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Hi everyone,
My name is Simon Brennan I am 46 years old and I live in Cumbria, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes just over a week ago.
I am still trying to get my head around it all, it is quite overwhelming with all the information that is coming my way.
I feel like I've got an endless amount of questions, and that is one of the main reasons I have joined this forum.
Hello and welcome. Most people do feel totally overwhelmed at first, as it is a lot to take in.
Can you tell us a bit about how you came to be diagnosed, what your HbA1c was and what medications, if any, you have been given? For example, was it totally out of the blue or did you have symptoms? That will help us make the best suggestions for you.
The best place to start is the Learning Zone, orange tab above. I would suggest taking it one module a day, so you can take in the information. Most Type 2 diabetics benefit from changing their lifestyle, so the Food module is a good place to start.
It is suggested that Type 2 reduce their daily carb intake - not just sugars but all carbs. That includes bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, cereal, most fruits, and the usual suspects like cake, biscuits, sweets, pastries, fruit juice, squash (except sugar free). This needs to be done slowly as too quick can affect the eyes. The first thing I did on diagnosis was get an app which measures carbs, cals and other items like fat, protein, fibre, salt. Everyone is different about the amount of carbs they can eat without spiking their blood glucose too much. I experimented between 50gm and 130gm (the suggested maximum) per day and settled on 90gm +- 15gm. I bulked out my meals with extra veggies and increased my protein.
Exercise is also beneficial, from a daily walk (dog optional), to cycling, in the pool, home workouts, or external classes. If you need to lose weight, these 2 measures will help, but not all diabetics are overweight.
I expect plenty of people will come along with other suggestions so I won't overwhelm you. Please ask any questions - nothing is silly and we probably all asked them at some time or other.
It's natural to feel overwhelmed as it's a lot to take in but we're here to support you along this journey.
Is there anything in particular that you'd like to know? Felinia has provided some great info and questions above so do have a read and a look around the forum and let us know if we can help in any way.
Morning,
Thankyou for the warm welcome.
My HbA1c is 89 I have been put on metformin 1 tablet a day for the first week,2 a day the second week,3 a day for the third week then 4 a day from then on, then re do my bloods in January.
The diagnosis came out of the blue, But I had been feeling a bit off for a good few weeks losing weight without trying, always thirsty no matter how much I drank.
Morning,
Thankyou for the warm welcome.
My HbA1c is 89 I have been put on metformin 1 tablet a day for the first week,2 a day the second week,3 a day for the third week then 4 a day from then on, then re do my bloods in January.
The diagnosis came out of the blue, But I had been feeling a bit off for a good few weeks losing weight without trying, always thirsty no matter how much I drank.
The sudden onset (a few weeks), high HbA1c (89) and symptoms, particularly the unintended weight loss are red flags for possible Type 1 rather than Type 2. It would be wise to ask your GP for type 1 testing or a referral to a specialist clinic. I would also encourage you to obtain a BG testing kit (the 2 most recommended on the forum for economy of use and reliability are the Spirit Healthcare Tee2 or the Gluco Navii... both available to purchase online.... and you will need extra pots of test strips because the 10 that come with the kit don't last long) and a pot of Ketostix which you can buy over the counter at a pharmacy for about £5.
As someone who was assumed Type 2 like yourself and turned out to be Type 1 (and quite a few others here) your circumstances are very similar and it is important to get it checked out.
Now I've seen your history, I second @rebrascora
Metformin can have side effects - tummy problems - which can pose problems for a working man. They usually ease off after a few weeks but if they don't you can ask for a slow release version which is kinder on the nether regions!! And chase about Type 1 testing.
I have seen a Diabetic Nurse and She told me it is type 2 and I don't need to test my blood sugar levels because of the metformin that I'm taking once I get up to the full dose in a couple of weeks.
Can I also ask, what is the recommended daily intake of carbs I've been looking online and I've found a couple of different recommendation's, does it go with weight and height or is it the same for everyone.
I have seen a Diabetic Nurse and She told me it is type 2 and I don't need to test my blood sugar levels because of the metformin that I'm taking once I get up to the full dose in a couple of weeks.
Can I also ask, what is the recommended daily intake of carbs I've been looking online and I've found a couple of different recommendation's, does it go with weight and height or is it the same for everyone.
A good starting point for somebody following a low carbohydrate approach is no more than 130g per day total carbs.
I does not seem to realte to height weight etc but somebody's individual tolerance to carbohydrates and the only way you can find what you as an individual can tolerate is by testing the effect of your meals on blood glucose levels. This is done by testing before you eat and after 2 hours and noting the increase from that particular meal. An increase of no more than 2-3mmol/l or no more than 8-8.5mmol/l post meal.
Many do ignore the nurses who say no need to test as it is like driving your car without a speedometer, I would suspect you would be exceeding the speed limit more than 50% of the time and if you exceed the amount of carbs your body can tolerate as much as that then your blood glucose level will struggle to come down.
Testing gives you control and you can check you are on the right track with your lifestyle changes.
Monitors people find good are the GlucoNavii or Spirit TEE2 as they have the cheapest test strips, available on line.
I have seen a Diabetic Nurse and She told me it is type 2 and I don't need to test my blood sugar levels because of the metformin that I'm taking once I get up to the full dose in a couple of weeks.
You don't NEED to test, in that your medication of Metformin does not increase your insulin production; it just helps your body better manage the insulin you already make. So you are unlikely to drop into hypo territory as a T2.
BUT one good reason for testing is to allow you to see how your body manages specific foods and meals. We all respond a bit differently to particular meals and it can be helpful to identify what foods you might avoid or reduce portion sizes for. Normally test immediately before eating and then 2 hrs later.
Start with breakfasts, which is a time of day when our liver can, unhelpfully, routinely generate a glucose surge and our bodies are often more insulin resistant at that time. Also breakfasts tend to be the same, day on day; so understanding and adjusting breakfast is a good thing, potentially setting you up better for the rest of the day. Then start testing at lunchtime.
You don't need to test all the time. Just find out what works for you and then perhaps just an occasional test to verify and test with new (different) meals.
Can I also ask, what is the recommended daily intake of carbs I've been looking online and I've found a couple of different recommendation's, does it go with weight and height or is it the same for everyone.
I have seen a Diabetic Nurse and She told me it is type 2 and I don't need to test my blood sugar levels because of the metformin that I'm taking once I get up to the full dose in a couple of weeks.
Can I also ask, what is the recommended daily intake of carbs I've been looking online and I've found a couple of different recommendation's, does it go with weight and height or is it the same for everyone.
As @Leadinglights suggests, the most reliable and affordable meters members here have found are the SD Gluco Navii or the Spirit Tee2 - which both have test strips at around £8 for 50.
Some other brands can charge £25-30 for a pot of strips!
I would echo the advice to ask for an antibody test to check if you have T1, given the rapid onset and loss of weight. It’s important to have this test done as soon as possible after symptoms as if left for a while will more likely be inconclusive. It basicallly tests for the presence of antibodies which would indicate an autoimmune attack on the beta cells in your pancreas which means you won’t be producing insulin, hence high BG levels along with the side effects of that.
The strategy for treating T1 and T2 differs, so it is important to get diagnosed correctly to get the best treatment for your condition.
I have ordered myself a Test kit it is coming this week, I was wondering about snacks ,Which are the best nuts to get there is so many to choose from.Ive also been getting the skinny bars.
I have ordered myself a Test kit it is coming this week, I was wondering about snacks ,Which are the best nuts to get there is so many to choose from.Ive also been getting the skinny bars.
The low sugar high protein Skinny bars look a good option I will have to try those. I have Nature Valley protein nut bars or shop own as they are less than 10g carb per 40g bar.
Same but I like to chuck them in the oven after I've finished cooking and leave the oven to cool. Roasted almonds are so much nicer for me mainly because they don't cause me any stomach issues. While they are still warm is a great time to add seasoning
Same but I like to chuck them in the oven after I've finished cooking and leave the oven to cool. Roasted almonds are so much nicer for me mainly because they don't cause me any stomach issues. While they are still warm is a great time to add seasoning
I used to make a granola out of baked nuts, dates & seeds smothered in butter and spices. It was delicious, but I kept eating it every time I walked past the fridge!
My wife found these for me they are called The Gym Kitchen.They are 33g of carbs each,a few different flavours i just have them with a wholemeal pitta bread.They are full of flavour.
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