Just been diagnosed

[Robbie bobidy]

Hi everyone

I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Have to say in a bit if shock at the moment.

Had a couple if blood tests done apparently something 61 was 68 on the first test I guess sugar levels!?! Got a text informing me and telling me I had an appointment in 13th Feb to discuss it all.

I did the first test beginning of January I've cut out most carbs most of the time. Eating more veg, protein read sonecwhere fish was good so ancexcusr to buy salmon. In all honesty though I have no idea if I'm doing the right thing or not, should I stop cycling am I going to collapse if I carry on. Would calm the Dr but keep being told just to sit tight and wait for Feb 13th. (Lost a stone in January but not sure if that's the diabetes or working out more and eating better)

Sigh I guess only myself to blame I guess one more chocolate from the variety pack will hurt after all . Any advice gratefully received

 

[harbottle]

Sounds like you've made a good start with veg and fish. That's what I did and it came right back to normal in 3 months (Along with getting my weight down, as I was bordering on obese.)

Don't blame yourself. Chocolates don't give you diabetes! (They may not help if you've got it, unless it's very dark and low i sugar).

 

[Robbie bobidy]

Sounds like you've made a good start with veg and fish. That's what I did and it came right back to normal in 3 months (Along with getting my weight down, as I was bordering on obese.)

Don't blame yourself. Chocolates don't give you diabetes! (They may not help if you've got it, unless it's very dark and low i sugar).

Thanks just keep going through moments of panic. Sure once I've seen the nurse things will calm down

 

[harbottle]

I very quickly settled into a new lifestyle of avoiding junk food, eating more fresh food and doing a lot more exercise.
You'll quickly settle down.
I recommend the Caldesi cookbooks - a chef who has T2 diabetes. The 30 minute diabetes cook book is excellent.

 

[PerSpinasAdAstra]

Hi Robbie,

It comes as a shock to us all in the beginning so you’re in good company here 😉

The 61 and 68 are probably the results of HbA1c tests, which indicate average blood glucose levels over the previous 3 months or so. Anything above 48 mmol/mol indicates diabetes.

You’re definitely on the right track by cutting down on carbs, and salmon is great as it has lots of heart-healthy fish oils.

There should be no need to stop cycling as a type 2 diabetic unless you are prescribed specific medications which can bring your blood glucose down to very low levels. Even when on such medications it can be managed well by testing your blood glucose before cycling and every so often during a very long cycle, and by carrying some carby food with you. When prescribed new medications by your doctor ask if they can cause hypoglycaemia, a ‘hypo’, a state of dangerously low blood glucose levels. Double check after speaking with the doctor, just in case. If your medication isn’t associated with hypoglycaemia risk there should be no need to take any special precautions around cycling, to the best of my knowledge.

The weight loss may be partially caused by untreated diabetes, but such a big loss in a month with a recent HbA1c of 61 is probably due in much larger part to changes in diet and/or exercise. Very high blood glucose levels cause your body to expel excess sugar via the urine. You pee calories. A stone in a month is an awful lot of calories to pee though. Just did some rough maths and it equates to around 48,895 calories, around 12.2 kilos of sugar, or 394 grams of sugar per day. I’m going to go out on a limb and say a HbA1c of 61 isn’t going to cause that 😉

You’re doing the right things. Don’t panic. You’ve got this 🙂

 

[Robbie bobidy]

Hi Robbie,

It comes as a shock to us all in the beginning so you’re in good company here 😉

The 61 and 68 are probably the results of HbA1c tests, which indicate average blood glucose levels over the previous 3 months or so. Anything above 48 mmol/mol indicates diabetes.

You’re definitely on the right track by cutting down on carbs, and salmon is great as it has lots of heart-healthy fish oils.

There should be no need to stop cycling as a type 2 diabetic unless you are prescribed specific medications which can bring your blood glucose down to very low levels. Even when on such medications it can be managed well by testing your blood glucose before cycling and every so often during a very long cycle, and by carrying some carby food with you. When prescribed new medications by your doctor ask if they can cause hypoglycaemia, a ‘hypo’, a state of dangerously low blood glucose levels. Double check after speaking with the doctor, just in case. If your medication isn’t associated with hypoglycaemia risk there should be no need to take any special precautions around cycling, to the best of my knowledge.

The weight loss may be partially caused by untreated diabetes, but such a big loss in a month with a recent HbA1c of 61 is probably due in much larger part to changes in diet and/or exercise. Very high blood glucose levels cause your body to expel excess sugar via the urine. You pee calories. A stone in a month is an awful lot of calories to pee though. Just did some rough maths and it equates to around 48,895 calories, around 12.2 kilos of sugar, or 394 grams of sugar per day. I’m going to go out on a limb and say a HbA1c of 61 isn’t going to cause that 😉

You’re doing the right things. Don’t panic. You’ve got this 🙂

Thanks for replying that's really conforting to know. Got to be honest getting a text saying you've got diabetes is a horrible way to he informed.

 

[Leadinglights]

Thanks for replying that's really conforting to know. Got to be honest getting a text saying you've got diabetes is a horrible way to he informed.

This sadly has been a common experience as to how people are told but at least your were told your numbers which are important as it indicates how much work you need to do. Keep up the cycling as exercise is helpful but the dietary changes you have made look as if they are being successful in your weight loss and hopefully also blood glucose level. You should ask for a repeat HbA1C test 3 months after your first one to see how successful your dietary changes are.
There is a link here that may give you some more ideas for ways you can modify your diet to give you more variety in your menu. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Robbie bobidy

Sorry to hear about your dignosis. and sorry too to hear about the way you heard about your diagnosis!

Well done on the changes you’ve been making already. Sounds like you’ve struck a good balance between reducing carb intake to help with glucose, and increasing proteins and good fats. The weight loss should help with reducing insulin resistance too, and may help reboot your pancreatic function if you are losing visceral fat?

Hopefully your appointment on 13th will be helpful inreviewing your progress so far, though as has been said, you may need to wait a little longer for the changes you’ve made to be properly apparent.

 

[Robbie bobidy]

Welcome to the forum @Robbie bobidy

Sorry to hear about your dignosis. and sorry too to hear about the way you heard about your diagnosis!

Well done on the changes you’ve been making already. Sounds like you’ve struck a good balance between reducing carb intake to help with glucose, and increasing proteins and good fats. The weight loss should help with reducing insulin resistance too, and may help reboot your pancreatic function if you are losing visceral fat?

Hopefully your appointment on 13th will be helpful inreviewing your progress so far, though as has been said, you may need to wait a little longer for the changes you’ve made to be properly apparent.

Thank you think I'm just a little panicked about it all right now. Glad I found this site lots of helpful tips and people.

I weighed myself again this morning I've lost 1st 5lbs I've gone from 20stone 9lbs to 19st 4 in January. I'm doing a bike ride in June from hastings to Bournemouth for prostate cancer which I lost my dad to a couple of years ago it's a 134 miles I was worried I wouldn't be allowed to do it but it appears if I stick to the lifestyle change and I am sensible I still can do it. Its very important to me to honour my dad in this way.