Finding it difficult to accept the diagnosis

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Creamcat

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Type 2
After 3 months of trying to get my head around my diagnosis of type 2,finally realising I need to get on with it and keep myself as healthy as possible.
Got myself a monitor as told no need for one.
I have my highest reading first thing in the morning is there a reason for this.?.
Reading up on carbs which is a bit confusing but hoping to get my head around it eventually.Put on metaformin but struggling with awful wind and as I work in food retail its a bit awkward to say the least, so still only taking one a day.
I have only lost 5 pounds in weight so far and have at least another 2st to shed.
Feeling a bit down but determined.
So pleased to have found this site and all the people on it.
 
Welcome to the forum Creamcat 🙂

The "effects" of Metformin do usually fade after a few weeks, but if they don't you can also ask for a slow release version which is generally better.
 
Hi Creamcat, welcome to the forum 🙂 Shame you were told that you don't need a monitor, but good to hear that you have realised the wisdom and logic of using one! Hopefully, as you test and record your readings, you can take these to your GP and persuade them of the benefits so they will prescribe some strips. It winds me up so much when they don't see this and try to dissuade motivated people with something that is so patently nonsense :( Ask your GP about the slow-release version of metformin (glucophage SR) which can be kinder on the system.

Good that you've also cottoned on to the information about carbs being the main thing to watch out for. It can be confusing because everyone is different and you can have individual tolerances for some items that others don't. A good basic principle to follow is GI or GL (Glycaemic Index/Load), which allows you to create meals that will have a slow and steady impact on your levels - The GL Diet for Dummies is a good introduction. Also, have a read of Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter and get a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker to give you a good grounding in what to expect and how to handle things 🙂

It's not a great diagnosis, but diabetes can be managed effectively and can lead to improvements in diet and activity levels (exercise can be just as helpful as diet in making you more sensitive to insulin) that can make you feel much healthier and happier than you may have done for some time prior to diagnosis. It requires effort, but it is worth it! 🙂 Please let us know if there is anything you are unsure of and we will try to help!
 
Exercising self help and getting your own monitor is probably a bigger step than you realise at this early stage.

Once you get to know what foods do and do not work for you, you can balance your diet. You'll enjoy your food more and you will be able to lose weight whilst keeping your BG levels lower than they would otherwise be,

It takes some time to learn but you pick it up by hook or by crook.

If you have lost 5 lb off a 2 stone target, that is nothng to be sneezed at. It's nearly 20%. This is not a race. As long as you get there.

Morning readings are often higher as your body releases extra glucose in the early hours. It's trying to look after you. It thinks you are fasting and suspects you may need some energy. Once it gets used to the new regime, it lowers the amount it releases. Use your meter to see what effects certain foods have on you. Take readings before a meal and two hours after. You will learn a lot about what you can and shouldn't eat that way.
 
Welcome to the forum, Creamcat. Sorry you have to be here, but glad you've found us early in your diagnosis.

As Yorkman points out, losing 5 lbs from a 2 1/2 stone total is a good start. I make it 1/7 of total of 2.5 x 14 lbs = 35 lb total. So, you're obviously doing something right.

As Northerner mentions, activity (doesn't have to be sport - any physical activity eg walking or cycling instead of driving or using public transport for suitable journeys) is equally important along with diet and medication. What do you enjoy doing?

Mark T has alreadt raised this issue: If metformin is still giving you wind symptoms after 3 months on 1 tablet per day, then it's probably time to report back to your GP and they may well consider slow release / modified release metformin, which is less likely to give such symptoms. Assuming you're already taking with food etc?
 
Thankyou everyone

Thanks for your replies.
Checking out the recommended reading.
 
I am due to start Metformin in July, once I have had it cleared with my renal specialist, to make sure it doesn't conflict with other meds or compromise transplant. I had read that it causes problems with the stomach.... wind eh? Luckily I don't work, but can imagine how embarrassing it must be... whether it be wind up or down! Good to hear from the first reply that it usually wears off!
 
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