Newly diagnosed Type 2 newbie

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SophieH

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi All

I was just diagnosed yesterday with Type 2 and I'm trying really hard to get my head around it. I had glucose measured as part of an over 40's health check my surgery invited me to. First one was 7.6 so Dr wanted a repeat test. That came back in at 7.1 so she diagnosed me yesterday. I was offered tablets but said I'd rather try and see if I can get it under control with the diet and exercise route first. She seemed quite happy with that for now.

I've done plenty of reading on the forum here and picked up some really useful information. I'm off to collect a copy of the Gretchen Becker book from Waterstones later as I've seen it recommended many times on her. So far I've not had any information about what I should be doing from my Doctor's surgery! I've got an appointment next week to have an HBA1C test and while I'm there I've been told to make an appointment for the Diabetes clinic with the nurse. I feel a bit in limbo at the moment really and have just been carrying on as normal.

I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile going ahead and buying a blood glucose meter as I have no idea if I will get one from the Dr. So many things to think about, it's no wonder my head is spinning!

Anyway enough of my rambling. I just wanted to say Hi and how glad I am I found this place. Everyone seems so helpful and full of great advice for us newbies.
 
Hi Sophie, welcome to the forum 🙂 Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but glad you found us so soon. Your tests are just about on the lower limit of what is needed for a diagnosis so the good news is that it looks like you have been diagnosed early 🙂 I would wait before buying a meter to see what the doctor says - not all of them will dismiss the idea, and if you show tat you are motivated to test and make good use of the information the tests provide to help you manage your diabetes then this should work in your favour. Have a read of Diabetes UK's position statement on self-monitoring (if you haven't already!) and hopefully this will give you a good argument in favour of being prescribed strips.

Try not to worry, it takes time to get to grips with everything and you will continue learning all the time. Diabetes is not the greatest thing to be diagnosed with, but it can be managed well and it doesn't have to stop you from doing anything you want 🙂 Please ask anything that may be confusing or concerning you, there will always be someone here who can relate and help out 🙂
 
Welcome to the forum Sophie 🙂
 
Hi there & welcome to the forum 🙂
 
Hi Sophie and a warm welcome to the forum
 
Thank you for the warm welcome everyone 🙂

I'm sure I'll be a regular visitor as there seems to be so much to learn. I've made a start with reading the Gretchen Becker book today but as suggested will hold off on getting a glucose meter until I have a chance to discuss it with the nurse at the diabetes clinic.

Northerner, thanks for the link to the Diabetes UK position on self monitoring. I might well have a need for that as I think my PCT are a bit reluctant to prescribe strips etc
 
another new member! - its ard to get your head round it all isnt it?
how did you persuade your doctor to let you try with diet alone ? mine put me straight on metformin - i have now lost a little weight, although it is taking a surprising amount of effort to lose even half a pound, i have also upped my exercise by going swimming again but find it difficult because if i do enough to burn some calories and get my heart rate going a bit i become light headed and shakey.
i was also wondering about buying a machine and self montoring as i only get my sugar level checked once every 3 months when i go to see the diabetic nurse - any advice gratefully received
 
Welcome retired teacher.

You are probably experiencing false hypos when swimming, as you body has got used to higher than normal blood glucose levels. The only way to know is to test yourself. A meter would also be useful for discovering how foods affect you. Many manufacturers give meters free, as they make their money from selling strips. Some GPs will prescribe strips, particularly if you can prove you are making use of the readings, others not.
 
SophieH said:
Thank you for the warm welcome everyone 🙂

I'm sure I'll be a regular visitor as there seems to be so much to learn. I've made a start with reading the Gretchen Becker book today but as suggested will hold off on getting a glucose meter until I have a chance to discuss it with the nurse at the diabetes clinic.

Northerner, thanks for the link to the Diabetes UK position on self monitoring. I might well have a need for that as I think my PCT are a bit reluctant to prescribe strips etc
Click to expand...

Hopefully you get an understanding nurse who doesn't simply say "you don't need to test". There are a lot of those around, I gather!

Anyway, welcome to the forum from me too!

Andy 🙂
 
Welcome to the forum 🙂 x
 
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