Hi Angeliquewolf, welcome to the forum
🙂 Sorry to hear about your diagnosis
If you find the metformin side-effects are intolerable, particularly with your colitis, there is a slow-release version that people generally find to be kinder, so do ask your GP for them.
There is quite a lot to learn, particularly (as you are probably aware) where diet is concerned. You need to become aware of the carbohydrates you are consuming, whether in food or drink, as this is what will raise your blood glucose levels most. You can still have them, but it's a good idea to moderate your intake and discover your own particular tolerances for different types - this can only really be achieved using a blood glucose meter, so you can monitor the effects of food before and after eating. Have a read of
Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S for an explanation of how to achieve this efficiently. If your GP hasn't prescribed a meter and strips (many don't, as they do not see the benefit of analysing your diet) it's worth investing in your own - the cheapest option we have come across is the
SD Codefree Meter which has
test strips at around £8 for 50.
I would recommend reading
Jennifer's Advice and
Maggie Davey's letter - both time-honoured explanations of how to approach your new 'friend', and also a very good book,
Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker, highly recommended by many of our readers.
Hopefully, all this will set you on the right track to getting your blood glucose levels under control, and feeling much happier and healthier in yourself
🙂 It is a serious condition, but thankfully one which can be managed well with the right knowledge, application and a bit of forward planning
🙂 Please do ask any questions you may have, and we will be very happy to help! I look forward to hearing more from you
🙂
