Diagnosed yesterday

[Georgiewhite]

Hi. I got a diagnosis of T2 yesterday. In shock and feeling overwhelmed and confused.

Back in June I went to give blood, but iron level was too low, so they 'suspended' me for three months. Was feeling unusually tired for me at end of August, so thought maybe I was anaemic. Saw GP who ordered full blood count. Folate and vitamin D levels were low, so he prescribed supplements which have made me feel better. Total shock then when HgA1c came back at 115 and repeat test was 112. GP said he had thought the first result was a lab error until second result came back. Diagnosis was confirmed yesterday. The practice had arranged an appointment with diabetes nurse following GP appointment, but she was unexpectedly off on compassionate leave. Rebooked for Monday, but in the meantime I feel in limbo. Started Metformin today. Not really sure what I should be doing or eating.

Due to the suspected anaemia, I had started changing my diet to unprocessed whole foods and started going out for a walk more and have bought a treadmill. Lots of confusing info out there. Nervous that anything I eat could spike my already high levels even further.

Told my Mum of the diagnosis and she then told me her grandma, mum and aunt were all diabetic.

Been feeling really down and emotional. I know I'll feel stronger after I've seen the nurse and got more of an understanding, so I can take some control and plan my food, but Monday feels a long time away at the moment.

 

[saffron15]

@Georgie welcome to the forum. I used to be a blood donor but stopped when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure.
I was diagnosed in July. I had assumed that my blood test each year to review my blood pressure was tested for diabetes. Seems it was once in 2014 but then no more. I phoned the helpline here when I was diagnosed because I felt bewildered. I had stopped eating meat pastry crisps sweets but had no quick fix because didn't like fizzy drinks and didn't take sugar in drinks.
This site also sent me leaflets. I didn't find the DN appointment very helpful but I think internally I was still in shock and didn't recall all she said. I know mention was made of a course or group. I don't recall agreeing but would have. Think of questions you want to ask. Look at labels I am a fatty who often checked calories and salt but carbs is an eye opener.

What you are doing for anaemia is good for a healthy life and what you would do for type 2. Are your family members type 2 or type 1. Type 1 ultimately need insulin but type 2 usually don't.

Are you overweight? If you are it is an opportunity to lose weight slowly and surely. I have chosen to eat low carb. This is not the famous keto diet just reducing carbs. I eat lots of fish and veg. I was told my cholesterol had crept up. I do eat poultry. There is a site prepared by some GPs called Freshwell that has useful graphics and info.
I too was started on metformin with dose increasing each week. You may at the highest dose have bowel problems check the forum for advice.
There are lots of inspiring stories here including some people with readings as high as you who with changes have taken their readings into non diabetic range.
I don't know how anaemia may affect your dietary needs.
Be kind to yourself. Don't rush to change take thins steadily.
Good luck

 

[stephenS50]

Hello there @Georgiewhite and welcome to the forum.I think everyone's had the same feelings when they diagnosed with diabetes whether it be type one or type two...but with the right lifestyle and diet you'll be able to live a near normal life.. I also hope that your appointment with your nurse goes well.

 

[Martin.A]

Hi. I got a diagnosis of T2 yesterday. In shock and feeling overwhelmed and confused.

HI, and welcome. I understand how you're feeling at the moment - we've all been there and got that T-shirt - but through a combination of diet, being more active, losing some weight (if needed) and medication many have not only turned things around from an initial HbA1c as high as yours, and sometimes higher, but have also managed to bring their HbA1c down into normal range and come off medication. When I came back from my diagnosis with my GP I put a pack of Metformin on the table and told my wife I had to take it for the rest of my life. Only later did I learn about remission and realised that I was wrong - that didn't need to be the case. A few weeks later I'd made so much progress that I was told I could stop taking the Metformin, and 5 months after diagnosis my HbA1c was back in normal range. Others have done the same.

Hope your appointment with the nurse goes well. Let us know how you get on.

 

[Leadinglights]

Hi. I got a diagnosis of T2 yesterday. In shock and feeling overwhelmed and confused.

Back in June I went to give blood, but iron level was too low, so they 'suspended' me for three months. Was feeling unusually tired for me at end of August, so thought maybe I was anaemic. Saw GP who ordered full blood count. Folate and vitamin D levels were low, so he prescribed supplements which have made me feel better. Total shock then when HgA1c came back at 115 and repeat test was 112. GP said he had thought the first result was a lab error until second result came back. Diagnosis was confirmed yesterday. The practice had arranged an appointment with diabetes nurse following GP appointment, but she was unexpectedly off on compassionate leave. Rebooked for Monday, but in the meantime I feel in limbo. Started Metformin today. Not really sure what I should be doing or eating.

Due to the suspected anaemia, I had started changing my diet to unprocessed whole foods and started going out for a walk more and have bought a treadmill. Lots of confusing info out there. Nervous that anything I eat could spike my already high levels even further.

Told my Mum of the diagnosis and she then told me her grandma, mum and aunt were all diabetic.

Been feeling really down and emotional. I know I'll feel stronger after I've seen the nurse and got more of an understanding, so I can take some control and plan my food, but Monday feels a long time away at the moment.

Your starting HbA1C is pretty high but there is every chance with the medication and some dietary changes that you will be able to get it down.
Have a look at this link for some ideas which may help you modify your diet. It is a low carb approach which many find successful, It was developed by a GP surgery who found that the standard NHS advise did not work for some of their Type 2 patients. It may prompt you with some questions for your appointment.

Freshwell Low Carb Project - Home

lowcarbfreshwell.com

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Been feeling really down and emotional. I know I'll feel stronger after I've seen the nurse and got more of an understanding, so I can take some control and plan my food, but Monday feels a long time away at the moment.

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis @Georgiewhite

It can be an overwhelming piece of news to receive, so give yourself time to adjust, and be kind to yourself.

The good news is that diabetes is generally a fairly slow-moving foe, so you have time to begin to make some positive changes - and by the sounds of things you have already been trying to improve your menu and make it more nutritious, so well done!

If you would like a good overview of T2 diabetes, to add to the knowledge you’ve already picked up, you might want to register for an account with the Learning Zone (the orange tab in the main menu) which is packed full of informative bite-sized modules. Additionally, for a more personal take, many members here have found Maggie Davey’s Letter to the Newly Diagnosed to be helpful.

One of the biggest questions when trying to get to grips with your diabetes is often ‘what can I eat’ and while there are obvious things like cakes, biscuits, sweets and sugary drinks that you will have probably cut out already, you might be surprised how much *all* carbohydrate affects your BG levels, including rice, pasta, potatoes, bread, pastry, grains, cereals and many fruits. That doesn’t mean you have to try to avoid all those things entirely, of course, but getting the portion sizes right for your metabolism, experimenting with some lower carb swaps, and choosing an alternative or two can be really powerful strategies.

Good luck with everything, and keep asking questions 🙂