Hello, I'm 42 and 4 weeks into my Type2 diagnosis. My numbers at diagnosis were Hba1c 83 & glucose 19.6 (these all confuse me) I'm now on 3 x Metformin per day and slowly getting my head around all the changes that I have to make. Completely terrified, not just of the Type2 but of the things that it can lead too which i think is making me determined. For now its one day at a time. Im hoping to get lots of tips and support from these forums and cant wait to get reading.
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Newbie here
- Thread starter CazzaB
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Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Welcome to the forum. Diagnosis is made from the HbA1C test which in simple terms gives the average blood glucose over the previous 3 months, yours being 83mmol/mol is well into the diabetic zone which is why you have been prescribed metformin as that helps your body use the insulin it produces more efficiently so helps along with dietary changes to reduce blood glucose.
It is usual to build up the dose if needed over a few weeks to avoid any side effects, some get stomach issues which can be helped by talking the tablets mid meal.
The other result would have been your blood glucose level at that moment in time and at 19.6mmol/l is quite high but will be affected by the food you have eaten.
At least you have been diagnosed and can now take some action to bring your level down. The main thing is to make some dietary changes, reducing the carbohydrates you have. Many find that a low carbohydrate approach is successful, that is suggested as being no more than 130g total carbohydrates per day, it does not mean NO carbs.
Have a look at this link for some ideas for modifying your diet and there is also good explanation. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
Other people find that low calorie or a shakes based regime suits them and there are some menu plans on the main DUK site for various options.
The main thing is to make a plan to move forward, panicking will not help as that will raise blood glucose.
Many find that testing at home helps them manage their condition as it allows them to find out which foods will raise blood glucose too much but also find the foods which they tolerate well.
I'm sure you will have lots of questions once you have had a read of the link and around the forum so do come back and people will do their best to help.
Felinia
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Hi and welcome
Leadinglights always gives excellent advice for newly diagnosed Type 2. I'd just like to offer a few suggestions. If you have not already done so, I would recommend you start you start a food diary, noting everything that you have - food, drink, snacks - and their carb content. It can be a pen and paper record, a spreadsheet or an app - whichever suits you best. (I use the NutraCheck app as it does all the hard work for me!!) I keep digital scales and a clear glass bowl on my kitchen top, so each item gets weighed.
Your results can be checked against the measuring regime Leadinglights suggested, to identify foods that spike your blood glucose. We are all different in the way our bodies react, so there is no definitive rule. I soon identified which foods affected me, and now I just test for new foods. But 4 years down the line, I still weigh my portion sizes.
I would hope (expect really) that you will be recalled and tested again 3 months after diagnosis, so I suggest you keep your records to show your diabetic nurse, and compile a list of questions you may have.
If you need to losing weight and increasing exercise will also help.
Plenty of food ideas on the Food/carb recipes and queries part of the Forum, but look for Type 2 posters.
Best wishes
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
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Welcome to the forum @CazzaB
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed at the beginning, but try not to worry. 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. Looking at it in a positive way, 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.
When it comes to managing your diabetes, it’s best to make changes to your menu and activity levels gradually - partly because they need to be sustainable long term, but also because very rapid and sudden changes to blood glucose levels are harder on the fine blood vessels, and changing things more gently will give your body time to adapt. So be kind to yourself, and give yourself time to adjust and adapt. Treat yourself as a science experiment, and gradually adjust and adapt your approaches to find a way of managing your diabetes that works for you long-term.
And keep asking questions on the forum too!
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed at the beginning, but try not to worry. 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. Looking at it in a positive way, 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.
When it comes to managing your diabetes, it’s best to make changes to your menu and activity levels gradually - partly because they need to be sustainable long term, but also because very rapid and sudden changes to blood glucose levels are harder on the fine blood vessels, and changing things more gently will give your body time to adapt. So be kind to yourself, and give yourself time to adjust and adapt. Treat yourself as a science experiment, and gradually adjust and adapt your approaches to find a way of managing your diabetes that works for you long-term.
And keep asking questions on the forum too!
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