Just diagnosed T2

[HorseyGran]

Hi everyone - I was diagnosed T2 about six weeks ago, my HBa1C was 52, BMI just over 25. My practice nurse gave me two options - do nothing, just try and lose some weight and have another blood test in 12 months - or after a bit of pushing said I could have another blood test in 3 months. I asked about doing blood glucose tests, and was told - we don't do that, and no don't get your own test kit! Needless to say, I opted for the 3 month blood test and bought my own BG test kit! Six weeks later my BMI is now 24.7 and I've lost 12lbs on a low cal/carb diet and my BG is averaging 5.7 over the whole number of tests I've done.

 

[Snoopyj]

Hi HorseyGran. Welcome!
I am only 2 weeks in. Lots of lovely people on this forum, lots of good advice and encouragement.
Maddening the attitude of some doctors, I was told too (no need to test) and very little info, found out most of the info I needed on this forum. I thought that with this pandemic that they were told to take extra care with people with diabetes.
Needless to say I bought my own testing Kit.
You are doing really well!

 

[Eddy Edson]

Hi everyone - I was diagnosed T2 about six weeks ago, my HBa1C was 52, BMI just over 25. My practice nurse gave me two options - do nothing, just try and lose some weight and have another blood test in 12 months - or after a bit of pushing said I could have another blood test in 3 months. I asked about doing blood glucose tests, and was told - we don't do that, and no don't get your own test kit! Needless to say, I opted for the 3 month blood test and bought my own BG test kit! Six weeks later my BMI is now 24.7 and I've lost 12lbs on a low cal/carb diet and my BG is averaging 5.7 over the whole number of tests I've done.

Looking good!

Obviously, finger pricking isn't a real susbtitute for an HbA1c test - are you testing enough to pick up highs and lows/what about overnight/etc etc etc - but with an average of 5.7 you can at least be fairly confident you're on track to get yr HbA1c test below 48. So good luck with the next test!

 

[HorseyGran]

Looking good!

Obviously, finger pricking isn't a real susbtitute for an HbA1c test - are you testing enough to pick up highs and lows/what about overnight/etc etc etc - but with an average of 5.7 you can at least be fairly confident you're on track to get yr HbA1c test below 48. So good luck with the next test!

Hi, I've done BG tests at various times of the day, including before breakfast, lunch and supper, as well as a few a couple of hours after eating. Lowest before breakfast (nothing to eat since 7.30pm previous day) was 5.5 - highest 7.9), the lowest I've recorded is 5.0 one evening before I'd eaten supper (after a good walk). Hopefully combined with the weight loss my next HBa1C will be below 48.

 

[ColinUK]

Hi, I've done BG tests at various times of the day, including before breakfast, lunch and supper, as well as a few a couple of hours after eating. Lowest before breakfast (nothing to eat since 7.30pm previous day) was 5.5 - highest 7.9), the lowest I've recorded is 5.0 one evening before I'd eaten supper (after a good walk). Hopefully combined with the weight loss my next HBa1C will be below 48.

Serious congratulations for taking things into your own control!

 

[zuludog]

Hello HORSEYGRAN and welcome to the forum!

I have lived in two parts of the country since I was diagnosed with D (= diabetes) and the advice & support from my GP and DSN (= diabetic support nurse) has been very good, and included having a blood glucose testing meter

The emphasis on treatment now is not to rely too much on your doctors, but to do a lot of the management and control yourself
Unfortunately, and whether you like it or not, it looks like you will have to do quite a bit to help yourself, starting with some reading and homework to understand the condition, and how to deal with it

Towards the top of the Home Page there are advice sections; look at 'Diabetes; The Basics' and 'Living with Diabetes'.

The first Thread in this Newcomers section is Useful Links; and yes, they are useful!

It would be handy to have a general book on diabetes
I can recommend 'Diabetes For Dummies' It's available for about £5 used from Amazon, or more if you wish
Make sure you get the UK edition

There is always YouTube, but there are so many videos and it can all get confusing and overwhelming.
Those by Diabetes UK are among the best

You can also work your way through older Threads & Posts on here

 

[rebrascora]

Hi and welcome from me too.

I wonder if we might have more than just diabetes in common since I have horses??

Anyway, it sounds like you have got this diabetes thing pretty well sussed from what you say. I don't think it is premature to congratulate you on your progress. Well done on negotiating with your Health Care Professional and getting a BG meter despite their advice. It really is invaluable to be able to test yourself.
Once you get down to a BMI or body size/shape you are happy with, you can usually stabilise your weight by eating more fat but keeping the carbs low, which makes a way of eating which is enjoyable and therefore sustainable..... but you probably already knew that as it sounds like you are well clued up.
Good luck with your next HbA1c. I think you have cause to be confident!

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @HorseyGran

Glad you have found an approach that works well for you - and congratulations on a cracking start.

It’s quite saddening to hear that you were advised against something which you have subsequently found useful, without apparently being given much of a reason

Hope your next HbA1c check confirms your excellent fingerstick results so far 🙂