Newly diagnosed Type 2 & feeling somewhat overwhelmed!

[Andrew_VP]

So, I've just been diagnosed Type 2 and had my first appointment with the diabetic nurse at my GP practice. There is so much to get your head around and I'm a little bit freaked out!! I'm early with the diagnosis as blood test last year was ok but now I'm scoring 52 (?). I've been advised to loose weight (BMI 35) and do more exercise and be retested again in 3 months time. I eat healthily already but need to use my gym membership which I haven't used for over 1 year. I know my big nemesis is alcohol which crept up during lockdown but has stayed high so that will be a challenge!

I've read that reducing carbs and upping the fibre is good for weight loss and glucose control but is it worth investing in a Libre 2 or similar so that I can learn what influences my BS most etc?

What type of exercise is best? Running, spinning? Walking? etc

For those who've tried it how realistic is reversing T2 and going into remission?

Many thanks in advance

 

[42istheanswer]

Hi Andrew! I have lost 4 stone and brought my BMI down from 40 to approximately 32 (so far), and got my HbA1c down to 39 from 54 without any medication. Whether I have actually "reversed" diabetes or it is just "diet controlled" because I have reduced my carb intake as well, I'm not sure.

If you wanted to try a Libre 2 then because you are diabetic you can get a trial one from Abbott for free. I used one and did find the information interesting, but mostly I have checked out the effects of different foods/meals by using a standard (finger prick) blood glucose monitor.

 

[bulkbiker]

OK here goes...

Your HbA1c of 52 mmol/mol is what has led to you being diagnosed with T2. It's above the 48 mmol/mol level that leads to the diagnosis.

For comparison on diagnosis mine was 87 mmol/mol

I didn't increase exercise realising that you can't easily outrun a bad diet.
I changed what I ate completely and went very low carb/keto. Less than 20g of carbs per day.

Within 4 months I was back within the "normal" HbA1c levels (sub 42 mmol/mol) and went on to lose a ton of weight and also lost a lot of other health problems I'd had.

The weigh loss was pretty effortless and I also ended up with some time restricted eating because I wasn't hungry.

Hope that help.

I bought a cheap to run blood glucose meter which also helped to show me what various carby foods did to my blood sugars so I avoided eating those.

My meter is this one

TEE2+ – Spirit Healthcare

shop.spirit-health.co.uk

 

[Leadinglights]

Welcome to the forum you will find lots of information and helpful people. You are only just over the threshold of a diabetes diagnosis at 52mmol/mol which is your HbA1C result, it is good you have been given 3 months to make some changes to your diet and to get a bit more exercise as both will help with the weight loss which in turn will help reduce your blood glucose. Walking is good exercise but whatever is you 'thing'.
Reducing your carbohydrate intake will have most impact and many find a low carbohydrate approach successful, that is generally suggested as being no more than 130g per day total carbs not just sugar. Low carb is not NO carb.
This link might help you with some ideas. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
Alcohol is definitely something to look at not just for blood glucose but your general health. People can still have a drink but making a good choice and not overdoing it. Beer and cider are high carb drinks but spirits with diet mixers or dry wines are usually ok in moderation.

Other people find low calorie of shakes-based regime which can give them a kick start works for them but whatever you choose has to be enjoyable otherwise it will not be sustainable long term.

Many find a home testing blood glucose monitor help to make better food choices and inexpensive ones can be bought on line, the consideration is the cost of the strips.
People do find the Libre useful but at £40 for a sensor which lasts 2 weeks and needing a compatible phone is quite expensive and importantly you need to know how to interpret the data and make good use of it.

 

[Andrew_VP]

Hi Andrew! I have lost 4 stone and brought my BMI down from 40 to approximately 32 (so far), and got my HbA1c down to 39 from 54 without any medication. Whether I have actually "reversed" diabetes or it is just "diet controlled" because I have reduced my carb intake as well, I'm not sure.

If you wanted to try a Libre 2 then because you are diabetic you can get a trial one from Abbott for free. I used one and did find the information interesting, but mostly I have checked out the effects of different foods/meals by using a standard (finger prick) blood glucose monitor.

WOW that's amazing! Definitely looking to go low carb so thanks for the link. Would you recommend a certain type of blood glucose monitor? Are these available readily over the counter?

 

[Andrew_VP]

OK here goes...

Your HbA1c of 52 mmol/mol is what has led to you being diagnosed with T2. It's above the 48 mmol/mol level that leads to the diagnosis.

For comparison on diagnosis mine was 87 mmol/mol

I didn't increase exercise realising that you can't easily outrun a bad diet.
I changed what I ate completely and went very low carb/keto. Less than 20g of carbs per day.

Within 4 months I was back within the "normal" HbA1c levels (sub 42 mmol/mol) and went on to lose a ton of weight and also lost a lot of other health problems I'd had.

The weigh loss was pretty effortless and I also ended up with some time restricted eating because I wasn't hungry.

Hope that help.

I bought a cheap to run blood glucose meter which also helped to show me what various carby foods did to my blood sugars so I avoided eating those.

My meter is this one

TEE2+ – Spirit Healthcare

shop.spirit-health.co.uk

Thanks so much for your reply, it's reassuring to hear that things can be improved with the right approach to diet (carbs) and exercise. Thanks also for sharing that link. Much appreciated 🙂

 

[bulkbiker]

Thanks so much for your reply, it's reassuring to hear that things can be improved with the right approach to diet (carbs) and exercise. Thanks also for sharing that link. Much appreciated 🙂

No worries the cost of metering is really the strips.. I'd suggest phoning Spirit to explain you are newly diagnosed T2 so you can save the VAT on the test strips.
My data is under my messages if you want to see how quickly keto and intermittent fasting can work..

 

[harbottle]

Well I was at 83 at diagnosis and 3 months later under 40 after losing weight (Very quickly) and switching to a low carb diet - mainly white meat/fish and vegetables, plus nuts, other fruits, and non-fat free yoghurt.

This also improved lipids and high heart rate I was experiencing.

I'd already been doing a lot of walking during lockdown, and carried on with that.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Andrew_VP

Looks like you've caught your diabetes just a little over the line ('at risk' is usually said to be 42-47mmol/L). So relatively modest changes to your menu should allow you to retain flexibility, and also give your body and metabolism a helping hand.

In terms of activity / exercise - I would suggest any aerobic / cardio type activity will be helpful. Increased activity levels can help to increase insulin sensitivity, and also can help boost mood - so some sort of activity programme is certainly worth considering. It doesn't have to be anything too dramatic, just aim for something you will enjoy. Be aware though that very strenuous anaerobic type activity can actually trigger a release of stored glucose, so aiming for something that gently elevates your heart rate rather than pushing to go flat-out is probably better.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on 🙂