Newbie needing to talk to someone who understands

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Sandy54

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi

I'm 54 and was diagnosed with type 2 last November. I also have Hypothyroidism which means that I am taking 150 mg of Levothyroxine and 40mg of Ezetrol, a Cholesterol tablet that substitutes for statins as i got cramps. A nurse at the hospital thought I was diabetic after a routine blood test for an ear operation. My Diabetic nurse has advised me that I don't need to have a tester as it would probably frighten me. Yet all the messages I read seem to be on top of their BG levels by testing on a regular basis. I am feeling a bit down as you might detect in this. I am trying to regulate my diabetes with diet and exercise. Diet yes..Exercise not a chance....
 
Hi Sandy, welcome to the forum 🙂 Most people find that using a meter to test the effect of different food on your blood sugar levels is the best (if not the only) way to learn how to manage your diabetes well and retain a good and varied diet. Diabetes is a very individual condition which means that you need to learn what your own reaction is to, say, porridge, rather than just accepting that it is good for everyone - some people tolerate certain things well, others need to avoid them. You can only really learn this by testing. The finger prickers used have very fine lancets these days so there is no need to be afraid of using them. Also, once you have established how you react to your favourite, regular meals, you will only need to do the occasional test when you try something new.

Have a browse of our Useful links thread for some good links that will explain the best way to apprach testing, amongst many other things. (Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter, and Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker are particularly recommended)

Ask any questions you may have - there are lots of friendly, knowledgeable people here who will be happy to help - and no question is considered 'silly'! 🙂
 
Welcome to the forum Sandy54 🙂

You don't have to be going down to gym to help diabetes with exercise - any form of exercise, be that hoovering, gardening or just going for a walk will help in it's own way.

Of course there are those of us here who do regular exercise with our drinking arms :D
 
I've got this friend, who regularly goes hypo whilst doing the ironing - I've offered to take mine round so she can keep her BG down - see how selfless I am? - and she basically told me to go away. I think that was what she meant anyway ...

So even doing the ironing is exercise.

And if I ever have to climb up and down a stepladder, to change a lightbulb or clean the dead dogs off the top of the fridge freezer - well, it's guaranteed. So is walking round the supermarket doing a weekly shop. And I even take my sherpa to push the trolley at that. Not things I regard as all that onerous - even though they aren't my favourite occupation!
 
Sandy hi and a warm welcome to the forum
 
Welcome to the forum
 
Hi Sandy
I'm 55 and type 2

I'd say yes you must get yourself a meter. D is a frightening disease, and I won't list the possible complications, so sod being frightened by your meter. The best way I know to avoid the complications is to avoid the BG spikes that add up to bring them on. You may be frightened when you see your favourite meal gives you a spike of 15, but you'll be able to adjust the size of the meal & the frequency with which you have it with that knowledge.

You won't be frightened to find your second favourite meal only registers as a 7.5, and you can then have it regularly & safely.

We all have different results to different foods at different times of the day. We can't possibly quantify those differences without a meter.

I did 5 years of eating very healthily, and waiting for the 6 monthly Hb1Ac hoping it would be good. It gradually got worse. My meals had been healthy, but with the wrong consituents, quantities & times of day.

Nobody is going to come along and cure you; the doctor & nurse won't be suffering any of the complications you might end up with. I think you owe it to yourself to say "I don't want to do any exercise, but I will do a bit cos it will help control my BG, and control of my BG is what counts". (I'm trying to encourage you here, not berate you !

All the best 🙂
 
Hi Sandy, welcome. Your meter will be your best guide, how else can you know what affects you. I have to buy most of my test strips myself, but I still get them as I feel it is worth it. Tell your GP that you wish to establish a low BS routine so you need to test after food. You may be able to get a meter and strips.
 
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