Just been diagnosed with (what I assume is) type 2 diabetes.

[Berkeley]

I just thought I would introduce myself as I am new to this forum. Following a routine hemoglobin A1c test, today I was informed that I have diabetes. I'm still slightly shell shocked I think. I'm trying to look on the bright side and taken into account that (a) it has been caught early, and (b) that there are plenty of life style changes which I can make to improve the situation. It was suggested by the Practice Nurse that I come on this site, so here's to a whole new lifestyle and many interesting and informative discussions!

 

[Matt Cycle]

Welcome to the forum Berkeley. Plenty of good advice and support on here. Are you on any medication for the diabetes?

 

[AlisonM]

Welcome Berkeley and, wow! A nurse recommended us? That's amazing. As Matt asked, have they prescribed meds and given you a blood glucose monitor and strips?

 

[Berkeley]

Cheers. That's what I'm hoping for. No, I discussed that with the Practice Nurse, and we decided that since there are plenty of lifestyle changes which I can and will make, that we'll do repeat bloods in 3 months and review the situation after I've embraced a my new, healthier lifestyle.

 

[Northerner]

I just thought I would introduce myself as I am new to this forum. Following a routine hemoglobin A1c test, today I was informed that I have diabetes. I'm still slightly shell shocked I think. I'm trying to look on the bright side and taken into account that (a) it has been caught early, and (b) that there are plenty of life style changes which I can make to improve the situation. It was suggested by the Practice Nurse that I come on this site, so here's to a whole new lifestyle and many interesting and informative discussions!

Hi Berkley, welcome to the forum 🙂 Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, I can imagine that it came as a shock, but well done to your nurse for suggesting you join here for support. There are lots of friendly, knowledgeable people here who will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Diabetes is a serious condition, there's no doubt about it, but as you havev already said the good news is that there is a lot you can do to help yourself lead a full, happy and healthy life - indeed, many people discover that the adjustments they make after diagnosis lead to very beneficial changes. Plus, of course, now you have been diagnosed you can expect regular checkups and support from your healthcare team 🙂

I'd suggest getting a handle on things by reading Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter. You might also wish to get a copy of the excellent Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker to while away these winter evenings 🙂

Please let us know if we caan help in any way! 🙂

 

[Berkeley]

Cheers, thanks for your replies. I'll have a good mull over those links.

 

[Mini-Vicki]

Hi Berkeley and welcome to the forum!
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but it's great you're being positive and embracing the lifestyle changes.
This forum is brilliant for answering any questions and for support in general 🙂

 

[Amigo]

You've already got the right attitude Berkeley so I'm sure you'll get on top of this! I was diagnosed end of Feb this year and have been on a steep learning curve. The best thing I did was read, learn about the condition, listen to the people on here who actually live it rather than just talk about it and test.

Good luck, get yourself a meter if the surgery won't provide one and learn your own unique tolerances.

 

[Berkeley]

Will do. I'm browsing Amazon as I type! 'Unique tolerances'? Ah crumbs! A lot of reading recording, observing and reflecting ahead of me I suspect!

 

[Northerner]

Will do. I'm browsing Amazon as I type! 'Unique tolerances'? Ah crumbs! A lot of reading recording, observing and reflecting ahead of me I suspect!

Here's another link for you, regarding the benefits of testing: Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S

If you do need to fund your own meter and strips, the cheapest option we have come across here is the SD Codefree Meter with test strips at around £8 for 50. 🙂

 

[Matt Cycle]

Good luck with it Berkeley. There are some good ideas and advice on diet and exercise on this very site if they are the lifestyle changes you are going to make.

 

[Lynn Davies]

Hi and welcome to the forum. You will get lots of support from these folks.

 

[Stitch147]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Lots of help and advice can be had on here.

 

[KookyCat]

Hi Berkeley welcome aboard. It's all fairly overwhelming at first but it becomes second nature alarmingly quickly if you start off reading and learning. It's much easier to make informed choices if you're armed with all the info 🙂