New Type 2

[Toffypops]

Hi.
Just been diagnosed as Type 2 diabetic and have been recommended trying the low carb approach, to reverse it without the need for medication.
Trying to read as much as I can about diabetes, but it's quite overwhelming right now.
Trying to focus on this as a good thing...making lifestyle changes and getting more active etc.
Hope to chat to some of you soon.
Lisa

 

[Leadinglights]

Welcome to the forum
Many people find a low carb approach successful in reducing blood glucose to normal levels but prefer to call it remission rather than reversal although there is some debate about that terminology.
Low carb is suggested as being less than 130g Total carbs per day but some people do go lower.
It is better to reduce carbs slowly as some people can get eye and nerve issues by reducing too quickly, I talk from experience of that happening to me by going down to 70g per day.
Keeping a food diary and estimating the total carbs in everything you eat and drink and you can see how far you are from the 130g per day. You then know your starting point. It also will help if you know what your HbA1C is so you know how much work you have to do.
This link may help give you a start with some ideas for modifying your diet. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/

 

[Toffypops]

Welcome to the forum
Many people find a low carb approach successful in reducing blood glucose to normal levels but prefer to call it remission rather than reversal although there is some debate about that terminology.
Low carb is suggested as being less than 130g Total carbs per day but some people do go lower.
It is better to reduce carbs slowly as some people can get eye and nerve issues by reducing too quickly, I talk from experience of that happening to me by going down to 70g per day.
Keeping a food diary and estimating the total carbs in everything you eat and drink and you can see how far you are from the 130g per day. You then know your starting point. It also will help if you know what your HbA1C is so you know how much work you have to do.
This link may help give you a start with some ideas for modifying your diet. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/

Thank you. That's really useful advice.

 

[Windy]

Hi Toffypops, I can recommend having a look through the recommended books section, I read Professor Taylor's books and found them useful.
There's also low calorie diets which some health authorities offer in England and Scotland (not sure about Wales and Northern Ireland) which aim to put T2 into remission.
Not trying to overload you, but I also recommend signing up for the Learning Zone (orange link at the top of the page) to find out more about diabetes.
It's all a bit much right after diagnosis, hope that you're doing ok, Sarah

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Toffypops

It’s perfectly natural to feel overwhelmed to begin with. Diabetes is a serious condition, but it’s also one that can usually be managed well with a few changes and adaptations - it’s something that you can learn to live well with, and it shouldn’t stop you doing things you enjoy. Try not to be disheartened about your diagnosis, many people on the forum later reflect that their diagnosis became a catalyst which prompted them to make positive changes towards a healthier and more active life. Perhaps changes that they had been intending to make for years.

If you would like to add to the knowledge you’ve already picked up, members here frequently recommend Maggie Davey’s Letter and Gretchen Becker’s book T2 Diabetes, the first year, which you can work through gradually and will give you a solid starting point.

And ask away with any questions you have too. We have literally centuries of lived diabetes experience on the forum for you to compare notes with.