Diagnosed 3 hours ago - please help!

Status
Not open for further replies.
thanks John. So it sounds like it's really trial and error as to what I can eat/not eat. I was niave enough to think that it would be a simple case of the doctor giving me a diet sheet and me sticking to it!! Thanks for taking the time to write to me. All of the support is really helping, thanks xxx
 
Hi and welcome to the club!

I was at a loss when I was diagnosed.

You might find a book or two useful. I found the 2nd UK edition of Diabetes for Dummies useful. The Collins Gem Carb counting book is the other I refer to.

There are others that can be recommended.

Have a google for bloodsugar101 - it's an American web sit site.

PS you can eat anything with diabetes, it's the quantity that counts.
 
Thanks for taking the time to write to me Tez. You don't make it sound like a very big deal at all which is great and I'll def look up those books once I've got my head round this.

thanks again
Jo
 
JoJoBoo said:
Thanks for taking the time to write to me Tez. You don't make it sound like a very big deal at all which is great and I'll def look up those books once I've got my head round this.

thanks again
Jo
Click to expand...

Diabetes is a big deal - I used to worry and let it ruin my life.

The thing is that you have to respect diabetes because it can bite back if you don't.

I have met many Type 2 diabetics at work and most don't test their blood or they think they can eat what they want and let the medication take care of it. One is now on insulin and has lost his bus driving license because he didn't watch what he ate and didn't take any exercise and the medication couldn't help him any longer. Oh and he can't feel his left foot any more. That's when I decided to respect diabetes.

I'm not an expert at diabetes, however with some education I discovered that testing Blood Glucose is important. Most medical people won't let Type 2 diabetics self test. There's a big debate about this. I discovered the Healthy Blood Sugar Targets page at Bloodsugar101.

I personally believe that I am in charge of my own destiny. I can watch what I eat and drink and take exercise. The thing is I have learned by other peoples mistakes. So I can delay the onset of diabetic complications and possibly the need for insulin and all that entails.

To put it crudely I think high blood sugars cause the inside of the body to fur up with glucose crystals. A bit like the element on your kettle has chalk on it.

I'm no angel, I've had chocolate, cake, pizza, pasta, rice many other 'sins' but with the help of my meter I know what my limits are. If I'm reading a too high I'll put on a coat and burn it off briskly walking with the ipod.

I am used to having to do things differently now - like a take away meal is generally a no no. Diet fizzy drinks. Believe me it was a nightmare having no sugar in my coffee to begin with. It is natural as putting on a seat belt in a car now.

I pick up little hints and tips all over the place and share them on this forum. Some of it is not so obvious. I try and choose foods that have a lower Glycemic index. I weigh out food on the digital scales. I wrap up properly in the cold weather. There's lots more.

Just one thing, don't panic. Don't be too laid back either. If you have questions don't be afraid to ask!
 
Last edited:
Thank you so much Tez for getting back to me.

Despite my flippant attitude earlier on, I am petrified.
I haven't eaten a proper meal all day because I'm terrified that I'll eat the wrong thing and I've spent 3 hours freaking out.

However, I've just logged on again to this forum and picked up your message. It's exactly what I needed to hear right at this moment. I am SO grateful for you sharing this all with me. I suppose I was trying to kid myself that this isn't a big deal because then I wouldn't have to deal with it. But you have summed it up.. you have to respect Diabetes because otherwise it will bite you. I'll remember that and I'm not going to forget it. Thank you for sharing all your experiences with me, knowledge is power and the more I learn, hopefully, the less scary it'll be and the more control I'll gain.

thanks
Jo

xx
 
Last edited:
Don't be petrified. Please don't panic.

Think of it like learning how to drive a car. After a while it'll be second nature.

If you want something sensible to try for example a poached egg on thin wholemeal toast without butter. If you put some vinegar in the water the egg cooks in the acid in the vinegar can lower the GI of the meal.

And don't forget breakfast is a really good idea. I'm used to porridge now. (Low GI again).

Ask us questions - that's what we're here for!

The words in my last post that are bold and in italics are links to web pages.
 
Last edited:
Hi Joe
Welcome to the forum, sorry a bit late in welcoming you, I was told three weeks ago, well the 4/1/10 to be exact, still confused lol, but I can say it is not the end of the world infact by finding this forum i believe my life has been giving a plus, they are all really great people on this forum and i like the thought i have gained a lot more friends.
 
hello and welcome. I've only just seen your post but hope you are getting on OK with all the info/advice etc. I too was shocked when i was diagnosed 3 months ago (Oct) but there is a lot of help, advice and education out there on diabetes. I've already lost quite a lot of weight and am sort of getting to grips with carbs, diet etc. I love going out for meals so my first reaction was that i couldn't do that again but i still do and i can still enjoy my meals out with careful choice and the odd treat now and again. You will be fine don't worry🙂
 
I liked that Carina! It's great to hear you sounding so positive and after such a short period of time! Great stuff! Keep it up!

Best wishes as always - John
 
Hi Jojo,

I'm sorry i haven't gotten to you earlier. I'd just like to reassure you that what you're feeling right now is normal. At least that's what my practice nurse tells me. What you've described is exactly the way i felt when i was first diagnosed just over a year ago, including the chocolate bit. Especially the chocolate bit. I'm also 33 and was utterly shocked when i was diagnosed. The first couple of months were the worst, i cried for over an hour after watching Mamma Mia with my mum, and i don't think it was the singing that upset me.🙂 I just really thought my life was over.
A year on and i can tell you, it does get easier. The panic gets less and less and you can go for longer and longer between bad days. That's not to say they don't happen, but they get further apart.
I'm vaguely on the chocolate wagon myself (i allow myself to cheat at christmas and on my birthday) but it's not essential by any means. I'm just worried that if i started i wouldn't be able to stop The only side effect of this is i've replaced my chocolate fixation with a scone fixation, but that's just me. The stuff you hear about complications is very scary but you can do something about it. You can at least minimise the risk of suffering from them. You don't need to do anthing more extreme than try to live a normal "healthy" lifestyle, eat more veg and fish, and try to get a bit more exercise. I say try coz it's a goal i consistantly fail to meet...:D I could be so much better, and some days that's what gets to me. But my life's not over, hopefully i'll be buying my first flat soon, i've been promoted at work and my swimming as probably improved, a bit. All since i was diagnosed.
This website has made a huge difference to me. There's people here who understand what i'm going through, who struggle with the things i do and we can all come here, share our problems and help each other out. I used to feel really alone, but now, thanks to this lot, i know i'm not.
Let me know if there's anthing i can do to help

Rachel T (Queen of the insanely long posts....🙄)
 
excellent post again RachelT .... Jojo I have also just picked up on this thread...cant say more than what has been said really except were all in it together.. and we're all different... im glad you found this place so quickly it is a good place for support xxx good luck🙂
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top