New Member - What is a Meter?

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Zosema

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi everyone, I'm another new person. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes just over a week ago.

I keep seeing references to using a meter, but I don't know what this is, could someone clarify this for me? It's not something I've been offered, but maybe I'm not far along enough in the process to have been offered this so far.

To date, I've received my diagnosis from my GP and seen the nurse this morning for "education" (although I came away feeling utterly confused, not "educated").

I don't think I'm handling this news very well, did anyone else feel hopeless at this stage and will that get better?

Thanks
Zosema
 
Hi Zosema, welcome to the forum 🙂 A 'meter' is a blood glucose testing meter, a small pocket-sized item that you place a single-use test strip in. You then prick the end of your finger to get a drop of blood and apply this to the strip. After a few seconds the meter display will show you what level your blood glucose is.

Some examples of meters:
free-glucose-meters.jpg


As you are very new, there is a lot to take in and it can be overwhelming. Try not to worry, it will come in time. Anything you are unsire of you can ask the people here who are very friendly and have a wealth of experience.

I would highly recommend getting a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker which will give you a good introduction and understanding of what to expect. Have a browse of our Useful links thread for lots more information, but again, do not try and take in everything at once, just absorb what you can. There is also a link to get a free meter in there.

Let us know if we can help, I look forward to hearing more from you 🙂 Things do get much better!
 
Hi Zosema,

Welcome to the Forum; I'm a relatively new type 2; you'll find masses of support and information on this sight. Any questions, no matter how daft you think they are (I've asked them all....) please just ask.

When I was first diagnosed I didn't know what to do; always tearful; completely lost. However, over the following weeks things become clearer and it is about taking control.

Take care, keep in touch. Amanda x 🙂
 
Welcome to the forums Zosema 🙂
 
Hi Zosema, welcome to the forum. I was diagnosed a few months back and found it all a bit hard to understand. Dont stress yourself, take a little in at a time and it will slowly(in my case)🙂 begin to come together so you can control your diabetes better.
 
Hi and Thanks

Hi everyone, thanks for all the replies, very much appreciated.

I think one of the reasons I'm having trouble coming to terms with my diagnosis is that I am also a longterm depression sufferer (16 years) and this has triggered a bout of depression. I was actually half way through weaning off my old anti-depressants onto some new ones when I received my diabetes diagnosis - that was not a good day!

Does anyone else have any experience/advice of trying to tackle these two issues at the same time?

Best wishes to everyone
Zosema
 
Hi Zosema. A belated welcome 🙂

There is a strong link between diabetes and depression, so you're certainly not alone in that.

Any diagnosis that tells you you're body is doing things without your permission and especially one that restricts what you can eat (a rather necessary habit) is going to knock you for six.

There is a period of grieving that often follows diagnosis, part of which is depressive, and also inculding anger, guilt, etc before you can accept it and move on positively. FOr some this happens in a few days but for others it can take years.

The more you learn about ways of coping with it and minimising its impact, will hopefully help you to come to terms with it.🙂

Rob
 
Hi there

Another welcome 🙂

Can't really add to what's been said already. Take a look around and ask any questions that arise - nothing is considered silly or obvious and anything you ask is likely to help someone else who is unsure about the same thing!

M
 
Hi there Zozema and a warm welcome to the forum
 
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