Newbie alert!

[Ashley1966]

Afternoon every ,

Just been diagnosed with T2. Current HbA1c of 50 so looking at lifestyle and dietary changes (ie weight loss, stop being so sedatory and a being such a sweet tooth / carbo pig) to hopefully kick back into remission without medication. Specialist has given me an initial 3 month run at it with full support of my extremely fit and healthy wife who has warned me of this moment for 30 years or so!

Great to read through the posts with my initial interest in the virtues of no added sugar squash as I struggle with drinking water and need to hugely up my fluid intake!

Cheers all,
Ashley

 

[Leadinglights]

Welcome to the forum
Obviously what has caught your attention is what to drink, I have to agree tap water tastes pretty awful but probably depends where you live.
But flavoured still or fizzy water can be very refreshing or the sugarfree cordials are usually acceptable but the diet drinks are also something people find they are usually Ok with.
You are only just over the threshold so some changes to you lifestyle should give you a good change to get things back on track without the meds.
Remember it is ALL carbohydrates that convert to glucose so reducing those in your diet is a good start.
Starting a food diary of everything you eat and drink with quantities and an estimate of the Total carbohydrate will give you an idea of your starting point for reducing your intake. Many people find a low carb normal fat regime successful so keeping carbs to less than 130g per day though some go less.
Reducing gradually say by one third for a couple of weeks, then another third until you get to where you need to be as that reduces the possibility of eye of nerve issues.
It is also recommended that you get a blood glucose monitor so you can test the effect of various meals and foods. Some people are lucky enough to be prescribed one but most will need to self fund.
Please ask if you are interested in this as the consideration is the cost of the test strips.
Basing meals on meat, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts, full fat dairy, vegetables and salads and fruits like berries with small portions of higher carb foods still gives plenty of options for filling tasty meals. here is no need to completely avoid carbs but be selective and make what you have be worth it for flavour and enjoyment.
Takeaways and ready meals have lots of hidden carbs so are best reserved for occasional treats.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Ashley1966

If you’d like some support to get moving, you could sign up for the Live Well Move More programme which will offer you 1:1 advice and help.

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.

Often you don’t realise how weary, worn down and lethargic you have been feeling. Erratic and elevated blood glucose levels can be exhausting and are linked with low mood, but this may have come on quite gradually. Making a few positive changes can give you more energy, a clearer mind, and a brighter outlook. Plus the regular checks you get after a diagnosis with diabetes mean that any potential problems may be spotted earlier, and can be sorted out sooner.

If you’d like some suggestions for food, you might like to flick through a few pages of the What Did You Eat Yesterday thread.

https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/what-did-you-eat-yesterday.30349/page-506

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to eating that will work for everyone. Everyone needs to find their own balance where their body can tolerate the portion sizes and types of carbs in their menu.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on!

 

[Felinia]

Hi and welcome

Glad to hear you have full support from your wife. A few simple tweaks and more exercise should soon reap rewards. As usual good advice from Leadinglights. You will also have the benefit of regular checkups for your eyes, BP, various organ functions, cholesterol - something I find very reassuring.