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SusyMo4

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Type 2
Hi there. Just been diagnosed and new to the site. Just trying to take it all in!!!
 
Hi SusyMo, welcome to the forum 🙂 Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, how did you find out? Are you on any medication for it?

There can be a lot to learn, but don't feel you need to know everything from day 1 - this is more of a marathon than a sprint, so take your time to absorb and understand the information and ask any and every question you may have - chances are someone here will know the answer and be able to help.

For starters, I'd suggest having a read of Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter to gie you some perspective on things. Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker is a very good book also to set you on the right track.

I look forward to hearing more from you 🙂
 
Hi Susymo
Welcome to the forum 🙂
 
Welcome to the forum SusyMo4 🙂
 
Hi there. I come from a family of type 1 and 2 diabetics and recognised the signs. That said it still came as a shock. You are quite right there is a bewildering amount of info to take in so its the start of the marathon for me!!
 
Hello SusyMo4 and welcome. You will get all the help you could wish for here from others who really know what it is like. They are all such kind, patient and helpful people. It takes a while to get used to the diagnosis and the huge changes that it brings, but you will get there, just one step at a time. 🙂
 
Thanks for the words of welcome. It's great to talk to people who understand. My biggest problem at the minute is fatigue. I could sleep 24 hrs a day. Have just started on Metformin so hopefully it will pass.
 
SusyMo4 said:
Thanks for the words of welcome. It's great to talk to people who understand. My biggest problem at the minute is fatigue. I could sleep 24 hrs a day. Have just started on Metformin so hopefully it will pass. ��
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The fatigue is most likely due to higher than normal blood sugar levels. I would suggest starting a food diary and recording the amount of carbohydrate in everything you eat and drink throughout the day. This will give you a good idea of your current carb intake, and you can then start to look for areas where you might improve things. Carbohydrate is the main thing that will raise your blood sugar levels, and not all carbs are created equal - some will raise your levels quickly, others more slowly, gradually digesting and raising levels over a longer period of time. Those 'slower' carbs give your body a better chance to cope with them so overall your levels will not rise as high. Carbs are classified according to their 'glycaemic index' - a high GI will be a 'fast' carb, so you are looking to find low GI alternatives to any high GI ones in your current diet. A big culprit is white bread, so if you're eating that then change to a seeded granary - Burgen Soya and Linseed is an excellent alternative.

I would recommend getting a copy of The GL Diet for Dummies, it's a good introduction to selecting food combinations that will have a slow, steady release of energy. Hopefully, before too long, your adaptations will start to make a difference to your energy levels and you will feel less fatigued 🙂

Just a word about metformin: it can take a couple of weeks before it becomes established in your system and you start to feel the benefits. It can have side-effects, which should subside, but if you find you really can't tolerate it there is a slow release version, so ask your GP about it.
 
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Bought the Carbs and Cals publication today. Amazing book. Will also have a go at the GI For Dummies as suggested. Thanks for the tip.
 
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