Magarnett - new to diabetes

[Magarnett]

I am not very technically savvy and am only managing my diabetes from books like diabetes for dummies I did one day of a course theGP arranged and then broke my ankle and couldn't get to the other classes. Am having first follow up blood test on Thursday so don't know if I am ok. My GP says it's not policy to recommend monitors any more but it's more than three months since I was diagnosed and I feel fed up not knowing if my blood levels are ok.

 

[Northerner]

I am not very technically savvy and am only managing my diabetes from books like diabetes for dummies I did one day of a course theGP arranged and then broke my ankle and couldn't get to the other classes. Am having first follow up blood test on Thursday so don't know if I am ok. My GP says it's not policy to recommend monitors any more but it's more than three months since I was diagnosed and I feel fed up not knowing if my blood levels are ok.

Hi @Magarnett, welcome to the forum 🙂 Very sorry to hear about the broken ankle, I hope that it is healing well! 🙂

Although many doctors say you don't need to test, it's generally because they think they are saving money by not prescribing the test strips, and also use the argument that you might become anxious from seeing the numbers. However, what they never seem to realise is that many people become anxious purely because they DON'T know what's going on! 🙄 If they won;t prescribe then it is worth getting some yourself for a while, whilst to get to grips with things and learn how your different food choices are affecting you. The cheapest option we have come across SD Codefree Meter which has test strips at around £8 for 50 (many High St brands have strips costing up to £30 for 50 😱). Have a read of Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S to understand how testing can be a very effective way of learning how to tailor your diet so you can get your blood sugar levels under better control 🙂 Your blood sugar levels will change with every meal, so knowing which ones are good and which to avoid is essential, and testing is the only tool available to achieve that. A 3-monthly check might just tell you that you ate the wrong things, but you wouldn't know what! 🙄

I'd also recommend reading Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter, which contain very sound advice and might fill in the gaps left when you couldn't complete your diabetes course, plus the excellent Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker has helped many of our members through the early months 🙂

Please ask anyquestions you may have - there is always someone here who is happy to help! 🙂

 

[grovesy]

Welcome.

 

[RobK]

Hi and welcome!

I think that getting yourself a monitor is a great move, That way you can find out exactly what foods etc you can have as everyone is different, I'm still experimenting with mine but all seems pretty good at the minute, I'm on a low carb diet and plenty of exercise which seems to be working well although I do miss my Potatos, Pasta and Rice!

SD Code Free monitors are available for about £10 if your in the UK and the test strips are about the cheapest around I think.

I'm sure you will find this forum a great help, I certainly have.

 

[Martin Canty]

Welcome to the forum.... a great place for support, advice & help

The first few weeks can be tough, not understanding D & what affects BG levels, without a meter you are essentially blind. I am fortunate, the first thing I got upon being diagnosed is a meter (things are a little different in the States)

 

[Lucy Honeychurch]

Hello and welcome 🙂

 

[Steff]

Hello warm welcome to the forum.

 

[Ginger]

Welcome Marganett 🙂