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Confused and afraid

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Rose1969

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Just been diagnosed with T2 nurse very briefly spoke about walking abit more gave me two leaflets and has sent of some more of my blood for testing liver, kidneys etc. Said I needed to get my sugars down and she cud give me tablets for this but wants to see me in two wks when bloods are bk. Sent away without tablets realing from the shock and after reading masses of info on the Internet very overwhelmed and frightened that the.symptoms I've had for a good year and a half have been getting worse and until my next appointment not sure what to do? My legs arms feet etc ache off everyday and my right leg I am waiting for mri scan on cos I can hardly bend it. Now think.it's something to do with diabetes. I've had blurred vision for what seems like forever and even though I am only just over the level for diabetes T2 am freaking out that all these things I already have without a higher reading how is my body going to cope in the coming years? Sorry for goin on just at a loss.
 
Hi and welcome! 🙂 We're a friendly and helpful bunch here.

It's fairly common to feel frightened, confused, overwhelmed etc. at first; with luck you will soon start to get to grips with things.

The blurred vision is a common early symptom; it should clear up once your levels start to stabilise.

Others should be along soon with better advice than I can manage.
 
Hi Rose, welcome to the forum 🙂 Very sorry to hear about your diagnosis, and in particular the way it was delivered, obviously leaving you feeling very lost and frightened. Don't worry, you are among friends here who know just what it is like, and what it entails getting yourself back to health and confidence 🙂 Diabetes is serious, there's no denying, but with the right knowledge and determination there's no reason you shouldn't live a long, happy and healthy life - possibly even better than before your diabetes was diagnosed!

It's often the case that people are asked to try and get their blood glucose levels under control initially by making adjustments to diet and activity levels before starting them on tablets - and many people have succeeded in doing this. I would suggest having a read of Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter for starters, so that you understand a bit more what you are facing. I'd also recommend getting a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker, which many of our members have found helpful.

I would also suggest starting a food diary. The main food group you need to consider where diabetes is concerned is carbohydrates - bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, sugar etc.. These are what will cause the biggest and swiftest rises in your blood glucose levels, so eating only those types and amounts that your body can tolerate well will be the best way to getting your diabetes under control. I'd recommend having a look at the GL (Glycaemic Load) diet - not a weight loss diet (although you may lose weight with your new regime), but a way of selecting and combining foods so that they have a slwo and steady impact on your blood glucose levels. Sounds complicated, but it's really not, and you have lots of knowledgeable people here who will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. The GL Diet for Dummies is a good introduction.

I'll let you absorb these things I've told you so far. Don't become overwhelmed by everything, it will take time, but you don't have to change everything overnight! Some of the problems you are currently experiencing, like the blurred vision, are very common and usually resolve themselves once you start getting more normal blood glucose levels. Be warned that this may take a few weeks, so don't go buying any new glasses as your eyes will more than likely return to normal.

Some form of regular exercise will also be highly beneficial - just a half hour brisk walk each day will reap benefits, or if there is some other form of activity you enjoy - go for it! 🙂

You can fnd some other links to good information in our 'Useful Links' thread.

Please let us know if there is anything at all that you are unsure of, and we will do our best to ease your worries. I look forward to hearing more from you 🙂
 
Welcome to the forum Rose1969 🙂
 
Hi rose1969
Scary stuff isn't it, but most of the symptoms prior to diagnosis have the potential to get better when you get better control. Try not to worry too much (I know that's very much easier said than done), it takes a while to absorb it all, and a little while longer to get the hang of it. Welcome aboard I hope you find it helpful 🙂
 
Hello and welcome, Rose1969. 🙂 Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. There's a lot to take in at first, so it's only natural to be worried and overwhelmed by it all at the beginning, but things do get better...honest.😱 And there's tons of info and support here, so fire away with any questions you might have. 🙂
 
Hi rose I'm new to all of this too maybe we could muddle along together lol I can't really give you advice as I'm pretty clueless at the mo but I'm here if you just need to chat,I have to say people on here are great it's very friendly and everyone seems really helpful I'm so glad I found this forum 🙂 X
 
Hi rose and welcome As has been said it seems there's so much to learn but you can ask anything on here and always get fast helpful replies Just reading different threads is also an interesting way to get information and helps you feel you're not struggling alone 🙂
 
Hi Rose & Hayth,

You can add me to the band of newbies and hopefully we can support each other as we start on this pretty scary journey!

I have had problems with my legs and feet for some time and an MRI scan has shown spinal impingement for which I'm awaiting an epidural (worried because I understand they make the glucose levels soar being steroid based).
I'm pretty sure some of my problems have been diabetes related though and I'm already seeing some improvement since I had the wake up call and stopped eating whatever I liked. I admit I was in a bit of denial aided and abetted by my GP who was probably concentrating on my leukaemia. I love this quote from a celebrity (whose name I can't remember) who developed diabetes. She said;

'Time to start treating your body more like a Temple and less like an amusement arcade!' 😱

Best wishes, Amigo x
 
Hi amigo sounds like you've had a rough time hope they manage to get you sorted,I think this site is great for people to support each other through this confusing journey 🙂 X
 
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