Hello Everyone!

[Curlie028]

Didn't think I would be in here when I woke up this morning. In deed I didn't think I would be here at 5:30 this evening.
Bit of back ground. I have Asthma, Sleep Apnea and Stable Angina and usually get my bloods tested annually. They haven't been tested for nearly 5 years, Covid to blame and whatever stopped me in the year (or could it be two) before Covid.
Anyway, I guess the reason is "gone" now. Had my bloods taken on Monday and this evening, heading to 6pm, my GP rang.
To cut a long story short, she is calling me tomorrow morning again to talk me through "the first day of the rest of my life."
She was brilliant and atm that positivity has put me in a great place. Told me my, string of letters, indicated I was an "impressive diabetic" with a number over 100 (can't remember what it was), when 47 (I think it was) or below was the target.
All a bit shocked but here's how I feel, three hours in. After our conversation I am sort of relieved I know why I have been drinking so much water; peeing throughout the night; eating so much chocolate and "needing" a nap every day.
I am sort of relieved but that might be my pre-tomorrow morning's conversation ignorance.
She did mention tablets to put me on but also talked about supporting me with weight loss and also helping me change my diet and as I have said I am strangely positive about it all.
So I'm 3 hours or so into this diabetes thing, have loads and loads to learn but atm my attitude is, let's get it on.
I do all the shopping and cooking in the house, so I'm hoping that will make life a little easier for me, not having to educate others so quickly in my new needs but all in the house are right behind me, in fact they are a little more distressed about my news than me, which in a strange way is nice.
So lots to learn for me and the family and while it really started today, it gets kick started tomorrow morning.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

Told me my, string of letters

It's HbA1c (probably).

 

[Leadinglights]

Welcome to the forum, as you implied getting a diagnosis is a bit of a relief as it explains symptoms that is easy to imagine something worse.
At the high level you are at then medication is fairly likely but dietary changes will be just a powerful but there are many approaches which people find successful, you mention a weight loss program and that might be a shakes based regime to give you a kick start but many find low calorie or a low carbohydrate approach successful. This link might help you see that it is possible with real food to follow a low carb regime. There are some do's and don'ts and some meal ideas. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/

 

[Curlie028]

It's HbA1c (probably).

Yeah! Apologies. I think that is what she said. I am very much at ground zero here but plan to learn so much more tomorrow morning when the doc rings and imagine the next two or three week will see that old learning curve take off exponentially.

 

[Curlie028]

Welcome to the forum, as you implied getting a diagnosis is a bit of a relief as it explains symptoms that is easy to imagine something worse.
At the high level you are at then medication is fairly likely but dietary changes will be just a powerful but there are many approaches which people find successful, you mention a weight loss program and that might be a shakes based regime to give you a kick start but many find low calorie or a low carbohydrate approach successful. This link might help you see that it is possible with real food to follow a low carb regime. There are some do's and don'ts and some meal ideas. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/

Big relief for sure. I am avoiding sites and links re diabetes (mind you I find myself on here ) until after I have my more detailed chat with the doc because I want to avoid thinking I have symptoms or thinking something has contributed to the cause because I read it ont tinderweb. Not sure if that makes sense but I most definitely will delve into your link after my chat in the morning.

 

[Cherrelle DUK]

HI Curlie028, Welcome to the forum.

Glad you've found us and have a GP that's helping you work through things. It does sound like she gave you your HbA1c number which is a good thing to note down so you can keep track on your progress.

It does make sense not to overwhelm yourself at the beginning as there can be lots of info out there so have a good chat with your GP, digest what you can and let us know how you get on and if we can help in anyway.

 

[rebrascora]

Hi and welcome.

I like your attitude!
Some of us found that our diagnosis was the kick up the pants we needed to have a healthier diet and lifestyle and that has improved other medical conditions too, not just the diabetes symptoms. Losing weight can improve sleep apnea I believe and my asthma is improved to the point of being almost non existent unless I don't get my daily exercise for a few days. Nothing too strenuous by the way, but just a brisk daily walk. I also no longer suffer debilitating acute migraines which had been a problem for more than 20 years. They stopped the day I started following a low carb way of eating. My joint pain is also dramatically reduced and I can now run or skip down hills whereas before I was hobbling. Not saying this will necessarily be the case for you but losing weight can improve a lot of things. I feel fitter than I have done for 20+ years and I feel younger, so my diabetes diagnosis actually seems to have made me better in many respects rather than unwell. Yes, it was hard to change my diet initially, but once you adjust and figure out what to buy and how to cook it and learn to like new things, you stop craving the stuff you have given up. I still have treats, they are now just different treats to those I over indulged in before and I appreciate them a lot more.
I hope you also find you benefit from this situation in unexpected ways and that it can be a positive thing once you get over the initial shock and start taking action to deal with it. It sounds like your GP also has a positive attitude which is a bonus. Let us know how you get on with your appointment tomorrow and what medication you are given. We may be able to give you some practical tips or fill in any gaps in information that can sometimes go in one ear and out the other at these appointments. We have all been there and as you realize there is a steep learning curve ahead of you, but the forum is here for you to dip into whenever you need help, advice or support. The shared experiences of people who have been there and got the T-shirt can be quite invaluable in helping you find what works for you as an individual.

Just wanted to say that you have every reason to be optimistic if you are prepared to take on the challenge of managing your diabetes well and possibly even pushing it into remission. There are plenty of people on this forum who have achieved that through different approaches. Good luck.

 

[Curlie028]

HI Curlie028, Welcome to the forum.

Glad you've found us and have a GP that's helping you work through things. It does sound like she gave you your HbA1c number which is a good thing to note down so you can keep track on your progress.

It does make sense not to overwhelm yourself at the beginning as there can be lots of info out there so have a good chat with your GP, digest what you can and let us know how you get on and if we can help in anyway.

Thank you Cherrelle

 

[Curlie028]

Hi and welcome.

I like your attitude!
Some of us found that our diagnosis was the kick up the pants we needed to have a healthier diet and lifestyle and that has improved other medical conditions too, not just the diabetes symptoms. Losing weight can improve sleep apnea I believe and my asthma is improved to the point of being almost non existent unless I don't get my daily exercise for a few days. Nothing too strenuous by the way, but just a brisk daily walk. I also no longer suffer debilitating acute migraines which had been a problem for more than 20 years. They stopped the day I started following a low carb way of eating. My joint pain is also dramatically reduced and I can now run or skip down hills whereas before I was hobbling. Not saying this will necessarily be the case for you but losing weight can improve a lot of things. I feel fitter than I have done for 20+ years and I feel younger, so my diabetes diagnosis actually seems to have made me better in many respects rather than unwell. Yes, it was hard to change my diet initially, but once you adjust and figure out what to buy and how to cook it and learn to like new things, you stop craving the stuff you have given up. I still have treats, they are now just different treats to those I over indulged in before and I appreciate them a lot more.
I hope you also find you benefit from this situation in unexpected ways and that it can be a positive thing once you get over the initial shock and start taking action to deal with it. It sounds like your GP also has a positive attitude which is a bonus. Let us know how you get on with your appointment tomorrow and what medication you are given. We may be able to give you some practical tips or fill in any gaps in information that can sometimes go in one ear and out the other at these appointments. We have all been there and as you realize there is a steep learning curve ahead of you, but the forum is here for you to dip into whenever you need help, advice or support. The shared experiences of people who have been there and got the T-shirt can be quite invaluable in helping you find what works for you as an individual.

Just wanted to say that you have every reason to be optimistic if you are prepared to take on the challenge of managing your diabetes well and possibly even pushing it into remission. There are plenty of people on this forum who have achieved that through different approaches. Good luck.

Very encouraging rebrascora and I like the milestone posting under your comments.

Thank you for your support.

 

[Curlie028]

Well, what a week that was.
Doctor says I have Type 2 diabetes and put me on steadily increasing Metformin until I get to two in the morning and two in the evening. I also have "a little" protein in my urine, so them there kidneys are not behaving and she is now "a little" concerned with my blood pressure, so I'm on Lisinopril.
Went a bit mad buying recipe books but atm I'm aiming to cut back gradually on my currently massive carb diet and tweak recipes. My thinking is if I do it gradually with meals I know I like, I will be able to manage that better than flicking a switch into a completely new diet. The tactic so far is to go wheat based bread and pasta and I bought some Shirataki Konjac Noodles and Rice but haven't tried them yet and simply to slowing reduce the size of portions. I do the shopping for the family and I have also found myself reading the nutrient content on the back of packets, focusing on carbs and sugar.
I am/was a big consumer of chocolate. Kit Kats were my bar of choice and I would eat three per day. One has already been replaced by a piece of fruit, another with some sugar free wafers and the third has been replaced with a Low Carb Sugar Free keto chocolate bar. And so far that's going well.
Bought a wee gizmo to measure the glucose in my blood and it's helping me understand the impact what I swallow has on my sugar levels.
It's been an emotional roller coaster of a week too and the family have been exceptional with their support and understanding.
It's been intense!

 

[Felinia]

Wow - I just love your attitude and sensible approach. Here are some suggestions/tips I find work for me.
First thing I did when diagnosed was get an app which measures cals and carbs. I use NutraCheck at £29.99 a year. Their full web package is a lot more expensive. There is also MyFitBit.
Then I got digital scales and a clear glass bowl which I keep on my kitchen top. Most foods get weighed in the bowl before they go on the plate - no guessing portion sizes as it is surprising how small some are. Then a quick microwave to reheat if necessary.
Cutting back carbs slowly is very important as too quick can affect the eyes. One poster suggest cutting back by a third at first for a couple of weeks, then a bit more and so on, until you reach the desired level. It is suggested for Type 2 a top limit of 130gm a day. But everyone is different - react differently to certain carbs - so it is trial and error to find what suits you.
Testing is a good idea as you soon learns what your body reacts to, and by how much. That way you can tailor your food. I can take a couple of new potatoes or one small slice of bread, but rice and pasta are lethal. Cauliflower in all its forms is my new best friend, and I have discovered roasted squash and soy bean noodles.
Metformin - which can cause very unpleasant tummy problems. If they don't settle after a couple of weeks, or are affecting your ability to work, you can request the slow release version.
As you lose weight, your BP should respond and your kidneys hopefully work a bit better. I have been going through kidney problems these last 18 months following an infection, so I sympathise with you. About to provide sample 4 in 4 weeks!
Are you able to do any exercise? Even a 30 minute walk each day will help. If your body needs support, the swimming pool is a good place (I (at 100+kg) do 3 x 45 minute sessions of aquafit a week - we are all ages, shapes and sizes). My neighbour cycles twice a week.
Lots of good recipes and suggestions in the food section of this Forum
Best wishes

 

[Curlie028]

Wow - I just love your attitude and sensible approach. Here are some suggestions/tips I find work for me.
First thing I did when diagnosed was get an app which measures cals and carbs. I use NutraCheck at £29.99 a year. Their full web package is a lot more expensive. There is also MyFitBit.
Then I got digital scales and a clear glass bowl which I keep on my kitchen top. Most foods get weighed in the bowl before they go on the plate - no guessing portion sizes as it is surprising how small some are. Then a quick microwave to reheat if necessary.
Cutting back carbs slowly is very important as too quick can affect the eyes. One poster suggest cutting back by a third at first for a couple of weeks, then a bit more and so on, until you reach the desired level. It is suggested for Type 2 a top limit of 130gm a day. But everyone is different - react differently to certain carbs - so it is trial and error to find what suits you.
Testing is a good idea as you soon learns what your body reacts to, and by how much. That way you can tailor your food. I can take a couple of new potatoes or one small slice of bread, but rice and pasta are lethal. Cauliflower in all its forms is my new best friend, and I have discovered roasted squash and soy bean noodles.
Metformin - which can cause very unpleasant tummy problems. If they don't settle after a couple of weeks, or are affecting your ability to work, you can request the slow release version.
As you lose weight, your BP should respond and your kidneys hopefully work a bit better. I have been going through kidney problems these last 18 months following an infection, so I sympathise with you. About to provide sample 4 in 4 weeks!
Are you able to do any exercise? Even a 30 minute walk each day will help. If your body needs support, the swimming pool is a good place (I (at 100+kg) do 3 x 45 minute sessions of aquafit a week - we are all ages, shapes and sizes). My neighbour cycles twice a week.
Lots of good recipes and suggestions in the food section of this Forum
Best wishes

Thanks Felinia. Exercise is my next big hurdle and I'm going to have to put the excuses aside sooner rather than later.