Newly diagnosed Type 2

[JenLS41]

Hi All

So glad I found this forum as I'm struggling coming to terms with everything. I was feeling fine until 5 weeks ago. Four days after catching covid I developed a urine infection which then showed my glucose levels were high. My first Hba1c level was 77 and two weeks later it came down to 63. I've been on Metformin for 4 days and each morning my levels have been coming down.

I have my first appointment with the diabetic nurse tomorrow and I'm hoping to get advice on what is best to eat. I'm vegetarian and don't like plant based food but I realise I may have to add them to my diet.

I am overweight and could exercise a lot more so I'm on a mission to increase fitness and lose weight.

I've been experiencing tingling in my legs for the last week and now I'm worried that it's nerve damage etc! I suffer with anxiety so that's prob not helping either.

Sorry for the long post. I always had a feeling that I might get it one day but not this early (I'm 41)

Jen

 

[Leadinglights]

Hi All

So glad I found this forum as I'm struggling coming to terms with everything. I was feeling fine until 5 weeks ago. Four days after catching covid I developed a urine infection which then showed my glucose levels were high. My first Hba1c level was 77 and two weeks later it came down to 63. I've been on Metformin for 4 days and each morning my levels have been coming down.

I have my first appointment with the diabetic nurse tomorrow and I'm hoping to get advice on what is best to eat. I'm vegetarian and don't like plant based food but I realise I may have to add them to my diet.

I am overweight and could exercise a lot more so I'm on a mission to increase fitness and lose weight.

I've been experiencing tingling in my legs for the last week and now I'm worried that it's nerve damage etc! I suffer with anxiety so that's prob not helping either.

Sorry for the long post. I always had a feeling that I might get it one day but not this early (I'm 41)

Jen

Welcome to the forum, you are already heading in the right direction with your blood glucose levels.
People managed well on a vegetarian diet before all these 'plant' based foods came on the scene so there is no reason that you shoulds not manage with maybe some modifications and substitutions for the higher carb foods.
There are quite a few veggie folk here and there are some ideas for veggie meals in the food/recipe forum (drop down menu on the left).
It is probably more challenging if people are veggie or vegan as many of the very low carb foods you would not have.

This link may help you with some ideas, many have found the low carb approach successful at both losing weight and managing to reduce blood glucose. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/

 

[JenLS41]

Thank you so much for your reply. I will have a look

 

[notmez]

I call myself vegetarian because it's easier than trying to explain myself, most of my diet is vegetarian and vegan but be sure to add a comment about some of the types of ingredients and food you enjoy, lots of people here and some great recipes, you might find something new you enjoy.

There is a good thread "food with photos". I do like the "plant based" meats but I also cook a lot with out that stuff so I post stuff there quite a bit and so do a lot of other people.

The biggest help for me was change the ratio on my plate, reducing the bread/potato/pasta/rice and just increasing the good veg and salad, the stuff I can eat lots of. Reducing the amount of carbs and "junk" food.

Notice I said reducing not totally stopping, because I know what works for me. I don't want to stop what I enjoy because if I do I'll just binge and not be able to maintain and stick to the new diet and meals.


The link in the last comment is a great read. Really informative and so is the learning zone.

I started off with my mmol in the 80s and my next appointment is in Nov so I'm hoping for good news. The nurse has already told me I might be able to stop the Metformin soon. It's only been 2.5 months.

Also - imo - it's better you know early, while you have more control over it.

 

[Leadinglights]

I had some Cauldron Lincolnshire sausages as my daughter was with me and she and the grandchildren like them, she is veggie and they are only 4g carb per 2 sausages and they were very nice.
I have looked at other veggie things like the bean burgers or similar and they have seemed quite high carb.

 

[JenLS41]

I had some Cauldron Lincolnshire sausages as my daughter was with me and she and the grandchildren like them, she is veggie and they are only 4g carb per 2 sausages and they were very nice.
I have looked at other veggie things like the bean burgers or similar and they have seemed quite high carb.

Oh I'll have look at them thanks

 

[JenLS41]

I call myself vegetarian because it's easier than trying to explain myself, most of my diet is vegetarian and vegan but be sure to add a comment about some of the types of ingredients and food you enjoy, lots of people here and some great recipes, you might find something new you enjoy.

There is a good thread "food with photos". I do like the "plant based" meats but I also cook a lot with out that stuff so I post stuff there quite a bit and so do a lot of other people.

The biggest help for me was change the ratio on my plate, reducing the bread/potato/pasta/rice and just increasing the good veg and salad, the stuff I can eat lots of. Reducing the amount of carbs and "junk" food.

Notice I said reducing not totally stopping, because I know what works for me. I don't want to stop what I enjoy because if I do I'll just binge and not be able to maintain and stick to the new diet and meals.


The link in the last comment is a great read. Really informative and so is the learning zone.

I started off with my mmol in the 80s and my next appointment is in Nov so I'm hoping for good news. The nurse has already told me I might be able to stop the Metformin soon. It's only been 2.5 months.

Also - imo - it's better you know early, while you have more control over

Thank you so much for your reply and advice. Good luck for your next appointment. That's great that you might be able to come off the medication.

I love all veggies, fruits, lentils, beans etc so ill look into some recipes!

 

[Cherrelle DUK]

Hi JenLS41, welcome to the forum.

Congratulations on getting your HbA1c numbers down! It's perfectly normal to struggle at the start but hopefully, with some support, you'll be able to feel a bit more at ease.

It might be helpful to keep a food diary and see what you're eating and have a look at what can be swapped or improved.

Sometimes, when your blood sugar levels are coming down, your body can get a bit wobbly so just keep an eye on things and have a chat to your GP if you're worried.

We've got lots going on in the food section so do have a look and let us know if you have any questions.

 

[JenLS41]

Hi JenLS41, welcome to the forum.

Congratulations on getting your HbA1c numbers down! It's perfectly normal to struggle at the start but hopefully, with some support, you'll be able to feel a bit more at ease.

It might be helpful to keep a food diary and see what you're eating and have a look at what can be swapped or improved.

Sometimes, when your blood sugar levels are coming down, your body can get a bit wobbly so just keep an eye on things and have a chat to your GP if you're worried.

We've got lots going on in the food section so do have a look and let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you so much for your reply and advice