It certainly is a learning curve

[rustee2011]

Hi Guys, This is my second post. I had my second meeting today with a group. Part of a project called Right Start. I certainly look at food differently. Thank god for the Red, Amber and Green food labels. Still a bit daunting. Luckily Diabetes UK are going to send me the Diabetics Cookbook. They assured me I can eat most stuff, however, look out for the sugar and Salt etc. My Blood pressure is 136/86 - A big improvement since the mid summer. I thought the blood test was the same as the HbA1c. The blood sugar (pin prick) on sunday was 6.8 - That was done at the hospital. I was so anxious I left it too long before I had dinner. Lesson learned. I had a breakfast at 08.30, then a banana at 11.00am, a cereal bar at 13.30, then luch at 16.30. Needless to say I felt like c**p. I got support from my friends in the church. Diabetes is a very common ailment. One of the ladies (bless her soul) said she has had it for 15 years and had blood readings of 24 - I dont know if that is high, however she said it' s affecting her eye and she can no longer feel her toes. (that increased my anxiety tenfold). I think my body is so riddled with angst. I feel funny everywhere. Even though I have lost nearly 3 stone and got my blood pressure down...just saying the name Diabetes makes me feel uncomfortable. It runs in my family ( grandmother, great-aunt, and various distant cousins...) I might ask to see a psycologist.

Well that's my rant over... will keep posting.

 

[AnnW]

I certainly don't know as much as so many other people but I'll throw in my two pennyworth-

Pricking of the finger gives an immediate blood sugar result but the Hba1c is a reading giving the general reading over a few months , that's why it's a blood test taken , in my case , at the doc's clinic ( tomorrow for me )
I found , after my initial panic , nearly a year ago at my diagnosis, that I can eat a great deal that I want but as everyone says 'in moderation'. My dietician is happy with my eating toast and marmalade ... But after a 40 min swim, she says have a few chips not a whole portion. She says eat a balance of vegetables , proteins and carbohydrates... This works even in restaurants if you take a sensible approach.
I have treats, once a week sort of thing.... And ice cream, a packet of crisps. I have cut out chocolate because I can't eat a small amount - I pig out !!

With regards to your friend... 24 is high. I was 22.5 on diagnosis , I am now somewhere between 5 and 8 . Eye and feet problems happen when blood sugars are not kept as low as possible within this sort of range.
I had background retinopathy 6 months ago but it had gone when I had my revisit recently 6 months later, so control is the issue.

I would encourage you to relax as much as possible, it IS controllable as so many on here will tell you....anyway , this is my 'answer' to you !

good luck, hang in there - exercise and eat as well as you can but sensibly ... We will survive 🙂

 

[rustee2011]

Thanks for the words of encouragement and support

 

[Newtothis]

Thanks for the words of encouragement and support

I know exactly how you feel as I was diagnosed 4 weeks ago; my emotions have gone from being completely terrified to determination. Following my first visit with the DN nurse I was reassured - a few hours later fearful but I couldn't work out of what. Medication and treatment has evolved and as my nurse told me 'we'll make sure you get all the right checks but you need to do your bit' and I am; losing weight; more physical activity; regularly checking my feet; just keeping myself well and fit. I'm still getting my head around it but I'm determined to do everything I'm told; make sure I test and eat the right foods and lead a long, rewarding and happy life.

I've just started a computerised accounts course after work; and start swimming lessons at the end of the month. Life carries on. If it helps, I always think of the saying 'Worrying is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere'.

Take care; ask as many questions as you can and most of all 'BE HAPPY'.
Amanda xx 🙂

 

[Caroline]

Welcome to the forum. There is certainly a lot to learn, I don't think we ever stop learning.

Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like. Someone is sure to have an answer or know where to find an answer. Have a read through the posts and see what others have to say.

You will find we are a great source of support, knowledge and encouragement.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

AnnW and Newtothis have summed it up perfectly.

Welcome to the forum and take a look at the 'Useful links' thread in the newbies section.

Gretchen Becker's book 'Type2 Diabetes the First Year' is also very well thought of by T2s here, and seems to be equally useful whether you've been diagnosed for 2 weeks or 5 years!

When it comes to food, 'everything in moderation' could not be more true. Especially when it comes to carbs. You have to watch all of them (potatoes/bread/rice/pasta/pastry/breakfast cereals/fruit) not just the sweet things.

If you get yourself a BG meter you'll be able to see what effect different foods have on your system.

Good luck!

 

[Robster65]

Hi Rustee.

It sounds like your friend at church could do with joining the forum. By doing so, you've gained access to the sort of advice and support that most diabetics miss out on. And you've done it at the right time, before you get any problems.

I'm sure, with the knowledge you gain from here, that if your BGs ever stray upwards beyond your own acceptable range, you'll know to seek further medical advice and get things brought back within control.

Sadly, too many people with chronic conditions are left to assume that 'things just get worse' and that any complications are one of those things you have to expect. If you can get into a few good habits now, you'll live a much longer, far healthier and far happier life for it.

Well done on all your hard work and for wanting to make the changes.🙂

Rob