Hello from a newbie!

[Greenie3000]

Hello,

Presently, it's not easy to know where to start.
After being prediabetic, I have recently had a blood test to confirm diabetes yet not confirm which type, yet guessing type 2 considering certain factors, and waiting till the end of July for a phone appointment with a diabetic nurse so a bit in limbo. Have a lot of self-blame for various personal reasons though been reminded that self-care is part of being actively self-compassionate. Feel daunted by what is required of me when my tank is empty whilst in a whirlwind of emotions/thoughts by it all as my late mum had diabeties and another family member has type 2.
Anyhow here we are together, hoping to support each other, learn and maybe even laugh together.
E xx

 

[cameron]

Hello and welcome to the forum @Greenie3000. 🙂

Sorry to hear about the limbo you're in, but it seems like you're being proactive which is great news. People here are happy to help, so please feel free to ask any questions. No such thing as a silly question here.

I know you're still waiting for your diagnosis, but were you advised to make some lifestyle changes in the meantime? Exercise, diet?

 

[BlueArmy]

Hello,

Presently, it's not easy to know where to start.
After being prediabetic, I have recently had a blood test to confirm diabetes yet not confirm which type, yet guessing type 2 considering certain factors, and waiting till the end of July for a phone appointment with a diabetic nurse so a bit in limbo. Have a lot of self-blame for various personal reasons though been reminded that self-care is part of being actively self-compassionate. Feel daunted by what is required of me when my tank is empty whilst in a whirlwind of emotions/thoughts by it all as my late mum had diabeties and another family member has type 2.
Anyhow here we are together, hoping to support each other, learn and maybe even laugh together.
E xx

Hello Greenie,

Were the same age, you and I. so probably have a lot in common in terms of life challenges etc. My Dad and Uncle are diabetics, my brother and mother are both pre-diabetics. So first thing to note is, it's in the genes, so you can stop the self beating now as it benefits you in no way at all and actually the depression and stress that causes probably makes it worse. I also got the warning shot at the 40 year medical screen that I was pre-diabetic, and I had a burst of activity to sort it out and that lasted 8 months then I thought I had nailed it, life got in the way and then it got me properly. It's quite common, so dismiss it and move on, no point worrying about should of's and could of's, it doesn't help.

Your tank is empty, as your diabetic and by the sounds of it, yet to start with any diet or exercise improvements or medication. Honestly, I didn't realise how unwell I was, until I started on Metformin and my BG levels dropped back to a manageable area and I felt the difference. It creeps up on you over time and you fail to notice how much it sap's life out of you. I also stopped sweating when resting, sleeping throughout the day, peeing all the time including multiple times in the night and over the course of the first couple of weeks, I was able to get some proper sleep and some energy back. My mood improved, I felt better and more positive. Being diagnosed is not a life sentence, it's the reverse, its the first step in getting your life back.

End of July for a appointment with the diabetic nurse seems a long way off. Have you been prescribed anything yet or given any advice from the GP?

 

[Felinia]

Hi and welcome. You did not say what your HbA1c was, or if you have been put on medication. Knowing that will help us help you. Type 2 is most likely, as you have not been given an appointment to see a real person. But you need to compile a list of questions to ask your DSN.
While you wait a month to speak to the DSN you can start to help yourself. I suggest you start by working your way through the Learning Zone for Type 2, one module a day, so you can take it in. There is a section explaining all the tests that a diabetic should regularly have, and these are what you must ask your DSN about. They include foot and eye tests. There is also a section about the healthy eating plan that is recommended.
Most diabetics benefit from reducing the carbs in their diet - not just the obvious ones, like cakes, biscuits, sweets, pastries, sugar, but bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, root vegetables, processed foods (loaded with sugars), and most fruit. Some cut them out and find substitutes, like cauliflower rice, courgetti. Others reduce the portion size, and switch to wholegrain. Diabetes UK recommends less than 130gm carbs per day, so I suggest you keep a food diary. I aim for 90gm per day, but we are all different and you will need to find out what suits you best. I've got an online app (NutraCheck) which does all the hard work for me by measuring cals, carbs, sugars etc and records them by meal. by day and by week. You need to weigh everything, but I keep digital scales and a clear glass bowl on my worktop, so it just takes a matter of seconds, and tap into the app.
If you are overweight, you should try and lose some. And exercise is very important, even if it is only a short walk every day. The Learning Zone will offer you guidance on that as well.
We have all been where you are now - I too ignored my pre-diabetes. I've learned so much from this Forum and asked loads of questions and everyone is very willing to support. Best wishes.

 

[SB2015]

Welcome to the forum @Greenie3000 and sorry to hear that you feel in such a limbo position.

If you were Type 1 it is likely that you would have an appointment a lot sooner, as problems can develop quickly. you are guessing Type 2 and have already been given a lot of advice around this, with changes that you could make to diet and levels of exercise. Even if your appointment is a little way off small changes now can have a big impact.

Each of us is different and we have to find out what our bodies can cope with. As @Felinia has suggested an honest food diary can help you, and your nurse make appropriate decisions around medications. It is the carbohydrate content of what you eat (not just sugars) that all gets converted to glucose once inside us. The more carbs we eat, the more glucose is in our blood so the more insulin is needed. With Diabetes we do not have enough (or any for T1) insulin to match the amount of glucose. If you know how many carbs you are eating at each meal and/or snack you can then start to make adjustments. This could be swapping to lower carb options or reducing portion sizes.

Do come back with any questions that you have.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Greenie3000

You can do this. We believe in you. And we will be alongside every step of the way to offer pointers, shared experiences, to understand the frustrations, and to offer hundreds of virtual shoulders to lean on.

Hopefully this moment will become a catalyst that spurs you on towards making some positive changes, which will give you more energy and a brighter outlook. As @BlueArmy suggests, sometimes you don’t realise how lethargic and worn down you have been feeling, and how much erratic or elevated blood glucose levels have been contributing to your low mood.

One step at a time. Bit by bit. Little by little.