newly diagnosed Type2

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dodd4721

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Type 2
Hi to all,
I'm a 46 year old male, approx 1 stone overweight at 13st, 6'0 tall and recently [yesterday!] diagnosed with Type2 Diabetes, like a lot of newly diagnosed sufferers I'm in a state of shock and a bit frightened by it all, I'm trying not to get down about it but not doing so good at the moment - fear of the unknown I guess.
I have read a lot about various diets and the effects they may have in stopping being dependant on prescribed medication such as Metformin.
I would like to do this by using diet alone and I'm not at all keen on taking tablets for the rest of my life, if I could manage the condition with diet alone I'd be much happier although I realise I initially need to take the medication alongside a healthy diet plan to get the blood sugar levels down.
I've read a lot about the 30 day raw diet - has anyone tried this for T2? and was it successful? so much on the internet I don't know what to believe!
I'm a bit confused and worried by everything at the moment :(
 
Hello Dodd and welcome to the forums. It is a bit quiet at the moment but I am sure that more people will read your thread in the next day or so,

Its perfectly normal to be a bit frightened or in shock, and if you haven't already done so please read

http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=10406

Has your Dr provided you with a meter or test strips ? some will and some don't but they can be useful for figuring out what food affects you.
 
Welcome to the forums dodd4721 🙂

There are a lot of useful things to read on the newbies links thread if you haven't found them yet - http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=10406

Some people can manage their diabetes with diet alone, but it's not always possible. If you can, then thats good. But If you can't, that's no failure of yours.

Since diabetes is a problem with the metabolism of carbohydrates I simple went on a low(ish) carbohydrate diet whilst I was loosing weight (I had about 2 stone to drop). I tend to try keep to eating low/medium glycemic index these days - but not always 🙄

What sort of levels where you diagnosed with?
 
Hi Dodd. Welcome 🙂

I would also say to take the vast majority of what you read elsewhere with a large pinch of salt. There's usually a sales pitch behind it or a conspiracy theory.🙄

I hope you can get yoruself stabilised and off the meds as soon as poss but don't risk your long term health to do so. 🙂

Rob
 
dodd4721 said:
Hi to all,
I'm a 46 year old male, approx 1 stone overweight at 13st, 6'0 tall and recently [yesterday!] diagnosed with Type2 Diabetes, like a lot of newly diagnosed sufferers I'm in a state of shock and a bit frightened by it all, I'm trying not to get down about it but not doing so good at the moment - fear of the unknown I guess.
I have read a lot about various diets and the effects they may have in stopping being dependant on prescribed medication such as Metformin.
I would like to do this by using diet alone and I'm not at all keen on taking tablets for the rest of my life, if I could manage the condition with diet alone I'd be much happier although I realise I initially need to take the medication alongside a healthy diet plan to get the blood sugar levels down.
I've read a lot about the 30 day raw diet - has anyone tried this for T2? and was it successful? so much on the internet I don't know what to believe!
I'm a bit confused and worried by everything at the moment :(
Click to expand...

Hi there, I completely know where you're coming from; I was diagnosed in August and have worked hard to get down to my ideal weight/BMI and currently manage my diabetes with diet/exercise alone although I don't know how long this will be for; it depends what my pancreas decides to do 🙄 At first I was terrified; I was in total shock; couldn't sleep; always crying; didn't want to go to work etc, my anxiety levels went up because I was fearing the worst. Best thing I did was join this site and read only what I needed to; there is so much on the net that scared me that I didn't know which way to turn. However, time is a great healer; I've come to realise that diabetes is a personal thing and is up to each individual to manage; I bought a meter and tested; immediately before; 1 hr and 2hrs later (my strips are not prescribed but its a small price to pay and Ebay have some real bargains) any foods that increased my sugars too high I cut out; I increased my physical activity and am even learning to swim. Life goes on and it is something you will get your head around in time, just remember you need to be kind to yourself, take things easy and remember that diabetes is something that can be managed and controlled.

If you need anything just ask; more questions the better and if you think a question is daft, its already probably been asked..we're here to help and support.

Take 1 day at a time and don't think too far ahead, it's not all doom and gloom. xx 🙂
 
Hi Dodd some excellent advice that I cant really add to,so I would just like to welcome you to the forum.
 
I'd question whether you really are 1st overweight at 13st for 6ft. That sounds pretty spot on for me. But then again it depends on your overall build I suppose. I just know that getting to 13.5st when I'm 6ft 2ins seems to be my limit.

Regarding the diet, I'd suggest (unless there are other medical things going on) that you just eat a regular healthy diet (a bit of everything in moderation). If you can use a meter to inform you about which carbs should be avoided then all the better.

Anyway, welcome to the forum.

Andy 🙂
 
also exercise!

Welcome Dodd

As Andy HB has pointed out, your weight isn't really too high. However, you're right that diet (low carbohydrate, plus other features - low fat, 5 a day fruit / veg etc - that apply to everyone) plays an important role in controlling blood glucose levels, but exercise / physical activity is also a vital part, as increasing your metabolic rate by exercise also reduces blood glucose levels. Doesn't have to be gym work, but increasing walking (10,000 steps per day is a good aim, measured with pedomoter or iphone app), replacing driving / public transport journeys with walking / cycling can have good effects. The most important thing is that you enjoy the activity, so you'll do it often.

There are more threads in Exercise / Sports section of this forum - scroll down a bit to find it 🙂
 
Hi Amanda and everyone who has replied,
thank you for your kind words, they sum up exactly how I'm feeling at the moment but I have the love and help of my beautiful wife to keep my spirits up [we have been together since we were 18 and have been blissfully happy together since!]
I can't quite remember what my fasting blood test results was but I think it was about 12, I'm still new to this so I'm not clued up on the stats and finer details however, I have made a start on a fat free diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables and no sugar! My Doctor has prescribed 1 x 500mg Metformin for week 1, 2 x 500mg Metformin for week 2 and 3 x 500mg Metformin daily but I would prefer to keep it to just one a day and follow a strict healthy diet as I am doing at the moment.
I weighed myself today after 1 hour at the squash court and I'm down to 12.7' - my diet seems to be having an effect already! it consists of Porridge made with water for Breakfast, Green Leaf Salad, Tomatoes & Grapes for Dinner and home made Chicken Soup for evening meal [without Potatoes] and 2 slices of Wholemeal Bread. I have completely cut out sugar from my diet and stopped smoking.
The biggest problem I've got is varying my diet and finding recipes that are still pretty strict but taste good, my cooking repertoire was pretty limited before the diagnosis but now I'm scratching my head for ideas!
Thanks to everyone once again, this Forum is a breath of fresh air, it's so good to speak to others in the same boat.
Newtothis said:
Hi there, I completely know where you're coming from; I was diagnosed in August and have worked hard to get down to my ideal weight/BMI and currently manage my diabetes with diet/exercise alone although I don't know how long this will be for; it depends what my pancreas decides to do 🙄 At first I was terrified; I was in total shock; couldn't sleep; always crying; didn't want to go to work etc, my anxiety levels went up because I was fearing the worst. Best thing I did was join this site and read only what I needed to; there is so much on the net that scared me that I didn't know which way to turn. However, time is a great healer; I've come to realise that diabetes is a personal thing and is up to each individual to manage; I bought a meter and tested; immediately before; 1 hr and 2hrs later (my strips are not prescribed but its a small price to pay and Ebay have some real bargains) any foods that increased my sugars too high I cut out; I increased my physical activity and am even learning to swim. Life goes on and it is something you will get your head around in time, just remember you need to be kind to yourself, take things easy and remember that diabetes is something that can be managed and controlled.

If you need anything just ask; more questions the better and if you think a question is daft, its already probably been asked..we're here to help and support.

Take 1 day at a time and don't think too far ahead, it's not all doom and gloom. xx 🙂
Click to expand...
 
Newbies are recommended to buy a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker - gives you a good background and understanding of your diabetes and how you can manage it well (I copied and pasted this from a thread from Northerner). I have a copy you can have; it's got sectioned highlighted pages but if you do want to email me your address via the userCP at the top I'm more than happy to put it in the post to you.

Having good support is really important; my husband and son have been amazing and my husband has got to be a dab hand in the kitchen.:D. It really is all about small steps and taking each day as it comes..Take care x🙂
 
Hi Dodd,welcome to the forum. The food restraints are a bit of a problem at first, I found like you that it was a puzzle as to what variety I could get into my diet.

I think its a case of take it all day by day, learn a little and try a little. Portion size comes into it too, so if you find something raises your blood sugar too high, try a smaller portion first, rather than abandon it straight away.

I had a big problem with bread which I ove especially at breakfast time. After much trial and error, I settled on Burgen Linseed and Soya bread, as recommended on this forum, and can manage 1 slice of a morning with an egg or a slice of ham for example. Pitta bread is another that I can tolerate and is good for lunch with some salad and meat inside.

Take care, it will all settle down before too long.
 
Hi Dodd

Welcome to the forum. Lots to take in, so won't overload with any more. Getting a meter will really help you assess what you are able to eat at what time of day. Eg which fruits, if any, are best for you (usually berries have less effect on blood glucose levels). Apples are usually pretty med/low GI too.

Keep asking questions!
M
 
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