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Annie2533

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Type 2
Hi Everyone, am new here and in need of advice.I was diagnosed many years ago, think it was about 11-12 years ago. I accept that I am Type 2 diabetic but I dont and cannot seem to get to grips with it. My HBA1C is sitting at 89 just now.
I want to do something but just cannot seem to find any motivation.
I spend most days in my PJ’s and very rarely leave the house. I feel very alone and isolated.
I work from home during the week. I dont wanna go out as I have put on so much weight and I am disgusted in myself.
I am struggling with my diabetes and my mood is dreadfully low.
I dont know where to start or where to go from here. A xx
 
Welcome @Annie2533 🙂 That sounds really sad. Have you spoken to your GP about how you’re feeling?
 
Do phone them on Monday @Annie2533 There are various things that might offer you and they’ll be able to do a brief assessment about just how low you’re feeling. There are answers out there - things that can help.

One thing in your post struck me: that you’re “disgusted” in yourself because you’ve put on weight. Please don’t be. It sounds like things have been hard for you and sometimes circumstances just take hold of us. Try not to worry about going out. The majority of people are busy wrapped up in their own things and don’t really notice other people that much. They certainly wont be looking at you and judging you.

Try to take baby steps. For example, could you start to try to get dressed every day? It sounds such a small thing but it can help. Be kind to yourself. You’re struggling a bit and you need care not criticism from yourself. Once you’re feeling a bit more like yourself, you can get to grips with the diabetes. That will be a win-win situation because high blood sugars can drain you and make you feel lethargic and affect your mood too. Improving the diabetes will give you more energy to sort other things.
 
Hello @Annie2533 and welcome to the Forum!
Here are a few assorted comments, probably not in perfectly flowing English, but I'm sure you'll manage

Take some comfort and encouragement from the fact that you are by no means the only one who has been in that position; many of us on here have been there but have managed to pull ourselves up, so it can be done

A factor in feeling bad is that although no-one knows exactly why, many people with diabetes have a feeling of depression, anxiety, low self esteem, worry, and generally feeling not quite right, though they can't exactly describe it or pin it down

I was in a similar state, gained weight, and so on, but managed to pull myself out of it, and the way I did it was to treat looking after myself as a job .... or telling myself what to do ... or following the rules .... something like that, I hope you get the idea --
This morning I'm going to take my medication .... eat this particular type and amount of food ..... do that certain amount of exercise, even if it's only very little at first
At midday I'm going to take my medication .... eat this particular type and amount of food ..... and so on, and so on.

I forced myself to be self motivated, if you like, and I gradually improved and feel brighter
Once you start it has a sort of combined or rolling effect - as you improve, albeit very slightly, so you can do more ... so you improve ... so you can do more .... and more. Both for weight loss and self esteem

Following this scheme I lost 2 stone and gave up booze and junk food; I now eat a low carb Mediterranean diet
I do Tai Chi, simple indoor exercise, and have started walking/rambling again

There are loads of menus & recipes, on this website and elsewhere
Have a look at 'Living With Diabetes' on the Home Page and the Learning Zone, the red tab at the top of this page
There's also YouTube - you need to be a bit wary about YT and t'Net, but nevertheless you can find useful information on it
YT is also good for inspiration, there are loads of videos about people losing weight, indoor exercise, etc
Also the Exercise and Food and Weight Loss sections of this Forum

Spring is nearly here! So try getting out for an easy walk - blow what anyone else thinks, it's your health and your body - and mind too, just wandering around and admiring the view is helpful
Start with a walk to the shops or the next street, and build it up from there, along the side streets and paths and back lanes that all places have, even towns & cities. And if there isn't a handy rural view, look at the old and interesting buildings
You won't need serious hiking gear, just comfy trainers and clothing ... take some sweets and a bottle of water and away you go

Best of luck and let us know how you go on
 
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zuludog said:
Hello @Annie2533 and welcome to the Forum!
Here are a few assorted comments, probably not in perfectly flowing English, but I'm sure you'll manage

Take some comfort and encouragement from the fact that you are by no means the only one who has been in that position; many of us on here have been there but have managed to pull ourselves up, so it can be done

A factor in feeling bad is that although no-one knows exactly why, many people with diabetes have a feeling of depression, anxiety, low self esteem, worry, and generally feeling not quite right, though they can't exactly describe it or pin it down

I was in a similar state, gained weight, and so on, but managed to pull myself out of it, and the way I did it was to treat looking after myself as a job .... or telling myself what to do ... or following the rules .... something like that, I hope you get the idea --
This morning I'm going to take my medication .... eat this particular type and amount of food ..... do that certain amount of exercise, even if it's only very little at first
At midday I'm going to take my medication .... eat this particular type and amount of food ..... and so on, and so on.

I forced myself to be self motivated, if you like, and I gradually improved and feel brighter
Once you start it has a sort of combined or rolling effect - as you improve, albeit very slightly, so you can do more ... so you improve ... so you can do more .... and more. Both for weight loss and self esteem

Following this scheme I lost 2 stone and gave up booze and junk food; I now eat a low carb Mediterranean diet
I do Tai Chi, simple indoor exercise, and have started walking/rambling again

There are loads of menus & recipes, on this website and elsewhere
Have a look at 'Living With Diabetes' on the Home Page and the Learning Zone, the red tab at the top of this page
There's also YouTube - you need to be a bit wary about YT and t'Net, but nevertheless you can find useful information on it
YT is also good for inspiration, there are loads of videos about people losing weight, indoor exercise, etc
Also the Exercise and Food and Weight Loss sections of this Forum

Spring is nearly here! So try getting out for an easy walk - blow what anyone else thinks, it's your health and your body - and mind too, just wandering around and admiring the view is helpful
Start with a walk to the shops or the next street, and build it up from there, along the side streets and paths and back lanes that all places have, even towns & cities. And if there isn't a handy rural view, look at the old and interesting buildings
You won't need serious hiking gear, just comfy trainers and clothing ... take some sweets and a bottle of water and away you go

Best of luck and let us know how you go on
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Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I really appreciate it. I will keep ur comments and look back on them. I will try n use ur ideas also. Thanks so much. A xx
 
@Annie2533 and anyone else - have a look at these YT channels -

The Bald Explorer Walks
John Rogers Walks

One does mostly countryside, the other mostly a city, London
Even if you don't live in those areas they show how you can find interest, history, and enjoyment even on short walks, and use them as inspiration to get out and about in your area
And such is the way of YT that you will probably be prompted by similar sort of things all over the place

Even if you can't manage the distances shown in these walks yet, don't worry or feel inferior, they're just to show what you can do and find interest on a distance you can manage
 
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Your HbA1C is quite high and that in itself much be making you feel rubbish as high blood glucose affects every cell in your body including the brain which impacts on your mood.
It is important to start to make some changes to your diet as that will have most impact on reducing your blood glucose.
Depending on what medication you are taking, if any then a low carb dietary approach may be suitable but even so reducing the carbohydrate would be a good start. If you are just taking metformin then the approach in this link would be something you could consider or at the very least give you some ideas for modifying your diet. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
 
Annie2533 said:
No I think I am just realising how bad I am feeling. A xx
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Having that realisation is a really positive step @Annie2533

Please do be kind to yourself. You are taking small but really important steps towards turning this around. You can do this. It will take time, and won’t necessarily be a constant linear progression towards sunshine and rainbows, but you will be able to weather any setbacks - and even small improvements will build up ofer time.

Many of us have been through periods of low mood, or diagnosis with clinical depression, so you are among people who understand.

Do contact your GP (this may be easier to do as an ‘e consult’ if your surgery offers that as you can just write how you are feeling on an online form). There are talking therapies, social prescribing (eg groups and activities), charity provision, and other practical sources of help out there to support your recovery.
 
Annie2533 said:
Hi Everyone, am new here and in need of advice.I was diagnosed many years ago, think it was about 11-12 years ago. I accept that I am Type 2 diabetic but I dont and cannot seem to get to grips with it. My HBA1C is sitting at 89 just now.
I want to do something but just cannot seem to find any motivation.
I spend most days in my PJ’s and very rarely leave the house. I feel very alone and isolated.
I work from home during the week. I dont wanna go out as I have put on so much weight and I am disgusted in myself.
I am struggling with my diabetes and my mood is dreadfully low.
I dont know where to start or where to go from here. A xx
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Hi,

The fact is (that many don't realise, even those experts and self help book writers), "motivation" is only required for the things we don't want to do. The best way to overcome this (issue of motivation), is to find things we naturally enjoy doing that don't require any motivation.

We are currently breaking into spring with much better light, clear skies and nature awakening.

Tomorrow morning, put your clothes on and go for a little walk around the block. Take it from there, start doing things you've always loved and enjoyed, things you get great pleasure from.

Get into a better frame of mind. Get the ball rolling. Don't judge or criticise yourself.
 
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Amity Island said:
Hi,

The fact is (that many don't realise, even those experts and self help book writers), "motivation" is only required for the things we don't want to do. The best way to overcome this (issue of motivation), is to find things we naturally enjoy doing that don't require any motivation.

We are currently breaking into spring with much better light, clear skies and nature awakening.

Tomorrow morning, put your clothes on and go for a little walk around the block. Take it from there, start doing things you've always loved and enjoyed, things you get great pleasure from.

Get into a better frame of mind. Get the ball rolling. Don't judge or criticise yourself.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much. Even for just reading my post. A xx
 
Well @Annie2533 ; I think the whole country has had 3 or 4 days of bright, clear, but frosty weather since you made your first Post

Did you follow Amity Island's suggestion and get out for a walk round the block .... or more?

I've been thinking about your OP - if you have the willpower and motivation to work from home, surely you can manage to plan time for a walk and eating better and lose weight?

As for I don't wanna go out and I'm disgusted with myself, we all know that the NHS is under strain at the moment; you might get a chat with a doctor or a Diabetes Nurse, but it's more likely to be a phone call and a few leaflets, so you'll have to look after yourself and do your own homework & planning on diets

Same with feeling alone and isolated, no one's going to knock on your door, sorting that is also down to you
Hobbies?
Community Centres?
Events at the library?
Literary groups?
Tai Chi?
Yoga?
Folk Club?
Jazz club?
If you feel up to it, gentle exercise sessions or weight loss meetings at the village hall?
Perhaps not an actual gym as that might be too overwhelming
All sorts of Adult Education Classes?
Once you start looking there are all sorts of things going on that will get you out and about

One of my neighbours also has diabetes and was very depressed about it
He used to play football when he was younger, and although he's not up to that any more, he now helps with a local youth team - ferries the kids & equipment about; a bit of training; washing the kit; makes the sandwiches & drinks; helps with the Christmas party; goes to the pub with a few of the parents now & again, and all the rest of it
Even if you don't do that, this is the sort of thing you can do

Please don't take this as criticism, it's meant to be helpful, based on my own experience

Let us know how you're going on
 
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Hello @Annie2533
I am certainly not one to tell you to get out and do stuff because I work from home and spend most of my time in front of my computers. I really struggle to get out especially when the weather is poo...
I took a page from my neighbours book and started going for walks when I could - they went out for at least 2 walks a day (steady on now!) but it did make me feel a lot better just knowing I was not sitting down and 'doing nothing' (my fingers do most of the walking!)
Before my BG was under control I thought I was sinking into depression, but must say with a healthier BG level my mood has lightened and emotions not so sporadic.
Hope you are able to start a new chapter with all this +ve feedback from the lovely people in this forum x
 
Hi Everyone,

unfortunately I havent managed to get out and about. However, I am planning to try and get out later today, even if I just manage to get to my friends or the shops.
Then if feeling OK, I am going to get up early tomorrow and go for a walk at a nearby pond area, and possibly Sunday too.

I am starting to feel better, and more positive, due to all your lovely and encouraging replies to my early post.

I would just like to thank you all for taking the time to reply to me, with advice and encouragement. It has made me feel like I have PPL out there to help and support me on my journey.

Thanks Anne xx
 
So pleased you are going to push yourself to go out. I know how difficult that can be but it really is worth it. Do let us know how it goes. It definitely gets easier as you get into a routine of it. We will all be delighted to hear that you made it out, even if it is just for 10 or 15 mins to start with. Spring is in the air. Daffodils and crocus are coming into bloom. It has been a miserable winter which hasn't helped those of us who struggle with mental health but better things are definitely on the way, so go out and look around you as you walk and appreciate the little things, even if it is just looking at other people's gardens or I had a lovely walk through a cemetery yesterday, which I find peaceful, but really interesting and inspiring.
 
rebrascora said:
So pleased you are going to push yourself to go out. I know how difficult that can be but it really is worth it. Do let us know how it goes. It definitely gets easier as you get into a routine of it. We will all be delighted to hear that you made it out, even if it is just for 10 or 15 mins to start with. Spring is in the air. Daffodils and crocus are coming into bloom. It has been a miserable winter which hasn't helped those of us who struggle with mental health but better things are definitely on the way, so go out and look around you as you walk and appreciate the little things, even if it is just looking at other people's gardens or I had a lovely walk through a cemetery yesterday, which I find peaceful, but really interesting and inspiring.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for your response. A xx
 
HI Everyone, Sorry it has taken me so long to update on my progress.
Well have been going out more often and visiting friends, every time I go to go for a walk it rains, so not actually done that though.
I am looking after myself better and not staying in my PJ's all day everyday.
My mood is much better too.
My friend and I are going to try Tai Chi and Beginners yoga once we both can get booked in for them.
So overall things are looking better.

I just wanted to say again, thank you for the support that you have shown me. All the advice and kind thoughts meant so much, I still have a ways to go, but am getting there now, finally turned that corner I couldn't get round. So thanks again guys. A xx
 
Since I thought I was in trouble when my feet and legs swelled up after the AZ jab, I bought a mobility scooter as I thought I'd be needing it to go anywhere, and I can really recommend them for getting out of the house, as long as you have somewhere to keep one of course.
They are quite cheap second hand, and I now scoot around on it to the shops and parks, down to the quay or the seaside - I live in sight of the sea. It makes going for a walk a lot easier. Our house is uphill no matter which way it is approached, so I can go off to wherever I like and wander around until I am tired, then ride home.
Yes, I am out in all weathers, but I used to go sailing and I still have the waterproofs and the fluffy jackets, and since I lost weight they fit me again. I must confess that losing the weight was no effort at all - it just vanished away, and not until my clothes were literally falling off me - fortunately when indoors, did I realise how much my waist had shrunk.
I saw the pink blossom on the cherry trees and the white magnolia at the end of the road is quite magnificent this year - it does lift the spirits to see spring flowers and blossoms.
Hopefully by the time autumn arrives you'll have seen a big difference in yourself.
 
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