Just Diagnosed - Looking for advice and guidance

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alittlepronetopanic

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi all,

Apologies for the long post (and lateness of the day).

Don't usually write on these sort of sections of forums because I'm really shy (so if I don't reply, it's not because I don't appreciate any replies or answers I get) but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with stuff and my brain has gone into overthinking mode.

Had blood tests last week (my own choice to do. no regular symptoms but wanted to ease my mind) and yesterday was essentially told I have Type 2 diabetes. I don't understand the levels but the doctor told me it was at 11.3.

I'm 27 years old, female. Though I'm overweight, I feel I lost some since moving into my own flat, but I always put that down to being more generally active.

Been put on Metformin but I'm waiting for it to be dispatched from my online pharmacy. I'm a little scared of it but I've been told to ease into it when I do get them so I'm not overly concerned. Though I am concerned that I am unable to take them straight away.

To be honest, I'm just not sure where to even start with research. What do I need to prioritise when it comes to researching more about this?

I mean, my main concern is the food. I'm on benefits so I'm just a little worried about the cost of more friendly food and I'm really overwhelmed working out what I can and can't eat. I love carby foods so cutting that down is going to be a challenge.

Also, is there any Android apps I can download for tracking stuff (I like visualisation)?
I've not been told to check my levels at home or anything but maybe that will come at some point.

Just looking for any advice anyone can give really. I would really appreciate it!
 
You seem to have twigged that it is the carby foods which are the villains when it comes to type 2 diabetes - which is good in one way - but they are the cheaper options.
At your age - that is a bit young - (I was diagnosed at 65) it might be a bit more complicated for you, but for an ordinary type 2 just reducing carbs does the job. Losing weight could be an indication of something to keep an eye on just in case it is more interesting.
You do need to replace the calories no longer coming from carbs, so more protein and fats.
I use a pressure cooker these days to cook the cheaper cuts of meat - saves on the gas.
Eggs, sausages, chicken thighs and other big multipacks of meat separated out and put into the freezer, and the marked down shelves all help with the cost of living.
 
alittlepronetopanic said:
Had blood tests last week (my own choice to do. no regular symptoms but wanted to ease my mind)
Click to expand...
Just wondering-- why did you feel blood tests would 'ease your mind'? Were you having any particular symptoms, even if vague?

And-- how much weight have you lost, over what period?

I ask because unintentional weight loss is one of the indicators that someone may have Type 1 diabetes, rather than Type 2-- but GPs often overlook this.
 
alittlepronetopanic said:
Hi all,

Apologies for the long post (and lateness of the day).

Don't usually write on these sort of sections of forums because I'm really shy (so if I don't reply, it's not because I don't appreciate any replies or answers I get) but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with stuff and my brain has gone into overthinking mode.

Had blood tests last week (my own choice to do. no regular symptoms but wanted to ease my mind) and yesterday was essentially told I have Type 2 diabetes. I don't understand the levels but the doctor told me it was at 11.3.

I'm 27 years old, female. Though I'm overweight, I feel I lost some since moving into my own flat, but I always put that down to being more generally active.

Been put on Metformin but I'm waiting for it to be dispatched from my online pharmacy. I'm a little scared of it but I've been told to ease into it when I do get them so I'm not overly concerned. Though I am concerned that I am unable to take them straight away.

To be honest, I'm just not sure where to even start with research. What do I need to prioritise when it comes to researching more about this?

I mean, my main concern is the food. I'm on benefits so I'm just a little worried about the cost of more friendly food and I'm really overwhelmed working out what I can and can't eat. I love carby foods so cutting that down is going to be a challenge.

Also, is there any Android apps I can download for tracking stuff (I like visualisation)?
I've not been told to check my levels at home or anything but maybe that will come at some point.

Just looking for any advice anyone can give really. I would really appreciate it!
Click to expand...
I can understand your concern about the cost of more suitable food but there are lots of substitutes for some of the high carb foods that are cheap, instead of potatoes, pasta and rice you can use swede, celeriac, butternut squash, cauliflower, courgettes all fairly cheap. I make a squash, cauliflower and chickpea curry or home made soup where a few veg will make a huge pot of soup which you can freeze in portions.
Cheese and eggs are good low carb foods, frozen berries which can be added to full fat Greek yoghurt.
Have a look at this link for some menu ideas and some do's and don'ts, it is a low carb approach which many have found successful in reducing blood glucose and losing weight if you need to. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
 
Spathiphyllum said:
Just wondering-- why did you feel blood tests would 'ease your mind'? Were you having any particular symptoms, even if vague?

And-- how much weight have you lost, over what period?

I ask because unintentional weight loss is one of the indicators that someone may have Type 1 diabetes, rather than Type 2-- but GPs often overlook this.
Click to expand...
Basically, a long time ago, I had blood tests for something else and was told that my blood sugar levels were a bit high, it triggered general health anxiety, and every now and then I would have a day where I would feel thirstier than usual, or hungrier or more urination. I always tried putting it down to stress or the weather or whatever but my mind always had worries. In the end, I just thought it was best to just see what was what.

In terms of weight loss, I can't really put numbers on it. I never really weigh myself. Just people have commented I have lost weight. But that's only since I moved into my own flat (over a year ago) and have been more generally active as I've been walking a lot more than I used to due to previous agoraphobia.
 
alittlepronetopanic said:
Basically, a long time ago, I had blood tests for something else and was told that my blood sugar levels were a bit high, it triggered general health anxiety, and every now and then I would have a day where I would feel thirstier than usual, or hungrier or more urination. I always tried putting it down to stress or the weather or whatever but my mind always had worries. In the end, I just thought it was best to just see what was what.

In terms of weight loss, I can't really put numbers on it. I never really weigh myself. Just people have commented I have lost weight. But that's only since I moved into my own flat (over a year ago) and have been more generally active as I've been walking a lot more than I used to due to previous agoraphobia.
Click to expand...
Those symptoms you describe are certainly common with high blood glucose so it was good to get checked out before any long term damage is done.
Bringing down your blood glucose gradually is less likely to cause problems with your eyes and nerves so making reductions in your carb intake over a period of weeks is kinder on your system.
A good start is to keep a food diary of everything you eat and drink and estimate the total carbohydrate not just the 'sugar' and see how far you are from the suggested no more than 130g per day. You can then cut back by a third for a couple of weeks, then another third and so on. Don't forget low carb does not mean NO carb.
It is a very manageable condition.
 
Welcome to the forum @alittlepronetopanic

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but glad you have found the forum. Hope you find it helpful and reassuring to exchange experiencing with others on the forum. Ask away with any questions - nothing will be considered too obvious or ‘silly’ 🙂

Have you managed to pick up the Metformin yet?

Metformin is a medication that gradually builds up in the system over a number of days or weeks. It’s not something that works on a specific meal, it works more in the background gently supporting you metabolism. But changes you are making to your menu and food choices can add significantly to the lowering of your glucose levels. 🙂
 
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