gosh this is overwhelming!

[RoseAlice]

Hi all,
I was diagnosed 5 weeks ago, and it came completely out of the blue. The initial shock - and dare I say it shame (am I wrong in saying this?) was quite overwhelming. So... I went at it rather gung-ho thinking I could get to grips with this quite quickly, but that has not been the case really. Metformin caused its own set of problems and was moved onto Dapagliflozine. I also have to test using the strips twice daily. Bloods seem to be between 6 and 8 from an initial diagnoses of 12. But, here's the rub, my initial 'fight' response to it all is beginning to wane of late. So, any words of encouragement, sound advice or just all round friendliness on this forum would be very welcome!

 

[MrDaibetes]

Hi & Welcome to the forum. It's a shock when diagnosed with any life-changing circumstance, and I too felt shocked when diagnosed. I didn't get the shame feeling, as I didn't know much about diabetes at the time, but looking back now, and if I was diagnosed with all the stigma surrounding me, then I would definitely feel shame.

You have found the best support in my opinion, and peer support is vital.
If you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

[Leadinglights]

It is quite common to get problems with metformin so good that you now have an alternative but that medication works by helping excess glucose to be excreted via urine so it is important to make sure you drink plenty 3 litres per day I think is recommended but of course that has consequences of frequent loo visits. It still requires dietary changes as the meds alone will not usually be sufficient.
Many people find a low carb approach works for them so this link may give you some ideas for modifying your diet as well as some sensible do's and don'ts.

Freshwell Low Carb Project - Home

lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk

Making a food diary of everything you eat and drink with an estimate of the TOTAL carbohydrates will give you an idea of where savings can be made in reducing carbs. It is ALL carbs that convert to glucose.

 

[Cherrelle DUK]

Hi RoseAlice, welcome to the forum.

I think most of us were overwhelmed when first diagnosed so you're not alone. It's natural to want to tackle things head on but do remember that often a lifestyle change is best which takes time and trial and error.

Be gentle with yourself, have a read through the forums and look at ways you can reduce carbs and sugars which are sustainable and enjoyable.

Let us know if you have any specific questions or concerns and we'll be happy to help.