Hello there :) type 2 here

[Mal]

Hi I'm Mal
i got a DX just last week and seen my GP this morning and got started Metformin ,
i also have my first appointment with my nurse on Friday .

I also have MS and was reading that there could be some kind of connection between
MS and Diabetes , any body here suffer from both ?

Regards
Mal

 

[Northerner]

Hi Mal, welcome to the forum 🙂 Haven't heard about a connection with MS, how long have you had that diagnosis?

How did your diabetes diagnosis come about, did you have symptoms? Do you have other family members with diabetes? Sorry for all the questions! 🙂

I'd suggest having a read of Maggie Davey's letter - written by a Type 2 and something that covers in good detail how to go about tackling this. It's a serious condition, but it can be controlled well and doesn't need to cause you any problems if you understand it and keep learning 🙂 I'd also recommend getting a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker, which will help to guide you through the early months.

Let us know how the appointment goes, and please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions or concerns 🙂

 

[Wirrallass]

Hi Mal and a warm welcome to our friendly & supportive forum from a like Type 2. Sorry to hear you've been dx (Diagnosed) but glad you found us as this forum has a collective wealth of knowledge ready and willing to impart to you - & for starters you have been given good advice above from @Northerner.

I'm not certain but it seems more likely that Type1 diabetes would have more of a connection to MS since its also an auto immune condition - unlike Type2 diabetes which isn't so I doubt there is a correlation between Type2 and MS. Have you discussed your MS with your DSN - and your MS Specialist about you having Diabetes?

With regard to your Type2 diabetes I would suggest that you be mindful of your sugar intake, refined carbs and alcohol intake. The body sees them all as sugar and reacts accordingly. Do exercise if you are able to and keep a watchful eye on your self tested bgls (blood glucose levels) that is if you have been supplied with a meter testing kit from your GP or DSN (Diabetes Specialist Nurse)

If you haven't been given a meter testing kit then do ask for one - and if you're refused one then do ask why not. You may be told that it would cause you to worry - or it's not necessary as you will have regular blood tests called HbA1c every 12 wks to determine how much glucose is in your blood.

The meter itself is a small gadget & comes with testing strips, lancets & a lancet device and is an essential part of controlling your diabetes especially in the early days so do try to persuade your DSN or GP to supply you with one. Some of us rely on diet and exercise only to manage our individual diabetes - and as our diabetes is an individual thing it's a case of what suits one doesn't always suit another - but you will learn all this yourself given time.

I dont wish to overwhelm you any further at this time Mal as I appreciate your dx initially would have been an overwhelming shock to you and there's only so much one can take in at this stage. If it's any consolation we have all been where you are at now and are happy to accompany you on your diabetes journey.

There is a thread called *Useful links for people with diabetes* - it is the first thread in the thread *Newbies say hello here* which you will find very helpful.

There are others who will come along to offer you more guidance & advice but in the meantime take care and do please stay in touch.
WL
.................................................
Dx, Type 2 April 2016
Metform withdrawn
Diet control and exercise only.

 

[Bubbsie]

Hi I'm Mal
i got a DX just last week and seen my GP this morning and got started Metformin ,
i also have my first appointment with my nurse on Friday .

I also have MS and was reading that there could be some kind of connection between
MS and Diabetes , any body here suffer from both ?

Regards
Mal

Hi Mal...lots of good advice given above...so I won't repeat it...except to say the book recommended Type 2 Diabetes the First year is an excellent introduction to understanding our condition...the author is a diabetic herself...takes you through her first year month by month...from her diagnosis onwards...explains exactly what diabetes is...answers many of the questions we all have...how/why...explains self testing your blood sugars...how to do that...why...and the benefits from it...it's a very easy read...wondering how much information/support you have been given by your health care team...diabetes management can be a minefield with the wealth of information available...can be difficult to decide what's right for us...do you know what your blood sugars levels were at diagnosis?...have you been booked on an education course yet (if t all)...sounds like a major interrogation there😱...but...with a little more information on how much you've been told...understand about your diabetes...that may help members offer the right support...make the right suggestions...ask what you need to...anything at all...any particular difficulties...I've no doubt one of us here will be able to assist...good luck...keep us updated...be interested to hear how you progress.

 

[grovesy]

Welcome.

 

[Bill Stewardson]

Hello to Mal.

 

[Stitch147]

Hi Mal welcome to the forum.

 

[Grannylorraine]

Welcome

 

[Mal]

Hi Mal, welcome to the forum 🙂 Haven't heard about a connection with MS, how long have you had that diagnosis?

How did your diabetes diagnosis come about, did you have symptoms? Do you have other family members with diabetes? Sorry for all the questions! 🙂

I'd suggest having a read of Maggie Davey's letter - written by a Type 2 and something that covers in good detail how to go about tackling this. It's a serious condition, but it can be controlled well and doesn't need to cause you any problems if you understand it and keep learning 🙂 I'd also recommend getting a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker, which will help to guide you through the early months.

Let us know how the appointment goes, and please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions or concerns 🙂

Hi and thanks for the info
Ive been DX with MS for four and a half year but had it for a lot longer , it was masked by Fibromyalgia and wasn't diagnosed
until i started having seizures and had a MRI .....i was diagnosed with diabetes after having blood tests , long story but I've been having regular blood tests after one of the meds I've been taking started damaging my liver , some of the symptoms between MS and diabetes are the same , fatigue , dizzy spells and eye problems , My sister also has type 2 diabetes.

 

[Steff]

Hi mal and welcome

 

[Mal]

Hi Mal and a warm welcome to our friendly & supportive forum from a like Type 2. Sorry to hear you've been dx (Diagnosed) but glad you found us as this forum has a collective wealth of knowledge ready and willing to impart to you - & for starters you have been given good advice above from @Northerner.

I'm not certain but it seems more likely that Type1 diabetes would have more of a connection to MS since its also an auto immune condition - unlike Type2 diabetes which isn't so I doubt there is a correlation between Type2 and MS. Have you discussed your MS with your DSN - and your MS Specialist about you having Diabetes?

With regard to your Type2 diabetes I would suggest that you be mindful of your sugar intake, refined carbs and alcohol intake. The body sees them all as sugar and reacts accordingly. Do exercise if you are able to and keep a watchful eye on your self tested bgls (blood glucose levels) that is if you have been supplied with a meter testing kit from your GP or DSN (Diabetes Specialist Nurse)

If you haven't been given a meter testing kit then do ask for one - and if you're refused one then do ask why not. You may be told that it would cause you to worry - or it's not necessary as you will have regular blood tests called HbA1c every 12 wks to determine how much glucose is in your blood.

The meter itself is a small gadget & comes with testing strips, lancets & a lancet device and is an essential part of controlling your diabetes especially in the early days so do try to persuade your DSN or GP to supply you with one. Some of us rely on diet and exercise only to manage our individual diabetes - and as our diabetes is an individual thing it's a case of what suits one doesn't always suit another - but you will learn all this yourself given time.

I dont wish to overwhelm you any further at this time Mal as I appreciate your dx initially would have been an overwhelming shock to you and there's only so much one can take in at this stage. If it's any consolation we have all been where you are at now and are happy to accompany you on your diabetes journey.

There is a thread called *Useful links for people with diabetes* - it is the first thread in the thread *Newbies say hello here* which you will find very helpful.

There are others who will come along to offer you more guidance & advice but in the meantime take care and do please stay in touch.
WL
.................................................
Dx, Type 2 April 2016
Metform withdrawn
Diet control and exercise only.

Hi WL thanks for the welcome
what i know about diabetes you can write on the back of a postage stamp lol so all the tips are very welcome ,
like i say i see my nurse for the first time on Friday so I'm hoping to find out more and come away with a load
of leaflets and a meter testing kit , all the testing is something I've got to learn about :-/

 

[Mal]

Hi Mal...lots of good advice given above...so I won't repeat it...except to say the book recommended Type 2 Diabetes the First year is an excellent introduction to understanding our condition...the author is a diabetic herself...takes you through her first year month by month...from her diagnosis onwards...explains exactly what diabetes is...answers many of the questions we all have...how/why...explains self testing your blood sugars...how to do that...why...and the benefits from it...it's a very easy read...wondering how much information/support you have been given by your health care team...diabetes management can be a minefield with the wealth of information available...can be difficult to decide what's right for us...do you know what your blood sugars levels were at diagnosis?...have you been booked on an education course yet (if t all)...sounds like a major interrogation there😱...but...with a little more information on how much you've been told...understand about your diabetes...that may help members offer the right support...make the right suggestions...ask what you need to...anything at all...any particular difficulties...I've no doubt one of us here will be able to assist...good luck...keep us updated...be interested to hear how you progress.

Thanks for the kind welcome
Ill definitely be giving the book a read , i know nothing about testing or diets , i suppose the support will begin on
Friday when i start seeing the nurse ...."blood sugars levels were at diagnosis?" i can't even remember when I'm supposed up
the dose of Metformin and i was only told yesterday lol

 

[mikeyB]

Hi I'm Mal
i got a DX just last week and seen my GP this morning and got started Metformin ,
i also have my first appointment with my nurse on Friday .

I also have MS and was reading that there could be some kind of connection between
MS and Diabetes , any body here suffer from both ?

Regards
Mal

It's usually T1 that is associated with MS, they are both autoimmune conditions. I suspect you may just be unlucky in getting T2.

The answer to your question is yes, but it is not for me to say who that is - I'll pass on a message.

 

[Kentoldlady]

Hello Mal. I am new here too so no advice to give but just popped in to say hi!
My uncle also has ms. And he is lada, although originally told he was type 2.
I am t2d with hypothyroidism, as are my mum and all her sisters. Of the 8 siblings 1 is my uncle, 1sister died in her 30s but all the other sisters have had the same diagnosis. Two sisters were overweight but the others, including my mum, were very thin.
I have been doing a great deal of reading and it would seem that t2d is far more complicated than just being overweight.
Our immune systems are not well understood but there does seem to be a link with t2d and ms, although as has already been said it has only been linked to t1 until recently.
So much to learn. X

 

[Mal]

Hello Mal. I am new here too so no advice to give but just popped in to say hi!
My uncle also has ms. And he is lada, although originally told he was type 2.
I am t2d with hypothyroidism, as are my mum and all her sisters. Of the 8 siblings 1 is my uncle, 1sister died in her 30s but all the other sisters have had the same diagnosis. Two sisters were overweight but the others, including my mum, were very thin.
I have been doing a great deal of reading and it would seem that t2d is far more complicated than just being overweight.
Our immune systems are not well understood but there does seem to be a link with t2d and ms, although as has already been said it has only been linked to t1 until recently.
So much to learn. X

Hi and thanks for the kind welcome
yeah you read different things all the time.........i have just been reading this "
Type 2 diabetes is in the process of being redefined as an autoimmune disease rather than just a metabolic disorder, said an author of a new study published in Nature Medicine this week, the findings of which may lead to new diabetes treatments that target the immune system instead of trying to control blood sugar.

 

[mikeyB]

A single study doesn't change the nature of ALL T2. Some may possibly be autoimmune, but the overwhelming evidence accumulated over the years indicates that most cases are metabolic. The last thing the US needs is a get out of jail free card for millions of obese American T2s.

 

[Bubbsie]

Thanks for the kind welcome
Ill definitely be giving the book a read , i know nothing about testing or diets , i suppose the support will begin on
Friday when i start seeing the nurse ...."blood sugars levels were at diagnosis?" i can't even remember when I'm supposed up
the dose of Metformin and i was only told yesterday lol

Hi Mal...you're in exactly the same position many of us found ourselves in at diagnosis...fortunately you've joined the forum early...so that's a real positive...the book is definitely a must read for you...at diagnosis I knew zilch...no idea how to deal with my diabetes...what to do & so on...I joined the forum...considered the advice/suggestions made...read the book...began self monitoring my blood glucose levels...now I am managing reasonably well...sometimes the lack of support...contradictory advice given (by well meaning people & our health care teams) can be disappointing...surprising...there are some here who have had great support from their health care teams...others not...however...you can manage your diabetes by adjusting your diet/lifestyle...increasing your activity (if you are able to) ...I believe before we can do that effectively...we need to understand exactly what diabetes is...how it affects us...how to deal/manage it...again this is where the book explains all of that in detail...from the perspective of someone living with it...managing it...do let us know how your appointment goes on Friday...make sure you note down any points you want to address with the nurse before you see her...some DSN's are brilliant...others not so...it can be a bit of a lottery...however...you can ask any questions you need to here...no doubt one of us will be able to advise/suggest a solution...often type 2 diabetics on Metformin or diet & exercise only are advised there is no need to test their blood sugar levels...I was...if that is the advice given on Friday...come back to us...we can offer you support/guidance with that...good luck...keep us updated.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Hi I'm Mal
i got a DX just last week and seen my GP this morning and got started Metformin ,
i also have my first appointment with my nurse on Friday .

I also have MS and was reading that there could be some kind of connection between
MS and Diabetes , any body here suffer from both ?

Regards
Mal

Hi Mal and welcome to the forum.
I have type1 plus MS and a few other autoimmune conditions.

 

[Ditto]

Hello Mal, welcome to the forum 🙂

 

[Mal]

Had my appointment with my nurse today , it went ok , she went through telling
me all about Type 2 Diabetes , I'm sure you all know the routine , checking feet ,
she was a bit puzzled why i had no feeling in my right foot until i told her that feeling was taking away
by MS but i still had a strong pulse in it lol

So really its down to me , changing what i eat , cutting out the sugar in my food , so I've already
been out buying sweeteners for my coffee and I've not had one biscuit today ......i had two ...just a joke 😉

I turned down going on the two day , 2 hrs a day course to learn more about Diabetes "for now "
to be honest I'm just pig sick of the sight of hospitals , i was there on Thursday to see my MS nurse and they still haven't sorted
out new disease modifying drugs to put me on so they will be more visits :-/

But I'm feeling ok about it all , I've had no side effects from the Metformin , hopefully the next time i see
the nurse (3 months ) ill be eating sensibly and number whatever it means lol will be down from 65 and
ill be wearing my old jeans 😉