Newly diagnosed type 2

[Karen Milburn]

hi everyone! Got the diagnosis yesterday hba1c is 99- not given any dietary info, just told to wait for appointment to see the diabetic nurse. Gp said I could try diet and exercise and then see if I need to have medication I am slightly baffled at what I am supposed to do now?! Any advice would be so very helpful

 

[Martin9]

I'm new to this myself but the general idea is to reduce carbohydrates in diet and increase exercise to reduce blood sugars, and if you're carrying excess weight try cut down weight as this improves diabetic control.
Being new to this a HbA1c of 99 sounds fairly high, but others here would know better
So carbs reduction both with the simple sugars i.e. Sugar, cakes honey, sweets, chocolate etc and the starches as in potatoes bread pasta rice etc and up your excercise if you can to around 30 mins per day, or 10 mins if that's all you can do..
It might be good to consider buying a blood glucose meter so you can keep an eye on your own blood glucose levels too...
Hope this helps but there are others here far more knowledgeable ...!

 

[Jeandp]

Hi Karen and welcome. Well done on finding this forum, you have come to the right place.
I would see if your GP will prescribe a meter before buying one, mine did and continues to prescribe the testing strips. Most on here have found that cutting carbs helps bring down BG levels. That is carbs of every type and colour. But don't despair, there are alternatives, have a good look on the food and carbs section for alternatives, and if you have any questions, ask away. Good luck!🙂

 

[Ljc]

Hi Karen, Welcome to the forum. Try not to panic ok, Diabetes is a condition that with the right info and a bit of work from yourself can be controlled well.
The problem we often have is, lack of, poor or wrong info from the very people who we need advise from, so it’s good that you have found us so early as we live with this condition daily and will share what has helped us, so feel free to ask as many questions as you need to ok!

As has already been said it’s carbohydrates that our bodies can’t handle to well esp the fast acting carbohydrates, potatoes esp mashed, pasta, rice, bread esp white
I know you’re now thinking OMG what can I eat, we’ll actually their is loads of tasty things you can eat.
Back in a mo

 

[Rifkah]

Tagging on here to hear what can be eaten.

 

[Spireite72]

Welcome to the forum. First you will get lots of help and support here. Diet cut down on carbs like mentioned potatoes pasta rice bread isn’t good as they are all high in carbs which turn to sugar in our blood. Veg that grows above ground (spring greens kale Brussel sprouts )are very good for us protein (skinless chicken turkey lean cuts of meet) are good . cereals you will need to test some can eat them others have problems with spikes. It’s a lot to get your head around I’m only 3 weeks into this. So ask questions check out the recipes page for ideas.

 

[Drummer]

Watch out if you are eating lean meat - the fattier cuts are better for you, sticking to the mistaken advice on low fat eating could make you feel really unwell after a few weeks as you need to get your energy from somewhere and fat is the best option.
As for it increasing cholesterol - for most people their cholesterol goes down when they eat the natural fats which come with meat, mine certainly did and the ratios, which are the important thing became good ideal and normal - my triglycerides went down to 1.5 at 6 months from diagnosis, non fasting test - I was on a cholesterol lowering high carb diet for almost two years before diagnosis and they are saying nothing about my levels during that times.
By all means use olive oil and eat avocados, but avoid plant oils with their high Omega 6 content.