Hello...

[Jocohono]

Hi,
I'm new to this...yesterday I got confirmation that I have Type 2 Diabetes...
I've been taking tablets for high-blood pressure for about 15 years and as part of my routine check up the nurse found my glucose levels were higher than they should be. It came as a bit of a shock as I thought I had a relatively healthily diet. But I was told heart disease and diabetes often come hand-in-hand.
I'm not sure what happens now I think I have to have an eye test and I'm meeting with a dietician in March. I think I was in a daze when I was told and I didn't take it all in, so, I have lots of questions!

 

[Northerner]

Hi Jocohono, welcome to the forum 🙂 (love the name! 🙂) Sorry to hear about your diagnosis Did they give you any other information, any medication? Another appointment with the doctor or nurse?

It's never a great diagnosis to get, but the good thing about diabetes is that it is something that you can take an active part in managing, and it's possible to have it, yet be fit and healthy also - it doesn't have to stop you from doing anything! The key is understanding what it is all about, and how best to tackle it. I'd suggest reading Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter for starters, and getting hold of a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker - these should all give you a good grounding and an idea of what to expect and how to handle things. If you have any questions there's always someone here to help, so whatever might be confusing or worrying you, please ask 🙂

 

[Jocohono]

Thank you 'Northerner' for your reply! 🙂
I don't need to take any medication yet, the nurse said they had caught it early so initially I have to try and control it with diet and exercise (my HbA1c was 57 and said I need to get it to 48 or below). She gave me a booklet with information on the different food types and portion sizes. It also mentions the DVLA - do you know if I need to let them know even if I don't need to take medication? I have another appointment with the nurse in two months to have another blood test.
Thanks for the information I'll have a read of that now, and might look into buying the book you recommended!
Thank you again 🙂

 

[Matt Cycle]

Hi Jocohono and welcome to the forum. Lots of friendly advice and support on here. 🙂

 

[Ralph-YK]

Welcome form a fellow type 2 whose one year and two months in. Does the booklet have a reference number. Sounds like a good start to me.

 

[Northerner]

No, you don't need to inform the DVLA if you are diet-controlled, it's only if you are taking certain types of medication 🙂

 

[Jocohono]

Thank you, and hello to everyone 🙂

 

[Mini-Vicki]

Hi Jocohono, welcome to this awesome forum!
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, it's always a bit of a shock. It sounds like you have some good info to help you, and everyone here is really helpful too 🙂

 

[Mark Parrott]

Hi Jocohono. I was diagnosed last month so still a learning curve for me. Everyone in this forum is lovely and you'll get plenty of help here.

 

[pav]

Hi Jocohono as Alan says when controlled by diet there's no need to inform DVLA, though your insurance will need notifying, not 100% sure on if diet controlled been so long for me, if on any meds its a requirement to notify the insurance company, it should not effect your premiums as its against the discrimination laws.

 

[Lynn Davies]

Hi and welcome to the forum Jocohono. 2 months into my journey so still learning myself.

 

[trophywench]

Hiya! Have they given you a meter, so you can check your own BG levels? We always recommend that people get one themselves if not - because only by testing before and after eating, can you tell which foods treat your blood glucose well and which don't.

 

[KookyCat]

Welcome Jocohono 🙂

 

[Stitch147]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

 

[Carolg]

Hi and welcome to forum jocohono