Newly Diagnosed

[Lynne888]

Hello everyone. I was diagnosed as diabetic last week after a blood test. I hadn't gone to see my GP with any diabetes symptoms but I have been suffering with constant urination for some months and have been back and forward to the GP with that. My hba1c was 50. I don't know what to expect. I have an appointment with my GP next week. My blood pressure has been high, I have gained weight over the past few years, all the things that should be controlled I guess. What should I expect? The nurse who told me I had diabetes said she didn't think the GP would put me on any medication at this stage so I am assuming I will need to lose weight. Has anyone else had an hba1c of 50 and been put on medication? I'd be really interested to know! Thank you!

 

[ianf0ster]

Hi @Lynne888 and welcome to the forum.
Constant urination is a diabetes symptom. Though more so for those whose Blood Glucose readings are very high, unless they have a UTI which themselves are more likely in diabetics with high blood glucose than in the rest of the population.
An HbA1C of 50 is only just above the diagnosis level of 48, so you have a very good chance of being able to reverse it without drugs (if you want to).
But yes, many Diabetics have been put on drugs unnecessarily without first being given the chance to reverse it by lifestyle changes.
Many in the diabetes forums have reversed their Type 2 diabetes by changing what they eat and taking a little more exercise. But that isn't possible if they Type 1 or other less common variety of diabetes. Those who are relatively slim (like me) just reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat (eating to their Blood Glucose meter) so as not to put too much strain on their pancreas (the insulin producing organ). This isn't just sugars (including fruit juices and tropical fruit), but starchy food as well (such as bread, potato, rice, pasta and many breakfast cereals). This often results in reduced weight and blood pressure (unless more protein (traditional) fat is eaten. So those on blood pressure medication may find they no longer need it.
Type 2's who are more typical (much more overweight) tend to be more equally split between those who choose Low Carb eating and those who choose a very low calorie diet followed by a weight maintenance regime.

Both methods work in most cases, but they have to be maintained - so whichever one you choose, it needs to be something you like and can continue to do. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

 

[Lynne888]

Thank you so much for this. It’s really useful. I’m hoping my GP will allow me to try to control it with diet but I know how hard it is to lose weight so it will be an ongoing battle. I’m hoping to avoid drugs… I guess until I’ve seen my GP I won’t know what is happening. It’s very interesting what you say about high blood pressure as mine has been all over the place for months. Thanks again for the info.

Hi @Lynne888 and welcome to the forum.
Constant urination is a diabetes symptom. Though more so for those whose Blood Glucose readings are very high, unless they have a UTI which themselves are more likely in diabetics with high blood glucose than in the rest of the population.
An HbA1C of 50 is only just above the diagnosis level of 48, so you have a very good chance of being able to reverse it without drugs (if you want to).
But yes, many Diabetics have been put on drugs unnecessarily without first being given the chance to reverse it by lifestyle changes.
Many in the diabetes forums have reversed their Type 2 diabetes by changing what they eat and taking a little more exercise. But that isn't possible if they Type 1 or other less common variety of diabetes. Those who are relatively slim (like me) just reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat (eating to their Blood Glucose meter) so as not to put too much strain on their pancreas (the insulin producing organ). This isn't just sugars (including fruit juices and tropical fruit), but starchy food as well (such as bread, potato, rice, pasta and many breakfast cereals). This often results in reduced weight and blood pressure (unless more protein (traditional) fat is eaten. So those on blood pressure medication may find they no longer need it.
Type 2's who are more typical (much more overweight) tend to be more equally split between those who choose Low Carb eating and those who choose a very low calorie diet followed by a weight maintenance regime.

Both methods work in most cases, but they have to be maintained - so whichever one you choose, it needs to be something you like and can continue to do. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

 

[Leadinglights]

I started off with an HbA1C of 50mmol/mol having been prediabetic for some time but tipped over the threshold. I think a number of factors was the issue, retiring and therefore doing less exercise as my job was pretty busy and I was always on my feet and of course the piece of cake with the afternoon cuppa and also worry about my daughters working in the NHS at the start of Covid so I wasn't sleeping.
But I went down the low carbohydrate route, reducing my carb intake to 70g per day (in hindsight a bit too quickly as I had problems with my eyes) and got back to walking 3 miles a day. I reduced my HbA1C to 42mmol/mol in 3 months and lost 12kg and down to 36mmol/mol in another 6 months without medication.
I hope you will be given the opportunity to make the lifestyle changes before medication is prescribed.
I did equip myself with the tools to manage my blood glucose by getting a blood glucose monitor so I could test the effect of various meals and make adjustments accordingly.
The GlucoNavii is an inexpensive monitor with the cheapest test strips but only available on line. The kit comes with a few strips but you should buy more at the outset. Ones from the pharmacy tend to be more pricy.
You may find the GP advices against testing but many people find it invaluable to be in control of their condition.

 

[Lynne888]

I started off with an HbA1C of 50mmol/mol having been prediabetic for some time but tipped over the threshold. I think a number of factors was the issue, retiring and therefore doing less exercise as my job was pretty busy and I was always on my feet and of course the piece of cake with the afternoon cuppa and also worry about my daughters working in the NHS at the start of Covid so I wasn't sleeping.
But I went down the low carbohydrate route, reducing my carb intake to 70g per day (in hindsight a bit too quickly as I had problems with my eyes) and got back to walking 3 miles a day. I reduced my HbA1C to 42mmol/mol in 3 months and lost 12kg and down to 36mmol/mol in another 6 months without medication.
I hope you will be given the opportunity to make the lifestyle changes before medication is prescribed.
I did equip myself with the tools to manage my blood glucose by getting a blood glucose monitor so I could test the effect of various meals and make adjustments accordingly.
The GlucoNavii is an inexpensive monitor with the cheapest test strips but only available on line. The kit comes with a few strips but you should buy more at the outset. Ones from the pharmacy tend to be more pricy.
You may find the GP advices against testing but many people find it invaluable to be in control of their condition.

This is so helpful thank you. I'll wait to see if I get given a monitor but if not I'm happy to buy the one you mention. Like you, I am at home a lot and unfortunately I can't exercise as I need two replacement knees.... been suffering for years. I wish I hadn't left it so long because it's now caused other health issues and diabetes is probably one of them as I used to walk up to 10 miles a day. I can barely get to the car now. I'm in constant pain. I use the small weights sitting down but that causes back problems.. I try my best but it's nowhere near enough. I didn't think about reducing carbs but I will now. I usually just restrict calories. Thanks again!

 

[Leadinglights]

This is so helpful thank you. I'll wait to see if I get given a monitor but if not I'm happy to buy the one you mention. Like you, I am at home a lot and unfortunately I can't exercise as I need two replacement knees.... been suffering for years. I wish I hadn't left it so long because it's now caused other health issues and diabetes is probably one of them as I used to walk up to 10 miles a day. I can barely get to the car now. I'm in constant pain. I use the small weights sitting down but that causes back problems.. I try my best but it's nowhere near enough. I didn't think about reducing carbs but I will now. I usually just restrict calories. Thanks again!

It is carbohydrates that convert to glucose so it is definitely those that you need to restrict your intake of, protein and healthy fats are not a problem so together with veg, salads, fruits like berries can be the basis of your meals.
The high carb foods to only have small portions or cut out completely are things like bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, cereals and tropical fruits and fruit juices as well as obvious things like cakes, biscuits, sugary drinks.
I would recommend the book (or app) Carbs and Cals as it gives carb values of a whole range of foods with pictures of portion sizes. Some things will surprise you. you may also find this link helpful with some ideas for modifying your diet. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
You will be very lucky if your GP gives you a monitor as most don't for Type 2s unless on medication which could cause low blood glucose.
It is a bummer when mobility is a problem, I sympathise as I am recovering from knee surgery following an accident where I ruptured my patellar tendon and fractured the head of the tibia and it feels as if it is taking forever to get better, I am 7 months down the line. I think the recovery from knee replacement is a good bit quicker.

 

[Lynne888]

I’ll check out the website and I’ve ordered the book which will be here tomorrow. I’ll also get the monitor.. you’re right, the doctor won’t give one away! Thanks so much

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis and about your dicky knees @Lynne888

You might be able to get some additional help, support and suggestions via Diabetes UK’s ‘live well, move more’ programme, with 1-1 sessions to help you get more active

https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/free-1-1-telephone-sessions-to-help-you-get-moving.97071/

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. Some other brands cost more like £25 for 50 which can soon add up!

Lots of members have had success by checking their blood glucose levels in pairs, immediately before eating and again 2hrs after the first bite. This can really help you see how you are responding to different meals, sources of carbohydrate, and combinations of foods. Ideally you would want to keep the ‘meal rise’ down to around 2-3mmol/L at the 2hr mark. To begin with the numbers themselves are almost less important than the differences between them. If you can tailor your menu to avoid BG ‘spikes’, then your overall levels should come down gradually.

Good luck and let us know how you get on 🙂

 

[Lynne888]

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis and about your dicky knees @Lynne888

You might be able to get some additional help, support and suggestions via Diabetes UK’s ‘live well, move more’ programme, with 1-1 sessions to help you get more active

https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/free-1-1-telephone-sessions-to-help-you-get-moving.97071/

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. Some other brands cost more like £25 for 50 which can soon add up!

Lots of members have had success by checking their blood glucose levels in pairs, immediately before eating and again 2hrs after the first bite. This can really help you see how you are responding to different meals, sources of carbohydrate, and combinations of foods. Ideally you would want to keep the ‘meal rise’ down to around 2-3mmol/L at the 2hr mark. To begin with the numbers themselves are almost less important than the differences between them. If you can tailor your menu to avoid BG ‘spikes’, then your overall levels should come down gradually.

Good luck and let us know how you get on 🙂

Mike thank you for this. My GP didn’t give me a monitor today so I am going to buy one of the two you mention. I’ve said in another thread that my first appointment today with my GP wasn’t great. I wasn’t given the option of diet only and given metformin. I’m so disappointed. Thank you for the link regarding exercise. Will check that out now!

 

[Cap67]

Thank you so much for this. It’s really useful. I’m hoping my GP will allow me to try to control it with diet but I know how hard it is to lose weight so it will be an ongoing battle. I’m hoping to avoid drugs… I guess until I’ve seen my GP I won’t know what is happening. It’s very interesting what you say about high blood pressure as mine has been all over the place for months. Thanks again for the info.

Hi Lynne..
Like you I've just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes after blood test...my reading was 63!....& like you I'm very concerned.... especially at thought of twice daily insulin injections!...
Has anyone else been diagnosed with similarly high readings....& managed to drastically reduce it by lifestyle changes alone?
Thanks

 

[Gwynn]

Yup, I have. HbA1c 150 at diagnosis. Quickly off all meds which included twice daily insulin injections. Completely new diet regime and exercise. Lost tons of weight. Within months all was (and still is) good. HbA1c 39. 30% of me is now gone forever, but 1000000% of me feels great, happier, fitter, healthier.

How did I do this? Low carb, higher fat, higher protein diet, increased daily exercise, testing, testing, testing.

So, yes, it is possible and I am one of many who have achieved this success.

Hope this helps

 

[Drummer]

@Lynne888 - after taking the prescribed medication for just a few weeks before tossing it into the bin, my body was shrieking whenever I tried to go anywhere, but I found that my Nordic walking poles helped a lot - though I had to work up to going any distance as it put weight on my arms and shoulders - but greatly eased the pressure on my back and knees helping me stand upright and keep my balance.
I lost 50 lb with no effort, I did not even realise I was losing weight until my clothes began to fall off - luckily only at home.

 

[Cap67]

Yup, I have. HbA1c 150 at diagnosis. Quickly off all meds which included twice daily insulin injections. Completely new diet regime and exercise. Lost tons of weight. Within months all was (and still is) good. HbA1c 39. 30% of me is now gone forever, but 1000000% of me feels great, happier, fitter, healthier.

How did I do this? Low carb, higher fat, higher protein diet, increased daily exercise, testing, testing, testing.

So, yes, it is possible and I am one of many who have achieved this success.

Hope this helps

Thanks Gwynn for your reply....it really helped to lift my spirits today. I realise it's only me that can deal with this diagnosis, but you've given me hope! Thank you.

 

[Lynne888]

I started off with an HbA1C of 50mmol/mol having been prediabetic for some time but tipped over the threshold. I think a number of factors was the issue, retiring and therefore doing less exercise as my job was pretty busy and I was always on my feet and of course the piece of cake with the afternoon cuppa and also worry about my daughters working in the NHS at the start of Covid so I wasn't sleeping.
But I went down the low carbohydrate route, reducing my carb intake to 70g per day (in hindsight a bit too quickly as I had problems with my eyes) and got back to walking 3 miles a day. I reduced my HbA1C to 42mmol/mol in 3 months and lost 12kg and down to 36mmol/mol in another 6 months without medication.
I hope you will be given the opportunity to make the lifestyle changes before medication is prescribed.
I did equip myself with the tools to manage my blood glucose by getting a blood glucose monitor so I could test the effect of various meals and make adjustments accordingly.
The GlucoNavii is an inexpensive monitor with the cheapest test strips but only available on line. The kit comes with a few strips but you should buy more at the outset. Ones from the pharmacy tend to be more pricy.
You may find the GP advices against testing but many people find it invaluable to be in control of their condition.

Just wanted to ask you what symptoms you had with eye problems. I’ve cut down carbs but nothing much, I tend to stick to around 100 but the odd day it might be 80 ish. This last few days I’ve developed what I can only describe as pressure behind my eyes, one eye in particular. I wondered if this was a symptom.. I appreciate it might just be stress related.

 

[Anne-Marie]

I’ve just been diagnosed with type 2 last week as I’ve been having a few UTIs. It’s come as a complete shock but reading these posts has made me feel a bit more hopeful. I’ve still to see the diabetes nurse so no idea yet how to manage it. HbA1c is 64 but I hope I don’t have to take meds and can try and reduce this by diet. I guess this is the start of a journey which I’m not looking forward to.

 

[Leadinglights]

Just wanted to ask you what symptoms you had with eye problems. I’ve cut down carbs but nothing much, I tend to stick to around 100 but the odd day it might be 80 ish. This last few days I’ve developed what I can only describe as pressure behind my eyes, one eye in particular. I wondered if this was a symptom.. I appreciate it might just be stress related.

It was I was struggling to focus with near vision, my eyes didn't seem to work together. I described it as the feeling my eyes were in different heads. Far vision was fine. I do wear varifocals.
If you are feeling pressure I suggest you get checked by your optician but do tell them about your new diagnosis as they shouldn't issue a new prescription until the eyes settle.

 

[Cap67]

Just wanted to ask you what symptoms you had with eye problems. I’ve cut down carbs but nothing much, I tend to stick to around 100 but the odd day it might be 80 ish. This last few days I’ve developed what I can only describe as pressure behind my eyes, one eye in particular. I wondered if this was a symptom.. I appreciate it might just be stress related.

Hi Lynne. Sorry to hear about your eye problems. I wouldn't say there is a feeling of pressure behind my eyes,... just sometimes my eyes feel a bit blurry. I've got initial appointment with diabetic nurse in Monday. My 2nd blood test Wednesday showed HBA1C gone up from 63 to 67!...I've lots of questions for nurse... including about vision.
I did phone specsavers last week... mentioned diabetes...they said the examination I had few months ago (including photo back of eye)... would have shown any problems.
About a year ago I had episode where experienced blinding flash of light late at night when I was going to bed. No pain, but with up with circular 'floater' about size of 20p piece! Urgent appointment with eye hospital diagnosed piece of fibrous matter at back of eye holding jelly in place (?), had detached. (Apparently this jelly deteriates over your life). Nothing they could do, other than say brain would compensate over time...which it has done. I wear sunglasses much more frequently though, as bright highlights the issue.
Whether this was caused..or made worse...by (possible) undiagnosed diabetes at the time I do wonder.
Maybe good idea for you to get eye test, including glucoma test soonest.

 

[Cap67]

I’ve just been diagnosed with type 2 last week as I’ve been having a few UTIs. It’s come as a complete shock but reading these posts has made me feel a bit more hopeful. I’ve still to see the diabetes nurse so no idea yet how to manage it. HbA1c is 64 but I hope I don’t have to take meds and can try and reduce this by diet. I guess this is the start of a journey which I’m not looking forward to.

Hi Anne Marie.
Sorry to hear that you've also been diagnosed, with similar reading to mine.
You'll find information on this forum very helpful, but sure you'll also have plenty of questions for diabetic nurse, as I have.
Info on this forum generally points to a low carb, high protein, high fat diet, ...with a Mediterranean diet being suggested as a healthy one. Losing weight & daily walking of 20mins also widely suggested.
I'm hoping to beat diabetes by following this advice.
Much as I love all sweet things ...& all carbs... I don't fancy twice daily insulin injections so no more packs of bounty bars...

 

[Lynne888]

It was I was struggling to focus with near vision, my eyes didn't seem to work together. I described it as the feeling my eyes were in different heads. Far vision was fine. I do wear varifocals.
If you are feeling pressure I suggest you get checked by your optician but do tell them about your new diagnosis as they shouldn't issue a new prescription until the eyes settle.

This is just a heavy feeling behind one eye..I think it's stress to be honest as I had a really horrible day yesterday. Funnily enough I had a letter from the hospital today for a diabetic eye test on 1st July so that should all tie in nicely!

Hi Lynne. Sorry to hear about your eye problems. I wouldn't say there is a feeling of pressure behind my eyes,... just sometimes my eyes feel a bit blurry. I've got initial appointment with diabetic nurse in Monday. My 2nd blood test Wednesday showed HBA1C gone up from 63 to 67!...I've lots of questions for nurse... including about vision.
I did phone specsavers last week... mentioned diabetes...they said the examination I had few months ago (including photo back of eye)... would have shown any problems.
About a year ago I had episode where experienced blinding flash of light late at night when I was going to bed. No pain, but with up with circular 'floater' about size of 20p piece! Urgent appointment with eye hospital diagnosed piece of fibrous matter at back of eye holding jelly in place (?), had detached. (Apparently this jelly deteriates over your life). Nothing they could do, other than say brain would compensate over time...which it has done. I wear sunglasses much more frequently though, as bright highlights the issue.
Whether this was caused..or made worse...by (possible) undiagnosed diabetes at the time I do wonder.
Maybe good idea for you to get eye test, including glucoma test soonest.

That sounds nasty, I wonder if diabetes is reversed these eye problems still happen?

 

[ianf0ster]

High blood sugar causes sugar in the urine. This often leads to UTI's.
Higher (or lower) than accustomed Blood Glucose can (if big enough) cause changes in focus within the eye. Usually this goes back to 'normal for you' within a few weeks.