Confused and upset

[WTP]

Where to start , hi all
I had a call off the doctor this morning confirming I am diabetic most of the call is now a blur some figure of 53 and 52 and how I should go straight onto metformin ,and how I’ll be in stomachs pain and vomiting for about three weeks when I start he wasn’t horrible just very matter of fact , I asked if I’d be in them forever to which he replied yes and then probably insulin
I had a procedure to test for womb cancer last week and have weeks of waiting for the results also been put on 3 types of high blood pressure pills I’ve spent half the day crying and the other half reading about metformin and diabetes 4.20 am now haven’t slept for weeks properly
I’ve read many stories is it normal to be foisted onto tablets before even trying to help with lifestyle and diets ?

 

[Drummer]

Yes, it is normal, but it is not the way to go if the advice about Metformin is followed.
You are only just into the diabetes range, and it should be relatively easy for you to lower your blood glucose by changing your diet. The problem is the amount of carbohydrate in the modern diet and many people lower their intake of starches and sugars and return to normal numbers in a matter of weeks.
Not everyone has problems with Metformin - I was very unlucky and was utterly wretched, but some people find the problems never happen, others have diminishing reactions to the tablets, and there are slow release versions which are easier on the gut.

 

[WTP]

Hi drummer Thankyou so much for your reply , I did not know what the numbers meant other than googling what they are meant to be , I am scared of being on so many new tablets I have been lucky not to ever have to have any before he made it sound so permanent :-( I guess I just wasn’t prepared for it nor did I know he was calling
He did say a diabetes nurse would be in touch about diet and exercise plan as well but because he seemed so focused on the metformin and further meds It felt very scary and daunting ! I don’t want to take the medication if it can be done naturally or am I being stupid ? I just feel overwhelmed until sept 2021 I’d barely taken a paracetamol and now I feel like I’ve got everything wrong with me :-( sorry to be so gloomy

 

[Drummer]

My GP has been sulking since I lowered my Hba1c from 91 to 47 in 80 days, and then went on to reach 41 at 6 months - he put me straight onto Metformin and Atorvastatin.
Not everyone accepts that lowering carb intake will also lower blood glucose levels, some even think that carbs are essential. Doesn't seem to be detrimental really.

 

[WTP]

Wow you’ve done amazing I’d be super pleased too! Why are doctors so keen on giving out meds before trying other things , I guess I will ask when the nurse calls can I refuse to take it ? Or at least trial diet and exercise first ?I can surely start there I started walking I’m not going to lie I don’t have a good relationship with exersize but tbh If it meant not using meds I’d gladly do anything I could
Are you still on the meds now too he made it sound like once u start then they were there forever

 

[Drummer]

@WTP I just stopped taking the tablets, I was quite ill and it was just before Christmas. By the time I had a second Hba1c test I was no longer diabetic, and although I have had the statins pushed, which I refused, the Metformin has not been mentioned again.
Maybe when the nurse calls just act as though a 3 month trial before tablets are prescribed was the plan all along....

 

[Gwynn]

I came off metformin and insulin within a month of diagnosis. My decision was with the diabetic nurses agreement. My BG was all over the place. The meds and diet were screwing up everything for me.

Changed my diet to lower carb (once I realised that that was the battle to be fought), but didn't start exercising for about 6 months (I just physically couldn't). Got my HbA1c down to 34 from an initial 140 !!! Within 8 months. Now my blood glucose readings are ALL withing the correct range.

So, it may be possible for you to get your BG under control with the correct diet for you and exercise.

The doctors seem really keen to shove people on Metformin, Insulin, Statins immediately and yet, for some, they are not needed and all can have side effects.

Talk to your doctor and diabetic nurse and read up about diabetes. Learn about diabetes. Don't be bullied or frightened into taking meds if you feel they are not helping, but do take on board the advice of the medics where actually relevant to you personally.

Everyone is different. What works for me may well not work for you. So, you have to learn who you are now. It's not done overnight and you won't explode if you get things wrong. So don't panic but enjoy finding out who you are and getting the best you can for you.

Everyone here will help when you need it. So, any questions, worries, problems, confusions, just fire away, someone with their experience will no doubt help.

At the start I was shocked, dismayed, angry at myself, upset, abandoned, confused....but quickly learned that actually a better, fitter, healthier, happier me can arise from the ashes. The secret is in learning what I needed (food and med wise), what I didn't need, being determined, and keeping going even when things seemed to not work out. I took control of me, only possible because I learned about the condition and about what worked for me. Help from the doctors and diabetic nurses was pretty close to nil.

I'll not go into BG testing here, no doubt someone will. But it can be very important. To me it has been vital.

The outcome has been good and I feel really well, really fit, weight right down, BMI spot on, BG all good, no meds.

I hope you can find your way to a better you. So, welcome to the new you. I look forward to hearing about your successes, battles, etc.

 

[SB2015]

Welcome to the forum @WTP

Since my diagnosis I am on BP tablets. It took some time to sort out what works for me, as there are a variety of options available. Monitor how you feel taking the tablets and identify any symptoms and contact your GP if the ones that you are taking do not suit you. Some make you cough all the time, others cause inflamed legs, …. I have ended up with an appropriate dose for me to reduce the BP with no noticeable side effects apart from lowering my BP. I also take statins with no ill effect, and they do what they are intended to do.

It would be useful for you to find out the current figures for your BP and cholesterol. It is also useful to ask for the targets You are working towards. I needed both these to lower high levels and I am happy to take them. I do rattle a bit in the morning!!

It is good that you have an appointment with the nurse, who is likely to know a lot more about managing Diabetes than the GP. Do ask about the options around altering diet and levels of exercise, as an alternative to taking medication, especially as you are only just into the diabetic range.

Read around the forum, ask questions and come back with any questions that you have. We all have to find how to manage our diabetes. There is no one solution, but there is plenty of experience to tap into on here.

 

[Smithy53]

Wow you’ve done amazing I’d be super pleased too! Why are doctors so keen on giving out meds before trying other things , I guess I will ask when the nurse calls can I refuse to take it ? Or at least trial diet and exercise first ?I can surely start there I started walking I’m not going to lie I don’t have a good relationship with exersize but tbh If it meant not using meds I’d gladly do anything I could
Are you still on the meds now too he made it sound like once u start then they were there forever

Hi, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in July this year. Like you my HBA1c number was 53. My diabetic nurse explained to me that this was the recommended figure for prescribing medication BUT it’s not incredibly high and the first choice is to try and lower it with some lifestyle changes. I’ve joined slimming world, so far have lost 10lbs and started to walk a bit more. I’m due to go back for a review in November where my bloods will be taking again, hopefully I will have reduced the HBA1c number and not have to go on medication.
I‘d discuss with the nurse trying to control it with diet first. Good luck and try not to worry

 

[ianf0ster]

Hi, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in July this year. Like you my HBA1c number was 53. My diabetic nurse explained to me that this was the recommended figure for prescribing medication BUT it’s not incredibly high and the first choice is to try and lower it with some lifestyle changes. I’ve joined slimming world, so far have lost 10lbs and started to walk a bit more. I’m due to go back for a review in November where my bloods will be taking again, hopefully I will have reduced the HBA1c number and not have to go on medication.
I‘d discuss with the nurse trying to control it with diet first. Good luck and try not to worry

Hi @Smithy53 Since it's carbohydrates that are the problem food rather than just being overweight, Slimming World doesn't help longer term for the majority.
Around 10% of Type 2 diabetics are slim and I have only ever been as much as 2lbs overweight in my life (which was at T2 diagnosis). Many of us don't actually diet (as in cut calories) - just cut down on carbohydrates. In doing that I lost around 15% of my max weight and reduced my HbA1C to 45 (mid pre-diabetic) within 5 months. I already did a 30 min brisk walk each day so I didn't even need to increase my exercise. Though many people try to, it isn't possible to out-run a unsuitable diet as the NHS/Government promotes '5 A Day' and 'EatWell Plate' one is for us Type 2 diabetics!

 

[WTP]

@WTP I just stopped taking the tablets, I was quite ill and it was just before Christmas. By the time I had a second Hba1c test I was no longer diabetic, and although I have had the statins pushed, which I refused, the Metformin has not been mentioned again.
Maybe when the nurse calls just act as though a 3 month trial before tablets are prescribed was the plan all along....

That’s a great idea I will def do that , the gp that I spoke to is not who I usually see so I felt a bit uncomfortable saying I didn’t want to take his prescribed meds but it helps to know others have made their own minds up on what works for them it’s good to have a place to come and take about it I’m very grateful for that 🙂

 

[WTP]

Welcome to the forum @WTP

Since my diagnosis I am on BP tablets. It took some time to sort out what works for me, as there are a variety of options available. Monitor how you feel taking the tablets and identify any symptoms and contact your GP if the ones that you are taking do not suit you. Some make you cough all the time, others cause inflamed legs, …. I have ended up with an appropriate dose for me to reduce the BP with no noticeable side effects apart from lowering my BP. I also take statins with no ill effect, and they do what they are intended to do.

It would be useful for you to find out the current figures for your BP and cholesterol. It is also useful to ask for the targets You are working towards. I needed both these to lower high levels and I am happy to take them. I do rattle a bit in the morning!!

It is good that you have an appointment with the nurse, who is likely to know a lot more about managing Diabetes than the GP. Do ask about the options around altering diet and levels of exercise, as an alternative to taking medication, especially as you are only just into the diabetic range.

Read around the forum, ask questions and come back with any questions that you have. We all have to find how to manage our diabetes. There is no one solution, but there is plenty of experience to tap into on here.

Hi Sb2015 , yes they currently have me on propranolol Ramipril and added amlodapine to the mix. To get my bp down enough for general anaesthetic, the amlodopine is temporary and he said we will stop that one and increase the ramipril ive never suffered anxiety attack before but I think looking back it may have been a bp issue I didn’t know I had ( all my symptoms were menopausal) or so I thought but the day of my gynae appointment my bp was 224/112 with the first two pills it went to 174/104 with all three the bottom figure finally came down abs in day of surgery it was 172/88
im also on day 10 of stop smoke so I’m hoping that will help too I need to replace smoking with walking ( I’m sure if I walked as much as I used to smoke I’d do fine lol!)
I have had no side effects of any of the bp meds other than I can’t take propranolol in the evening it keeps me even more awake than my already bad insomnia
My cholesterol was 6 and he did say tablets for that my dad took statins and they gave him severe cramp in lower legs so I’m not keen on that either
But I will be firm and at least get them to give me a three month trial to see if I can lose weight and get the right diet in place it’s not that I’m totally against meds btw I just think sometimes they are quick to get you on them , he said the same about bp tablets oh no they are for life I’m afraid Maybe he’s lost faith in peoples abilities to change ?

 

[WTP]

Hi, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in July this year. Like you my HBA1c number was 53. My diabetic nurse explained to me that this was the recommended figure for prescribing medication BUT it’s not incredibly high and the first choice is to try and lower it with some lifestyle changes. I’ve joined slimming world, so far have lost 10lbs and started to walk a bit more. I’m due to go back for a review in November where my bloods will be taking again, hopefully I will have reduced the HBA1c number and not have to go on medication.
I‘d discuss with the nurse trying to control it with diet first. Good luck and try not to worry

Hi smithy53,
That’s great my friend lost 5 stone with the slimming world good luck ,
My brother bought a treadmill so I feel fortunate to have access to use it I’m so out of shape 15 minutes and I was knackered so me and exercise have to make friends !
I watched a few videos some about keto diets others about low carb low cal I also wrote the top ten foods to avoid and top ten foods to include and stuck it to the fridge
I did feel tho that nobody explained the number 53 but the time I came off the call I felt like I was on my last legs , I guess that’s the anxiety

 

[WTP]

I came off metformin and insulin within a month of diagnosis. My decision was with the diabetic nurses agreement. My BG was all over the place. The meds and diet were screwing up everything for me.

Changed my diet to lower carb (once I realised that that was the battle to be fought), but didn't start exercising for about 6 months (I just physically couldn't). Got my HbA1c down to 34 from an initial 140 !!! Within 8 months. Now my blood glucose readings are ALL withing the correct range.

So, it may be possible for you to get your BG under control with the correct diet for you and exercise.

The doctors seem really keen to shove people on Metformin, Insulin, Statins immediately and yet, for some, they are not needed and all can have side effects.

Talk to your doctor and diabetic nurse and read up about diabetes. Learn about diabetes. Don't be bullied or frightened into taking meds if you feel they are not helping, but do take on board the advice of the medics where actually relevant to you personally.

Everyone is different. What works for me may well not work for you. So, you have to learn who you are now. It's not done overnight and you won't explode if you get things wrong. So don't panic but enjoy finding out who you are and getting the best you can for you.

Everyone here will help when you need it. So, any questions, worries, problems, confusions, just fire away, someone with their experience will no doubt help.

At the start I was shocked, dismayed, angry at myself, upset, abandoned, confused....but quickly learned that actually a better, fitter, healthier, happier me can arise from the ashes. The secret is in learning what I needed (food and med wise), what I didn't need, being determined, and keeping going even when things seemed to not work out. I took control of me, only possible because I learned about the condition and about what worked for me. Help from the doctors and diabetic nurses was pretty close to nil.

I'll not go into BG testing here, no doubt someone will. But it can be very important. To me it has been vital.

The outcome has been good and I feel really well, really fit, weight right down, BMI spot on, BG all good, no meds.

I hope you can find your way to a better you. So, welcome to the new you. I look forward to hearing about your successes, battles, etc.

Hi Gwynn
Thankyou for your post it was very encouraging to read, I can be a determined creature too and hate feeling pressured
Do you use a little machine to keep an eye on the bs/bg? I saw some on Amazon
I will read more I think your so right that understanding is the key here and figuring out what works and doesn’t work
I feel a lot better being able to talk about it with people who understand how it feels x

 

[Leadinglights]

Hi Gwynn
Thankyou for your post it was very encouraging to read, I can be a determined creature too and hate feeling pressured
Do you use a little machine to keep an eye on the bs/bg? I saw some on Amazon
I will read more I think your so right that understanding is the key here and figuring out what works and doesn’t work
I feel a lot better being able to talk about it with people who understand how it feels x

Two blood glucose monitors that people recommend are the GlucoNavil or Spirit TEE2 as they are both inexpensive and have the cheapest strips as those will be the things you will use quite a lot of if you establish a testing regime of seeing what foods you can tolerate by testing before meals and after 2 hours.

 

[Gwynn]

Yup, I use a Spirit Tee 2 glucose monitor tester. Invaluable. And not too expensive on test strips (not that I have to buy any as I get them on prescription)

But I only need to test twice a day. Once when I wake and once 2Hrs after my afternoon snack (which is a sim0le food item). If things were not going so well I might test more.

So the first step is to know where you are. HbA1c, weight, present diet detail. Etc

Then, where you want to be, obviously in remission, suitable weight (which you may already be at), new diet (thats the toughie at first)

Other goals: a daily exercise goal and the type of exercise you prefer. The max carbohydrates you would be comfortable with, knowing that the shortfall just be made up from fats and protein. The daily calories you are aiming for.

There's a lot to sort out which is why, at first, it can seem an impossible thing.

So, examples help, as initial guides, to be tailored to your own needs.

Heres an example.

My daily calories I aim for between 1450 and 1600 a day
Carbohydrates less than 125g a day
Fats 30+g a day
Saturated fats less 5han 30g a day
Fibre more than 25 g a day
Cholesterol less than 300mg a day
Salt about 2.5g a day

Solids less than 250g a day
Fluids at least 2300ml a day

But I vary these depending on what my weight is doing

What do I really concetrate on...carbohydrates

So I play with the days foods until I get to what I want to eat and it all fits within my personal limits. With an App it takes me just a few minutes and can be adjusted on the fly

It kind of works and if it didn't Inwould review what I was doing to try to jake it work.

 

[What the..?]

Hello WTP - you've absolutely come to the right place for advice and support. I think the best thing any of us can do is share our experiences with you, rather than telling you what you should do, as we are all different and so how we managed or react to the diabetes is going to be different too. However, having said that I can honestly say that the big bad wolf here is carbohydrate. But, like with most things canine, with a firm hand you can train it so it doesn't run amuck! I was diagnosed nearly a year ago with Type 2 at an Hba1c test reading of 53. I'm afraid it is quite common for GPs to be less than helpful or hopeful when dealing with diagnosis. Mine pooh poohed my questions about perhaps managing it with diet and exercise, and, like yours, prescribed Metformin.
I didn't want to dive straight into the medication, found information and support by reading this website, and have reduced my blood test reading to 41 at the last blood test, which was a couple of months ago. I did this by reducing my carbohydrate consumption, and upping my exercise level. There are others here who have achieved more in a shorter time, but I have tried to go at my own speed to avoid burn-out. I am not due another test for about four months, but am hopeful that the fall has continued. When I was last weighed I'd lost 25 kgs, and my clothes are telling me that may now be more. I have found cutting carbs remarkably straightforward, and, bearing in mind I ate a lot of bread, pasta, rice, and other carb high pulses etc, I don't feel hard done by at all. In fact I feel much healthier than I have for years. You can manage this, even though it may seem a bit daunting and upsetting at first. Just think about what adjustments you can make, and give it a go without the medication, if that's what you feel you want to do. Otherwise give the tablets a go, but do keep visiting this site, as it really helps. Good luck!

 

[Felinia]

Hi and welcome
Lots of helpful advice here for you. As you are only just into the diabetic range, I think you should certainly try lifestyle changes first. My GP cut off point for medication was 60 so in 3 months I reduced from 57 to 48. Then I got ill, but that's another story.
Metformin can have gastric side effects, but for most people they do settle down after a few weeks. If they don't you can ask for the slow release version, which is kinder on the stomach. Like you I take BP pills (familial hypertension) and they don't clash. And if you can get your glucose level below 42 and keep it there you may not need medication. You will read here of people who have successfully stopped taking medication. But you do need to be aware that you will need to be vigilant for life - it is all too easy to slip back into bad habits.
Regarding your cancer test, I do hope you get good news. If you have not heard within 2 weeks, I think that would be a good sign. Best wishes

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @WTP

Sorry to hear about your introduction to diabetes, amid all the other healthcare challenges you are facing.

The notion that diabetes was an inevitably progressive condition is fairly entrenched among some Drs, but substantial recent research is shining new light on the possibility of putting diabetes into remission for many, particularly those who are able to reduce their weight, and the fat that may have built up around their organs.

Good luck with working out your own tolerance to carbohydrate. This can be a very individual thing, and many people who begin with an HbA1c in the low 50s find relatively modest portion-control is sufficient to help their body cope with their menu.

If you do decide to get a BG meter, you can use this to check immediately before starting a meal and again 2hrs after your first bite, looking for a ‘meal rise’ of no more than 2-3mmol/L, reducing the total carbohydrate content, or trying different types if you get bigger rises. Gradually tweaking and adjusting your menu so that it gives a more even BG response.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on 🙂

 

[WTP]

Hi all well I thought I’d post an update
I’m feeling a little better now that I have the glucose machine
The change in eating has been challenging on times I’m not gonna lie!
I’ve learned that eggs cauliflower and fish are my friends who knew how versatile cauli was!
Since posting last I had my results for my hysteroscopy and I was all clear hoorah ( never been so relieved in all my life!)
I still haven’t had a call from the diabetic nurse
My blood pressure seems to have stabilised
I’ve lost 1stone and 6 lbs
My readings in the morning are ranging between 5.9 and 6.4
And seem to stay under in the 6’s unless I eat anything I shouldn’t
I had a reading of 8.8 after a small portion of chips that my brother brought from the chippy wich scared me into never eating them again lol
After I over indulged on the red wine my reading was 7.3
But overall when I’m good it’s good
I wish I loved the excersize but I’m only doing 5.000 steps a day and I’ve called the treadmill the dreadmill!
How is everyone else doing ?