New Type 2 and lots of other things

[Ralph-YK]

Hi
I'm a new Type 2, new here. I was given the diagnosis in December, while in hospital, 7 and a half months ago. I have some other medical things going on so have not been pushing on the diabetes.
I have no idea what to do or how to manage it. No idea what to do about food (I was already not eathing any cake, biscuiets, crisps, chocholate, cream etc. at all). Just had a quick look at a couple of threads and seen low carbs mentioned. Don't know anything about that. Don't remember hearing about Diabetes UK before this last month. Haven't been looking on the web as it's full of c**p, rubbish and things that are out of date, some of which is put up by me.
I'm on metformin.

 

[Northerner]

Hi Ralph, welcome to the forum 🙂 Very sorry to hear about your diagnosis, especially given that it goes along with other difficulties you are having to cope with. Diabetes is a serious condition, but it can be controlled well with the right knowledge and application. I would recommend having a read of Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter to begin with, and would also recommend getting a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker. These are good sources of information that will help your understanding and set you on the right track.

Diabetes is cheifly all about carbohydrates - not just sugary items, but rice, pasta, potatoes, bread etc. - as these will raise your blood glucose levels the quickest. This is why you will see so many references to low-carb eating around. Ideally, you need to find a balance in the amount of carbs you consume in order to keep your levels steady and not climb too high. People have different tolerances for different things, so it's most important to determine what your own particular tolerances are in order to maintain maximum flexibility in your diet. The best (if not the only) way to determine this is by testing. Do you have a meter? If not, I would highly recommend asking your nurse/GP for one. If they say you don't need to test (many are opposed to it unless you are on certain medications) then you may have to fnd one yourself. The cheapest option we have come across here is the SD Codefree Meter with test strips at around £7-£8 for 50. Have a read of Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S to gain an understand the principles behind this.

Please ask any and every question you have and we will do our best to answer. Diabetes is complicated, but it can become a manageable part of your life, and learning how to manage it well can lead to you feeling happier and healthier than you may have felt for some time, so there is a positive side to it 🙂

 

[KateR]

Welcome to the forum Ralph.

 

[Mark T]

Welcome to the forum Ralph-YK 🙂

 

[Ralph-YK]

Thanks for the welcome.

Metformin 500mg twice daily. Yep, that's what I'm on.

Thanks for the reply Northerner. Meter - No don't have one and I don't remember any mention of one. Are you talker about pricking the finger and putting on a tab thing?