Newly diagnosed and completely overwhelmed

[Diabooties]

Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed in Friday after an HB-thingamajig reading of 115, with a blood glucose reading if 24, ketones 0.1 (which is apparently good, or at least not terrible). I've been given metformin and gliclazide to help reduce my blood glucose and have made drastic changes to my (previously hugely sugar-based) diet. I've also started exercising.

To be honest I'm feeling really stupid and sad. I had gestational diabetes 8years ago, so I was aware this was a risk and I stupidly didn't make the lifestyle changes. And I'm sad because I was operating under the illusion that I still had the choice about when to get my act together. I now don't have that choice.

I'm genuinely not saying this to get sympathy - I know I'll get to a better headspace (I've never been healthier or fitter than when I had gestational diabetes, which I controlled through diet/exercise only, so I'm excited about being healthy again), but I thought I'd be honest about how I'm feeling right now, because maybe others feel the same and need to see someone else expressing that. And I just needed to say it all somewhere.

I'm also finding my family's attempts to 'help' quite overwhelming. I really just need to sit with the diagnosis and take the obvious steps to reduce my levels this weekend. I can't cope with people coming at me with their suggestions and handfuls of sugar-free foods yet. I'm not ready for goal setting beyond getting through the weekend and lowering my levels enough to be safe.

I don't mean to sound ungrateful or rant. I know it's hard for people who love me too.

Anyway. Here i am! A mum with 2 young kids and a partner who is worried. I'm lots of other things too, but that's the basics for now

 

[Anbemcc]

Hi I'm new to this as well, this is my 4th week, it is overwhelming, your heads in a spin, I'm taking it day by day you can't do much else. Some of my Friends say it's only diabetes, other factor my food needs into things. This site is amazing, I'm so glad I joined they will help you x

 

[Adam 48]

Hi, I have joined the group today, on behalf of my daughter, and getting good advice already! The thing I noticed when my daughter was diagnosed two years ago, was that people who don't have Type 1, or have someone close to them who have it, have no real understanding of what's involved. Which is fair enough, I was the same. Just an injection of insulin before meals, job done...There is a lot more to it! Myself and my family have had to learn everything about foods, the importance of exercise, and all kinds of different things that can affect BG levels. It is a difficult condition to manage, but it can be done, and there is a lot of support out there, our Diab team have been fantastic. All the best to you

 

[Leadinglights]

Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed in Friday after an HB-thingamajig reading of 115, with a blood glucose reading if 24, ketones 0.1 (which is apparently good, or at least not terrible). I've been given metformin and gliclazide to help reduce my blood glucose and have made drastic changes to my (previously hugely sugar-based) diet. I've also started exercising.

To be honest I'm feeling really stupid and sad. I had gestational diabetes 8years ago, so I was aware this was a risk and I stupidly didn't make the lifestyle changes. And I'm sad because I was operating under the illusion that I still had the choice about when to get my act together. I now don't have that choice.

I'm genuinely not saying this to get sympathy - I know I'll get to a better headspace (I've never been healthier or fitter than when I had gestational diabetes, which I controlled through diet/exercise only, so I'm excited about being healthy again), but I thought I'd be honest about how I'm feeling right now, because maybe others feel the same and need to see someone else expressing that. And I just needed to say it all somewhere.

I'm also finding my family's attempts to 'help' quite overwhelming. I really just need to sit with the diagnosis and take the obvious steps to reduce my levels this weekend. I can't cope with people coming at me with their suggestions and handfuls of sugar-free foods yet. I'm not ready for goal setting beyond getting through the weekend and lowering my levels enough to be safe.

I don't mean to sound ungrateful or rant. I know it's hard for people who love me too.

Anyway. Here i am! A mum with 2 young kids and a partner who is worried. I'm lots of other things too, but that's the basics for now

Welcome to the forum, even though you had the experience of gestational diabetes it must still have come as a shock. But you know it is all about making those lifestyle changes that you will need to make. With your levels being high you must have been feeling pretty unwell.
Bringing down your levels slowly is better to avoid vision issues some people suffer. If you have a blood glucose monitor then dig it out and then you can use it to help make some better food choices. The medications you have been given can cause hypos, Gliclazide in particular so you should have been prescribed a monitor. So if you drive you do need to be careful. Reducing carbohydrates yes, but not too much too quickly.
The learning zone will be useful to you as a refresher and the thread What did you eat Yesterday will give you some ideas what Type 2 folk have for meals. Remember different people will allowing themselves more restricted amount of carbs than others so be careful there.

 

[Diabooties]

Welcome to the forum, even though you had the experience of gestational diabetes it must still have come as a shock. But you know it is all about making those lifestyle changes that you will need to make. With your levels being high you must have been feeling pretty unwell.
Bringing down your levels slowly is better to avoid vision issues some people suffer. If you have a blood glucose monitor then dig it out and then you can use it to help make some better food choices. The medications you have been given can cause hypos, Gliclazide in particular so you should have been prescribed a monitor. So if you drive you do need to be careful. Reducing carbohydrates yes, but not too much too quickly.
The learning zone will be useful to you as a refresher and the thread What did you eat Yesterday will give you some ideas what Type 2 folk have for meals. Remember different people will allowing themselves more restricted amount of carbs than others so be careful there.

Thanks, I do have a monitor. They gave it to me straight away. Oddly I wasn't feeling unwell at all. I had some vague symptoms that were easily explained as other stuff, but I knew my risk and was aware I wasn't looking after myself so thought I'd get tested. I sort of imagined I might be pre-diabetic... apparently not!

 

[trophywench]

Hiya @Diabooties - 'Nowt so blind as them that cannot see!' - to quote a well known phrase or saying. Isn't very helpful though ..... but a word from the wise - keep your sense of humour and at all costs your ability to laugh WITH yourself when you do something daft, cos you will do something daft, I can guarantee it. I remember telling my DSN about one of my stupidities, cos she shared my SOH - and what did she say? 'Well, Jenny - that probably wasn't the best plan!' as she burst out laughing with me.

Anyway, stop kicking yourself anyway, cos that's not the best plan either, all in all!

 

[C-C]

Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed in Friday after an HB-thingamajig reading of 115, with a blood glucose reading if 24, ketones 0.1 (which is apparently good, or at least not terrible). I've been given metformin and gliclazide to help reduce my blood glucose and have made drastic changes to my (previously hugely sugar-based) diet. I've also started exercising.

To be honest I'm feeling really stupid and sad. I had gestational diabetes 8years ago, so I was aware this was a risk and I stupidly didn't make the lifestyle changes. And I'm sad because I was operating under the illusion that I still had the choice about when to get my act together. I now don't have that choice.

I'm genuinely not saying this to get sympathy - I know I'll get to a better headspace (I've never been healthier or fitter than when I had gestational diabetes, which I controlled through diet/exercise only, so I'm excited about being healthy again), but I thought I'd be honest about how I'm feeling right now, because maybe others feel the same and need to see someone else expressing that. And I just needed to say it all somewhere.

I'm also finding my family's attempts to 'help' quite overwhelming. I really just need to sit with the diagnosis and take the obvious steps to reduce my levels this weekend. I can't cope with people coming at me with their suggestions and handfuls of sugar-free foods yet. I'm not ready for goal setting beyond getting through the weekend and lowering my levels enough to be safe.

I don't mean to sound ungrateful or rant. I know it's hard for people who love me too.

Anyway. Here i am! A mum with 2 young kids and a partner who is worried. I'm lots of other things too, but that's the basics for now

Hi I’m a newbie too, diagnosed Wednesday and still reeling and overwhelmed
My husband came hone yesterday having talked to a friend who has been managing pre diabetes saying we need to get X sugar free biscuits - like that was going to solve everything !
sending a hug x

 

[Leadinglights]

Hi I’m a newbie too, diagnosed Wednesday and still reeling and overwhelmed
My husband came hone yesterday having talked to a friend who has been managing pre diabetes saying we need to get X sugar free biscuits - like that was going to solve everything !
sending a hug x

The problem with anything advertised as Sugar free is that although it may have no Sugar it is not necessarily low carbohydrate. So really is not a good option and can increase blood glucose. The only thing I can think of is sugar free jelly which is low carb. Beware even of things which are low sugar as still quite high carb or even low fat as they are higher carb than full fat versions.
Some people will have higher carb foods if Type 1 or Type 2 but taking insulin.

 

[Diabooties]

Hi I’m a newbie too, diagnosed Wednesday and still reeling and overwhelmed
My husband came hone yesterday having talked to a friend who has been managing pre diabetes saying we need to get X sugar free biscuits - like that was going to solve everything !
sending a hug x

My partner has brewed me herbal teas, bought me low sugar muesli, several falafel packs (I'm vegetarian) and salads, given me a couple of lectures... I know it's just her way of managing some of her anxiety and I'm grateful I have a partner who cares so much, but good grief give me a moment to process!

 

[C-C]

My partner has brewed me herbal teas, bought me low sugar muesli, several falafel packs (I'm vegetarian) and salads, given me a couple of lectures... I know it's just her way of managing some of her anxiety and I'm grateful I have a partner who cares so much, but good grief give me a moment to process!

We have now planned some meals for this week which has helped a bit!

 

[SB2015]

Welcome @Diabooties

Glad that you have found the forum, and that you have support around you.
it is a shock at the start, but you will gradually find your new ‘normal’ way of managing this.
Keep the questions coming and know that nothing is considered silly on here. Just ask.

 

[taylormade]

Hi and welcome. I am new too diagnosed last week and I feel similarly as I’ve known I am high risk and meaning to do something for years. I’ve been very up and down one minute feeling low and then grateful at least it’s been identified and can do something about it. I’ve ordered a monitor but it’s scary knowing my levels have been and still very high. I’ve found this site and the forum a godsend. Take care and be kind to yourself

 

[Leadinglights]

My partner has brewed me herbal teas, bought me low sugar muesli, several falafel packs (I'm vegetarian) and salads, given me a couple of lectures... I know it's just her way of managing some of her anxiety and I'm grateful I have a partner who cares so much, but good grief give me a moment to process!

Being vegetarian does make your food choices that little bit more difficult as the zero carb foods are meat and fish but it is easily managed with a bit of imagination. Have a look for low carb or keto vegetarian recipes and you may only have to tweak what you normally have.

 

[Diabooties]

Being vegetarian does make your food choices that little bit more difficult as the zero carb foods are meat and fish but it is easily managed with a bit of imagination. Have a look for low carb or keto vegetarian recipes and you may only have to tweak what you normally have.

Thanks @Leadinglights that's really helpful. I wasn't vegetarianwhen I had GD, so it is a new challenge!

 

[Diabooties]

Hi and welcome. I am new too diagnosed last week and I feel similarly as I’ve known I am high risk and meaning to do something for years. I’ve been very up and down one minute feeling low and then grateful at least it’s been identified and can do something about it. I’ve ordered a monitor but it’s scary knowing my levels have been and still very high. I’ve found this site and the forum a godsend. Take care and be kind to yourself

I can relate to the rollercoaster! I'm also feeling a bit worried about telling some people for fear if being judged for not having acted sooner.
I'll get there, though. Just need to feel a little stronger!

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Diabooties

Glad you have found us. Yes it can take a bit of adjustment to come to terms with a diagnosis with a long-term condition like diabetes. And different people will process it in different ways. For some people it will involve a form of grieving for lost ‘health’ (with the familiar stages of grief coming in unpredictable and sometimes chaotic waves). Others will find their diagnosis acts as a sort of catalyst, and will later reflect that they have never felt happier in themselves or more motivated to make healthier choices around food and exercise - plus all the extra checks they receive mean that any potential issues are identified much earlier and can be addressed sooner.

For those ‘helpful’ family members, you might find some of the ideas in this diabetes etiquette card a good starting point for having open, but perhaps more supportive conversations:

http://behavioraldiabetes.org/xwp/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/BDIAdultEtiquetteCard.pdf

And feel free to vent, laugh, and let off steam here too.You are among folks who will instinctively ‘get it’. Looking after your mental health is a vital part of your diabetes-management toolkit.