Newly Diagnosed Type 2

[Zaraah]

Hello all,

I am so glad I found this forum. I am a 44 year old, not very active with lots of stress. Diet is ok however room for improvement so all stuff for me to focus on. Parents are Type 2 Diabetic.

129 HbA1c result via GP. A&E ruled out ketones as level 0.2 so least that is something. Blood pressure little high otherwise everything else ok including liver function test. All very odd as I never had any real symptoms and was a random finger prick that concerned me when I asked GP to do full blood tests.

This morning GP put medication plan in place and referred to Diabetic Nurse next week.

Starting today I have to take twice daily 1 x 40mg Glicizide tablet. Separately to take first 7 days 1 x 500mg Metformin, then 2 x a day for 7 days and after 2 weeks 3 x a day.

Be warned about the hypos being on Gliciazide and hoping it does not affect me! Took first table 30 minutes ago with food and felt ok. Was told to sit for 30 minutes then start Metformin.

Googling never great and understand Metformin the main medication most people have however, reading awful things about the Glicizide damaging pancreas, weight gain along with possible hypos.

Has anyone else been at 129 when diagnosed and then moved forward positively. I know diet is the key along with getting active however hoping for some positive.

Had a holiday booked end of month which GP feels I should cancel and then said rather than they confirm would let Diabetic Nurse say next week whether to take week holiday abroad or cancel.

I know because sugar level 129 the Gliclazide will lower it however would really like to know please from others did you successfully come off of it?

Sorry trying to stay positive however information overload today so thought I would reach out.

Thank you in advance! ❤️

 

[Leadinglights]

Hello all,

I am so glad I found this forum. I am a 44 year old, not very active with lots of stress. Diet is ok however room for improvement so all stuff for me to focus on. Parents are Type 2 Diabetic.

129 HbA1c result via GP. A&E ruled out ketones as level 0.2 so least that is something. Blood pressure little high otherwise everything else ok including liver function test. All very odd as I never had any real symptoms and was a random finger prick that concerned me when I asked GP to do full blood tests.

This morning GP put medication plan in place and referred to Diabetic Nurse next week.

Starting today I have to take twice daily 1 x 40mg Glicizide tablet. Separately to take first 7 days 1 x 500mg Metformin, then 2 x a day for 7 days and after 2 weeks 3 x a day.

Be warned about the hypos being on Gliciazide and hoping it does not affect me! Took first table 30 minutes ago with food and felt ok. Was told to sit for 30 minutes then start Metformin.

Googling never great and understand Metformin the main medication most people have however, reading awful things about the Glicizide damaging pancreas, weight gain along with possible hypos.

Has anyone else been at 129 when diagnosed and then moved forward positively. I know diet is the key along with getting active however hoping for some positive.

Had a holiday booked end of month which GP feels I should cancel and then said rather than they confirm would let Diabetic Nurse say next week whether to take week holiday abroad or cancel.

I know because sugar level 129 the Gliclazide will lower it however would really like to know please from others did you successfully come off of it?

Sorry trying to stay positive however information overload today so thought I would reach out.

Thank you in advance! ❤️

Welcome to the forum, It can be a shock to get a diagnosis especially if you have not experienced any symptoms.
It is a good idea to understand how your medications work. Gliclazide encourages you pancreas to produce more insulin and the instructions may say to take 30mins before food and that is to give a chance for it to start working to deal with the carbs in your meal.
Metformin helps the body use the insulin it produces more effectively and reduces the release of glucose from the liver but sort of works in the background rather than directly on the food you eat but it is advised to take with food so as to minimise any stomach issues some people can get when they initially start on the medication which is also why the dose is built up slowly over a few weeks.
However it is also important to look at your diet as it is no good still eating foods i.e carbohydrates which convert to glucose expecting the medication to work wonders.
Obviously you need to balance the meds with the carbs you eat but a good starting point is suggested as no more than 130g carbs not just sugar per day. This link is a low carb approach which is based on that. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
As you are on the gliclazide then you should be prescribed a blood glucose monitor and strips to keep an eye on your levels particularly is you feel wobbly with possible low blood glucose.

In answer to your question, yes people have reduced blood glucose from where you are by a combination of weight loss, medication and diet.
Do come back and ask any questions as you read through things I'm sure you will have some.

 

[JITR]

Has anyone else been at 129 when diagnosed and then moved forward positively. I know diet is the key along with getting active however hoping for some positive.

Only 117 at diagnosis!!! Reduced to 39 in 3 months by a real food diet. Thanks to Professor Roy Taylor's discoveries about the liver and T2D remission.

 

[Inka]

Welcome @Zaraah 🙂 It seems a bit extreme to cancel the holiday. Maybe the nurse could give you advice about what to watch out for when abroad, so that you feel more confident going.

 

[silver minion]

Hello @Zaraah and welcome to the forum. My HbA1c was 165 at diagnosis in March this year and I was put on the same medications as you. In addition I cut out all the "empty " carbs and sugars for several months. I reduced portions of more nutritional carbs like wholemeal bread, pasta and potatoes with skins. Together with increasing my activity levels I have managed to substantially reduce my HbA1c results.

So yes it is possible but it is not a diet so much as a change in eating habits. I was a terrible grazer with a sweet tooth, so although my main meals were relatively healthy but too carb heavy the combination probably contributed to my diabetes. I allow myself an occasional sweet treat now but it still falls within the overall carb intake of about 150g per day. This works for me but everyone has a very individual journey with diabetes. Read a few posts and it will give you information and suggestions to try. You will find what works for you through trial and error.
You can always ask any questions and share your progress with the forum. Wishing you well on your journey to manage diabetes

 

[curlyk]

Hello all,

I am so glad I found this forum. I am a 44 year old, not very active with lots of stress. Diet is ok however room for improvement so all stuff for me to focus on. Parents are Type 2 Diabetic.

129 HbA1c result via GP. A&E ruled out ketones as level 0.2 so least that is something. Blood pressure little high otherwise everything else ok including liver function test. All very odd as I never had any real symptoms and was a random finger prick that concerned me when I asked GP to do full blood tests.

This morning GP put medication plan in place and referred to Diabetic Nurse next week.

Starting today I have to take twice daily 1 x 40mg Glicizide tablet. Separately to take first 7 days 1 x 500mg Metformin, then 2 x a day for 7 days and after 2 weeks 3 x a day.

Be warned about the hypos being on Gliciazide and hoping it does not affect me! Took first table 30 minutes ago with food and felt ok. Was told to sit for 30 minutes then start Metformin.

Googling never great and understand Metformin the main medication most people have however, reading awful things about the Glicizide damaging pancreas, weight gain along with possible hypos.

Has anyone else been at 129 when diagnosed and then moved forward positively. I know diet is the key along with getting active however hoping for some positive.

Had a holiday booked end of month which GP feels I should cancel and then said rather than they confirm would let Diabetic Nurse say next week whether to take week holiday abroad or cancel.

I know because sugar level 129 the Gliclazide will lower it however would really like to know please from others did you successfully come off of it?

Sorry trying to stay positive however information overload today so thought I would reach out.

Thank you in advance! ❤️

Hello! I was at 87 when diagnosed (August) and put on exactly the same treatment plan as you. I also had a holiday booked soon after being diagnosed (maybe two weeks) so I was worried about going away.

I stayed on gliclazide for just over three weeks. It did cause hypos for me, which was a small issue when abroad, but I took snacks with me on holiday as a just in case - this was useful for if a hypo was overnight. I met my diabetic nurse after holiday and we agreed gliclazide wasn’t working for me, so we decided to stop it.

The next medication I was put on metformin. This one doesn’t cause hypos. I increased gradually - one a day for a week, then two etc. I currently take three per day. My sugar level has reduced to 50 in 3 months.

I still have work to do, I am very active and have cut out a lot of carbs, but will continue to do this and continue to improve my diet. The first few weeks I was terrified to eat, but I used this forum and the learning zone to educate myself and test my blood sugar often to see how my body reacted to different food (my body hates rice and pasta, but doesn’t react to potatoes).

I’m not for one second an expert but three months on, I can assure you it does get better (and easier). I was so overwhelmed for a month. My diabetic nurse is very supportive, so my goal is to continue modifying my diet and hopefully reducing metformin over coming months,

Good luck - you’ve got this ❤️

 

[victorhamesse]

Just a comment re Gliclazide. There is a NHS graph (attached) that shows that after 2 hours Gliclazide starts working at 20% of peak activity but then stays working well (high levels) for another 12+ hours. Useful for planning ahead when taking doses and eating.

For me it means taking my daily 40mg pill (with some cheese or chicken) when I get downstairs (7am) and then eating brekkers an hour later (8am) with the glucose effects of what I've eaten showing up two hours later (10am).

 

[Zaraah]

Welcome to the forum, It can be a shock to get a diagnosis especially if you have not experienced any symptoms.
It is a good idea to understand how your medications work. Gliclazide encourages you pancreas to produce more insulin and the instructions may say to take 30mins before food and that is to give a chance for it to start working to deal with the carbs in your meal.
Metformin helps the body use the insulin it produces more effectively and reduces the release of glucose from the liver but sort of works in the background rather than directly on the food you eat but it is advised to take with food so as to minimise any stomach issues some people can get when they initially start on the medication which is also why the dose is built up slowly over a few weeks.
However it is also important to look at your diet as it is no good still eating foods i.e carbohydrates which convert to glucose expecting the medication to work wonders.
Obviously you need to balance the meds with the carbs you eat but a good starting point is suggested as no more than 130g carbs not just sugar per day. This link is a low carb approach which is based on that. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
As you are on the gliclazide then you should be prescribed a blood glucose monitor and strips to keep an eye on your levels particularly is you feel wobbly with possible low blood glucose.

In answer to your question, yes people have reduced blood glucose from where you are by a combination of weight loss, medication and diet.
Do come back and ask any questions as you read through things I'm sure you will have some.

Thank you so much for your reply. Been on medications now for 24 hours readings still double figures when do finger pricks although imagine will take time to kick in.

Already increasing daily steps as my biggest thing was I was inactive.

With Gliclazide doctor told me to take with breakfast and again with dinner.

I have first telephone appointment with Diabetic Nurse next week so hopefully she will clarify too.

Whether I can get into remission (definitely want to give it a go through diet and exercise) however at 129 I need to get level down

Cannot believe I did this to myself! ❤️

 

[Zaraah]

Only 117 at diagnosis!!! Reduced to 39 in 3 months by a real food diet. Thanks to Professor Roy Taylor's discoveries about the liver and T2D remission.

Thank you so much I will definitely read this! Congratulations for reducing I really hope I can follow your example fingers crossed!!

 

[Zaraah]

Welcome @Zaraah 🙂 It seems a bit extreme to cancel the holiday. Maybe the nurse could give you advice about what to watch out for when abroad, so that you feel more confident going.

Last night got call from GP as nurse said she would prefer GP decided and he said right now with level at 129 and only started medications 24 hours ago he would prefer I cancel. Disappointed as was looking forward to break having lose close family member to cancer and this was first break away since losing them for some time out.

Just annoyed at myself that the diabetes diagnosis means I cannot travel now

 

[Zaraah]

Hello @Zaraah and welcome to the forum. My HbA1c was 165 at diagnosis in March this year and I was put on the same medications as you. In addition I cut out all the "empty " carbs and sugars for several months. I reduced portions of more nutritional carbs like wholemeal bread, pasta and potatoes with skins. Together with increasing my activity levels I have managed to substantially reduce my HbA1c results.

So yes it is possible but it is not a diet so much as a change in eating habits. I was a terrible grazer with a sweet tooth, so although my main meals were relatively healthy but too carb heavy the combination probably contributed to my diabetes. I allow myself an occasional sweet treat now but it still falls within the overall carb intake of about 150g per day. This works for me but everyone has a very individual journey with diabetes. Read a few posts and it will give you information and suggestions to try. You will find what works for you through trial and error.
You can always ask any questions and share your progress with the forum. Wishing you well on your journey to manage diabetes

Thank you so much and congratulations for reducing it. I think I been feeling sorry for myself and needing to see positive replies like yours about reducing levels can be done. Thank you so much for replying ❤️

 

[Zaraah]

Hello! I was at 87 when diagnosed (August) and put on exactly the same treatment plan as you. I also had a holiday booked soon after being diagnosed (maybe two weeks) so I was worried about going away.

I stayed on gliclazide for just over three weeks. It did cause hypos for me, which was a small issue when abroad, but I took snacks with me on holiday as a just in case - this was useful for if a hypo was overnight. I met my diabetic nurse after holiday and we agreed gliclazide wasn’t working for me, so we decided to stop it.

The next medication I was put on metformin. This one doesn’t cause hypos. I increased gradually - one a day for a week, then two etc. I currently take three per day. My sugar level has reduced to 50 in 3 months.

I still have work to do, I am very active and have cut out a lot of carbs, but will continue to do this and continue to improve my diet. The first few weeks I was terrified to eat, but I used this forum and the learning zone to educate myself and test my blood sugar often to see how my body reacted to different food (my body hates rice and pasta, but doesn’t react to potatoes).

I’m not for one second an expert but three months on, I can assure you it does get better (and easier). I was so overwhelmed for a month. My diabetic nurse is very supportive, so my goal is to continue modifying my diet and hopefully reducing metformin over coming months,

Good luck - you’ve got this ❤️

Thank you CurlyK for your reply. Really pleased you have got it under control - amazing to read! For some reasons I did not get notifications of all the replies and time I got to your one and read the line terries to eat. That is me past 24 hours I am worried about what I eat and how it will effect me. I am terrified and all sorts so many emotions to be honest.

Sadly holiday definitely being cancelled as doctor does not think with level at 129 I should be travelling abroad. I suppose when I get this in control will then have something to look forward too. Just hit disappointed if that makes sense.

At moment doctor said to test when wake up and 2 hours after dinner and I felt I should do in the middle of the day either before or 2 hours after lunch so I can start to see.

Had small fresh pasta portion mince meat and spinach for my first dinner diagnosed and even 2 hours after legal was 17.0 on machine despite having got steps in front of the tv after dinner

Hopefully I will stabilise soon and then things become bit more clearer! ❤️

 

[silver minion]

Thank you so much for your reply. Been on medications now for 24 hours readings still double figures when do finger pricks although imagine will take time to kick in.

Already increasing daily steps as my biggest thing was I was inactive.

With Gliclazide doctor told me to take with breakfast and again with dinner.

I have first telephone appointment with Diabetic Nurse next week so hopefully she will clarify too.

Whether I can get into remission (definitely want to give it a go through diet and exercise) however at 129 I need to get level down

Cannot believe I did this to myself! ❤️

Hi @Zaraah , firstly do not blame yourself for your T2 diabetes. Diet and exercise are only part of the equation. Plenty of people who are overweight and don't exercise much never get diabetes and vice- versa. You mentioned both your parents have T2 which may be a contributing factor.
You may find you get a few digestive upsets while you adjust to the medication. I found mine subsided after a few days but occurred again each time my dose was increased. If you do manage to get away for a holiday at the end of the month you might find it worth taking some ginger herbal tea and some immodium to counteract any nausea or loose bowels. Better safe than sorry. Meanwhile I hope your appointment with the DN is useful with a positive outcome.

 

[Zaraah]

Just a comment re Gliclazide. There is a NHS graph (attached) that shows that after 2 hours Gliclazide starts working at 20% of peak activity but then stays working well (high levels) for another 12+ hours. Useful for planning ahead when taking doses and eating.

For me it means taking my daily 40mg pill (with some cheese or chicken) when I get downstairs (7am) and then eating brekkers an hour later (8am) with the glucose effects of what I've eaten showing up two hours later (10am).



View attachment 32419

Thank you really useful. Doctor told me to take with my breakfast and dinner though ‍♀️

 

[victorhamesse]

Thank you really useful. Doctor told me to take with my breakfast and dinner though ‍♀️

I agree but this info might help you to be aware that there is a lag in when the medication starts to work well.

 

[Zaraah]

Just a comment re Gliclazide. There is a NHS graph (attached) that shows that after 2 hours Gliclazide starts working at 20% of peak activity but then stays working well (high levels) for another 12+ hours. Useful for planning ahead when taking doses and eating.

For me it means taking my daily 40mg pill (with some cheese or chicken) when I get downstairs (7am) and then eating brekkers an hour later (8am) with the glucose effects of what I've eaten showing up two hours later (10am).



View attachment 32419

I agree but this info might help you to be aware that there is a lag in when the medication starts to work well.

Thank you and I will bear this in mind when taking it. Sounds like a plan how you mentioned you do your morning routine with it so I will look at this ❤️

 

[Drummer]

Hello @Zaraah I think that if you are going to be taking Metformin you are well advised not to plan any excursions at all just in case you have a violent reaction to it.
I certainly did - explosive jet propelled faecal incontinence just about covers it.
Some people have no reaction at all.
I suspect it has something to do with what the gut flora and fauna consist of and what they do with the unabsorbed carbs once Metformin takes effect. Mine obviously hold very wild parties.

 

[Ieva DUK]

Hi @Zaraah and welcome!

Please please take it a day at a time. It's so easy to get overwhelmed with all the information out there (often quite contradicting things), that it can cause all kinds of issues and worries. It's true that reducing your numbers will often depend on diet, lifestyle and changes regarding those things, but it's not quite something you can go 'cold-turkey' on. Food often is a very individual thing - different diets work for different people and at the same time not everyone handles every product in the same time. It will be a bit of trial and error, finding things that work for you, that can be sustainable in the long run, becoming your 'new normal'. A lot of people choose to start a 'food diary', that helps them look at where they can make improvements or changes to certain products. Activity can also prove to be a challenge (especially in the darker months), however there are many things that people take up (it's not just about going on a treadmill in a gym, though that sometimes is the right choice for some) - more walking, chair-based exercises, yoga, swimming or a completely new and daring hobby they previously thought they'd hate.

So be kind to yourself, prepare some questions for the DN appointment (take a notebook with you, they might give a lot of information so it's good to take notes) and please use the forum where you find it useful. Questions, worries, rants or celebrations - we take the whole lot 😉

 

[Zaraah]

Hello @Zaraah I think that if you are going to be taking Metformin you are well advised not to plan any excursions at all just in case you have a violent reaction to it.
I certainly did - explosive jet propelled faecal incontinence just about covers it.
Some people have no reaction at all.
I suspect it has something to do with what the gut flora and fauna consist of and what they do with the unabsorbed carbs once Metformin takes effect. Mine obviously hold very wild parties.

Hey there thank you for the advice. We decided to cancel yesterday. I know deep down it is the right decision

 

[Zaraah]

Hi @Zaraah and welcome!

Please please take it a day at a time. It's so easy to get overwhelmed with all the information out there (often quite contradicting things), that it can cause all kinds of issues and worries. It's true that reducing your numbers will often depend on diet, lifestyle and changes regarding those things, but it's not quite something you can go 'cold-turkey' on. Food often is a very individual thing - different diets work for different people and at the same time not everyone handles every product in the same time. It will be a bit of trial and error, finding things that work for you, that can be sustainable in the long run, becoming your 'new normal'. A lot of people choose to start a 'food diary', that helps them look at where they can make improvements or changes to certain products. Activity can also prove to be a challenge (especially in the darker months), however there are many things that people take up (it's not just about going on a treadmill in a gym, though that sometimes is the right choice for some) - more walking, chair-based exercises, yoga, swimming or a completely new and daring hobby they previously thought they'd hate.

So be kind to yourself, prepare some questions for the DN appointment (take a notebook with you, they might give a lot of information so it's good to take notes) and please use the forum where you find it useful. Questions, worries, rants or celebrations - we take the whole lot 😉

Thank you for the reply. Starting to keep a record of now over the weekend so fingers crossed