Newly dazed + confused

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KayVee

KayVee

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Other Type
So, as part of a new job, the healthcare provider offered an "MOT" health check.

My HbA1c was 79 mmol.

Given the symptoms and family history, this doesn't surprise me at all in the slightest and I'm not shocked or scared as such.

I'm also overweight / plus size and in a sedentary job. The last year or so I've been managing to walk about 10-15+ mile a week with my doggo though but I struggle to find time to do more

I have a follow up GP appointment on Friday with a Diabetes specialist but I'm in that weird limbo.

I don't even know if I have questions yet as I literally got the results back at 5.30am this morning.

Don't know what to do with myself until Friday.

Doom scrolling the info probably isn't going to help!
 
Hello and welcome to the forum. I sound like I've been on here forever but I'm newly diagnosed too (January 2023). I've found this forum and website a hugely informative and every day is a school day. Today I've learned something new about artificial sweetener!

You will feel overwhelmed but Friday isn't that far away and you should get more information from your GP at that appointment. In the meantime, there's nothing to stop you looking on here for food ideas - I've been following the low carb approach and it's working well for me.

Like you, I have a sedentary job but I do have dogs so walking them has prevented things being a lot worse for me I suspect. Walking also keeps your circulation going, which is a major concern for a diabetic.

This forum is super friendly and no question is a silly one, so ask away and you will be answered with a sensible and positive response. Take time to take a breath, it's a big shock but then move onwards and upwards.
 
Hi KayVee, sorry to hear about your diagnosis. You've listed yourself as "other type", did the doctor say if you're type 2, or not say? I'm assuming you're T2, but could well be wrong.
I found out I had type 2 a year and a bit ago, and like yourself was overweight (I was 5 stone overweight), and in a sedentary job, but I decided to take stock of my diet, and lose weight, as the information I'd read in various books said that weight loss can help.
Until you see your diabetes specialist/doctor, I'd hold off doing anything, but make a list of questions to take with you to the appointment, as it'll mean you don't forget to ask something whilst you're there.
The sort of questions I'd have are:
  • Am I type 2 or a different type of diabetes?
  • Can I go on a diabetes course?
  • What medication will I need?
  • Can I be referred for eye screening?
  • If I lose weight, will that help?
  • Can I get any support with weight loss?
  • Are you offering the Newcastle meal replacement trial at the surgery (that's if you live in the right area, and are T2)?
  • Plus any other questions that you have.

Also, if you live in England, and you get put on diabetes medication, you'll be eligible for free prescriptions. I got a form from my local pharmacy and filled that out, then dropped it off at the GPs for them to sign and send off. And you should be able to get free eye tests at the opticians too.

Best of luck at your appointment, let us know how it goes, Sarah
 
Look upon it as lucky that you were offered a health check as it is better to be aware of your condition and then you can do something about it before the unpleasant consequences of high blood glucose kick it. It is a condition to be taken seriously but perfectly manageable to bring your blood glucose down by some dietary changes and may be medication but diet is going to be important.
Many find a low carbohydrate approach successful and this link may help with some meal ideas and a plan of action. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
Others find a low calorie or shakes-based regime will give them a kick start but whatever you choose has to be enjoyable otherwise it is not sustainable.
I am a fan of the low carb way and it is my new normal way of eating, I don't feel deprived.
 
I was overweight and in a sedentary job (And also experiencing a lot of stress and no sleep) - story is similar to Windy's. When I was diagnosed I immediately changed my diet to lose weight - I did low carb and low calorie, using books by GIancarlo and Katie Caldesi (They're available in Amazon). I was already doing a walk every day (And have been doing so since lockdown) as I work on a science park in the edges of a city next to a University campus and country park which I use every day.

I focussed more on losing weight for 3 months and didn't do any finger testing, so I had no idea what was going on inside. Symptoms went away in two weeks after cutting carbs. (When I did do a finger prick test after 3 months, just before a hba1c test, I was pleased to see a value in the 5s)
 
Welcome to the forum @KayVee

I’m sure it doesn’t feel like it at the moment, but you may later reflect that having that ‘MOT’ was a great thing. It means that you can start making some adjustments now. Other people can have years not realising they are already living with diabetes - but never quite feeling ill enough to book a check-up.

Sorry you’ve got a bit of time in limbo before your next appointment. If you’d like a little light reading to get you started, you could sign to to the Learning Zone (orange tab in the main menu) and start working through the bite-sized modules 🙂
 
Another little update from me.

Yesterday's 'big boy' blood test came back with an 84mmol reading. The finger prick was 79mmol but the Dr did say the blood draw would be similar enough.

My NHS app has now updated to show I have type 2 diabetes and I scheduled to have a call with a GP to discuss the results this morning.

I feel like this will just be an intermediary chat and I'll still have to go in face to face for a treatment plan etc but we'll see.

I feel 50:50 relieved that the diagnosis is written down, relieved that I had the 'M.O.T' that sound this and it will be managed but on the other hand, I'd have been happy with blind ignorance.

Obviously I'm glad I'm being treated.... But you know what I mean?
 
Mine was 82 at diagnosis, so not far off yours. I've got it down to sub-diabetic levels now with weight loss and a single metformin a day. I really went for the dieting, and that helped no end. Ask if you can get any support with dieting at your appointment, I could have had free weightwatchers/slimmers world membership, but did it by myself instead.
I suspect you'll be offered metformin, which is usually the first drug offered for T2.
Hope it goes well with the GP - ask lots of questions!
You'll get referrals for other stuff too - foot checks, eye screening. I had a heart trace(?) and various other blood and urine test, the NHS showered me with their care.
Best of luck with the appointment, Sarah
 
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