Just been diagnosed on Monday, overwhelming

[harbottle]

Well done, 5.9 is just below pre-diabetic, I think.

I find eating out is okay. Had a Chinese tonight and asked if the sauces contained sugar. They made them without sugar for me.

Last night was an Indian. Just had a tomato based dish with salad. BG didn’t go over 6.5.

A few nights ago I had salmon and asked them to replace the potatoes with green salad.

 

[Leadinglights]

Thanks for all the support, had my second hbA1c results today, 3 months later from my initial one. Now reading as 5.9, down from 6.5 so really pleased. Was told, no further action but on reading online think I am in the prediabetes range. So will still continue with low carbs, down 1.7 stone. Trying to eat out is tricky, can't understand why restaurants don't seem to offer much low carb meals.

I suppose it all comes down to cost, as carbs are cheap to bulk out the more expensive protein. You can always ask for salad or coleslaw instead of the ubiquitous chips. Try to avoid things with sauces as there is often hidden carbs. As long as your meals out are occasional then just enjoy, don't feel you have to eat everything on the plate.
Well done on getting your HbA1C down and on the weight loss. A bit more attention to your carb intake should see you get into the normal range before long.

 

[Leadinglights]

Well done, 5.9 is just below pre-diabetic, I think.

I find eating out is okay. Had a Chinese tonight and asked if the sauces contained sugar. They made them without sugar for me.

Last night was an Indian. Just had a tomato based dish with salad. BG didn’t go over 6.5.

A few nights ago I had salmon and asked them to replace the potatoes with green salad.

Yes 5.9 converts to 41mmol/mol so normal range.

 

[Dominic DUK]

Hi still coming to terms with being diagnosed with Type 2. GP advising to lose weight and exercise, and won't put on meds YET. I am really confused by what I can now eat, must say ignorant to carbohydrates. GP saying cut out potatoes, I am now just more or less having fruit and veg, with small chicken and fish. Feeling very worried about it all, my blood pressure seems fine as she said I have to send in 10 readings a day for two days. Any advice or reassurance would be good, thanks

Hi there welcome to the online support forum! 🙂 we totally understand how overwhelming coming to terms with a Diabetes diagnosis can be. We will do all we can to advise you in terms of food. You can find advice around what you can eat with Type 2 Diabetes here https://bit.ly/3MfSXPh. You can read our Eating Well With Diabetes guide https://bit.ly/3860Vvw which covers topics such as healthy food swaps, understanding glycaemic index and watching your weight. You are also welcome to speak to one of our Helpline advisors on 0345 123 2399 or helpline@diabetes.org.uk 9am-6pm Mon-Fri 🙂

 

[Mrs Mimoo]

You have been given your HbA1C in % which is the old units but when converted is 48mmol/mol just at diagnosis level so some modest changes to your diet should improve things. The link gives conversion to mmol/mol which is what people will be more familiar with.

What is HbA1c?

HbA1c is your average blood glucose (sugar) levels for the last two to three months. If you have diabetes, an ideal HbA1c level is 48mmol/mol (6.5%) or below. If you're at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, your target HbA1c level should be below 42mmol/mol (6%).

www.diabetes.org.uk

Eating out can be tricky but things like chicken Caesar salad, salmon with veg, steak and salad, tandoori or tikka dishes. Just avoid things with chips, potatoes and rice, pasta dishes, or things with sauces, ask for extra veg or salad or coleslaw.
The weight loss will help things along as well as the low carb dietary regime.
Many people are able to get into remission by reducing their blood glucose by reducing carb intake and exercise which usually results in weight loss.

when first diagnosed, I was in a spin. I had no idea what to do and was very upset. But I have found by eating a low carb, lower calorie diet, I reduced my Hba1c to normal and lost 11.5kg.

Eating out: steak and salad (no chips) is a good option eating out, as is fish, or tandoori meats or just look over the menu for a dish which is protein with the veg. Pudding best avoided but berries are ok with cream.

Chips: You can make chips out of celeriac at home and they are actually rather good.

Chop celeriac into chunky fingers, microwave these for 3 mins, then put on oven tray with non stick foil, spray/drizzle in olive oil and seasoning (salt pepper and a sprinkle of smoked paprica) and cook for 20 to 25 mins at 180. bingo.

 

[harbottle]

I do something similar with celeriac, but use an air fryer instead for around 11 minutes. I don’t MW first, which I think I might do as they are sometimes a bit undercooked. Good tip there, thanks!