Newly diagnosed type 2...wasn't worried but now i am

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chris-e

chris-e

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi, i was diagnosed with type 2 on Oct 6th,3 weeks ago.I have 2 questions that hopefully i'll find an answer for.Question 1.I have always struggled trying to drink 2litres of liquid a day but in august this year i discovered a lovely pineapple powdered drink in my local Caribbean shop which made up to 20 litres of juice,i couldn't leave it alone and drank through 20litre in a couple of weeks, then bought the mango variety and drank that as well, i now know this was so bad and with so much sugar in my blood is it a coincidence that ive now been diagnosed with diabetes with an initial metre reading of 27.4. i cant help thinking i bought it on myself or if perhaps it was already lurking and i just hurried it on a bit(well a lot).When i asked my nurse she said "you drank it cos you were thirsty"Hmmm! but my meter reading is now 6.5 and i have not drank any juice since, is it possible that when all this sugars gone from my system my body will return to normal ? which leads me to question 2 .Today i had my 1st diabetes check with the doctor and a nurse,my feet and eyes are ok but he immediately put my metaformin up double to 2000mg a day and told me to lose weight, When i told them my meter reading has gone from 27.4 to 6.5 in those 3 weeks they said that was only a local blood reading and it was the hospital blood test that counted.
I came out feeling so disheartened cos i have not eaten a sweet/choc/juice drink and have read up on symptons (blurred vision) and have educated myself on low carb/ low gi foods etc, i have been so good diet wise and yet they just went from the initial hba1c reading and doubled my medication without taking into consideration my levels have dropped.If they have dropped on my meter then i assume my hba1c has too but i was just told to go back in January.So i don't know whether to double up on the tablets or just carry on with 1000mg he prescribed me at first.I dont feel like they listened and am back to being confused.I dont want to take more tablets if i dont need them it wasn't as if my levels hadn't dropped at all...I would love advice on this please.
 
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Hi chris-e. Welcome 🙂

I'm not qualified to say whether you should take your meds or not. I would advise you go back to your doctor to discuss it further before making any decisions.

If your 6.5 reading was before a meal, then it would suggest you're still a bit high, although within range.

If it was an hour or two after a meal, then you seem to be controlling things very well.

I don't know what effect the fruit drink would have on your onset of diabetes, although in general, if you're going to develop it, you're going to develop it.🙂

Rob
 
Hi Chris, welcome to the forum 🙂 In answer to your questions:

1. No, drinking the juice did not bring on or hasten your diabetes. On the contrary, it was the fact that your body could not use the glucose in your blood properly that you craved more sweet liquids - your brain does not know you have diabetes so when it felt it wasn't getting enough energy it stimulated you to crave more. Moreover, the high blood sugar levels caused by your (as yet) undiagnosed diabetes made your body try to expel the surplus blood glucose in urine, so it made you dehydrated and therefre very thirsty. I was drinking 30 pints of milk a week for the same reason!

2. Your doctor is right - you cannot assume from a single fingerprick test that your levels are back to normal, because it is a snapshot and will only reflect that moment - therefore much will depend on when the test was taken in relation to eating. Have a read of Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter to understand how and when to test to get a better picture of your blood glucose levels over time. Also, you should take your medications as prescribed and not stop taking them without consulting your doctor further.

Don't feel disheartened! You sound like you have already made an excellent start with the changes you have made. Sweet, sugary food will have an effect on your blood glucose levels - but so will any carbohydrate, like bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, fruit. The trick is finding out how different foods affect you and in what quantities, by testing before and after eating as described in the links I have given. You might also want to get Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker, which is highly recommended by our members.

Do not worry, there is much to learn but you will pick things up I am sure - most people feel very bewildered by it all at first, so please ask us if there is anything confusing or worrying you 🙂
 
Hi Chris-e
Welcome to the forum; the guys on this site are a font of knowledge and will try and answer your questions...

I was diagnosed in August this year and immediately started changing my eating habits; eating more healthy and increased my physical activity - at first it was difficult cutting out my favourite treats but now I'm happier eating plenty of fresh veg and fruit; treats you can have - in moderation.

I too am testing - my DN nurse told me not to bother because it is the HbA1c that counts but I see the testing as being in control, I need to know what I shouldn't eat. I wouldn't go against taking your medication - it is prescribed for a reason. Things will become easier; I spent my first 3-6 months in limbo; plenty of tears; fearful and totally lost - even now its all scary but taking control is the first strep... asking plenty of questions is another.

Just remember you're not alone....🙂
 
Thankyou for the replies and advice, my reading was taken at 9am after fasting.. i guess i will start taking the extra medication and hope it reduces in time.
 
chris-e said:
Thankyou for the replies and advice, my reading was taken at 9am after fasting.. i guess i will start taking the extra medication and hope it reduces in time.
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Good luck Chris-e, you'll be fine x 🙂
 
Welocme to the Forum 🙂
 
chris-e said:
Thankyou for the replies and advice, my reading was taken at 9am after fasting.. i guess i will start taking the extra medication and hope it reduces in time.
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In that case, it's a good reading, especially fr a waking/fasting level as many people find their levels are higher in the morning. It's important to know what your levels reach after food as well though, and you will learn how to do this in time 🙂
 
Welcome to the forums chris-e 🙂
 
Hi Chris,

Welcome to the forum! I'm new to all this too and it's a lot to take in! Don't worry though as everyone's really friendly and helpful on here! It sounds like you're taking positive steps so don't be disheartened.

x
 
Hi Chris and welcome to the forums. Everyone else has already said what I was going to say. I'll just add that it was probably your initial reading of 27.4 which prompted your doc to put you on Metformin from the start. If your levels improve by your next HbA1c you can always reduce your meds again. Plus Metformin can help with weight loss.

You do seem to be doing really well seeing as you've only been diagnosed for 3 weeks. Take heart and carry on with what you are doing. XXXXX
 
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