Newly diagnosed type 2

[taylormade]

Hi everyone I have just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. It’s all a bit of a shock and started with the BP check and did blood tests. My HBic?? was 88. I have my first appointment with diabetic nurse tomorrow. My GP has suggested metformin and to discuss tomorrow. I have been reading some stuff and found the letter and info here which is very helpful. I am not keen on meds if I can avoid and wondered if I could manage through diet, weight loss and exercise. My diet has been really poor, high in sugar, refined carbs including fizzy drinks plus too much alcohol during lockdown and high stress. I have a lot of weight to lose but am totally committed to changing my lifestyle. Any advice or tips welcome.

 

[Drummer]

An ordinary type two, one with a problem with carbohydrates usually gets a good result from simply reducing the low to medium carb content foods after removing the high ones.
It helps to have a glucose tester to check how you respond to different foods, and it is useful to know that once started on medication is can be difficult to get your GP to agree to stop prescribing it.
I gave up tablets as there were some nasty side effects, but I don't believe I ever needed them - I have been seeing normal blood glucose numbers from a few weeks after diagnosis and I cut my daily carb intake to 50 gm a day. I had a Hba1 of 91 at diagnosis and was down to 47 80 days later, so no longer diabetic. I have been at the top end of normal Hba1c from 6 months after diagnosis.

 

[Leadinglights]

Welcome to the forum, it is good you have found the information to get you started, the Learning zone is also useful for the newly diagnosed. With an HbA1C of 88 that is quite high to be at for any length of time without risking complications so getting it down is essential. Whether you are going to take the metformin or not, you need to look at your diet to reduce carbohydrates as the metformin is not a magic bullet but gives a helping hand to the insulin you are producing so its works more efficiently. Losing weight and increasing exercise will also help but dietary changes are crucial.
I think with that level you will have to be convincing to your GP that you will make the necessary changes to your lifestyle for them to give you a chance without the meds for say 3 months.

 

[EllsBells]

I was diagnosed similar 88 back in January. Fortunately for me, my nurse practitioner agreed to allow me to try D&E only for 3 months. When the GP finally made contact weeks later, he wanted to put me on meds. I said not keen. The compromise was an interim HbA1c at 6 weeks and if numbers weren't coming down, then I would consider meds.

In your case, you have also got the hypertension and cholesterol to work with and you'll need to be able to fight your corner to try.

 

[Gwynn]

140 at dianosis. Off meds within a month (mostly due to some mix up) but been off since plus very strict low carb diet. BGs under control and in a good range since I came off the meds.

So yes it may be possible but everyone is different.

 

[taylormade]

Hi. Welcome to the Forum. It would be unusual for someone with an HbA1c of 88 to be offered the chance of bringing it down through diet, weight loss and exercise since 88 is very high and well into diabetes territory (over 48), but you never know. It will depend on what your DN thinks.

Let us know how you get on tomorrow.

Thanks Martin your stats are great gives me some hope.

 

[taylormade]

An ordinary type two, one with a problem with carbohydrates usually gets a good result from simply reducing the low to medium carb content foods after removing the high ones.
It helps to have a glucose tester to check how you respond to different foods, and it is useful to know that once started on medication is can be difficult to get your GP to agree to stop prescribing it.
I gave up tablets as there were some nasty side effects, but I don't believe I ever needed them - I have been seeing normal blood glucose numbers from a few weeks after diagnosis and I cut my daily carb intake to 50 gm a day. I had a Hba1 of 91 at diagnosis and was down to 47 80 days later, so no longer diabetic. I have been at the top end of normal Hba1c from 6 months after diagnosis.

Thanks for replying very helpful

 

[taylormade]

Welcome to the forum, it is good you have found the information to get you started, the Learning zone is also useful for the newly diagnosed. With an HbA1C of 88 that is quite high to be at for any length of time without risking complications so getting it down is essential. Whether you are going to take the metformin or not, you need to look at your diet to reduce carbohydrates as the metformin is not a magic bullet but gives a helping hand to the insulin you are producing so its works more efficiently. Losing weight and increasing exercise will also help but dietary changes are crucial.
I think with that level you will have to be convincing to your GP that you will make the necessary changes to your lifestyle for them to give you a chance without the meds for say 3 months.

Thanks for reply this site is amazing I was totally overwhelmed yesterday but the learning zone and the tools and this forum are great. I’ve got a lot to learn but already picked up a lot of tips

 

[taylormade]

I was diagnosed similar 88 back in January. Fortunately for me, my nurse practitioner agreed to allow me to try D&E only for 3 months. When the GP finally made contact weeks later, he wanted to put me on meds. I said not keen. The compromise was an interim HbA1c at 6 weeks and if numbers weren't coming down, then I would consider meds.

In your case, you have also got the hypertension and cholesterol to work with and you'll need to be able to fight your corner to try.

Thanks for advice. I’ve agreed to meds for BP and statin reluctantly so will discuss with nurse and see what she says

 

[Anbemcc]

Hi everyone I have just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. It’s all a bit of a shock and started with the BP check and did blood tests. My HBic?? was 88. I have my first appointment with diabetic nurse tomorrow. My GP has suggested metformin and to discuss tomorrow. I have been reading some stuff and found the letter and info here which is very helpful. I am not keen on meds if I can avoid and wondered if I could manage through diet, weight loss and exercise. My diet has been really poor, high in sugar, refined carbs including fizzy drinks plus too much alcohol during lockdown and high stress. I have a lot of weight to lose but am totally committed to changing my lifestyle. Any advice or tips welcome.

I was diagnosed with diabetes a few weeks ago, my bg was 80 and I was advised because it was so high to take metaformin, it's not pleasant I have changed my diet I've lost a good bit of weight so that will help also, good luck

 

[Drummer]

Thanks for advice. I’ve agreed to meds for BP and statin reluctantly so will discuss with nurse and see what she says

Do be careful about the BP medication - if you start to get lightheaded you might be over medicated. On the low carb forum I have read of several people having falls, one was quite serious, due to low carb reducing blood pressure and the tablets ought to have been reduced or stopped.
My personal experience with Atorvastatin was very distressing. It affected my memory and I thought I would need to go into a home as I could not cope. It took some time to recover.

 

[Leadinglights]

Thanks for advice. I’ve agreed to meds for BP and statin reluctantly so will discuss with nurse and see what she says

As @Drummer says be careful with the blood pressure medication, hopefully you will have been started on a low dose. I had amlodipine 5mg for a long time but then blood pressure was high probably due to extra stress and the dose was increased to 10mg which made me feel terrible so went back to 5mg with the addition of losartan 25 mg but still felt terrible so put myself to 12.5mg (by cutting pills in half) and was fine but GP said it wasn't an appropriate dose and changed me to candesartan 2mg which has been fine. I have had no problem with the statin. So hopefully you will be fine.

 

[BabsM]

Hi everyone I have just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. It’s all a bit of a shock and started with the BP check and did blood tests. My HBic?? was 88. I have my first appointment with diabetic nurse tomorrow. My GP has suggested metformin and to discuss tomorrow. I have been reading some stuff and found the letter and info here which is very helpful. I am not keen on meds if I can avoid and wondered if I could manage through diet, weight loss and exercise. My diet has been really poor, high in sugar, refined carbs including fizzy drinks plus too much alcohol during lockdown and high stress. I have a lot of weight to lose but am totally committed to changing my lifestyle. Any advice or tips welcome.

Hi! I’m in a similiar position in that I had my diagnosis-Hba1c was 65 a few weeks ago. I was put on Metformin straight away, initially 1 at breakfast increasing to 2 per day and the plan is to increase me to the max 4 per day. Fortunately my cholesterol is low and my BP just about ok.
I took the view that I need to deal with the glucose smartish so took the tablets. I’ve not had too many issues with them other than a bit of initial stomach ache which has pretty much settled. I am following a restricted carb diet as best I can & have lost about 7kg in 7weeks. My thought is if I can get my Hba1c down by my next review then I’ll tackle the issue of reducing the drugs!I have a lot of weight to lose, but I am determined!
It would be good to compare notes as we seem to be in a similar place? I’ve had my ups & downs & was very depressed after seeing my nurse for the first time. Keep your chin up!
Oh & the Metformin does seem to suppress your appetite a bit if that’s any help?

 

[taylormade]

Hi! I’m in a similiar position in that I had my diagnosis-Hba1c was 65 a few weeks ago. I was put on Metformin straight away, initially 1 at breakfast increasing to 2 per day and the plan is to increase me to the max 4 per day. Fortunately my cholesterol is low and my BP just about ok.
I took the view that I need to deal with the glucose smartish so took the tablets. I’ve not had too many issues with them other than a bit of initial stomach ache which has pretty much settled. I am following a restricted carb diet as best I can & have lost about 7kg in 7weeks. My thought is if I can get my Hba1c down by my next review then I’ll tackle the issue of reducing the drugs!I have a lot of weight to lose, but I am determined!
It would be good to compare notes as we seem to be in a similar place? I’ve had my ups & downs & was very depressed after seeing my nurse for the first time. Keep your chin up!
Oh & the Metformin does seem to suppress your appetite a bit if that’s any help?

Hi thanks I have a lot of weight to lose too. I saw the diabetic nurse yesterday and she has persuaded me to take the metformin starting with one tablet a day and increase. She was very good and went through my diet and a typical day and looked at carbs and how to tweak. It’s a huge shock so still adjusting. Good luck and be good to hear how you’re getting on

 

[Leadinglights]

Hi thanks I have a lot of weight to lose too. I saw the diabetic nurse yesterday and she has persuaded me to take the metformin starting with one tablet a day and increase. She was very good and went through my diet and a typical day and looked at carbs and how to tweak. It’s a huge shock so still adjusting. Good luck and be good to hear how you’re getting on

It is good you were happy? with your appointment. Perhaps you could give us an idea of what sort of meals your nurse suggested as sometimes the NHS recommendations is still too carb heavy for some people to tolerate so it would be interesting to see what is suggested. If you are happy to share that is.
Hopefully she said to take the metformin with food as that can lessen any side affects.

 

[taylormade]

It is good you were happy? with your appointment. Perhaps you could give us an idea of what sort of meals your nurse suggested as sometimes the NHS recommendations is still too carb heavy for some people to tolerate so it would be interesting to see what is suggested. If you are happy to share that is.
Hopefully she said to take the metformin with food as that can lessen any side affects.

Hi yes she suggested with food and said to try increasing gradually the first week and let her know and will consider slow release if cannot tolerate. She was not very prescriptive on the food and said to have not more than 130g a day and didn’t suggest cutting anything out. She went through what I currently have which is mainly shredded wheat or a smoothie for breakfast, sandwich for lunch and usually home made meal for evening always with a good amount of carbs. Plus some fizzy drinks, sugar in coffee and wine so not great and calculated I would have double the amount some days. I think she wanted to make sure it was sustained which I can understand and sending me on a course. I have had a good read of the site and some great tips. She said I didn’t need to test but I am going to get a monitor and test at least the first couple of months as my level was high. Is there any advice on the best monitor? I also took a suggestion on here and downloaded an app and just loaded in a typical couple of days and really helpful. Thanks to everyone who replied much appreciated and good luck to everyone starting on this journey.

 

[Drummer]

Hi yes she suggested with food and said to try increasing gradually the first week and let her know and will consider slow release if cannot tolerate. She was not very prescriptive on the food and said to have not more than 130g a day and didn’t suggest cutting anything out. She went through what I currently have which is mainly shredded wheat or a smoothie for breakfast, sandwich for lunch and usually home made meal for evening always with a good amount of carbs. Plus some fizzy drinks, sugar in coffee and wine so not great and calculated I would have double the amount some days. I think she wanted to make sure it was sustained which I can understand and sending me on a course. I have had a good read of the site and some great tips. She said I didn’t need to test but I am going to get a monitor and test at least the first couple of months as my level was high. Is there any advice on the best monitor? I also took a suggestion on here and downloaded an app and just loaded in a typical couple of days and really helpful. Thanks to everyone who replied much appreciated and good luck to everyone starting on this journey.

If you are going to be following that advice then a BG tester would be a good idea.
Just for comparison, although I am quite extreme, my levels are kept normal eating under 40 gm of carbs a day.
I use the Spirit Healthcare Tee 2+ meter as it is not expensive to use and seems accurate.

 

[Leadinglights]

Getting a monitor is going to be critical in allowing you to make some good food choices especially as you have been advised not to cut anything out as many of the things you mention are a definite no no for many people. I think it worth saying that the carbs you have have to be worth it so where you can make some substitutions without loss of enjoyment is a good idea. Less than 130g per day is considered low carb so a good place to start but many people do go lower. But that is where a testing regime will tell you where you need to be at.
Certainly cutting out the sugar and fizzy drinks if not the diet version is a good idea.
Keeping a food diary of everything you eat and drink is a good ideas and try to see how much carbs you are having so your app will be useful for that.
Drummer mentions the TEE2 monitor but the GlucoNavil is also reliable and inexpensive.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sounds like you are off to a great start, with a supportive nurse, which can make such a huge difference.

Good idea to get a BG meter, so that you can check before/after meals and aim for a rise of no more than 2-3mmol/L while you are tweaking your menu. Initially the numbers you see may be higher than you’d like long-term, but a relatively slow and steady decline towards the normal range is much easier on the fine blood vessels in the eyes and kidneys. And aiming for smaller meal rises should allow your BG averages to taper down gently.

If you need to self fund your BG meter, the most affordable meters members here have found are the SD Gluco Navii or the Spirit Tee2 - which both have test strips at around £8 for 50