Just diagnosed Type 2. Ha1c 53 and put on Metformin feel quite overwhelmed

[Biker]

Just diagnosed Type 2 with a ha1c of 53. As I am 71 doctor said best to go on Metformin. Feel quite overwhelmed

 

[Lucyr]

Hi and welcome. At an a1c of 53 you’re only just into the diabetic range so you’ll soon be able to get your levels down. Is there anything specific that’s worrying or overwhelming you?

 

[Biker]

Just was very surprised as I only weigh about 140 lbs doctor says its age related. I'm probably worried it could get worse

 

[Biker]

Hi and welcome. At an a1c of 53 you’re only just into the diabetic range so you’ll soon be able to get your levels down. Is there anything specific that’s worrying or overwhelming you?

I only weigh about 140 lbs or less and eat quite healthy was surprised to find out I had diabetes. I'm 71 and doctor said its age related. Im worried it could get worse

 

[trophywench]

Same age as me - and when my mother in law was a bit older than us she came out with the statement that old age doesn't come on its own, which is true I'm sorry to say - bits of people get to beyond their 'use by' date, naturally, despite the preventative maintenance some of us try and provide.

Have you received any advice on trying to prevent it getting worse - such as cutting down on carbohydrate in your diet and making sure you do some exercise plus keeping well hydrated ?

 

[Biker]

Same age as me - and when my mother in law was a bit older than us she came out with the statement that old age doesn't come on its own, which is true I'm sorry to say - bits of people get to beyond their 'use by' date, naturally, despite the preventative maintenance some of us try and provide.

Have you received any advice on trying to prevent it getting worse - such as cutting down on carbohydrate in your diet and making sure you do some exercise plus keeping well hydrated ?

Yes I'm already reducing carb intake and need to up my exercise each day. I'm quite active but need to do more. I'm waiting on appointment with diabetes nurse. Hopefully she'll have more info on this

 

[Jago]

Best of luck- you seem to be making all the right steps and we are here if you need us.

 

[Biker]

Best of luck- you seem to be making all the right steps and we are here if you need us.

Thanks

 

[Leadinglights]

I am 70 and there was no mention of it being age related. My Hb1AC was 50 and was given the opportunity to change my diet rather than go straight onto medication. I reduced carbohydrates to 70g per day (a bit too quickly in hindsight as I had some vision issues) and reduced my HbA1C to 42 in 3 months. But I also lost weight which I needed to do.
Looking carefully at your diet as a 'healthy' diet for non diabetic may not be so for anybody with impaired ability to process all carbohydrates.
Making a food diary will help you see where savings can be made and getting a home blood glucose monitor will help identify any particularly problematic foods.
It sounds as if your weight is not a problem so increasing protein and healthy fats would help to keep that stable.

 

[Biker]

I am 70 and there was no mention of it being age related. My Hb1AC was 50 and was given the opportunity to change my diet rather than go straight onto medication. I reduced carbohydrates to 70g per day (a bit too quickly in hindsight as I had some vision issues) and reduced my HbA1C to 42 in 3 months. But I also lost weight which I needed to do.
Looking carefully at your diet as a 'healthy' diet for non diabetic may not be so for anybody with impaired ability to process all carbohydrates.
Making a food diary will help you see where savings can be made and getting a home blood glucose monitor will help identify any particularly problematic foods.
It sounds as if your weight is not a problem so increasing protein and healthy fats would help to keep that stable.

Thank you

 

[Gwynn]

Sounds like you have a good handle on things. Reducing your carb intake should help. Good luck

 

[Biker]

Sounds like you have a good handle on things. Reducing your carb intake should help. Good luck

Thank you

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Yes I'm already reducing carb intake and need to up my exercise each day. I'm quite active but need to do more. I'm waiting on appointment with diabetes nurse. Hopefully she'll have more info on this

Welcome to the forum @Biker

Well done on the positive changes you have made already.

It is not at all uncommon for people to feel overwhelmed by their diagnosis, so be kind to yourself, and give yourself time to adjust to the news. Some people liken the process to a form of grieving, with all of the well known stages that can involve.

Hope you continue to find your feet, and keep asking any questions you have as they arise. 🙂

 

[Biker]

Welcome to the forum @Biker

Well done on the positive changes you have made already.

It is not at all uncommon for people to feel overwhelmed by their diagnosis, so be kind to yourself, and give yourself time to adjust to the news. Some people liken the process to a form of grieving, with all of the well known stages that can involve.

Hope you continue to find your feet, and keep asking any questions you have as they arise. 🙂

Thanks