Newly diagnosed Type 2 and confused....

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Zolabud

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Type 2
Hi all.

Have just been told that I have type 2 diabetes.
I am only just type 2 so my doctor says. But I have progressively been putting on weight in the past 5 years and now weigh 15 stone whereas I was about 10 stone 'til I was 50.
I also have moderate Emphasyma and have been blaming my weight gain on that. (Along with my menopause.) I know nothing about Type 2 diabetes and am browsing your fine site right now.
My step dad has Type 2 and has 2 sorts of medication.
I have an appointment with my diabetic nurse a week this Wednesday and will find out a lot more then I'm sure.

Nice to be here.
 
Hi Zolabud, welcome to the forum 🙂 I would suggest looking at our Useful links thread if you haven't already done so - particulary recommended are Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter, and the book Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker is highly recommended by many of our members 🙂

Please ask any questions you may have. No question is considered daft, so if it is confusing or confounding you, please ask away and we will do our best to help! 🙂
 
Many thanks for links.

Thanks for all the links.

Have ordered the book from Amazon and read all the other stories.

Feel much more in control now but it is still rather confusing !!
 
Zolabud said:
Thanks for all the links.

Have ordered the book from Amazon and read all the other stories.

Feel much more in control now but it is still rather confusing !!
Click to expand...

There is a lot to take in, especially at first, so take things one step at a time - it's more of a marathon than a sprint! 🙂
 
Hello Zolabud, welcome. I'm a T2 with asthma (which I know is completely different to emphysema, but also causes trouble with breathing when exercising).

If you can shift some of the excess weight, you can just about guarantee to improve your blood sugar levels at least a bit, and possibly your chest symptoms as well. This has happened to me... I've lost 6 stone, my BG levels are in non-diabetic range and I seldom have to use my inhaler (even when climbing stairs). There's plenty you can do to help yourself, and lots of support on the forum. Good luck!
 
Welcome to the forum Zolabud 🙂
 
Welcome zolabud this is a great group with great advice
 
Thanks for the warm welcome folks.

Another question...I like a drink. I have been looking into buying non alcoholic wine but not knowing much about diabetes I am unsure what sugar levels to watch out for.

My stepdad likes a drink too. He veers between Pilsner beer which he has heard is good for type 2... Dry white wine and when he is on a bender he likes Gin and low sugar tonic.

I liked Rose wine but am scared to drink it now....

Is there a specific part of this site which deals with alcoholic drinks...Good and bad?

Many thanks.
 
Zolabud said:
Thanks for the warm welcome folks.

Another question...I like a drink. I have been looking into buying non alcoholic wine but not knowing much about diabetes I am unsure what sugar levels to watch out for.

My stepdad likes a drink too. He veers between Pilsner beer which he has heard is good for type 2... Dry white wine and when he is on a bender he likes Gin and low sugar tonic.

I liked Rose wine but am scared to drink it now....

Is there a specific part of this site which deals with alcoholic drinks...Good and bad?

Many thanks.
Click to expand...

Alcohol should be fine in moderation, as long as it's not contra-indicated by any medications you are on, but you will need to experiment to find out what works best for you as reactions can be very individual - to do that you will need to be able to test your blood sugar levels. The carbs will raise blood sugar levels initially, but can then cause them to fall whilst the liver is busy processing the alcohol (it can't multitask, so it stops releasing its own stores of glucose whilst it is otherwise occupied. Personally, I find lager and cider are much better for me than real ales.

We don't have a specific alcohol section, but you can search for 'alcohol' and read previous discussions on the topic - here's an example:

http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=32333
 
LeeLee said:
Hello Zolabud, welcome. I'm a T2 with asthma (which I know is completely different to emphysema, but also causes trouble with breathing when exercising).

If you can shift some of the excess weight, you can just about guarantee to improve your blood sugar levels at least a bit, and possibly your chest symptoms as well. This has happened to me... I've lost 6 stone, my BG levels are in non-diabetic range and I seldom have to use my inhaler (even when climbing stairs). There's plenty you can do to help yourself, and lots of support on the forum. Good luck!
Click to expand...

As your BG levels are in a non diabetic range do you still regard yourself as diabetic then?
I suppose once you figure out what to eat you must keep it up eh....

I am going shopping later and will buy baked beans which I love. Do I need to buy special low sugar beans then? I don't like sugar substitutes in any form but I suppose I am going to have to go down that route aren't I.... Never been a lover of Aspertame which a lot of low sugar food items have in them. I eat the full sugar versions...I eat less of them though. I also don't like low fat items. I eat the full fat but less of them. I am confused over my shopping habits now !! Never mind,the book I ordered from Amazon will be here next week and I can really swat up then....
 
Zolabud said:
As your BG levels are in a non diabetic range do you still regard yourself as diabetic then?
I suppose once you figure out what to eat you must keep it up eh....

I am going shopping later and will buy baked beans which I love. Do I need to buy special low sugar beans then? I don't like sugar substitutes in any form but I suppose I am going to have to go down that route aren't I.... Never been a lover of Aspertame which a lot of low sugar food items have in them. I eat the full sugar versions...I eat less of them though. I also don't like low fat items. I eat the full fat but less of them. I am confused over my shopping habits now !! Never mind,the book I ordered from Amazon will be here next week and I can really swat up then....
Click to expand...

It would be worth getting a book on the GI/GL diet - The GL Diet for Dummies is a good example. This is a way of selecting and combining foods which will have a slow, steady impact on your blood sugar levels. Fat is actually beneficial in this respect, since it helps slow the digestion and absorption of any carbs consumed, so if you are not overly concerned with calories no need to restrict it unduly. Basically, everything in moderation - avoid anything with the word 'diabetic' on the packaging! 🙂
 
Just ordered that one too for 1p + ?2.80 P+P !!

This is gonna change my life. I remember years ago when I was younger and fitter I got seriously into food combining and did it religiously for 8 years.
I seem to have forgotten most of it....

I need to lose weight. I need to cut back on my drinking. I have learnt this morning that the liver can't multi task. I never knew that....

If I can lose some weight I will improve my breathing which is awful at the moment. I will also improve my diabetes and I am only just over the lower end of the graph thing as my doctor told me so. But she said cutting down or cutting out my alcohol intake will help me lose weight and help me with my Emphasyma and diabetes. So I have more incentive than ever now.

Thanks for all your help. It has been invaluable.
 
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