Hello everyone

Status
Not open for further replies.
D

DisneyDiabetic

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Pronouns
She/Her
Hey there everyone I was told I had pre diabetes last year, I think I kinda went into denial about it which I shouldn't of done cos all my older relatives have diabetes in some form. About 3 months ago I started noticing changes mostly the never ending thirst and peeing for England. Took myself off for a blood test and sure enough last week was told yup Type 2. Even though I was kinda expecting it it has still shook me. My head is still battling between the "omg my life is over" and "ok let's sort this out"
Have started on metformin now that's a lovely drug I thought the side effects had settled but no they upped it now to 2 a day so started again with the cramps. Am looking at diet and trying to get my head around the changes that I need to make. So up to now that's my story
 
Hi @DisneyDiabetic and welcome to the forum!

It can get very overwhelming in the beginning with all the information thrown your way, changes that you need to make and just in general as you said - coming to terms with it. I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling unwell on metmorfin, it can take a bit for your body to settle into it. I’m sure some users will soon offer different things that have helped them, but my only advice for the change that you mentioned is this: make sure it’s consistent and works for YOU. There’s no use in doing things that put you down, so find those that fit into your routine, eating habits etc. Those are the ones that will end up being long lasting!
 
DisneyDiabetic said:
Hey there everyone I was told I had pre diabetes last year, I think I kinda went into denial about it which I shouldn't of done cos all my older relatives have diabetes in some form. About 3 months ago I started noticing changes mostly the never ending thirst and peeing for England. Took myself off for a blood test and sure enough last week was told yup Type 2. Even though I was kinda expecting it it has still shook me. My head is still battling between the "omg my life is over" and "ok let's sort this out"
Have started on metformin now that's a lovely drug I thought the side effects had settled but no they upped it now to 2 a day so started again with the cramps. Am looking at diet and trying to get my head around the changes that I need to make. So up to now that's my story
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum. Some people actually find it a relief to get a diagnosis which explains the symptoms and will be prompted to make some changes which if you engage with what you need to do can be very successful. I'm afraid the stomach problems are well known side effect of the metformin and some do find when they up the dose it rears it head again after having settled. Having mid meal can help but if now then the slow release version if they are not already can be kinder.
As far as diet is concerned then many find a low carbohydrate approach is successful so thin link may help you with some ideas for that. Low carb is not NO carb and is generally anything lower than 130g carbs per day which is a good starting point. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
What was your HbA1C as that will give an idea of your starting point, I assume it was quite high as you were getting symptoms and you have been started on medication rather than having 3 months of dietary changes before assessing i meds are needed.
 
Leadinglights said:
Welcome to the forum. Some people actually find it a relief to get a diagnosis which explains the symptoms and will be prompted to make some changes which if you engage with what you need to do can be very successful. I'm afraid the stomach problems are well known side effect of the metformin and some do find when they up the dose it rears it head again after having settled. Having mid meal can help but if now then the slow release version if they are not already can be kinder.
As far as diet is concerned then many find a low carbohydrate approach is successful so thin link may help you with some ideas for that. Low carb is not NO carb and is generally anything lower than 130g carbs per day which is a good starting point. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
What was your HbA1C as that will give an idea of your starting point, I assume it was quite high as you were getting symptoms and you have been started on medication rather than having 3 months of dietary changes before assessing i meds are needed.
Click to expand...
My HbA1C was 82mmols on the last blood test and the nurses were adamant I needed to start the metformin asap
 
DisneyDiabetic said:
My HbA1C was 82mmols on the last blood test and the nurses were adamant I needed to start the metformin asap
Click to expand...
If it was 82mmol/mol then that does sound perfectly reasonable to start the metformin but if it is still causing you discomfort then ask for slow release if it is not already.
But if it is still an issue then there are other medications you could try.
 
DisneyDiabetic said:
My HbA1C was 82mmols on the last blood test and the nurses were adamant I needed to start the metformin asap
Click to expand...
Ah - well your nurse either has not met many like me (I often think that one is quite enough for anyone to cope with) or they are ignoring the evidence.
My HbA1c was 91 at diagnosis and all numbers were back in range quite quickly even after the really nasty consequences of taking Metformin and Atorvastatin.
If you look at a diet able to give normal numbers as just don't eat anything high carb, it is really very simple and one can eat steak or salmon for breakfast with a clear conscience.
 
Drummer said:
My HbA1C was 82mmols on the last blood test and the nurses were adamant I needed to start the metformin asap...If you look at a diet able to give normal numbers as just don't eat anything high carb, it is really very simple and one can eat steak or salmon for breakfast with a clear conscience.
Click to expand...
Bang on. You can achieve 'normal numbers' in 7-14 days - provided you have no complications.
 
JITR said:
True, but was diet and exercise before medication considered?
Click to expand...
Had been given the "lifestyle changes" chat about a year ago when they told me I was pre diabetic. Should I have listened and acted then? Yes I should of but I was very much in the mind frame of "it will never be me" lesson learned
 
Hi @DisneyDiabetic - we all think that despite my own mother telling me I seemed to have all the symptoms of diabetes so I really ought to see my doctor (I was married so not living with parents by then) and I told her not to be so over dramatic cos I was sure it wouldn't be anything serious then found myself having to eat my words the following Tuesday. One thing I do have to applaud though - which pleasantly surprised both me and my sister - she never, ever said 'I told you so!' at any time in my hearing or big sister's. Most unusual for her we both agreed!

She eventually ended her days in an old people's home and my female cousin rang me and said she wouldn't drop in there to see her again because she 'was no longer Auntie Gwen'. I replied I know that, Pat - the carers describe her as 'a sweet little old lady' - and my immediate thought was what a shame it was that she hadn't been 'a bit sweeter' when she was younger and we were all growing up!

Important thing is, what's past is past so no point in mithering about that and you absolutely can do summat about it now!
 
DisneyDiabetic said:
My HbA1C was 82mmols on the last blood test and the nurses were adamant I needed to start the metformin asap
Click to expand...

The guidelines state that the first line treatment in the absence of any CVD risk or kidney problems is offer Metformin.

Metformin won’t deny that hba1c. Lifestyle changes are far more effective. (Mine was 83, then 36 three months later thanks to weight loss and a change of diet) It came c down so much they stopped my Metformin.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top