Hello

[Richard00100]

Hi
I am new here and on a mission for information about blood sugar levels
I was diagnosed with type 2 just before Christmas and had a count of 18
the Dr put me on 2 metformin and I have just seen the diabetic nurse for the
1st time today.
She gave me a meter and told me to start taking readings... so before tea I was 22 and now 2 hours after taking my pill I am 33.3 ....
Is this normal as I have only been on the Metformin for just over 2 weeks...
Thanks in advance ...

 

[Northerner]

Hi Richard, welcome to the forum 🙂 It's great to hear that your nurse has given you a meter, you can use it to build up a picture of what elements of your diet you can tolerate well, and what things you should avoid. Diabetes is mainly about carbohydrates - bread, potatoes, rice, pasta etc. - so these are the types of food you need to pay most attention to. I would recommend starting a food diary, noting down the amount of carbohydrate (in grams) in the meals you eat. You can use the information on packaging, or a book such as the Collins Gem Calorie Counter . Also, have a read of Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S , which will explain how to use your blood tests most efficiently 🙂

Metformin takes a while to establish itself, so things will take a little while before you start to see and feel the improvements, but the main thing you can do is to work out your carb intake and look for areas where you might reduce or replace items e.g. fewer potatoes, more green veg. Exercise is also very helpful, as this will make you more sensitive to any insulin you are producing, and help to lower your levels.

I'd recommend reading Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter, and getting a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker - these will all help you to understand what you are dealing with, and help you to conquer it 🙂

Please let us know if you have any questions, and we will do our best to help! 🙂

 

[Richard00100]

Many thanks for the welcome Northerner and a starting place for me to find out some information 🙂

 

[Mark T]

Welcome to the forum Richard00100 🙂

Although, 22 and 33 sound more then a little high to me! If you feel unwell in yourself then doing 111 might be a good idea.

 

[parrdale]

welcome Richard new here myself, was never offered a meter its diet for me at the moment, but didn't now should I laugh or cry when told need to lose 4-5 stone in weight

 

[KookyCat]

Welcome aboard Richard. Having a good read of everything available is the best start, and testing before and after meals tells you how well you tolerate carbohydrate, and the Metformin will help your body deal with those carbs. Those figures are quite high so do keep in touch with your nurse. When my readings were at those levels I felt quite unwell so I hope they come down for you soon.

 

[Richard00100]

Thanks for the welcome

Thanks everyone 🙂
I must have been flipping around the messages for a good few hours last night it is so nice to find other people in my situation and who are here for support 🙂
I know how you feel Parrdale I am looking at around 5 -6 stone needs to go 😱