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Newly diagnosed Type 2
- Thread starter Theresam
- Start date
- Status
Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Hi Theresam, welcome to the forum 🙂 What a rotten time to get diagnosed - not that there's really a good time. Good that you have found us so quickly though, hopefully we will be able to ease your fears and help you to get to grips with things.
The first thing to say is that, although diabetes is a very serious condition that can have even more serious consequences, it IS a condition that can be controlled well, and may even lead to a happier, healthier life as you make the changes needed to get your blood glucose levels on an even keel. There is an awful lot of information about diabetes - some good, but a lot of it based on myth and snake oil. I would highly recommend that you take a look at Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter. Also, if you only buy one book about diabetes, then I would recommend Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker, which many of our members have found very helpful in understanding and coming to terms with their diagnosis.
Don't feel as though you need to know everything at once, or make lots of massive overnight changes - this is more of a marathon than a sprint. A good first practical step (after reading the above!) is to start a food diary, noting down the amount of carbohydrate in everything you eat and drink. This will give you a good starting point and a good idea of your carb consumption. Controlling diabetes is not just about cutting out sugar, you need to pay attention to all carbohydrates - bread, rice, pasta, potatoes etc. - as these ca all have an effect on your levels to a greater or lesser degree. If you like you can post your daily menu here and we can suggest some possible changes, if necessary 🙂
Above all, don't be afraid to ask questions - no question is considered 'silly', so if it is confusing or troubling you, please ask away!
The first thing to say is that, although diabetes is a very serious condition that can have even more serious consequences, it IS a condition that can be controlled well, and may even lead to a happier, healthier life as you make the changes needed to get your blood glucose levels on an even keel. There is an awful lot of information about diabetes - some good, but a lot of it based on myth and snake oil. I would highly recommend that you take a look at Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter. Also, if you only buy one book about diabetes, then I would recommend Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker, which many of our members have found very helpful in understanding and coming to terms with their diagnosis.
Don't feel as though you need to know everything at once, or make lots of massive overnight changes - this is more of a marathon than a sprint. A good first practical step (after reading the above!) is to start a food diary, noting down the amount of carbohydrate in everything you eat and drink. This will give you a good starting point and a good idea of your carb consumption. Controlling diabetes is not just about cutting out sugar, you need to pay attention to all carbohydrates - bread, rice, pasta, potatoes etc. - as these ca all have an effect on your levels to a greater or lesser degree. If you like you can post your daily menu here and we can suggest some possible changes, if necessary 🙂
Above all, don't be afraid to ask questions - no question is considered 'silly', so if it is confusing or troubling you, please ask away!
Welcome to the forum, I am also a newly diagnosed case and if its any help with the carb counting i have found a mobile phone app call Myfitnesspal which i find so useful for logging everything quick and easily - on the apple and i assume on android it will even log all the steps you make to give an idea of calories burnt. Hope it can be of some use to you.
happydog
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Hello Theresam and welcome to the forum. You have come to an excellent place for good advice and support. It is so confusing, scary and overwhelming when the diagnosis is made. I was so terrified and ignorant and got little help from the GP and DN but this forum saved me. Things will improve now as you take control. Good luck 🙂
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