New here. Just diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.

[Gazza W]

Hi All,

just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes so lots to read and take in.

 

[Gazza W]

Hi. Welcome to the Forum from a fellow T2.

Yes, there is a lot to take in when just diagnosed but you've come the right place, so read away.

Are you happy to share info on your Hba1c at diagnosis, what medication you're on (if any) and whether you've been given any dietary or weight-loss advice? This will tell us where you are starting from on your diabetes journey so that you get the appropriate advice.

Martin

Yes, when first diagnosed in March 2020 Hba1c 63, 4 weeks later 2nd test was 58.

 

[Gazza W]

Yes, when first diagnosed in March 2020 Hba1c 63, 4 weeks later 2nd test was 58.

No medication. Not over weight. Just lots of pamphlets on type 2 diabetes from the doctor.

 

[Gazza W]

Should I be monitoring my sugar levels on a regular basis using one of the measuring devices I have seen?
Thoughts anybody?

 

[Docb]

Should I be monitoring my sugar levels on a regular basis using one of the measuring devices I have seen?
Thoughts anybody?

Depends on you.

If you are used to handling data, getting it, reviewing it, working out what it is telleng you and then reacting to it, then it is an excellent way of getting some rapid feedback on the effect of any changes you make. Many on here have used that route to get blood glucose under control. I certainly did.

If you are the sort that is confused by numbers, worry about tiny changes you cannot explain then maybe not so useful. The main reason that NHS guidelines do not recommend them when not on medication which can produce hypos (apart from cost of course) is that a few people will handle the results badly and get anxious. The easiest way of protecting those people is not to give one to anybody.

 

[trophywench]

It is of course, also cheaper not to bother providing them and then constantly avoid the NHS having to pay for testing strips on an ongoing basis.

OH MARVELLOUS !!!! WHAT A HAPPY COINCIDENCE THAT IS, THEN !!!

Oh how we laughed when they decided that.

Not.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Should I be monitoring my sugar levels on a regular basis using one of the measuring devices I have seen?
Thoughts anybody?

Welcome to the forum @Gazza W

Lots of members here find that a blood glucose (BG) meter is an important part of their diabetes toolkit, but it’s really something you have to decode for yourself - or decide to use for a while when you learn how your body responds to different foods, then set aside.

One of the biggest questions when newly diagnosed is often ‘what can I eat’ and while there are obvious things like cakes, biscuits, sweets and sugary drinks that you will be wanting to cut out straight away, you might be surprised how much *all* carbohydrate affects your BG levels, including rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, pastry, grains, cereals and many fruits.

The really tricky thing is that blood glucose responses to food are highly individual, and it can be impossible to say which types and amounts of carbohydrate will ‘spike’ your BG without checking for yourself.

You check immediately before and again 2hrs after eating, to see what the effect was. Ideally a meal would only raise your BG by 2-3, so you can start with what you would normally eat, and if you see a big ‘spike’ in BG levels begin to experiment with reducing the amount of carbs and/or try a different type (sometimes just having things at a different time of day makes a difference). Gradually tweaking and tailoring your menu to find one that suits your tastebuds, your waistline and your BG levels 🙂

If you are interested in this approach you may find test-review-adjust by Alan S a helpful framework.

One of the most affordable meters members here have found is from SD, and has been recently updated to the SD Gluco Navii which has test strips at around £8 for 50

Let us know how you get on 🙂