Hello - New Type 2 -

[skippyinspace]

Hi All,

I was diagnosed with Type 2 at the start of November after about 8 years of being prediabetic. Diagnosed HbA1c was 50 mmol/mol (6.7%) on 20/10/2022 which was an increase from 40mmol in the 12 months before.

Have been amazed at the sudden appointments for eyes, feet, explanations and education courses - NHS Scotland Control it and the access to My diabetes my way website for records etc.

Im an early 50's male 6ft 2ish and just over 19 stone, So weight loss is a major goal, Im 90% vegetarian but mainly processed food, Time excuse. But Im a fidget eater. I will eat 2 bars of chocolate and teo small bags of crisps in 10 minutes, I did try and replace them with apples so it became 4 apples in 10 minutes. Before Covid I was nearly 21 stone but did football fans in training and dropped to 18 stone but at the time I was off work with depression, So I could find time to increase my steps etc.

My psychologist once used the term passive suicide to describe my actions and I believe now this is the outcome of the behaviours that I had done in that phase.

Since the diagnosis my mood as been quite low, First week was a case of starting act, seaweed crisps, smaller bowls, no upsizing, etc The last week has been I know I should be doing something but cant be bothered. But the plan is to start doing walking football from Monday night to get me started again slowly.

As for eating have requested referrals to the NHS Scotland eating programs (Though I don't think I would be accepted) and looked at noon at the likes but costs are so confusing and in this climate probably not sustainable. Have even thought about hypnosis but the thought and cost of someone messing with my messed up mind doesn't appeal to me.

So anyway I just need to get my act together and has they say the longest journey starts with the first step.

Thanks for reading

 

[Leadinglights]

Welcome to the forum, sorry that circumstances conspired to push you into the diabetes zone but take heart as you are at a point where some life style changes can have a good impact. The exercise with the football is a good start and if you can do some more walking that will help.
I don't know how the system works in Scotland but your GP might refer you to a program which is based on low calorie shakes and can give a kick start to weight loss.
People find that a low carbohydrate approach works for both reducing blood glucose and losing weight. Low carb is suggested as being no more than 130g total carbs per day but certainly is not NO carbs.
From what your diet has been it will be a considerable change but there are still plenty of foods you can have. It is a bit harder if you are vegetarian as meat and fish are pretty well carb free but eggs and cheese with veg and salads can form the basis of tasty meals. Some of the vegetarian products can be high in carbs so you need to look carefully at the total carbs for the portion you would have.
Have a look at this link for ideas for modifying your diet.

Freshwell Low Carb Project - Home

lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk

There are many foods that are considered healthy for non diabetics but sadly are not so if Type 2.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis with diabetes @skippyinspace

And sorry to hear of your mental health challenges too. That can be a real drag on your motivation

My own experience has been that elevated BG levels seem to have a mood lowering effect as well as creating a sense of lethargy and tiredness, so it can be a bit of a double-whammy

But the good news is that if you are able to make a few changes to your menu, and begin to gradually shift your BG more towards a healthy range, you could see some improvements to your mood, that might make things easier for you.

Good to hear that you are in contact with a psychologist, and great to hear about the walking football. Hopefully that will give you a sense of connectedness and camaraderie as well as the physical benefits of being more active.

Good luck with your starting steps on your diabetes journey. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and folks here are behind you every step of the way 🙂