3 days in.

[jhardisty]

So I was diagnosed on Tuesday having given blood on the Saturday.
The result from the Saturday was 14.7 having given the blood at 1 pm and having not eaten from 7 pm the previous night (admittedly I had a Pocari sweat which was probably not the best in the morning. Think gatorade) They also did a quick check on the Tuesday and the BG was 15.8 five hours after eating. Doctor put me on Metformin 500mg three times a day plus Glicazide 80mg once a day.

I made the decision that I was going to cut out the carbs and have been eating pretty much grilled meat with steamed veg and mushrooms, salad etc. I had weetabix the first morning but having done some reading found out that was not such a great idea. By Thursday I was feeling weak, nauseous, light headed and a little bit disorientated. Anyway I was unsure what was going on so I went back to the doctor who did another check and the BG was down to 10.8, still high but better so the doctor said I could stop taking the Glicazide. I also was given a testing machine by the doctor (unfortunately I need to get some of the testing strips as the system in Hong Kong means that my GP is actually private) I will start testing my blood myself from tomorrow and mapping it out.

Anyway to today I am beginning to feel much better in my self I am starting to get back to my more lively self and do not feel as nauseous etc.

Anyway I had a some questions after my long winded summary.

1. Is it normal to feel a little bit more tired after eating about 1.5 hours. I Find walking around in the Classroom works to counter this.
2. Can I do to much Exercise? I am pretty overweight and want to get back to my younger days of playing lots of sport. I am making use of the pool at the moment as I know it is less impact on the joints.
3. Should i look at two weeks or so before starting to add some carbs back in to find out what works for me and what does not?

Anyway I am feeling much more positive and having found out that a work colleague was diagnosed as diabetic and another was borderline has given me someone else to talk to.

 

[DeusXM]

1. Is it normal to feel a little bit more tired after eating about 1.5 hours. I Find walking around in the Classroom works to counter this.

No. Fatigue after eating usually indicates your blood sugar is high. Walking helps counter this as it reduces your insulin resistance and uses up some of the excess blood sugar.

2. Can I do to much Exercise? I am pretty overweight and want to get back to my younger days of playing lots of sport. I am making use of the pool at the moment as I know it is less impact on the joints.

A T2 can answer this better than me but I think metformin does not cause hypoglycaemia. Therefore, I don't think you can do 'too much' exercise. Swimming is probably one of the best forms of exercise you can do - it uses your entire body but without stressing your joints. You'll need to see how exercise can affect you - test before your swim, and then test 15/20 minutes afterwards and compare the difference. Cardio exercise like swimming has an added benefit in that it boosts your insulin sensitivity for quite a duration, could be as much as 36 hours.

3. Should i look at two weeks or so before starting to add some carbs back in to find out what works for me and what does not?

I think it's dependent on getting your blood sugar under control first. Once you're regularly in the 4-8 range, then I think you can look at reintroducing carbs. You don't have to introduce carbs back if you don't want to, but there's no reason to exclude them if you're getting good control.

 

[trophywench]

Metformin takes about 3 weeks to 'ramp up' in the body, so you won't be experiencing the full effects of that yet.

When your BG has been running high, and you lower it fast, it has the effect on you as a Hypo. Your BG is nowehere near low enough to be clinically hypo, but clinical hypo levels are measured from the basis of a mormal BG. From 'non-D' levels clinically hypo, ie the point at which your brain is always affected - is 3.3. If your body is used to performing at a far higher baseline, then all the effects will hit at a correspondingly higher number. It feels just as horrible to you as a 'proper' hypo would once your general levels are well in check. Best thing to do is try and get beyond that stage asap, and you are currently getting there.

Get those strips asap. You may be able to order them direct from the meter mfr cheaper than you can buy them in a pharmacy.

Well done so far!

 

[jhardisty]

Off the Meds

Well I was diagnosed over a week ago and the BG levels have pretty much been within normal range for the last couple of Days. So much so that the doctor has now taken me off the Metformin I was on to see if I can cope with out.

Being able to test was so important. It showed me where I was at, and it also showed me night before last that even a very small amount of rice was a no no. 1.5 hours late BG was up to 8.8.

I have been to the Eye hospital as I have had some issues with my reading since my BG has come down. All clear in terms of damage to the blood vessels. Doctor said it may take some time for my eyes to adjust to normal levels, or that the diabetes may have been compensating for the natural aging of my lens.( The only positive I can see from Diabetes). Anyway told to come back in 6 months for a check up.

I am felling healthier and the lack of carbs is not bothering me much and I am actually really enjoying the swimming. I can tell I have lost weight my shirts feel loose as do my trousers.

Hopefully I am going to be able to get this under control with weight loss and exercise plus diet.

I am feeling good about my situation now and I am beginning to realise that this could be the best thing that has happened to me in terms of my general health.

 

[Northerner]

...Hopefully I am going to be able to get this under control with weight loss and exercise plus diet.

I am feeling good about my situation now and I am beginning to realise that this could be the best thing that has happened to me in terms of my general health.

Great news! You have done very well and learned a great deal in a short time that has all worked to convince you of the right approach to managing your diabetes well - well done! 🙂 Many people here have found the same, that their diagnosis has really helped to improve their health by having to take a good look at it and making the necessary adjustments to improve things - if you ever need a bit of motivation, think on what you have achieved, and long may it continue! 🙂

 

[Emmaathome]

What a great story - you have obviously taken on board everything you have read and heard, which just shows what a difference lifestyle can make.

Good luck for the future, sounds like you have got this sussed!!!