Hello from me

[Shevicks]

Hi, I was diagnosed T2 two weeks ago. I have been testing testing testing since (against the wishes of my Doctor). I am very confused by the advice given on diet, and have been trying to follow low fat, low GI carb diet as advised. My blood results seem to be ok, 2 hours after eating they are usually in the 6-7 range and prior to eating are 5-6 (except in the morning when the are 6-7). My highest reading was 8.2, which was 2 hours following a particularly scrummy meal out with friends! Are these results ok or should I be aiming for lower? Should I try lower carb diet?

I am 44 years old (and far too heavy), I have lost 10lbs since diagnosis and need to give up smoking. I have a 16 month old golden retriever, and have been walking for over an hour a day for the last 12 months. I have POCS and have been living with very high levels of stress since my husband died last year, the Doctor says that this stress may have been a factor in the development of the diabetes.

I have just been having a look around the forum, and I am very pleased to have found you all. I am looking forward to getting you know you! xx

 

[Northerner]

Hi Shevicks, welcome to the forum 🙂 From what you have said I think you have made an excellent start! Your levels sound really good, you are losing weight and getting exercise - all these things will help to keep your levels steady and within normal range. The only thing, as you know, is that you will really benefit from stopping smoking. Not only will it improve your health generally, it will also contribute to your diabetes control. It's a lot of changes to take on all at once, so try not to get overwhelmed with everything, it can't be rushed as you need to make changes that will become part of your life (and hopefully an enjoyable part of your life - many people find they are given the spur to become fitter and healthier than they ever were before diagnosis!)

Sorry to hear about your husband. Stress can cause blood sugars to rise, and this can exacerbate things if you are already suffering an impaired glucose response or insulin resistance. Exercise and losing weight will both improve things for you and help relieve the stress.

Please ask any questions you may have, and we will do our best to help - and we are always here to offer support when things get tough 🙂

 

[Steff]

Hi Shevicks and welcome to the forum

 

[Vicsetter]

Hi Shevicks and welcome. Sorry to hear about your loss, it must make it very hard with no-one close to talk to. As a life long smoker I would repeat what Northerner said, please, please please give up the smoking.

Your diabetes control seems great and I would suggest you just carry on with your diet. Your GP is against you testing because it's easy to become obsessive and worry about a bad result.

I started smoking when I was 10/11 and smoked fairly heavily up to age 56 when I gave up, finally (with the help of Ziban (see your GP about this, I'm sure they would be only too pleased to help) and gave up on my wedding anniversary as a present). A few months later I had a heart attack, that is 6 years ago now and I am finally feeling a lot better (apart from the diabetes). Not that I want to worry you, but giving up is the best thing you can do for your health.

 

[Andy HB]

Welcome to the forum.

Your blood glucose details look broadly in line with mine (when I'm being a reasonably good chap).

I'd wait to see what your HbA1c is before deciding on any further diet changes. If it's in the 5's then I really think that your control is perfectly fine. If it's in the low 6's then it's up to you to decide whether that is good enough for you (but, personally, I'd be pretty relaxed about that too!).

Andy 🙂

 

[am64]

hi welcome to forum ...i have similar levels to you aswell and my gp is very happy ..i have maintained a HbA1c of 6.4 for over a year now ...its all about moderation i have decided x good luck and remember no question is regarded silly here and we will do our best to give you advice x🙂

 

[PhilT]

Hi Shevicks, welcome to the forum.