Greetings from a recently diagnosed Type 2

[Graygirl]

Hi! I was diagnosed a few weeks ago, and wondered whether I should carry some form of notification on me about having Type 2 Diabetes. Ie a note in my credit card wallet, an alert charm to attach to my handbag. I don't want to have to wear a bracelet. Any thoughts from other members? Many thanks!

 

[Diabeticliberty]

You only really need to carry notification if you are at risk of hypoglycaemic attack. Hypo's are caused by medication, usually insulin. A bit of a broad sweeping statement but if you are not taking insulin then you probably don't need notification.

 

[Graygirl]

Thank you, that's good to know.

 

[Northerner]

Hi! I was diagnosed a few weeks ago, and wondered whether I should carry some form of notification on me about having Type 2 Diabetes. Ie a note in my credit card wallet, an alert charm to attach to my handbag. I don't want to have to wear a bracelet. Any thoughts from other members? Many thanks!

Hi Graygirl, welcome to the forum 🙂 Are you on any medication? There are certain medications which can cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low in which you may need assistance, although the likelihood of it happening are very rare. Always useful to carry something stating any medical conditions, medications and allergies though, should you ever find yourself in a situation where a doctor might need to know and not be able to ask you.

How have things been for you so far? Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns and we will be very happy to help out! 🙂

 

[Graygirl]

Thank you for such a lovely welcome. I'm not on medication at the moment, as my nurse suggested I try to help my readings with lifestyle changes first. I go for my next HbA1C in June. I felt really low after I was given the diagnosis (having managed to get out of Prediabetes a couple of years ago), but have since given myself a good talking to! Both my parents have Type 2, and my dad especially is a great source of help. I've lost 7lbs since being diagnosed on 11th March, and obviously hope that trend will continue. I've got my first eye test soon, and also two 'education' seminars in the next few weeks. It's a lot to absorb, and isn't helped by the fact that I already have a number of health problems. Still, I always try to keep a positive attitude in life, and I'm sure that will help me along the way. 🙂

 

[Diabeticliberty]

Ooohhhh get you.....losing 7lbs in 5 weeks is absolutely fantastic going. Very well done. Weight loss is not usually a bad thing for any diabetic. The eye tests are ok but you might want to get a lift, a taxi or a bus since the drops they put in to dilate your pupils can be a bit uncomfortable for a few hours. I would also take sunglasses since sunlight will hurt your eyes for the first few hours. It might seem being new to the condition a bit overwhelming taking in information but if you take it slowly you will soon become accustomed to things and after a while its second nature. Once again really well done on the weight loss and a very warm welcome to the forum that I omitted in my initial reply to you.


Best regards,
Geoff

 

[Northerner]

Thank you for such a lovely welcome. I'm not on medication at the moment, as my nurse suggested I try to help my readings with lifestyle changes first. I go for my next HbA1C in June. I felt really low after I was given the diagnosis (having managed to get out of Prediabetes a couple of years ago), but have since given myself a good talking to! Both my parents have Type 2, and my dad especially is a great source of help. I've lost 7lbs since being diagnosed on 11th March, and obviously hope that trend will continue. I've got my first eye test soon, and also two 'education' seminars in the next few weeks. It's a lot to absorb, and isn't helped by the fact that I already have a number of health problems. Still, I always try to keep a positive attitude in life, and I'm sure that will help me along the way. 🙂

Well done on your weight loss! 🙂 It sounds like you are getting lots of help with it, but if there is anything you are unsure of someone here will have encountered it before and have an answer for you 🙂 I'd recommend getting a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker - many of our members have found it to be very helpful, as it is very positive in outlook 🙂

 

[Graygirl]

Ooohhhh get you.....losing 7lbs in 5 weeks is absolutely fantastic going. Very well done. Weight loss is not usually a bad thing for any diabetic. The eye tests are ok but you might want to get a lift, a taxi or a bus since the drops they put in to dilate your pupils can be a bit uncomfortable for a few hours. I would also take sunglasses since sunlight will hurt your eyes for the first few hours. It might seem being new to the condition a bit overwhelming taking in information but if you take it slowly you will soon become accustomed to things and after a while its second nature. Once again really well done on the weight loss and a very warm welcome to the forum that I omitted in my initial reply to you.


Best regards,
Geoff

My husband is coming with me to my eye appointment, and I have my sunglasses at the ready! Everything certainly seems overwhelming at the moment, and I'm looking forward to the two 'Spotlight on Diabetes' sessions. I will be making copious notes, and I'm hoping my husband can come to that too. He often acts as my memory for medical appointments. I have Fibromyalgia, and my brain can get quite foggy.

 

[Graygirl]

Well done on your weight loss! 🙂 It sounds like you are getting lots of help with it, but if there is anything you are unsure of someone here will have encountered it before and have an answer for you 🙂 I'd recommend getting a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker - many of our members have found it to be very helpful, as it is very positive in outlook 🙂

Thank you for the book recommendation - I'll get myself a copy, and I will certainly appreciate the positive outlook. 🙂