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NEWLY DIAGNOSED TYPE 2 DIABETIC
- Thread starter rosalindb
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Hi @rosalindb welcome to the forum. You're definitely in the right place. So sorry to hear your diagnosis. How did it come about?
Oh bless you. What a fright you must have had. Did they say you had a DKA?
One of those tests was a HbA1c - can you tell us what your number was - that will help people advise you.
At the moment - eat what you normally do but keep a strict food diary - pay attention the amount of carbs in what you are eating - not just sugars. You'll start to see areas to work on.
Has anyone mentioned spot glucose testing at home and have you been put on any meds?
I collapsed in my kitchen and was taken to hospital, I found out after tests done. I am clueless. What do I eat? What if blood sugar does not come down? What is normal?
I have no idea what HbA1C even means nevermind what number is
What is DKA? I am that clueless
I am on Gliclazide and been given a blood glucose reader
ColinUK
Well-Known Member
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Hi,
And the first thing to say is don't panic. You're in the right place to help unpick what's happening and help you make informed choices going forward.
HbA1c is the sort of 3 month average of the glucose that's in your blood. So the reading you get on the meter you have been given give a more short term view of what's happening but the HbA1c is the longer view.
Your blood sugar will come down if you make the right changes I'm sure. One tip is to not bring them down superfast though as that can cause some other complications. But even if you do they tend to settle down overtime.
What kind of things do you usually eat and drink in a typical day? That might suggest some really simple changes to make which will help.
And again, don't panic. We are here to help as best we can. And we're a friendly bunch! There's also the Diabetes UK helpline and that's an amazing resource.
And the first thing to say is don't panic. You're in the right place to help unpick what's happening and help you make informed choices going forward.
HbA1c is the sort of 3 month average of the glucose that's in your blood. So the reading you get on the meter you have been given give a more short term view of what's happening but the HbA1c is the longer view.
Your blood sugar will come down if you make the right changes I'm sure. One tip is to not bring them down superfast though as that can cause some other complications. But even if you do they tend to settle down overtime.
What kind of things do you usually eat and drink in a typical day? That might suggest some really simple changes to make which will help.
And again, don't panic. We are here to help as best we can. And we're a friendly bunch! There's also the Diabetes UK helpline and that's an amazing resource.
Thanks for replying. I have toast or weetabix with milk fir brekkies. Sandwich for lunch. Dinner usually something like shepherds pie. I enjoy pasta but think I need to be careful with that, small portion. I am hovering between 10.9 and 12.2 on glucose reader, I just want to feel normal again. If I can expect reading to lower I hope they will
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) sorry am terrible with names - couldn't remember it.
From my own experience and that of other Type 2 diabetics who have been serious about cutting carbohydrates to control our Blood Glucose, It's possible for a Type 2 to get their Blood Glucose readings down to normal a week or 2 .
Though it can take 2 to 3 months before this is reflected in the HbA1C since this is a reading of the average amount of glycation of your red blood cells which have a lifespan of around 3 months. Thus after 3 months all of them would have always been used to the reduced Blood Glucose levels caused by the Low Carb 'Way Of Eating'.
I cut my carbohydrates by testing Blood Glucose level before and then 2hrs after every meal (until I knew which foods didn't hurt me). Aim for a rise of no more than 2.0 mmol from the pre-prandial to the post-prandial reading. Keep a food diary along with the pre & post prandial BG readings so you can work out which foods are best for you.
Though it can take 2 to 3 months before this is reflected in the HbA1C since this is a reading of the average amount of glycation of your red blood cells which have a lifespan of around 3 months. Thus after 3 months all of them would have always been used to the reduced Blood Glucose levels caused by the Low Carb 'Way Of Eating'.
I cut my carbohydrates by testing Blood Glucose level before and then 2hrs after every meal (until I knew which foods didn't hurt me). Aim for a rise of no more than 2.0 mmol from the pre-prandial to the post-prandial reading. Keep a food diary along with the pre & post prandial BG readings so you can work out which foods are best for you.
I'll et someone else help you there - I don't have enough experience with this yet!
Don't want that, so its steady drop over time then
Normal levels for a diabetic are 4-7 mmol pre-prandial and 4-8.5 post-prandial 2hrs after eating). Your numbers will drop in time. Right now, the key thing to look out for is the difference between the two readings. 1-2mmol is fine. More than 3 mmol means that you may have had too much of something or a particular sensitivity so a food diary will help you sort it all out.
Thank you, this is reassuring
Cherrelle DUK
Much missed Online Community Coordinator
Hi rosalindb, welcome to the forum!
I'm really sorry to hear about what you've been through. I can understand what a shock this must have been.
It's easier said than done but please don't panic, we all started where you are and many have been able to learn how to manage things and lead a lovely life.
You've got your monitor which is a great start. I'd focus on testing your blood sugar in the morning before any food and two hours after each meal and just track the impact of what you eat. A rise of 2 mmols is 'normal' and above that may be a sign that it's not right for your body at the moment.
A week or two of monitoring in this way should give you an idea of what works for you and you can then maybe swap some healthier option into your diet.
Water and exercise are really great ways to assist with healthy bloody sugar levels so do increase those where possible.
Keep reaching out and let us know if you've got any questions or concerns and we'll be right here to support you.
I'm really sorry to hear about what you've been through. I can understand what a shock this must have been.
It's easier said than done but please don't panic, we all started where you are and many have been able to learn how to manage things and lead a lovely life.
You've got your monitor which is a great start. I'd focus on testing your blood sugar in the morning before any food and two hours after each meal and just track the impact of what you eat. A rise of 2 mmols is 'normal' and above that may be a sign that it's not right for your body at the moment.
A week or two of monitoring in this way should give you an idea of what works for you and you can then maybe swap some healthier option into your diet.
Water and exercise are really great ways to assist with healthy bloody sugar levels so do increase those where possible.
Keep reaching out and let us know if you've got any questions or concerns and we'll be right here to support you.
Thank you for your welcome. Its a learning curve just now but the more I learn the better I will be able to deal with it. It is good that there is a forum like this
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