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I need a diabetes for dummies book...

S

SweetP1973

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
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... is there anything like that? I literally have no idea what I am doing. I'm beginning to feel quite vulnerable as I have no clue!
 
SweetP1973 said:
... is there anything like that? I literally have no idea what I am doing. I'm beginning to feel quite vulnerable as I have no clue!
Click to expand...
I found the book by Gretchen Becker really useful, when I'd been diagnosed (wrongly as it turns out) with Type 2. 'Diabetes Type 2, The first year' or something like that, she goes through everything step by step, and explaining what all the blood tests and terminology means, etc.
There is also, a Type 2 Diabetes for Dummies, in the well known '…xxx for Dummies' series, which looks quite useful.
 
When I was diagnosed, I found the book ‘Reverse your diabetes’ by Dr. David Cavan very understandable and helpful. He’s an endocrinologist and works in conjunction with Diabetes charities. However, I haven’t explored the book by Gretchen Becker Robin has recommended so don’t know if it’s an easier read.
 
SweetP1973 said:
... is there anything like that? I literally have no idea what I am doing. I'm beginning to feel quite vulnerable as I have no clue!
Click to expand...

Not a book, but you could take a look at the Learning Zone (orange ‘button’ at the top of this page). Diabetes U.K. (ie this website) also has information pages:

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is high blood sugar levels due to your body not making enough of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin it makes not working properly — known as insulin resistance. High blood sugar levels over time can cause other health problems like heart attacks and strokes, as well as...
www.diabetes.org.uk www.diabetes.org.uk

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@SweetP1973 welcome to the forum. I was diagnosed in July and moreorless left to my own devices. My reading was 64 and I was put on metformin three weeks later. I was bewildered and grief stricken. I phoned the diabetes UK phone line who were helpful and sent me some literature. I joined here after an uninspiring DN appointment.
Check out the Freshwell site/ app
https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/ and a site in the New Forest which links to it and has other information
newforestpcn.co.uk

Diabetes & Metabolic Health | New Forest PCN

newforestpcn.co.uk newforestpcn.co.uk
Both sites are run by GPs.

Most people need to lose weight exercise more and reduce their carb intake. I lost weight before taking medication by reducing the carbs i ate. Carbs turn to sugar. Obviously stop adding any sugar to drinks or meals. You can do it gradually. A ten minute walk after eating is a good start.

I found it difficult to take in information at the start. I was on slow release metformin which bunged me up but by the time I went to 3 tablets things moved more.
I liked eating low carb 130 grams a day or less. I tend to have a mushroom omlette for breakfast or 10 percent Greek style yoghurt to which i add blueberries or raspberries. Tropical fruit is high in sugar.

Given your reading you are likely to have another drug added which will mean you will need to be careful not to drop your carbs below 130. This happened to me. Some people on the forum have decided to go much lower carb and up their exercise and decline the drug. This is something to discuss with your surgery. Some people count calories but I don't.
Many people have suggested carbs and cals which is a recipe book but I assume with info about practicalities.

Whatever you do take it steadily. You don't want your body to be too shocked. Just ask questions here there are many knowledgeable and helpful posters.

Good luck
 
As above loads of really good info in the learning zone on here.
Plus I bought the carbs and cals book, also very useful.
And check out the freshwell website too.
Lastly any questions, just ask on here!
Good luck with it....
 
@SweetP1973, welcome to the forum. We have a number of booklets we can send out to you for free. You can call our online shop team to put an order through or order online / download the pdfs. Diabetes UK Shop
 
Hi @SweetP1973 . I understand your bewilderment. When I got diagnosed in March this year I did a lot of research on this website, NHS and other reputable medical sites to get a fuller understanding of diabetes, particularly type 2. Finding this forum was by far the best thing I did.
There are no local groups near me and everyone I know with T2 is trying to lose weight as part of their diabetes management. As I wanted to regain some of weight and muscle mass I posted on the forum for ideas and information. Since then I have found I am not alone dealing with this. The hive mind of the forum have so much information and experience of living with diabetes it is my first choice for asking questions.
I also use the learning zone on this site.
Keep posting and asking questions. Wishing you well on your journey living with diabetes.
 
Robin said:
I found the book by Gretchen Becker really useful, when I'd been diagnosed (wrongly as it turns out) with Type 2. 'Diabetes Type 2, The first year' or something like that, she goes through everything step by step, and explaining what all the blood tests and terminology means, etc.
There is also, a Type 2 Diabetes for Dummies, in the well known '…xxx for Dummies' series, which looks quite useful.
Click to expand...
If only they'd rebrand the '... for Dummies' series: how do they still get away with that awful, stigmatising title? 😡
 
CliffH said:
If only they'd rebrand the '... for Dummies' series: how do they still get away with that awful, stigmatising title? 😡
Click to expand...
Oh, I always thought it was a great name, as in, when I first saw them when I was needing something to fill in a complete gap in my knowledge, I thought Yes! Exactly what I need!
 
Robin said:
Oh, I always thought it was a great name, as in, when I first saw them when I was needing something to fill in a complete gap in my knowledge, I thought Yes! Exactly what I need!
Click to expand...
I'm extra-sensitive to such things because I've spent my career working with people with intellectual disabilities and other forms of neurodivergence. I've seen what stigmatising language can do to people - and the difference that changing that language can make.
 
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