Newly Diagnosed

[TLC55]

Hi all, hope everyone is well and enjoying the lovely weather..

I have just recently been diagnosed Type 2 and at the moment my head is all over the place, my GP sent me several links to access information which right now I am finding overwhelming and stressful when all I want to do is sit down with someone and talk about my feelings what’s it’s done to me instead of hearing oh yeah you’ll be fine your on medication you just have to watch your diet.
I have been given access to a 3 day virtual 1.5 hour programme which doesn’t start until August and you don’t get the details until nearer the date and informed, so any advise right now is welcome.

 

[MrDaibetes]

Hey and welcome to the forum. Being diagnosed with diabetes is overwhelming, and very stressful but you have got this.
There is a lot of advice online for those living with Diabetes but I find peer support vital.

 

[rebrascora]

I think it is reasonable to say we all felt overwhelmed at diagnosis and it is often likened to grief. I know I went through horrible feelings of guilt and remorse and embarrassment and anger and then determination to get myself pulled together and do my utmost to sort myself out and become healthier and then days when I would despair and feel overwhelmed again. Having support and advice from this forum was probably the most important factor in me now feeling confident and fitter and healthier and slimmer and about 20 years younger so I hope it can do the same for you.

Changing my diet was a massive step but it was absolutely out of control and needed to change and I had known that for a long time and done nothing. I used the diabetes diagnosis to focus me to do something about it and with the guidance here I have now found a way of eating which keeps me in control and I enjoy my food, but it did involve a big rethink and overhaul. Reading other people's accounts of their mental and dietary journey on the forum was really inspirational and motivating whilst also normalizing what I was going through and feeling. It is tempting to say the forum has been a life saver for me, certainly a sanity saver!

 

[adrian1der]

Welcome @TLC55 We have all been exactly where you are. I'm sure you have many, many questions so please ask about anything you don't understand

 

[mage 1]

Do you know what the numbers of your blood test where and what medicine you are on

 

[ianf0ster]

Hi @TLC55 and welcome to the forum.
Diet or 'Way Of Eating' is slowly becoming less contentious, though most GPs and healthcare professionals still ignore the simple inescapable fact that T2 diabetics have insulin resistance and most actually over-produce insulin.

So the obvious treatment is by eating fewer carbohydrate, so as not to produce all that glucose that needs dealing with, rather than taking insulin to try to force it into fat and muscle cells. That is the mechanism through which T2 diabetes is considered to be a progressive disease needing more and more insulin to less and less effect. Carbs + Insulin => body fat gain +. greater Insulin resistance => extra insulin being prescribed and around and around it goes!

Hopefully your course will be up to date even if it's unlikely that your HCPs are.

We all react differently to carbs in different foods. Protein is good , Fatty food is OK and Carbs are to be reduced including grains (even whole grains just act a little slower) sugars (including tropical fruit) starches including from potatoes and other below ground vegetables.

If you are just 'pre-diabetic' or only just diabetic then cutting down on sugar, pastries, spuds and fruit may be enough, but for most of use we need to know how hard to cut back and what to cut back on. - For this a Blood Glucose meter is invaluable (even if you have to pay for it yourself (and all the test strips for it).. Most UK GPs won't prescribe a BG meter for a T2 diabetic unless they are on medication which could cause dangerous hypos.

Popular meters (for self funders) are the Spirit Tee2 or the SD Gluco Navii (test strips for each of those are about £8 for 50).

 

[TLC55]

I think it is reasonable to say we all felt overwhelmed at diagnosis and it is often likened to grief. I know I went through horrible feelings of guilt and remorse and embarrassment and anger and then determination to get myself pulled together and do my utmost to sort myself out and become healthier and then days when I would despair and feel overwhelmed again. Having support and advice from this forum was probably the most important factor in me now feeling confident and fitter and healthier and slimmer and about 20 years younger so I hope it can do the same for you.

Changing my diet was a massive step but it was absolutely out of control and needed to change and I had known that for a long time and done nothing. I used the diabetes diagnosis to focus me to do something about it and with the guidance here I have now found a way of eating which keeps me in control and I enjoy my food, but it did involve a big rethink and overhaul. Reading other people's accounts of their mental and dietary journey on the forum was really inspirational and motivating whilst also normalizing what I was going through and feeling. It is tempting to say the forum has been a life saver for me, certainly a sanity saver!

Thank you Barbara it is reassuring to know that others have felt the same, and I so can relate to the similarities of grief, I need to find some ’me time’ to sit and read and try to make some kind of sense of how I need to take control.

 

[Drummer]

If only those newly diagnosed as type two were given the simple information that they can't cope with carbohydrate as well as other people. It is how you are - they should be told. You probably felt that something wasn't right with any 'healthy' diet you were advised to follow, and you were right.
Getting a blood glucose tester is a good idea so you can see what various foods do to your levels, and many people report how well they feel after eating foods which don't spike them.

 

[TLC55]

Do you know what the numbers of your blood test where and what medicine you are on

Hi I am on Metmorfin, test was 61- the GP also wants me to take statins, I have them but not taken yet as I’ve heard so much negativity about them.

 

[TLC55]

Hi @TLC55 and welcome to the forum.
Diet or 'Way Of Eating' is slowly becoming less contentious, though most GPs and healthcare professionals still ignore the simple inescapable fact that T2 diabetics have insulin resistance and most actually over-produce insulin.

So the obvious treatment is by eating fewer carbohydrate, so as not to produce all that glucose that needs dealing with, rather than taking insulin to try to force it into fat and muscle cells. That is the mechanism through which T2 diabetes is considered to be a progressive disease needing more and more insulin to less and less effect. Carbs + Insulin => body fat gain +. greater Insulin resistance => extra insulin being prescribed and around and around it goes!

Hopefully your course will be up to date even if it's unlikely that your HCPs are.

We all react differently to carbs in different foods. Protein is good , Fatty food is OK and Carbs are to be reduced including grains (even whole grains just act a little slower) sugars (including tropical fruit) starches including from potatoes and other below ground vegetables.

If you are just 'pre-diabetic' or only just diabetic then cutting down on sugar, pastries, spuds and fruit may be enough, but for most of use we need to know how hard to cut back and what to cut back on. - For this a Blood Glucose meter is invaluable (even if you have to pay for it yourself (and all the test strips for it).. Most UK GPs won't prescribe a BG meter for a T2 diabetic unless they are on medication which could cause dangerous hypos.

Popular meters (for self funders) are the Spirit Tee2 or the SD Gluco Navii (test strips for each of those are about £8 for 50).

Hi, and thank you for your reply a lot to take in and the confusion with food is where it gets me, doesn’t take a lot to confuse me - The Blood Glucose meter sounds excellent and don’t mind having to purchase one anything that can help me to understand better. I have always thought I had a reasonable healthy diet but obviously not, I do get confused about cutting out fruit when we are told eat more fruit, which I have to say am a fruit lover. The programme I am going on sounds a bit strange as I will only be able to interact with the facilitator (this is what my letter states). My GP also suggested I purchase a Blood Pressure Monitor, though I’ve never had my blood pressure checked and it’s something I’ve never suffered with, again another confusion..

 

[TLC55]

Hey and welcome to the forum. Being diagnosed with diabetes is overwhelming, and very stressful but you have got this.
There is a lot of advice online for those living with Diabetes but I find peer support vital.

Thankyou, lots of responses and kind words..

 

[TLC55]

Welcome @TLC55 We have all been exactly where you are. I'm sure you have many, many questions so please ask about anything you don't understand

Thankyou I will be full of questions trying to get my head around everything and will be back

 

[TLC55]

If only those newly diagnosed as type two were given the simple information that they can't cope with carbohydrate as well as other people. It is how you are - they should be told. You probably felt that something wasn't right with any 'healthy' diet you were advised to follow, and you were right.
Getting a blood glucose tester is a good idea so you can see what various foods do to your levels, and many people report how well they feel after eating foods which don't spike them.

Thankyou I am going to look at buying a blood glucose test, as for healthy diet I always thought I was eating healthy, obviously so very wrong and this is where all the confusion with food comes in..

 

[rebrascora]

As regards the statins, do you know your cholesterol results? Some GPs just hand out statins the moment you are diagnosed with diabetes and others look at you as an individual and assess your risk and whether statins would be appropriate. You should be able to have a discussion with your GP about anything they prescribe and what your options are and any risks. I know GPs are under a lot of pressure but as the patient you should have some input into your treatment plan. At the moment, your input seems to be sitting with a packet of tablets that you are worried about starting to take. You are not in a position to make an informed decision at the moment so maybe start by getting some knowledge. Find out what your cholesterol results are and do some research, Unfortunately there is a lot of contention in respect of cholesterol but either you trust your doctor and try them or you get yourself educated on the subject and perhaps go back and have a meaningful conversation with your GP about your concerns and whether they really are necessary. I am sure there are lots of people who take them without any side effects but there are some who have had problems. I think, like all medicines, they have their place but I don't think they should be doled out willy nilly or without good reason.
I am fortunate that my health care professionals all seem to be enlightened and I have not been even offered them despite being over the NICE guidelines for cholesterol in diabetics. Interestingly, I now eat way more fat than I did at diagnosis including lots of saturated fat, but my cholesterol levels have reduced. The important thing is that I have reduced my carbohydrate intake dramatically and I eat more fibre. I believe that those 2 things have more bearing on my cholesterol levels than my fat intake..... but I am just a Jo Blogs with no medical experience and I only speak from my own experience.

 

[rebrascora]

Getting a BG meter and testing just before and then 2 hours after eating will show you which foods cause you Blood Glucose (BG) upheaval and enable you to tailor your diet to your body's inability to metabolize carbs. Some people have suggested it is like driving without a speedometer. You have no idea if you are keeping things within good limits until you get stopped by police or get a speeding ticket through the post. You have no idea if your body is coping with the food you are eating until you go and get a blood test in 3 or 6 months time whereas you could be checking every day meal by meal so you can actually see when you are going over the limit of what you can cope with and learn which foods to avoid or what portion size you can get away with. Once you adjust your diet and build up a resume of data on regular meals you that you can eat without problems, you don't need to test so intensively but the first few weeks/months can involve a lot of trial and adjustment.
Healthy eating with Type 2 diabetes can be very different to what might otherwise be considered healthy.... fruit being a prime example.... most fruits are high in sugar and therefore will likely spike your glucose levels. Many of us find that it helps to just have 1 portion a day and make it a few berries which are lowest carb and avoid exotic fruits like banana and mangoes and grapes which can be much higher in sugars.

Anyway, the 2 meters mentioned above are both well regarded by members who self fund here on the forum and equally importantly relatively economical to use. You will need at least 2 extra pots of 50 test strips to get you started as you go through a lot of test strips in the initial phase of figuring out your diet.

Keep coming back to the forum for advice and questions and reading other people's posts as you will find it informative, friendly and gradually things will start to make sense.

 

[TLC55]

As regards the statins, do you know your cholesterol results? Some GPs just hand out statins the moment you are diagnosed with diabetes and others look at you as an individual and assess your risk and whether statins would be appropriate. You should be able to have a discussion with your GP about anything they prescribe and what your options are and any risks. I know GPs are under a lot of pressure but as the patient you should have some input into your treatment plan. At the moment, your input seems to be sitting with a packet of tablets that you are worried about starting to take. You are not in a position to make an informed decision at the moment so maybe start by getting some knowledge. Find out what your cholesterol results are and do some research, Unfortunately there is a lot of contention in respect of cholesterol but either you trust your doctor and try them or you get yourself educated on the subject and perhaps go back and have a meaningful conversation with your GP about your concerns and whether they really are necessary. I am sure there are lots of people who take them without any side effects but there are some who have had problems. I think, like all medicines, they have their place but I don't think they should be doled out willy nilly or without good reason.
I am fortunate that my health care professionals all seem to be enlightened and I have not been even offered them despite being over the NICE guidelines for cholesterol in diabetics. Interestingly, I now eat way more fat than I did at diagnosis including lots of saturated fat, but my cholesterol levels have reduced. The important thing is that I have reduced my carbohydrate intake dramatically and I eat more fibre. I believe that those 2 things have more bearing on my cholesterol levels than my fat intake..... but I am just a Jo Blogs with no medical experience and I only speak from my own experience.

I am fortunate too that I have a good relationship with my GP and is always happy to discuss with me.. I am usually on the ball asking questions and do question everything, but I have my baby grandson in hospital and then being told this literally threw me so trying to concentrate on me right now is difficult even though I know I should be. I do have very good knowledge of cholesterol and it’s one thing I’ve never had to worry about, I do have a telephone appointment tomorrow to find out what all my levels are and if they have changed so will decide then which way forward.
The food part does get confusing especially like you saying you eat more fat, I find this interesting and what others are saying about different foods we are told not to eat, I prefer white meat, brown bread though can go weeks without eating any , I eat plenty of veg and fruit.. I’m not a massive eater and one thing I’ve found hard is I have to eat breakfast so I can take my morning medication, reading on here is a great help, thankyou..

 

[rebrascora]

I’m not a massive eater and one thing I’ve found hard is I have to eat breakfast so I can take my morning medication, reading on here is a great help, thankyou..

If you are talking about the Metformin, then there is no reason why you can't take it with your evening meal instead of in the morning with breakfast, if you don't want to eat breakfast. The only important thing is to take it with food so that it doesn't upset your stomach.

 

[rebrascora]

So sorry to hear about your grandson. Hope he is much improved and able to return home form hospital soon.

 

[TLC55]

If you are talking about the Metformin, then there is no reason why you can't take it with your evening meal instead of in the morning with breakfast, if you don't want to eat breakfast. The only important thing is to take it with food so that it doesn't upset your stomach.

Hi I have to take two morning and two in the evening I have only just started full dosage this week, and it’s a prolonged release tablet, so don’t know if this will change as I have been told some only take one tablet a day..

 

[rebrascora]

How is your digestive system coping with the prolonged release Metformin so far?

You could probably take 2 with an early lunch and 2 in the evening if you haven't had any gastric upset with them so far and the prolonged release should be less aggressive in that respect, but you might be best sticking with your current regime for now.

There are patients who have negotiated a 3 month hiatus on medication to give them a chance to try dietary and lifestyle changes to bring levels down first but since you are now on full dose Metformin you are probably best to stick with it for the time being.
Dietary changes are significantly more powerful in reducing BG levels than Metformin but sadly most GPs have no idea of that or that patients can be motivated to make those changes or that a BG meter can facilitate that. Many will even advise their patient's that they do not need to self test and actively discourage them. The vast majority of people here on this forum however would say that their BG meter was an invaluable tool in successfully managing their diabetes and helping them reduce their HbA1c.