• 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.
  • We seem to be having technical difficulties with new user accounts. If you are trying to register please check your Spam or Junk folder for your confirmation email. If you still haven't received a confirmation email, please reach out to our support inbox: support.forum@diabetes.org.uk

New to the world of Diabetes

Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
L

Leahh19

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hey all, I have recently been having talks with my DR and have just been diagnosed with T2. This is all really new to me and haven't a clue where to start! I don't understand what half of the abbreviations mean or what is the important stuff to be looking out for!:(

I have some really supportive friends which is amazing however they don't have diabetes and dont understand my confusion or frustration, they keep telling me that everything is quite straight forward and after reading some information it seems like this is the furthest from straight forward.

I've been given loads of leaflets for other organisations that could possibly help with treatments but there is one that has stood out a little, its called London Medical I think and as I live close to London I thought it would be worth looking into? Has anyone ever had any dealings with them or what they do at all?

I now also realise I need to change my diet and keep diaries, so is there any tips on how to manage my eating or learning what I can and cant eat?
 
Not heard of them but just looked them up, they appear to be a Private Health Clinic. I would think they are not going to be cheap.
 
Hi @Leahh19, welcome to the forum. It is very strange at first, but don't panic! This is a friendly place, and we will try and help you with your questions. Take it one step at a time, there's no rush 🙂

The first thing to do is to look at your eating patterns and reduce or cut out starchy carbs, ie potatoes, rice, pasta, bread. These are the foods which we can't tolerate very well. Replace them with more green leafy veg, good quality meat, eggs, cheese and the like. That will help straightaway. There are loads of recipes on the different threads here, so do have a read through and get familiar with the place. I find that Burgen Soya & Linseed bread, and also Hovis Nimble, are fine.

Did your surgery suggest testing your BG (blood glucose)? Most don't, so many people here invest in a testing meter and strips, which will give you info about the foods you eat and the effect they have. The cheapest one is the SD Codefree from Amazon or Home Health (https://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/codefree-blood-glucose-monitoring-system-mmoll-or-mgdl/...if you click 'diabetic' they will remove the vat). Testing before a meal and then again two hours after starting to eat will give you the information you need to take control and make any necessary changes. Keeping a food diary of the results will be encouraging too.

Exercise is helpful, especially if you need to lose any weight. Any exercise is good, depending on what you like to do, from brisk walking to cycling, whatever - or going to a gym if that's your thing.

I'm sure others will be along later to offer support, but that's enough from me for the time being. Good luck, and come back with any queries or questions - nothing is daft!
 
Hi Leah and welcome 🙂 Everything you need to know can be found on these pages, take some time to have a good read and then post any questions you might have and you will get loads of support. @Pine Marten has given you a really great starting point, we have all been where you are now so we get how confusing it is :D
 
Hello Leahh, and welcome to the forum. Here are a few comments -

Yes, being diagnosed with diabetes is worrying, confusing, and can be overwhelming. You will need to be more careful about what to eat, but for the moment don't get too bogged down with the finer points. Try to understand what's going on and the broader picture, then the details will follow naturally

You will get some advice from medical staff, though that seems to vary across the country; but the emphasis now is for people to take more responsibility for their own control and management. With advice from NHS and your own homework you shouldn't need to go elsewhere; I haven't heard of anyone who does that

Don't be frightened by any horror stories you might hear about amputations or other serious problems. If you manage the condition properly you will be OK. I've had T2 for over 20 years and have no problems with my sight, feet or anything else as far as I know. Unfortunately this means you will have to be careful for the rest of your life, but once you get used to that you just settle into the new routine
Feeling a bit worried, depressed, or fed up now again is OK too; we all get that sometimes

Read through as many of the old posts & threads as you have the stamina for, especially for Newbies and General, plus any other sections that interest you. You'll soon see that your questions have been asked before

Get books on diabetes from your library. Different ones may have slight differences in emphasis but they will all help you to understand things, and get used to the jargon

Join Diabetes UK, They have - an interesting magazine; a good helpline; an introductory pack for newly diagnosed. In fact you could phone the helpline anyway, for a bit of reassurance and general advice. Tel 0345 123 2399

Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask any questions, that's what forums are for!

Have you been put on any medication yet?
 
Hi,

I can only agree with what the others have said. Keeping a food diary and home testing is a great help and makes it all so much easier. Please ask as many questions as you like, even the same question, I did.🙂
 
Welcome Leah from a fellow T2.
I'd suggest self testing. By testing before and after eating you can see what effect food has on you blood glucose (BG) levels, along with any changes you make.
It's not food generally that raises your levels. It's carbohydrates in particular: potatoes, bread, pasta, rice etc. We can have some which, how much and with what else is the question. That's where the self testing will help.
Keep a record of your readings, along with your food diary, and hopefully after a couple of weeks you will see a pattern.
 
Hello Leahh19, and welcome to the forum.
It is hard, don't let anyone tell you it's not... that's why this and other sites and forum exist, for support, venting, and sharing. The disease is very difficult to deal with at times. You've done the right thing in just sharing your feelings and knowing that you are not alone regarding those emotions. You won't be judged here for expressing your thoughts and feelings.

The best diet is the one that works for you. Generally, carbs turn into glucose readily, so most diets will be reduced carb. You need to experiment, test, and be patient to know what does and does not work for you personally; we are all a bit different.

And about London Medical - yes, they are quite popular in London. You can give it a try.

Leahh19 said:
Hey all, I have recently been having talks with my DR and have just been diagnosed with T2. This is all really new to me and haven't a clue where to start! I don't understand what half of the abbreviations mean or what is the important stuff to be looking out for!:(

I have some really supportive friends which is amazing however they don't have diabetes and dont understand my confusion or frustration, they keep telling me that everything is quite straight forward and after reading some information it seems like this is the furthest from straight forward.

I've been given loads of leaflets for other organisations that could possibly help with treatments but there is one that has stood out a little, its called London Medical I think and as I live close to London I thought it would be worth looking into? Has anyone ever had any dealings with them or what they do at all?

I now also realise I need to change my diet and keep diaries, so is there any tips on how to manage my eating or learning what I can and cant eat?
Click to expand...
 
hi again all!

Thank you so much for all your kind words and support and sorry for such a delayed response!

I have decided to go through London Medical, I visited there last Thursday and although I know i'll be able to get help here its also good to have some more assistance!

I've started on Januvia through london medical and it seems to be going pretty well
 
Nothings straight forward with diabetes. When you think you have sorted it its different the next day ? Even when you have eaten the exact same thing 🙄. Good luck & welcome
 
Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
Back
Top