Yup I was totally overwhelmed and left on my own with meds and little real information. Kick up the pants? Ohhh yessss. I was way overweight. Diet was shockingly bad. Rushed to hospital. Blood glucose beyond dangerously high. The future looked bleak. But the thing that frightened me most was that I didn't know what to do nor what the future held for me. The docto4s and nurses were too overworked to help me personally.
Man, was I scared. Terrified more like.
That was enough to get me to find out as much as I could and I landed up here. Great people, great advice, great support.
What did they say right at the start that helped me ?
1. Its all about carbs and to reduce my consumption. So I had to find out which foods had what carbs and start to select what would be good to eat and what would be not so good.
2. Testing Blood Glucose is key to finding out what the body can cope with carb wise. I had a BG meter but I would have bought one anyway. At first my BG readings were terrible but with the right strategy it did come down. The right strategy? Yup understanding what worked for people here and trying things out for myself to see what might work for me.
3. I learned that for some it was possible, with a careful low carb, high fat, high protein diet, exercise, and weight loss, that the diabetes could be pushed into remission. Just think of it. From being ill and taking meds to well and no meds. I wanted that, so I set about following the successful strategies of those on here. So from being obese to twig. Couch potato to olympic champion (ok maybe not quite). From sweets, drink, chocolate to healthy foods. It needed a lot of careful research, planning and resolve. And time. I couldn't sort it all out in an instant. It took weeks to get to grips with food, meds, testing. 9 months later and it all seems so much easier.
4. People reported that their cravings for sugar and unhealthy foods dissappeared on the low carb diet. And I found that to be true and I didn't feel hungry all the time (I used to). I desperately needed to eat sugary foods constantly. I needed the energy but oddly the sugary foods gave me none. Now, not a single craving or need for sugary foods.
5. Some reported that previous symptoms vanished or reduced as their bodies recovered on the better diet and exercise. And I found that to be true too. At diagnosis I had every diabetic symptom possible and more. Since controlling my diet and exercising and losing 40% of me!!! Every single one of the symptoms has completely gone. And I carry 34.9 Kg less around with me every single moment of my life now.
6. Quite a few reported that they enjoyed their food more. I found this to be true too. Food tastes so much better and sweeter (even with no added sugar). Real enjoyment of each food. Some create their own personal recipes which adds interest to meals too.
But starting at the beginning is like looking up at the top of a mountain from the bottom. It seems a long way off.
Others have managed to successfully live a great life with their diabetes. I have. You can but it takes time to understand and to set up your own strategies that work for you. So its one step at a time. One day at a time. One small goal at a time.
You can do it and the initial feeling of being overwhelmed will go.
What amazed me was that since taking control I feel more well and fit than I have ever ever felt and I wouldn't change that for anything. I thought that I was facing utter disaster but in fact I was facing rescue at my own hands and (being honest) at the hands of those here on the forum. As they say, ask any questions, someone here will, be able to help. I had a zillion questions, their patience and kindness was what I needed.
Talking of kindness, remember to be kind and patient with yourself too. There will be ups and downs along the way. Its a life long journey so take your time and take control.
Good luck.
So all I can really say is bit by bit learn what you can, do what you can, and enjoy your journey back to better health (hopefully)
