I have just been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes
I was rather surprised that the Dr just told me to stop cakes and biscuits - no other diet info was given. I was prescribed tables - 1 a day for the 1st week - then 2 a day. I have to return in 2months for a retest.
Any tips- ? Do I need to buy a Blood glucose level metre ?
Any help would be really appreciated -
John in Cornwall
Hi John, welcome to the forum
🙂 Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, how did it come about?
I'm guessing you have been prescribed metformin. Be aware that many people suffer gastric upsets as a side-effect (mostly wind), but this should subside over a couple of weeks - if you find it becomes intolerable then do go back to your doctor and ask for the 'slow-release' version, which many people tolerate better
🙂
The advice you have been given is totally inadequate
You need to consider not just sugary items, but ALL carbohydrates, as these are what cause your blood sugar levels to rise the most. So things like bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and things made with flour are all things you need to be careful of. You don't need to give all these up, but you do need to find out what you tolerate well, and in what quantities, and what you need to steer clear of. I would suggest starting a food diary and noting down the amount of carbohydrates, in grams, in everything you eat and drink. You can usually find this information on food packaging, or if not (e.g. for fresh fruit or veg etc.) you can look it up on google and weigh amounts of things like rice, pasta etc.
You ask about a meter - yes, you should definitely get one. If your doctor has not supplied one (and he/she doesn't sound the type who would, given the dietary advice you were given - more likely to tell you you don't need to test
🙄)) the the cheapest option we have come across is the
SD Codefree Meter which has
test strips at around £8 for 50 - many of our members use this as test strips can be up to £30 for 50 for some other types and they all do the same basic job to the same standards!
🙂 I would suggest then reading
Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S in order to understand how you can use blood tests to determine your tolerance for various things in order to tailor your diet to suit your aim of getting good control of your levels
🙂
For further reading, I would recommend reading
Jennifer's Advice and
Maggie Davey's letter, and also getting a copy of
Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker. These will give you a good grounding in what it is all about - the more you understand, the easier and less confusing it will be!
🙂
There is a lot to take in and a lot to learn! Don't expect instant success, all this takes time and a bit of hard work as you build up experience of your own personal reactions. The prize is well-controlled diabetes which will hugely reduce your risk of developing any of the many problems associated with poorly-controlled diabetes. Many people find out that they become happier and healthier due to the adjustments they make
🙂
Good luck, and please aks any questions you may have, we will be very happy to help
🙂
