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Please Remember: Members are only permitted to share their own experiences. Members are not qualified to give medical advice. Additionally, everyone manages their health differently. Please be respectful of other people's opinions about their own diabetes management.
Devastated
- Thread starter Toffee1
- Start date
- Status
Hey and welcome! Take a deep breath and tackle it one step at a time. Making too many changes too quickly may well do more harm than gradual changes. The peeps on this forum are super helpful and full of sage advice and practical tips so don't be afraid to ask anything.
How did you find out you had the big D?
How did you find out you had the big D?
Ljc
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1.5 LADA
Hi @Toffee1 welcome to the forum. Firstly don’t panic Diabetes is doable ok.
For us to give you Suitable advise a little bit of info will help.
How long have you been diagnosed.
If known, your last Hb1ac blood test, it’s usually from the arm.
What medications if any are you on.
Imo the first place to start, is what you have already done, you’ve come here to seek advice etc from folks who live with this condition.
1a , ask us all the questions you need to about diabetes.
2 . Start an honest food diary.
3 .don’t set yourself up to fail by making too drastic changes to your diet and exercise. You see diabetes is a marathon not a sprint.
4 . When doing research on dr Google, remember their are many types of diabetes out there all of which are treated differently
4a. Their are conmen out there too, promising a cure/improvements in your Diabetes if you only take this or that which costs ?, their only aim is to part you from your hard earned dosh.
We are fine with protein in all it’s forms .
Good fats are fine too, so long as you don’t have a condition that requires you to reduce fat intake.
Reduce the starchy carbs a bit, till you find good substitutes, fill up on veg or extra protein.
For us to give you Suitable advise a little bit of info will help.
How long have you been diagnosed.
If known, your last Hb1ac blood test, it’s usually from the arm.
What medications if any are you on.
Imo the first place to start, is what you have already done, you’ve come here to seek advice etc from folks who live with this condition.
1a , ask us all the questions you need to about diabetes.
2 . Start an honest food diary.
3 .don’t set yourself up to fail by making too drastic changes to your diet and exercise. You see diabetes is a marathon not a sprint.
4 . When doing research on dr Google, remember their are many types of diabetes out there all of which are treated differently
4a. Their are conmen out there too, promising a cure/improvements in your Diabetes if you only take this or that which costs ?, their only aim is to part you from your hard earned dosh.
We are fine with protein in all it’s forms .
Good fats are fine too, so long as you don’t have a condition that requires you to reduce fat intake.
Reduce the starchy carbs a bit, till you find good substitutes, fill up on veg or extra protein.
rebrascora
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Hi and welcome.
If it is any consolation I was a self confessed sugar addict, chocoholic and carb monster pre diagnosis and it was the kick up the backside I needed to sort myself out and become more healthy and I can tell you that I am now fitter and healthier and slimmer than I have been for 20-30 years and feel so much better for it. And best of all I enjoy my food and don't even struggle with cravings anymore.
Taking things one small step at a time is probably the way to go and many of us find using a BG meter an invaluable tool in being able to see the effect those high carb food have on our levels, in helping to cut them down.
Can you tell us a bit about how you came to be diagnosed and what your HbA1c reading is.... this is the result of the blood test which gives you the diabetes diagnosis... usually a number of 48 or more.... and what, if any, medication you have been prescribed to manage your diabetes?
If it is any consolation I was a self confessed sugar addict, chocoholic and carb monster pre diagnosis and it was the kick up the backside I needed to sort myself out and become more healthy and I can tell you that I am now fitter and healthier and slimmer than I have been for 20-30 years and feel so much better for it. And best of all I enjoy my food and don't even struggle with cravings anymore.
Taking things one small step at a time is probably the way to go and many of us find using a BG meter an invaluable tool in being able to see the effect those high carb food have on our levels, in helping to cut them down.
Can you tell us a bit about how you came to be diagnosed and what your HbA1c reading is.... this is the result of the blood test which gives you the diabetes diagnosis... usually a number of 48 or more.... and what, if any, medication you have been prescribed to manage your diabetes?
Cherrelle DUK
Much missed Online Community Coordinator
Hi Toffee1, welcome to the forum.
It can be very daunting to think about changing your diet but with the right support, you'll find your way. When I was first diagnosed I thought it meant a life of eating lettuce and water but that couldn't be further from the truth.
Have you had a chance to look around the forum? We've got a great thread on what people eat that might provide some hope https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/what-did-you-eat-yesterday.30349/.
Take your time, get to grips with testing your blood sugar levels and track what your eat so you can see how your meal has impacted your blood sugar levels and can adjust accordingly. This page may help to understand your numbers https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/testing
We're right here to support you along your journey so please do let us know if there's anything we can help with.
It can be very daunting to think about changing your diet but with the right support, you'll find your way. When I was first diagnosed I thought it meant a life of eating lettuce and water but that couldn't be further from the truth.
Have you had a chance to look around the forum? We've got a great thread on what people eat that might provide some hope https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/what-did-you-eat-yesterday.30349/.
Take your time, get to grips with testing your blood sugar levels and track what your eat so you can see how your meal has impacted your blood sugar levels and can adjust accordingly. This page may help to understand your numbers https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/testing
We're right here to support you along your journey so please do let us know if there's anything we can help with.
Drummer
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
You get to eat the steak and mushrooms and leave the chips - is that so bad? (I am assuming you eat meat, of course), or you could have fish, or a big salad and eggs and cheese, or sausages and a stir fry.
Often I go back to my Viking roots and make a stew like my mother used to do - except these days I can just go to the freezer and take out the ready chopped mushrooms, peppers and mixed veges, and the diced meat. I do add a fresh onion but they are tossed into the big pot and simmered for a while before ladling into a deep bowl. Various herbs or spices can make it more interesting f you want to make a batch and freeze portions - but do not add the extras before freezing as it can alter the taste - peppery additions can become very strong indeed.
You might consider making swaps, swede or cauliflower rather than potato, or making or finding a low carb bread - though some people - I suspect - find it harder to substitute than to exclude.
Often I go back to my Viking roots and make a stew like my mother used to do - except these days I can just go to the freezer and take out the ready chopped mushrooms, peppers and mixed veges, and the diced meat. I do add a fresh onion but they are tossed into the big pot and simmered for a while before ladling into a deep bowl. Various herbs or spices can make it more interesting f you want to make a batch and freeze portions - but do not add the extras before freezing as it can alter the taste - peppery additions can become very strong indeed.
You might consider making swaps, swede or cauliflower rather than potato, or making or finding a low carb bread - though some people - I suspect - find it harder to substitute than to exclude.
I was admitted to hospital and had to have my appendix removed. They took blood and It was discovered then.
Only found out 2 days ago. I have an appointment with diabetic nurse fo 2 weeks time. When she spoke to me on the phone she said that it will be medication but wouldnt rule out insulin in the future. I am spending time finding out about the condition so spend time on here studying things.
Nurse said that blood sugar was 20 and she did mention some other reading which I think was 79. I know she mentioned that one of the tests could only be done 3monthly.
High blood sugar was noticed whilst I was in hosp for appendectomy. GP followed up by arranging further tests so I was only properly diagnosed a few days ago. I know that the BG result was 20. The other result, if I remember right was 79. I know that she mentioned that one of the tests couldn't be repeated for 3 months. I think she said that I would have medication but wouldnt rule out the use of insulin.
Hey thanks for that. Reading all the replays to my post has already made me feel very supported.
That stew of yours certainly sounds very tasty. I'm going to have some trouble forgetting the chips and mashed potato.
Will do. Thanks
Drummer
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
As I have woken up early I have just put some cooked chicken from last night into the stew pot and set it on the heat. I will add in some veges in about half an hour and see if I want to eat it or some scrambled eggs and cheese. I can always serve up the stew later today with potatoes or yorkshire pudding for my husband.
Waking up early always disrupts my routine.
Toucan
Forum Host
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Yes it is! - but it takes a while to find out what works best for you.
There is no 'one size fits all' and you are following a good route by reading around to find out about the options. It is good to take your time to bring in changes and adjust your lifestyle, as this needs to be for the long term and sustainable.
I was also diagnosed following an Appendix Op, and that was around 10 years ago.
It was a big shock and took me a while to come to terms with, but as @rebrascora says it was the kick up pants that I needed to improve my lifestyle. That was 10 years ago, and with some ups and downs I have managed to keep blood sugars well under control - so yes it is possible to re gain control.
Very best wishes and please keep posting and asking any questions.
Ljc
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1.5 LADA
Hi @Toffee1 An Hb1ac of 79 is high , I like many others on here were much higher.
The 20 sounds like the on the spot finger prick test that we do, it high too but you will be able to bring both down, it’s far better to bring them down gradually though.
Please don’t panic about insulin. If it does turn on that in years to come you need insulin, our bodies are well used to it because it’s a hormone we make naturally in our pancreas. And not everyone who develops T2 goes on to eventually needing to go on insulin, in fact most do not need to.
So please don’t panic ok.
The 20 sounds like the on the spot finger prick test that we do, it high too but you will be able to bring both down, it’s far better to bring them down gradually though.
Please don’t panic about insulin. If it does turn on that in years to come you need insulin, our bodies are well used to it because it’s a hormone we make naturally in our pancreas. And not everyone who develops T2 goes on to eventually needing to go on insulin, in fact most do not need to.
So please don’t panic ok.
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Welcome to the forum @Toffee1
It’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed and knocked sideways by a diagnosis with diabetes.
Give yourself time to adjust. There is a lot to take in, and you may feel shocked and saddened for a while. Some people liken it to a form of grieving, with the same stages of anger, denial, bargaining, depression and ultimately acceptance
So don’t feel like you have to fix everything all at once, and don’t be surprised if you get some or all of those stages all mixed up or all on the same day!
Ask away with any questions, we have lots of friendly, experienced folks here ready to share their ideas and tips with you.
Diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint, and it can be very individual - so ultimately you will become the world expert on your own, unique, individual diabetes, and how to manage it best 🙂
It’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed and knocked sideways by a diagnosis with diabetes.
Give yourself time to adjust. There is a lot to take in, and you may feel shocked and saddened for a while. Some people liken it to a form of grieving, with the same stages of anger, denial, bargaining, depression and ultimately acceptance
So don’t feel like you have to fix everything all at once, and don’t be surprised if you get some or all of those stages all mixed up or all on the same day!
Ask away with any questions, we have lots of friendly, experienced folks here ready to share their ideas and tips with you.
Diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint, and it can be very individual - so ultimately you will become the world expert on your own, unique, individual diabetes, and how to manage it best 🙂
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