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Please Remember: Members are only permitted to share their own experiences. Members are not qualified to give medical advice. Additionally, everyone manages their health differently. Please be respectful of other people's opinions about their own diabetes management.
Just diagnosed
- Thread starter Judith5
- Start date
- Status
Loulou23
Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Hi Judith5
Everyone on here is really helpful and someone will no doubt post you some links to some really helpful books and articles. I found the T2 ‘the first year’ book an excellent place to start.
Try not to worry about your results, it’s a lot to take in and will take a while to take on board all the information.
Many people reduce carbs in their diet (I have and it’s really helping) but again, someone will be along and give you better advice than I can.
This forum has been fantastic for me (only diagnosed this year) and even just reading other people’s posts has given me a lot of reassurance.
I went for my first retina screening appointment this week and I was nervous but having read posts on here was soon relieved to know there was nothing to worry about. Now I just have to wait for the results.
Take it one step at a time and you’ll be fine. I know I have a long way to go yet but things are improving and lots of people on here have very inspiring stories.
Good luck with your appointment and don’t be afraid ask questions on here 🙂
Everyone on here is really helpful and someone will no doubt post you some links to some really helpful books and articles. I found the T2 ‘the first year’ book an excellent place to start.
Try not to worry about your results, it’s a lot to take in and will take a while to take on board all the information.
Many people reduce carbs in their diet (I have and it’s really helping) but again, someone will be along and give you better advice than I can.
This forum has been fantastic for me (only diagnosed this year) and even just reading other people’s posts has given me a lot of reassurance.
I went for my first retina screening appointment this week and I was nervous but having read posts on here was soon relieved to know there was nothing to worry about. Now I just have to wait for the results.
Take it one step at a time and you’ll be fine. I know I have a long way to go yet but things are improving and lots of people on here have very inspiring stories.
Good luck with your appointment and don’t be afraid ask questions on here 🙂
Ljc
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1.5 LADA
Hi @Judith5 , welcome to the forum. First of all don’t panic, Diabetes is a condition that with the right info and some input by yourself can be well managed and you have come to the right place for the info.
I am sorry but not supprised to hear that your GP wasn’t able to answer your questions, they often don’t have much training in diabetes, that’s no help to you though is it.
Ask as many questions here as you need to about diabetes we’ll do our best to help, remember everyone of us has been there before you so we do understand.
Their is a lot of misconceptions and even wrong info about diabetes out there, even con men.
Your probably worrying now what on Earth can you eat, well, we’re going to give you a huge supprise.
We usually have no problems with protein and good fats, yes you’ve read that right good fats.
This list is not exhaustive
So if you eat meat , meat is fine as are high meat content sausages and burgers, veg that grows above ground, eggs cooked anyway you like, milk, cheese, mushrooms. Some nuts are low in carbohydrates, we often tolerate berries better than other fruit , yogurt . Mushrooms See you already have the makings of a good meal .
What we have problems with is carbohydrates, so we need to cut down on and or find substitutes for
Potatoes esp mashed, rice, pasta, bread esp white , fruit juice is packed full of sugar as are grapes , breakfast cereals, things made with flour, we often need to be careful with fruit.
Now I know that sounds horrible but their are substitutes that you may well enjoy better .
Have a read of
maggie-daveys-letter-to-newly-diagnosed-type-2s
test-review-adjust by Alan S
If you decide you want to test , do see if you Gp practice for one but if they say no, which is most likely the SD Codefree glucose meter is one of the cheapest meters we know of to self fund the ongoing cost of the test strips,
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Codefree-G...fm-21&linkId=f39210144fdc26c27738e45b6d957003
I hope you find the above helpful.
I am sorry but not supprised to hear that your GP wasn’t able to answer your questions, they often don’t have much training in diabetes, that’s no help to you though is it.
Ask as many questions here as you need to about diabetes we’ll do our best to help, remember everyone of us has been there before you so we do understand.
Their is a lot of misconceptions and even wrong info about diabetes out there, even con men.
Your probably worrying now what on Earth can you eat, well, we’re going to give you a huge supprise.
We usually have no problems with protein and good fats, yes you’ve read that right good fats.
This list is not exhaustive
So if you eat meat , meat is fine as are high meat content sausages and burgers, veg that grows above ground, eggs cooked anyway you like, milk, cheese, mushrooms. Some nuts are low in carbohydrates, we often tolerate berries better than other fruit , yogurt . Mushrooms See you already have the makings of a good meal .
What we have problems with is carbohydrates, so we need to cut down on and or find substitutes for
Potatoes esp mashed, rice, pasta, bread esp white , fruit juice is packed full of sugar as are grapes , breakfast cereals, things made with flour, we often need to be careful with fruit.
Now I know that sounds horrible but their are substitutes that you may well enjoy better .
Have a read of
maggie-daveys-letter-to-newly-diagnosed-type-2s
test-review-adjust by Alan S
If you decide you want to test , do see if you Gp practice for one but if they say no, which is most likely the SD Codefree glucose meter is one of the cheapest meters we know of to self fund the ongoing cost of the test strips,
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Codefree-G...fm-21&linkId=f39210144fdc26c27738e45b6d957003
I hope you find the above helpful.
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Bronco Billy
Moderator
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Parent of person with diabetes
Hi Judith5. Easy to say, I know, but try not to worry too much. Yes, it’s a serious condition, but it is manageable, as lots of people here will testify. The link below may answer some of your questions. For the questions it leaves unanswered, there’s always someone here who knows.
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/what-is-type-2-diabetes
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/what-is-type-2-diabetes
Drummer
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
I am almost two years from diagnosis, and I have eaten low carb foods since then.
Diabetes is not a problem at all - as long as you take it seriously and cut down on the carbohydrate foods. It is eating entirely contrary to all the advice we've been given for decades - decades in which people have got fatter and sicker and now are not living as long.
If you get a meter to test your blood glucose it will show you fairly quickly what you can and can't eat.
I do not expect diabetes to have any impact on my health as long as I am in charge of my eating - if I get stuck in somewhere feeding inmates according to the rules, then I'll be in real trouble.
Diabetes is not a problem at all - as long as you take it seriously and cut down on the carbohydrate foods. It is eating entirely contrary to all the advice we've been given for decades - decades in which people have got fatter and sicker and now are not living as long.
If you get a meter to test your blood glucose it will show you fairly quickly what you can and can't eat.
I do not expect diabetes to have any impact on my health as long as I am in charge of my eating - if I get stuck in somewhere feeding inmates according to the rules, then I'll be in real trouble.
Judith5
New Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Thanks for all the comments! I have been in a state of denial for the last few weeks.
However saw the diabetic nurse yesterday and it’s all very real now.
In 2014 my blood results came back as pre-diabetic, unfortunately no one told me. So now I’m diabetic type 2 and will be working up to 2000 mg/day of Metformin.
The nurse has sent referrals for DESMOND and diabetic eye check up.
Told me that I do not need to test my glucose levels. Only need another blood test in three months.
Is this normal?
However saw the diabetic nurse yesterday and it’s all very real now.
In 2014 my blood results came back as pre-diabetic, unfortunately no one told me. So now I’m diabetic type 2 and will be working up to 2000 mg/day of Metformin.
The nurse has sent referrals for DESMOND and diabetic eye check up.
Told me that I do not need to test my glucose levels. Only need another blood test in three months.
Is this normal?
Ljc
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1.5 LADA
Sadly the bit about being told not to test is normal, we believe it’s due to cost cutting, however diabetes is very individual in how the carbohydrates in different foods affect us , some can eat something’s with hardly a blip on their glucose meter where others have a huge spike and without testing you might be cutting out something you really like unnecessarily or even worse , eating something considered healthy ie porridge and it causes a huge spike, so that’s why we recommend testing .
Hopefully you will find the course helpful. The eye screening is good
Their are actually 15 checks you should havdone at least annually
Some are every few months
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/resources-s3/2018-07/15-Healtcare-essentials.pdf
Hopefully you will find the course helpful. The eye screening is good
Their are actually 15 checks you should havdone at least annually
Some are every few months
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/resources-s3/2018-07/15-Healtcare-essentials.pdf
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Ljc
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1.5 LADA
Most T2s who are not in medications that can cause low blood glucose (hypo’s) on here test regularly , then often cut down on testing once they know haw the various carbs affect them.
When done properly you hardly feel it
Ps , I’ve edited my previous post to you.
Hi,
I can only agree with all the advice that you have been given from the others. Like yourself, I was told by the GP not to bother self testing. I thought that wasn't very helpful and I self tested for a few weeks. Once I had the foods and portions sorted out and my BGLs were ok (usually between 5-6s), I stopped the testing and now only do it if I eat something different or am simply interested in what is going on! I also had my first eye screening today which was ok .I also am on Metformin (2000gm). As for the DESMOND course thingy I have still to go on it... I do the low carb foods and as others have said it is all trial and error at this stage.But I have found the forum a mine of helpful information and it helps that others are in the same boat. Good luck
I can only agree with all the advice that you have been given from the others. Like yourself, I was told by the GP not to bother self testing. I thought that wasn't very helpful and I self tested for a few weeks. Once I had the foods and portions sorted out and my BGLs were ok (usually between 5-6s), I stopped the testing and now only do it if I eat something different or am simply interested in what is going on! I also had my first eye screening today which was ok .I also am on Metformin (2000gm). As for the DESMOND course thingy I have still to go on it... I do the low carb foods and as others have said it is all trial and error at this stage.But I have found the forum a mine of helpful information and it helps that others are in the same boat. Good luck
Judith5
New Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Well I’ve got a date for DESMOND! So will have my eye check up and DESMOND both this month.
Hopefully I will get a better understanding of what I need to do.
Third day on Metformin @500mg with breakfast, stepping up to 2x500mg on day 8!
Trying to eat low carb....tricky when you’re vegetarian. Any tips??
Hopefully I will get a better understanding of what I need to do.
Third day on Metformin @500mg with breakfast, stepping up to 2x500mg on day 8!
Trying to eat low carb....tricky when you’re vegetarian. Any tips??
Ralph-YK
Much missed Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Welcome to the forum Judith5 from a fellow T2.
Make sure they tell you things. Unfortuneatly we don't what we don't know.
I'd suggest testing before and after (1 -2hours) eating. This will show you what affect your food has on your levels, along with any changes.
If you keep a food diary, along with a record of your leves, hopefully after a couple of weeks you'll see a pattern.
I have a SD Codefree. I don't have the money for strips though, so only did a weeks worth of testing a couple of years ago. In my area HCP are very dismissive of us having any information, including our levels, and unreliable in providing info.
Make sure they tell you things. Unfortuneatly we don't what we don't know.
I'd suggest testing before and after (1 -2hours) eating. This will show you what affect your food has on your levels, along with any changes.
If you keep a food diary, along with a record of your leves, hopefully after a couple of weeks you'll see a pattern.
The DESMOND I went to doesn't cover what we've to do. It provided info about diabetes, what it is ect. (Keys and rusty locks). There was a lot of time spent on arteries and fats.
Ljc
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1.5 LADA
Is their anything in particular that bothers/ worries you about testing .
TheClockworkDodo
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Welcome to the forum, @Judith5
What is it you think is tricky about low carbing when you're vegetarian? There are quite a few vegetarians on here, a couple of vegans, and a few people like me who don't eat meat but do eat fish, and there's a lot of food you can eat as a veggetarian with diabetes.
All sorts of salads and all the veg which grow above ground are good, you only need to cut down on root veg like potatoes and parsnips (carrots aren't too bad in small quantities). Nuts and seeds are mostly good (some nuts are a bit higher in carbs than others, but just check the packets for total carbs and eat the higher carb ones in moderation). Eggs, cheese, and butter are good, yogurt is fine so long as the total carbs aren't too high (avoid the low fat ones which tend to have added sugar so they're higher in carbs). Lentils are good, and some beans are fine too (just check the packets for total carbs to be sure which). Tofu is good, that's low carb. Some fruit are better than others, but most diabetics are OK with berries, and some can eat apples and pears - though the only way of knowing which fruit - or anything else - you can eat is to test before and after eating them to see how much they raise your blood sugar.
It really is worth testing because we are all different - some diabetics can eat porridge with no problems, for instance, others find it spikes their blood sugar far too much to be worth it, others can eat it in the afternoon but not in the morning! It's pointless cutting out things from your diet which you could eat with no problems, but on the other hand, you don't want to eat something every day which is spiking your blood sugar up to the teens, and you'll never know unless you test. As a type 2 you wouldn't have to keep doing it every day once you've worked out which foods you can eat.
Have a look at the food board for recipes though, I'm sure you'll find some vegetarian ones there - or you could start a thread asking for some.
What is it you think is tricky about low carbing when you're vegetarian? There are quite a few vegetarians on here, a couple of vegans, and a few people like me who don't eat meat but do eat fish, and there's a lot of food you can eat as a veggetarian with diabetes.
All sorts of salads and all the veg which grow above ground are good, you only need to cut down on root veg like potatoes and parsnips (carrots aren't too bad in small quantities). Nuts and seeds are mostly good (some nuts are a bit higher in carbs than others, but just check the packets for total carbs and eat the higher carb ones in moderation). Eggs, cheese, and butter are good, yogurt is fine so long as the total carbs aren't too high (avoid the low fat ones which tend to have added sugar so they're higher in carbs). Lentils are good, and some beans are fine too (just check the packets for total carbs to be sure which). Tofu is good, that's low carb. Some fruit are better than others, but most diabetics are OK with berries, and some can eat apples and pears - though the only way of knowing which fruit - or anything else - you can eat is to test before and after eating them to see how much they raise your blood sugar.
It really is worth testing because we are all different - some diabetics can eat porridge with no problems, for instance, others find it spikes their blood sugar far too much to be worth it, others can eat it in the afternoon but not in the morning! It's pointless cutting out things from your diet which you could eat with no problems, but on the other hand, you don't want to eat something every day which is spiking your blood sugar up to the teens, and you'll never know unless you test. As a type 2 you wouldn't have to keep doing it every day once you've worked out which foods you can eat.
Have a look at the food board for recipes though, I'm sure you'll find some vegetarian ones there - or you could start a thread asking for some.
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