure out the portion. Some fruits are surprisingly high in carbs - apples and bananas for instance - but the Cals and Carbs book will tell you. Another thing I did was join a website that measures the cals, carbs, sugars, proteins etc of thousands of foods and keeps a running total by meal, day and week, so I know exactly where I am. Best wishes

 

[Kenaldo4817]

Have a read of Allen Carr Bad Sugar Good Sugar too as it’s very clear and a very powerful method of making you more mindful about what you eat. And it’s designed to help you kick the bad sugar habit.

Thanks Colin

Same here last week. GP said “I’ll prescribe you these as they’ll be fine with your diabetes...”
“What diabetes?”

First thing I did was join this forum and I’ve found it invaluable. Read the posts that the admins point you to and buy yourself a blood glucose monitor.

We are all different but we have common experiences that we can all learn from so pull up a chair, vent if you need to, ask anything, comment on other people’s posts, ask anything, and make yourself at home. You’re amongst friends.