Just found out on Monday that I am Diabetic after a blood test showed a Fast Glucose level of 21 and HBA1C (is that right?) of 112. Started insulin injections yesterday to try to get the blood sugar down to a level where they can tell me what type i have. feeling pretty nervous but managed 3 injections so far.....just want to say hello
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Newly Diagnosed
- Thread starter Oblivious
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Hi @Oblivious - Hello and welcome to the forum, nice to have you here. Its a horrible shock isnt it, especially when you have to go straight onto medication. I think you have done brilliantly giving yourself injections like that, I can imagine its very hard to do at first. But like everything new, it will become easier for you. Im glad you joined. There are so many interesting people/threads on here, you will need all weekend to plough through it. 
I wont bombard you with facts and figure (as we dont quite know what you are facing yet).
I guess all i will say is that in the interim, (until you get a more specific diagnosis), is that the HB1Ac level is a 3 month indication of how much glucose has attached itself to the haemoglobin. The lower you can get this, the better, steadily is best for the body (not such a shock to the system). In short think of it as a toffee apple, a bit sticky. I would therefore encourage you to look at your diet, think about reducing the obvious sugars in it (and kitchen cupboard 'hidden' ones in things like ketchup/sauces). Consider portion size of meals. Get in the habit of reading labels on foods, where you are looking for the 'total' carb content, again the lower the better. Possibly up your exercise level (as needed) Brisk walking 10 mins a day is useful to start with, if you are not accustomed to more strenuous types (and only if you are up to it). There's loads of hints and tips on here. Ask as many questions as you like, someone will be along to help you im sure. Good to meet you.
I wont bombard you with facts and figure (as we dont quite know what you are facing yet).I guess all i will say is that in the interim, (until you get a more specific diagnosis), is that the HB1Ac level is a 3 month indication of how much glucose has attached itself to the haemoglobin. The lower you can get this, the better, steadily is best for the body (not such a shock to the system). In short think of it as a toffee apple, a bit sticky. I would therefore encourage you to look at your diet, think about reducing the obvious sugars in it (and kitchen cupboard 'hidden' ones in things like ketchup/sauces). Consider portion size of meals. Get in the habit of reading labels on foods, where you are looking for the 'total' carb content, again the lower the better. Possibly up your exercise level (as needed) Brisk walking 10 mins a day is useful to start with, if you are not accustomed to more strenuous types (and only if you are up to it). There's loads of hints and tips on here. Ask as many questions as you like, someone will be along to help you im sure. Good to meet you.
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Hello @Tee G, thanks for your reply.
it was a bit of a shock, it only came to light after my Doc found sugar in my urine during treatment for a kidney infection which I now know are common in diabetics and ordered blood tests. Diabetes does run in my Mother's family but i thought i was ok being a rugby playing vegetarian who doesn't eat refined sugar. I am thinking that my problem is too much starchy food like Pasta, Rice and suchlike. Seeing the dietitian on March 13th so will find out then
it was a bit of a shock, it only came to light after my Doc found sugar in my urine during treatment for a kidney infection which I now know are common in diabetics and ordered blood tests. Diabetes does run in my Mother's family but i thought i was ok being a rugby playing vegetarian who doesn't eat refined sugar. I am thinking that my problem is too much starchy food like Pasta, Rice and suchlike. Seeing the dietitian on March 13th so will find out then
It can strike anyone at anytime, regardless of lifestyle etc etc.....But do you know what....I found out last year (had multiple tragedies in recent year and i just CRACKED with it all and went to see GP). Was only after a full BT that i was told im diabetic - Oh Wonderful!....But, at least i know. And i CAN and WILL do something about it. If I hadnt gone to see her i would be your namesake - Oblivious. and thats not a good place to be. Im glad i found out. and even with the restrictions and future i face, i will face it head on. I educate myself, i try my best, i may fail but at least i tried. My Mother had old age onset started at 63 (If you can call that old - they did back then LOL she lived to 88 very happily and in full control of this beast!) I had 2 brothers diagnosed in their 50's, so i guess deep down, i was waiting for my turn. But here we are - and we will support each other and get through this muddle, whatever it throws at us. 🙂
Toucan
Forum Host
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Hello @Oblivious, welcome to the forum.
Although it is hard to come to terms with, it is good that you have found out that you have Diabetes, and can now start to work towards dealing with this. I hope you have a good medical team to support you.
There is certainly a lot of help and knowledge available on the forum, so please continue to post and tell us how it is going and ask any questions you have.
Although it is hard to come to terms with, it is good that you have found out that you have Diabetes, and can now start to work towards dealing with this. I hope you have a good medical team to support you.
There is certainly a lot of help and knowledge available on the forum, so please continue to post and tell us how it is going and ask any questions you have.
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Welcome to the forum @Oblivious
Have they told you what type of diabetes you have? Type 1? Type 2? LADA? Or one of the others?
It can help members here know how best to support you, as while there are a lot of similarities, some of the details and treatment options vary a lot.
Take a look at the ‘useful links’ thread which has some great resources, books, and articles to help you understand more about diabetes and how you can manage it well for a happy, healthy future
forum.diabetes.org.uk
Have they told you what type of diabetes you have? Type 1? Type 2? LADA? Or one of the others?
It can help members here know how best to support you, as while there are a lot of similarities, some of the details and treatment options vary a lot.
Take a look at the ‘useful links’ thread which has some great resources, books, and articles to help you understand more about diabetes and how you can manage it well for a happy, healthy future
Useful links for people new to diabetes
These links provide useful information, particularly to those newly-diagnosed. You can also browse the Recommended Books and Links sections for further information :) Contents: Type 1 Section Insulin Pumps Section Type 2 Section General Help and Information Section You may also find this...
forum.diabetes.org.uk
rebrascora
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Hi and welcome from me too.
Like you I was diagnosed with an HbA1c of 112, just over a year ago now. They also were not sure what type I was, especially as I was a self confessed sugar addict although not significantly overweight, but at 55yrs they assumed Type 2 and started oral meds. I also commenced a very strict low carb diet. 5 weeks later my HbA1c had increased to 116 despite my best efforts and I was started on insulin. I subsequently tested positive for Type 1.
I am actually really pleased that I had that initial period to get my head around low carb eating before I was started on insulin as I think long term it is beneficial to continue to eat this way even though I could eat normally (whatever that is!) and just inject as much insulin as I needed to cover it. I enjoy my food now and I no longer crave sugar or sweet stuff. I eat a lot more fat to provide energy that I am no longer getting from carbs and my weight is stable at a healthy BMI. I don't feel deprived because I have cream in my coffee every morning and I eat cheese and olives and nuts whenever I fancy them. I can also now detect sweetness in things that I previously would not eat without added sugar.
There have been many positives to come from my diagnosis and whilst it is frustrating trying to balance my insulin with my food sometimes, on the whole I think that I am now a whole lot healthier than I was before that kick up the bum diagnosis. I hope you are able to view it in the same light at some point.
Like you I was diagnosed with an HbA1c of 112, just over a year ago now. They also were not sure what type I was, especially as I was a self confessed sugar addict although not significantly overweight, but at 55yrs they assumed Type 2 and started oral meds. I also commenced a very strict low carb diet. 5 weeks later my HbA1c had increased to 116 despite my best efforts and I was started on insulin. I subsequently tested positive for Type 1.
I am actually really pleased that I had that initial period to get my head around low carb eating before I was started on insulin as I think long term it is beneficial to continue to eat this way even though I could eat normally (whatever that is!) and just inject as much insulin as I needed to cover it. I enjoy my food now and I no longer crave sugar or sweet stuff. I eat a lot more fat to provide energy that I am no longer getting from carbs and my weight is stable at a healthy BMI. I don't feel deprived because I have cream in my coffee every morning and I eat cheese and olives and nuts whenever I fancy them. I can also now detect sweetness in things that I previously would not eat without added sugar.
There have been many positives to come from my diagnosis and whilst it is frustrating trying to balance my insulin with my food sometimes, on the whole I think that I am now a whole lot healthier than I was before that kick up the bum diagnosis. I hope you are able to view it in the same light at some point.
SB2015
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
It could be that there are other symptoms evident, and they suspect T1 rather than T2.
The fact that you have been able to come off insulin shows that you are most definitely T2.
If a T1 tried that levels would just rise and rise.
Snowwy
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- Type 2
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- He/Him
Welcome @Oblivious you have joined a fine bunch here! There is a wealth of knowledge so just stay connected and don't panic.
Cheers, Snowwy
Cheers, Snowwy
rebrascora
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- Type 1
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I turned out to be Type 1 but I too managed to get my BG readings into single figures after 5 weeks of very low carb eating, metformin and gliclazide, so it is interesting to me that they would start the OP on insulin immediately.
I wonder if there is any NICE guidance for treatment of excessively high HbA1c results?
I wonder if there is any NICE guidance for treatment of excessively high HbA1c results?
Hello to you all and thanks for all of your comments.
@everydayupsanddowns , they took blood to test for the type but they also said the results would take between 4 and 5 weeks to come back. however since my ketone level on Wednesday was 0.1 i am assuming type 2 but as i've only been reading up on diabetes since Monday I am no expert.
@Anitram , the nurse told me that they wanted to get my blood sugar down as quickly as possible due to me losing approx 4 stone in 6 or 7 months and Insulin was the quickest way of doing it. I've lost my rugby player body.
@rebrascora , i'm not much of a sugar addict but i do love rice and pasta and as we all know starch is just long chains of glucose.
i do have a question, although this might not be the place for it, my blood sugar tests seem to be all over the place, I am to call my diabetic nurse on Monday, as i've only started taking the insulin this week i take it they will use these calls to fine tune the units i am taking and how often. also i should point out i've not seen the dietitian yet, that's on Friday 13th March, hopefully that date's not a bad omen
@everydayupsanddowns , they took blood to test for the type but they also said the results would take between 4 and 5 weeks to come back. however since my ketone level on Wednesday was 0.1 i am assuming type 2 but as i've only been reading up on diabetes since Monday I am no expert.
@Anitram , the nurse told me that they wanted to get my blood sugar down as quickly as possible due to me losing approx 4 stone in 6 or 7 months and Insulin was the quickest way of doing it. I've lost my rugby player body.
@rebrascora , i'm not much of a sugar addict but i do love rice and pasta and as we all know starch is just long chains of glucose.
i do have a question, although this might not be the place for it, my blood sugar tests seem to be all over the place, I am to call my diabetic nurse on Monday, as i've only started taking the insulin this week i take it they will use these calls to fine tune the units i am taking and how often. also i should point out i've not seen the dietitian yet, that's on Friday 13th March, hopefully that date's not a bad omen
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
- Pronouns
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Haha! Hope it’s not a horror-show of an appointment
It might help if you kept a diary of everything you are eating (including estimates of carb count if you can manage that) alongside your insulin doses and BG results. It’s a bit of a faff, but it will give both you and your dietician a huge amount of context for your BGs and particularly how you are responding to foods and doses.
Hope the appointment goes well 🙂
I think i am only on insulin because they're not 100% sure what type i have and it is the quickest way to reduce my blood sugar. and it was my doctor who recommended it
rebrascora
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- Type 1
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The fact that you suddenly lost a lot of weight points strongly towards Type 1.... I also lost weight and I developed sudden onset symptoms (thirst and consequent trips to the toilet).
I am certainly not criticising them starting you on insulin straight away, but like Martin, I just find it interesting that the approach is so different in what are very similar circumstances. I have no regrets about the course of treatment which I was started on as it led me to low carb eating which I feel is much healthier for me, even if my original diagnosis was incorrect. Martin is pleased that they (correctly) assumed he was Type 2 and didn't start him on insulin straight away. I think it is likely you are Type 1 and you will be on insulin for the long term, so it may be best for them to have started you on it straight away. 3 very similar patients with near identical HbA1c results all treated slightly differently.
I hope you manage to get your rugby player muscle mass back. I still look down at my arms and hardly recognise them. They still do all the heavy lifting and carrying I need them to though, so don't feel like I have lost too much power, but they are almost half the size they were.
I am certainly not criticising them starting you on insulin straight away, but like Martin, I just find it interesting that the approach is so different in what are very similar circumstances. I have no regrets about the course of treatment which I was started on as it led me to low carb eating which I feel is much healthier for me, even if my original diagnosis was incorrect. Martin is pleased that they (correctly) assumed he was Type 2 and didn't start him on insulin straight away. I think it is likely you are Type 1 and you will be on insulin for the long term, so it may be best for them to have started you on it straight away. 3 very similar patients with near identical HbA1c results all treated slightly differently.
I hope you manage to get your rugby player muscle mass back. I still look down at my arms and hardly recognise them. They still do all the heavy lifting and carrying I need them to though, so don't feel like I have lost too much power, but they are almost half the size they were.
Felinia
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Hi and welcome. I think you are right about your starchy intake, and needing to cut it down. It does take some getting used to, but there are alternatives, like cauliflower rice and mash, Bare Naked noodles. Plenty of tips in the food section of this Forum, and I've tried out lots of new foods since my diagnosis. As everydayupsanddowns says, it's a good idea to keep a record of ALL your food and drink intake, and there are online websites and apps that can help you. I plan a day in advance, tap in the foods and have totals for all meals, a daily and weekly total.
But were you trying to lose 4 stone, or did it just happen? Unexplained weight loss is an indicator for Type 1. Best wishes.
But were you trying to lose 4 stone, or did it just happen? Unexplained weight loss is an indicator for Type 1. Best wishes.
Hi @Felinia, the weight loss was not intended, just seemed to happen. to be honest i didn't notice it at first until i was video calling my mum in Australia who said 'you look like sh@t, like something from the walking dead, you look awful and older than i do.' LOL, you can always count on family to let you know what's what.
@rebrascora and @Anitram, my apologies of my reply was critical, that wasn't my intention
@rebrascora and @Anitram, my apologies of my reply was critical, that wasn't my intention
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