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Newbie saying Hi
- Thread starter Jules1968
- Start date
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Thomas DUK
Supporter Care Advisor
Hi @Jules1968, welcome to the forum!
I'm pretty new here myself so I'm not the best person to help. Hopefully someone more informed should be along soon. In the meantime, have a look at the links I've attached below. They contain a few dietary and lifestyle tips that should help:
You might also want to check out our Learning Zone. You can set up an account and, after answering some questions, you'll receive expert advice tailored to you. You can access the Learning Zone here: Learning Zone | Diabetes UK
I'm pretty new here myself so I'm not the best person to help. Hopefully someone more informed should be along soon. In the meantime, have a look at the links I've attached below. They contain a few dietary and lifestyle tips that should help:
You might also want to check out our Learning Zone. You can set up an account and, after answering some questions, you'll receive expert advice tailored to you. You can access the Learning Zone here: Learning Zone | Diabetes UK
Vonny
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Hi @Jules1968, cutting down on carbs is the best and quickest way to reduce BG. That's bread, pasta, rice and potatoes in addition to the obvious sweet stuff like cakes and biscuits. I cut them out altogether when I was diagnosed, but have found out since (thanks to the expertise on this lovely forum!) that this may cause problems with vision, so best to reduce them gradually. At 6.9 you should be able to reduce it fairly quickly. Best of luck x
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Can you clarify what units the numbers you have quoted are as that will help people know what they are a measurement of. Is It the result of an HbA1C test in % or finger prick test which would be mmol/l.
Flower
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Hi and welcome @Jules1968 🙂
There is sometimes a requirement to have a certain HbA1c test result to have elective surgery to give the surgery the best chance of healing well and limit the chances of infection from higher blood sugar. I know I've been told to reach specific HbA1c values by the pre assessment clinic before surgery can go ahead. An HbA1c blood test is taken from the arm, the result take a few days to come back and indicates the average level of glucose in the blood over approximately the last 3 months.
Here's some information on HbA1c https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/hba1c
I'm guessing the number you need to meet is an HbA1c test rather than a fingerstick test which is a snap shot value & changes throughout the day and night. Are you able to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter at home? that is a good way to see how foods and meals are affecting you and what changes/ reductions in carbs/portion size/exercise if it's something you are able to do will help to lower your blood glucose.
There is sometimes a requirement to have a certain HbA1c test result to have elective surgery to give the surgery the best chance of healing well and limit the chances of infection from higher blood sugar. I know I've been told to reach specific HbA1c values by the pre assessment clinic before surgery can go ahead. An HbA1c blood test is taken from the arm, the result take a few days to come back and indicates the average level of glucose in the blood over approximately the last 3 months.
Here's some information on HbA1c https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/hba1c
I'm guessing the number you need to meet is an HbA1c test rather than a fingerstick test which is a snap shot value & changes throughout the day and night. Are you able to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter at home? that is a good way to see how foods and meals are affecting you and what changes/ reductions in carbs/portion size/exercise if it's something you are able to do will help to lower your blood glucose.
Hi Jules1968, welcome to the forum.
I agree with the comment above, it would be helpful to clarify the units that are being used as 4.9 is usually the finger prick test which tells you the sugar levels at that moment but that could be impacted by a number of things including when and what you just ate.
In general, reducing your carbs/ sugar in your diet should help your number go down as well as adequate water and any exercise that you can manage.
There is no set amount to reduce thing by as it depends on the impact that certain foods have on your body which is what testing at home can be useful.
Might be worth keeping a food diary for a week or two and have a look at what can be swapped or removed as it can be surprising when you put your meals down on paper and look for the hidden foods that raise BS like drinks and snacks.
I agree with the comment above, it would be helpful to clarify the units that are being used as 4.9 is usually the finger prick test which tells you the sugar levels at that moment but that could be impacted by a number of things including when and what you just ate.
In general, reducing your carbs/ sugar in your diet should help your number go down as well as adequate water and any exercise that you can manage.
There is no set amount to reduce thing by as it depends on the impact that certain foods have on your body which is what testing at home can be useful.
Might be worth keeping a food diary for a week or two and have a look at what can be swapped or removed as it can be surprising when you put your meals down on paper and look for the hidden foods that raise BS like drinks and snacks.
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