Another new member of T2 gang

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DyingToBeatThis

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Hello,

I was diagnosed earlier today following a second blood test and thought I'd join the Forum and try and learn as much as I can.

A little about me...
  • 37yo
  • Male
  • 180cm
  • 117.8kg
  • Father is pre-Diabetic Type 2
I was 128kg at the beginning of May 2024 and my HbA1c came back as 91.
I was asked to return for a second blood test at the end of the month and my HbA1c came back as 83.

I've been actively trying to lose weight since the original blood test by doing a 16/8 fast and I'm pleased to say this morning I weighed in at 117.8kg.

I had a review with a Nurse today and was prescribed Metformin, a blood glucose monitor and lancets/strips.
I've been advised I'll have to take 1x 500mg Metformin a day for the first week, 2x a day for the second week, 3x a day for the third week and finally 4x a day from the fourth week onwards.

I'm feeling quite positive; my Nurse advised if I can reduce my HbA1c to 'the low 40s' for a 12-month period they can reduce/stop the Metformin and I may be able to go in to remission.

I just need to get used to those pesky lancets (ouch!) and maintain momentum with my weight loss 🙂

Here's to being 100kg by Christmas!
 
DyingToBeatThis said:
Hello,

I was diagnosed earlier today following a second blood test and thought I'd join the Forum and try and learn as much as I can.

A little about me...
  • 37yo
  • Male
  • 180cm
  • 117.8kg
  • Father is pre-Diabetic Type 2
I was 128kg at the beginning of May 2024 and my HbA1c came back as 91.
I was asked to return for a second blood test at the end of the month and my HbA1c came back as 83.

I've been actively trying to lose weight since the original blood test by doing a 16/8 fast and I'm pleased to say this morning I weighed in at 117.8kg.

I had a review with a Nurse today and was prescribed Metformin, a blood glucose monitor and lancets/strips.
I've been advised I'll have to take 1x 500mg Metformin a day for the first week, 2x a day for the second week, 3x a day for the third week and finally 4x a day from the fourth week onwards.

I'm feeling quite positive; my Nurse advised if I can reduce my HbA1c to 'the low 40s' for a 12-month period they can reduce/stop the Metformin and I may be able to go in to remission.

I just need to get used to those pesky lancets (ouch!) and maintain momentum with my weight loss 🙂

Here's to being 100kg by Christmas!
Click to expand...
Sorry about your diagnosis but fantastic you have been prescribed a monitor and test strips which many who are Type 2 do not get. Making good use of it to guide you on making some changes to your diet. Many find it useful to test before eating and after 2 hours to check their tolerance to the carbohydrates in the meal. An increase of no more than 3mmol/l indicates the meal is OK. OK you will use quite a few strips to start with but it is really helpful from the outset to know your limits.
Have a look at this link for some ideas for modifying your diet, it is a low carb approach which many have found successful in losing weight and reducing their HbA1C, https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
Whatever you do has to be enjoyable otherwise it will not be sustainable and it has to become a new way of eating for life if you want to achieve remission and stay there.
It is usual to build up the dose of metformin over a few weeks to minimise any stomach issues which some people get but taking them mid meal can help. If you do get problems do not put up with it for any length of time and ask for slow release version which are usually tolerated better. if they are not already.
 
Sorry you've had to join us but welcome to the forum. Well done your DN for giving you a BG monitor, and lancets & test strips on prescription. That rarely happens when only Metformin is prescribed. Also good of them to encourage you to get your BG down to a level where remission is a possibility. Many of us have managed to do so, sometimes starting from a higher BG level than yours, so it is possible though not everyone succeeds.
 
@DyingToBeatThis You might need to be cautious and start the Metformin on Friday, assuming that you can keep your weekend free. Although some people take it without ill effects it can cause severe digestive upsets in those susceptible, so it would be advisable to find out in the privacy of home.
 
Welcome to the forum @DyingToBeatThis

And congratulations on your weight loss so far!

Not sure which finger-pricking device you are using, but in my experience over the years, some are significantly less ouchy than others.

It should be possible with a good one, and a carefully adjusted and reliable depth setting to have virtually pain-free fingerstick checks.

There are a few hints and tips here too:
Painless Pricks, by Alan S

Great to hear about your meter - that can be a really direct way of seeing how your body is responding to different meals, sources of carbs, and portion sizes 🙂
 
Thanks for the warm welcome and responses.

I was given an Accu-check Instant (which works with MySugr) and a Fastclix. I've sadly wasted a couple of strips as it came up E-4 Error, which meant there wasn't enough blood on the tip.

I'm sure I'll get the hang of it, though these pricks make me ever so anxious!

116.6kg this morning. Whoop!
 
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