Another newbie to Type 2

[Karl Alexander]

Hello All...
I am recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I'm now on 4 Metformin a day (At least I am when I remember to take them). I really have no idea what to do now. So I need to soak up as much advice as I can. Slightly daunted by it all to be honest. I very much doubt I am alone in feeling this way - and if you feel the same you are definitely not on your own!
So I'm going to look around the forum and see how to deal with this... 😱

 

[Kaylz]

Hi welcome to the forum 🙂 we're a friendly helpful bunch round here so please feel free to ask any questions you may have 🙂 x

 

[Karl Alexander]

Thank you Kaylz. I'll probably have some questions once the initial shock wears off and I can think about it more clearly!

 

[Kaylz]

No problem anytime 🙂, the forum may be a bit quiet today as the members are having a forum meet in London but others will be along to welcome you at some point 🙂 x

 

[RobK]

Hi Karl and welcome, Your in the right place thats for sure 🙂 First question really is do you self test your blood glucose levels?

Fire away with the questions there are many folks here that can offer advice.

Rob

 

[Karl Alexander]

I am not currently monitoring my blood sugar level myself but it is something I want to look into. I'm going to Google monitors unless anyone has any suggestions...
So far I've not really modified much in terms of diet but I am really shocked at how much sugar crops up in food - even food you wouldn't expect to contain sugars! I have become an avid label reader now! I know I need to cut out sugar, and probably carbs too?! Can't say it thrills me but it has to be done.

 

[Ljc]

Hi Karl, welcome. How are you managing with Metformin.
Metformin is best taken with or just after eating, try to get into the habit of taking them with breakfast and evening meal. We all forget to take our meds from time to time so your not alone.
Feel free to ask questions.
Have a read through this thread. ' useful links for people new to diabetes'
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/useful-links-for-people-new-to-diabetes.10406/
For future reference it's in the pinned section in the Newbies say hello here thread .

 

[Kaylz]

From what I see on here for self funded self testing the SD Codefree Meter seems to be popular as it's the cheapest test strips to self fund, also yes reducing your carb intake may help lower the levels so go careful on things like bread, pasta, rice, potatoes etc x

 

[Ljc]

Many here use the SD Codefree meter from Amazon or directly from Homehealth, it's perfectly good meter that has the cheapest test strips we know of.
https://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/codefree-blood-glucose-monitoring-system-mmoll-or-mgdl/
We use the mmol/l measurement in the uk and your entitled to claim VAT relief
But before you buy one, see if you can persuade your practice to provide you one

 

[Copepod]

Welcome to the forum Karl Alexander.
As mentioned above, there is information for people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in pinned post.
Look for total carbohydrate, not just sugar; get / keep bodyweight under control; be physically active; get / keep blood glucose levels under control - you'll only know how you're doing if you test your blood before / after meals, activities, sleeping, until you know how things affect you.

 

[RobK]

As Kaylz mentions the SDCodefree is what a lot of folks including myself use, I find it essential as its the only way I know what I can eat and what I cant, Cutting out carbs for me was quite a job but after a few weeks I dont miss them, I only have things like potatos, rice, pasta and root veg in very small amounts now.
Its all trial and error but you will soon get to know what you can tollerate.

Rob

 

[Ditto]

Hello Karl and welcome. 🙂

 

[goosey]

Hi and welcome to the club