In shock diagnosed T2 yesterday

[Midnight Caller]

Hello everyone,happy saturday, will try to cut a long story short,I have been boarderline for a few years,I lost my beloved husband in a very traumatic way and unfortunately devoloped PTSD,therefore was unable last year to have my usual blood tests at the doctors,my bloods were done at home last Monday,I was called by reception to just say some results were abnormal and that I would have a telephone consultation Thursday,unfortunately the phone cut off and I called back straight away only to be told I couldn't speak to doctor,the receptionist refused this, so was rebooked for next week,I had been advised last monday that a nurse would come yesterday just to do blood pressure and flu jab,this angel turned up and said ok a few things to do including bloods as you are diabetic! I said there must be a mistake as I was told a repeat blood test was being done in a months time,she said but you are diabetic your reading is 60,it looks like you haven't been told..I just sat there and sobbed,this nurse was in total shock as she thought I knew,so I have been left scared on what to do now..thanks for reading

 

[Drummer]

When you do get a call do inform the doctor that you were denied your consultation at the whim of the receptionist so if you got cut off it would be down to the surgery to call back.
It must have been a shock to discover the diagnosis, but as you are not a long way from normal (my Hba1c at diagnosis was 91) as long as you are an ordinary type 2 then by reducing your intake of carbohydrate you should be able to lower your blood glucose levels.
Swapping high carb foods for lower ones can make a huge difference. Replace potatoes with swede, cauliflower, or a low carb stir fry could do the trick for you, and having a bit more meat or fish, adding in eggs or cheese for instance, or even just not eating breakfast cereals. The low sugar ones are still high in starch, which is just as much a carbohydrate.

 

[Midnight Caller]

Drummer,many thanks for your reply,this has really reassured me big time,it would have been great if I had been told this by a 2 minute call,as well as being aware that bloods were going to be redone yesterday.I appreciate surgery's are very busy and time is valuable,ironically with PTSD(Zoom) therapy last month one of the coping tools is to try a gradual dietary change,not being able to go out,as well as abnormal bloods all within a few weeks was very overwhelming....... I had my fresh shopping delivered early this morning decided to get a big cauliflower rather then potatoes, long before I read your reply.
Thank you again and enjoy your weekend

 

[Leadinglights]

Drummer,many thanks for your reply,this has really reassured me big time,it would have been great if I had been told this by a 2 minute call,as well as being aware that bloods were going to be redone yesterday.I appreciate surgery's are very busy and time is valuable,ironically with PTSD(Zoom) therapy last month one of the coping tools is to try a gradual dietary change,not being able to go out,as well as abnormal bloods all within a few weeks was very overwhelming....... I had my fresh shopping delivered early this morning decided to get a big cauliflower rather then potatoes, long before I read your reply.
Thank you again and enjoy your weekend

That was an excellent decision, I made cauliflower and stilton soup today which was very simple, stick of celery, a leek and cauliflower with a stock cube then when cooked blitzed up with a chunk of stilton.
It was appalling how you were told or rather not told but with an HbA1C of 60mmol/mol you have a good opportunity to get it down with some dietary changes.
You might like to look at this link which has a good explanation of a good way to modify your dietary regime to a lower carb one with real food. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/

 

[Bloden]

Sorry to hear your diagnosis was so upsetting for you @Midnight Caller, but glad to hear you’ve found us. Fire away with any questions you may have - I certainly had loads when I was first dx. 🙂

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Midnight Caller

Sincere condolences for the loss of your husband, and sorry to hear not only about your diagnosis, but also about the manner in which you were informed

Glad to have you as part of our friendly community.

 

[Midnight Caller]

That was an excellent decision, I made cauliflower and stilton soup today which was very simple, stick of celery, a leek and cauliflower with a stock cube then when cooked blitzed up with a chunk of stilton.
It was appalling how you were told or rather not told but with an HbA1C of 60mmol/mol you have a good opportunity to get it down with some dietary changes.
You might like to look at this link which has a good explanation of a good way to modify your dietary regime to a lower carb one with real food. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/

Leadinglights, thank you so much for your reply which was supportive and informative,also the link for a lower carb eating routine,loved the sound of your homemade soup,sadly no stilton in the fridge at the mo,done a big veg bake with the cauliflower and various vegetables which was delicious although I am not a vegetarian or vegan.
Take care

 

[Midnight Caller]

As has been said already your HbA1c is not too far into diabetes territory and a few lifestyle changes around diet, being more active and (if needed) weight loss may be all that's needed to turn it back the other way. Some of us were diagnosed with an HbA1c much higher that yours - 114 in my case - but with careful management have managed to bring our levels back down into normal range. You'll find all the help and advice you need right here.

Martin

Thank you Martin, because of this forum and the replies I have had it turned my weekend into a positive one,much appreciated in you sharing your experience with diabetes,I will keep on here,so onwards and upwards now.

 

[Midnight Caller]

Sorry to hear your diagnosis was so upsetting for you @Midnight Caller, but glad to hear you’ve found us. Fire away with any questions you may have - I certainly had loads when I was first dx. 🙂

Thank you Bloden,much appreciated, I will certainly stay on here and maybe in time my experience of diagnosis and how I am coming to terms with it,may help another " confused and frustrated" soul

 

[Midnight Caller]

Welcome to the forum @Midnight Caller

Sincere condolences for the loss of your husband, and sorry to hear not only about your diagnosis, but also about the manner in which you were informed

Glad to have you as part of our friendly community.

Thank you everyday,yes too much all at once, thank you for your condolences,my husband had been a diabetic for over 30 years,it became just a way of life, when I was diagonised as pre diabetic many years ago, I had so much understanding from him,as he was diagnosed only by chance due to a medical required for work! he remained diet controlled for a very long time,then Metformin,then insulin.I had my regular blood tests just to monitor how things were,but due to recent circumstances was unable to have this done at the doctors late last year which is why I was able to have this done at home almost 2 weeks ago,great have been kept an eye on and this is appreciated,this quick communucation from a busy practice would have been reassuring rather then this lovely nurse assuming I knew...phew sorry for the long reply.
Many thanks and take care

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

phew sorry for the long reply.
Many thanks and take care

No apologies needed.

I lost my wife in 2018, so know something of what you have been going through. Some things just had to wait their turn.

 

[Midnight Caller]

No apologies needed.

I lost my wife in 2018, so know something of what you have been going through.

So sorry for your loss,some days it seems so hard to keep smiling.

 

[Mrs Mimoo]

Drummer,many thanks for your reply,this has really reassured me big time,it would have been great if I had been told this by a 2 minute call,as well as being aware that bloods were going to be redone yesterday.I appreciate surgery's are very busy and time is valuable,ironically with PTSD(Zoom) therapy last month one of the coping tools is to try a gradual dietary change,not being able to go out,as well as abnormal bloods all within a few weeks was very overwhelming....... I had my fresh shopping delivered early this morning decided to get a big cauliflower rather then potatoes, long before I read your reply.
Thank you again and enjoy your weekend

I feel for you, so sorry about your circumstances. I got my 'diagnosis' via a curt text from the GP. Still not seen any of the cowardly &&&s since Jan 2020. This forum will help you: the people are so supportive and helpful and the learning zone will show you the way forward. For me it's low carb and reduced calorie intake.

 

[ColinUK]

I was told by a GP “well that’s because you’re diabetic”
I’d never been told before and according to him I’d been diabetic for years.

Generally I’ve decent control with the odd inexplicable blip and HbA1C is in the 40’s which I’m determined to lower again.

Also diagnosed with ptsd late last year and this forum is a lifesaver for me really.
It’s not only informative but it’s hugely supportive of all the other c**p in our lives not just the diabetes stuff.

Glad you found it and hope you stick around.

 

[Chris Hobson]

I don't think that you should see being diagnosed as being diabetic as quite such grim news, the condition is very manageable and, if you stick around here, you will see that we are all very much alive and kicking here. I know that 'Wake up call' is a terrible old cliche but that was what it was for me, nine years ago, aged 54. I went from sitting on my couch drinking homebrew to endurance sports and haven't looked back. Dealing with it is different for everyone and that was my way of tackling it and it seems to be working.

 

[Midnight Caller]

I feel for you, so sorry about your circumstances. I got my 'diagnosis' via a curt text from the GP. Still not seen any of the cowardly &&&s since Jan 2020. This forum will help you: the people are so supportive and helpful and the learning zone will show you the way forward. For me it's low carb and reduced calorie intake.

Thank you Mrs Mimoo, we do not want to be either patronised or be treated like a precious piece of china,my diagnoses was not a shock and I do not blame or the total lack of information on the pre diabetes stage,it is just you are left "up in the air" on how to help yourself and even more so at the weekend when you have to process all this,ts really draconian. Am so really sorry you received a curt text and seemed to be left to "get on with it" so to be able to gain not only support but easy to manage practical help on here is amazing.
Thank you

 

[Midnight Caller]

I was told by a GP “well that’s because you’re diabetic”
I’d never been told before and according to him I’d been diabetic for years.

Generally I’ve decent control with the odd inexplicable blip and HbA1C is in the 40’s which I’m determined to lower again.

Also diagnosed with ptsd late last year and this forum is a lifesaver for me really.
It’s not only informative but it’s hugely supportive of all the other c**p in our lives not just the diabetes stuff.

Glad you found it and hope you stick around.

Hi Colin, happy friday,thank you for your reply and sharing your experiences,this "well" diagnoses is counterproductive and does not help one little bit in learning to live with diabetes,am so sorry you are on the ptsd journey,which affects not only your mental health,but also your physical health as well,our doctors should be very aware that sometimes because of this,we need a direct and informative approach which everyone deserves...Good to be here and have learnt more and had massive support in the short time I have joined,I still have had no more feedback from doctors,no advice,c**p all, although now have made a few dietry changes,it was them that wanted to speak to me this time and felt I was just left in limbo because my consultation didn't happen,not the blame game at all,its now 2 fingers up at them at the moment,..so onwards and upwards until they have to contact me, so take care.
P.S. if at anytime you wanted to talk ptsd please dont hestitate to message me.

 

[Midnight Caller]

I don't think that you shouldn't see being diagnosed as being diabetic as quite such grim news, the condition is very manageable and, if you stick around here, you will see that we are all very much alive and kicking here. I know that 'Wake up call' is a terrible old cliche but that was what it was for me, nine years ago, aged 54. I went from sitting on my couch drinking homebrew to endurance sports and haven't looked back. Dealing with it is different for everyone and that was my way of tackling it and it seems to be working.

Chris, I agree,its not like the "old days" much more information,much more awareness in looking after yourself,but also a sort of dismissive and non informative approach by the medical profession, I guess they want you to use goggle or what ever,which can be totally misleading..my husband..only by chance diagnosed in 1992. Great to know you have done a life style change and it's working
Many thanks for response and enjoy your weekend

 

[ColinUK]

How are you getting on?

Forgive me if I missed this somewhere in the thread but do you have a BG meter so that you can test at home?

 

[Midnight Caller]

No Colin,do not have a BG meter, funny enough my doctor called me 30 minutes ago...oh wow....he has advised not to get one,and bloods will be redone in 2 months time,change diet to low carb etc etc