Hi

[JoTomasso]

Hi, I have just been diagnosed with Type 2 and have been placed on Metformin. I am very new to all this but found this site via Diabetes.org.uk, so thought i'd join.

I was wondering if anyone can suggest something to take when you have a cold, as I don't really want to take more tablets, so was looking for a suitable liquid to take?

Thanks
Jo

 

[Northerner]

Hi Jo, welcome to the forum 🙂 Sorry to hear about your diagnosis - how did it come about? Had you had symptoms for long?

The good news is that, although it is a serious condition, diabetes is something that can be managed well with the right knowledge and application, so there is no reason why you shouldn't enjoy good health and happiness, despite your diagnosis. In fact, many people find their diagnosis is the spur to make modifications to their diet and activity levels which result in them feeling much better than they have felt for a long time! It's true! 🙂

Firstly, don't panic. It will take a while to get your head around things, so take things at your own speed, one step at a time - don't become overwhelmed by it all, this is a 'marathon' not a sprint, and you want the adjustments you make to be sustainable. I would recommend starting by reading Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter. These will put you in the picture about what to expect. I would also recommend getting a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker, which many of our members have found very helpful.

Please ask any questions you may have - nothing is considered 'silly', and there is a wealth of information and experience here, and people very happy to help out.

Regarding cold remedies, it might be worth asking your pharmacist what they recommend. A lot of medicines, especially liquid ones, contain a lot of sugar or glucose, and therefore they can have an adverse effect on your blood sugar levels - the pharmacist will be able to recommend something suitable 🙂

I look frward to hearing more from you! 🙂

 

[JoTomasso]

Hi Northerner,

Thank you for your reply 🙂
My dad thought I had Thyroid problems like he has as I haven't been sleeping, put on a lot of weight and other symptoms, so went for a general health check and blood tests. They then called me in and told me I had Type 2 Diabetes (it runs in my family; mother, uncle, grandfather).
I've cut down my portion sizes and am checking everything for the amount of sugars in it, but finding it all quite hard - I will definitely check out the bits you have mentioned - thank you.
I think i'm stressing my partner out too as it seems to be putting a bit of a strain as I never know what I should eat, and he just wants to eat normally (which he can). I guess this will get better once I get used to it all.
My next strategy is trying to find a gym to go to, where I stick to it (as have been to gyms before and get scared that people are staring, I know they're not, its just a thing in my brain telling me that).

Anyway, it could be worse is the way I have to look at it, there are plenty of people out there with tougher roads ahead.

On the pharmacy thing - went to one and they said - yes, take this, but when I got home having paid an arm and a leg, it said inside - do not take if you have diabetes.......

Thanks
Jo

 

[Copepod]

Welcome to the forum, JoTomasso.

There's a saying about colds, with more than an element of truth: an untreated cold will go in 7 days; a treated cold will pass in a week.

You do realise that taking metformin is only part of the treatment for type 2 diabetes? It's also important to watch what you eat, particularly paying attention to carbohydrate content, be physically active, and, if you're overweight, then tackle that by being active and balancing calories in food to what you need.

If you don't feel at ease at a gym, then what about walking / cycling more eg replacing parts of journeys you now do by car or public transport, or increasing gardening etc. Or trying outdoor activities that will get you walking / cycling more eg geocaching, orienteering, photography etc.

 

[JoTomasso]

Thank you for your message Copepod.
Yes, I do realise about the medication, I have been trying to lose weight for a while and find it difficult, hence the gym side of things, but thank you for your info.

I'm new to all of this, and I will get there, i'm just trying to find a way to cope with it all, so thank you again for all the suggestions.

Jo

 

[Northerner]

Jo, as Copepod has said, carbohydrates are the main concern - sugar is a carbohydrate, but so are things like rice, pasta, potatoes, bread etc. You don't have to cur these out of your diet entirely, but it can be useful to use smaller portions of these items in your meals and replace them with other, more diabetes-friendly items, such as more green veg instead of potatoes, or sweet potatoes/cauliflower mash instead of ordinary potato. I'd suggest starting a food diary, writing down in particular the amount (in grams) of the carbohydrates in what you eat and drink each day. This will give you a good picture of your current diet and where you can make simple and tasty substitutions to improve it. There is no special 'diabetic' diet - a diet that is healthy for a person with diabetes is healthy for everyone, so don't worry that you may end up having a lot of restrictions that might make your meals boring and unappetising! 🙂

What you are aiming for is eating a quantity and type of carbohydrate that your pancreas can cope with and your body tolerates well 🙂 One good principle to follow is the 'low GI/GL' method of selecting and combining foods that will have a slower and steadier release of their energy, and therefore are kinder to your system. I would recommend looking at The GL Diet for Dummies as a good introduction.

Regarding exercise - doesn't have to be a gym, just needs to be something you can easily do each day for 30 mins (or more, depending what you feel like!). I used to be with a gym, but found all the business of getting myself there and back etc. too much hassle. Running is my main form of exercise, plus a short workout from a DVD - much cheaper. If you enjoy the gym though, then go for it - do you have a friend in a similar situation who could be your 'gym buddy'? It would make you feel less self-conscious about going, perhaps. My experience of gyms was that most people were just ordinary people like me - the only people who got stared at were the lycra-clad super fit people, but they were stared at because they were so rarely seen and looked out of place! 🙂

 

[Amigo]

Hi Jo, I've just been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes too and understand your concerns. Initially it felt like an hour by hour struggle and having to think and buy ahead with food. It's made me realise just what a high proportion of food is high carb loaded in cafes too!
I am trying again with diet control because the Metformin caused me bad side effects. Really hope it works well for you 🙂

Best Wishes

 

[HOBIE]

Lemon juice always makes me "feel" better when having a cold 🙂 Good luck 🙂