Saying hello!

[chamiltonemery]

Hello! My name is Christopher and I've just been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. My doctor has put me on an aggressive weight loss programme and I'm two days in. I've just read Tom Watson's account of T2D, "Downsizing" and I'm working my way through this site and cookbooks preparing what I hope is a decent plan to get things under control. I'm a little shocked. A little scared. Worried over complications. Fantasising about going into remission. Oddly, feeling liberated to decide what I now want from life and how much life I can get. I'm 57, 17 stone 6lb. I live in Cromer in North Norfolk. I'm a poet.

 

[rebrascora]

Hi Christopher and welcome.

We have a few poets on the forum. Lovely to have another one. What is your style? We would love a little sample of your skill...

It sounds like you have an interesting take on your diagnosis and a very positive one which should help you. There are quite a few of us who can look back on our diagnosis as a positive step (read "kick up the pants") in becoming slimmer, fitter and improving our diet, so I hope you will soon be joining us. I can genuinely say that I feel 20 years younger and at 57yrs old myself, I am very happy with that.

There are 4 main factors in controlling diabetes, in no particular order....
1. Reducing the amount of carbs you consume.... Contrary to popular belief, diabetes is not just about sugar but all carbohydrates ie sugars and starches and these can come from what might be considered "healthy foods" like fruit and porridge, wholemeal bread, wholewheat pasta brown rice potatoes etc. as well as the obvious sugar, cakes, biscuits, sweets and chocolate. Grains particularly are rich in carbohydrate and our modern diet is loaded with them. The benefit of cutting carbs is that the cravings stop after a while and it becomes easier to make it a sustainable way of eating for life with little willpower involved once you get the hang of it but difficult in the beginning.

2. Exercise... Doesn't have to be anything strenuous. If you are able to walk or swim or cycle that is ideal. Start off with small goals and try to create a daily routine even if it is just 10 mins at first and then build on it as your fitness improves. Make the walk brisker, and longer and look to incorporate a hill or steps.... might be tricky in Norfolk.... or I might be showing my geographical ignorance!! Doing gentle exercise like this after meals rather than sitting watching TV can make a big difference.

3. Weight loss.... Obviously this is the one that your GP is favouring and has been shown to produce good results but the challenge can be to maintain the weight loss once the program comes to an end. Weight loss is often a side effect of No1 1 and 2 above and once you learn to eat low carb it can be a way of eating for life, so easier perhaps to maintain the weight loss.

4. Medication... I deliberately put this last because whilst it is necessary for some people, it should not be relied upon to do all the work. Lifestyle changes are really important with Diabetes whether you need medication or not.

 

[Inka]

Welcome @chamiltonemery 🙂 You sound very organised. Having a positive attitude is half of the battle, and you seem to have that.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Oddly, feeling liberated to decide what I now want from life and how much life I can get.

Absolutely! Many people on the forum later reflect that their diagnosis became a kind of catalyst which prompted them to make positive changes towards a healthier and more active life. Perhaps changes that they had been intending to make for years.

Often you don’t realise how weary, worn down and lethargic you have been feeling. Erratic and elevated blood glucose levels can be exhausting and are linked with low mood, but this may have come on quite gradually. Making a few positive changes can give you more energy, a clearer mind, and a brighter outlook. Plus the regular checks you get after a diagnosis with diabetes mean that any potential problems may be spotted earlier, and can be sorted out sooner.

Diabetes is a serious condition, but it’s also one that can usually be managed well with a few changes and adaptations - it’s something that you can learn to live well with, and it shouldn’t stop you doing things you enjoy. It’s often best to make changes to your menu and activity levels gradually - partly because they need to be sustainable long term, but also because very rapid and sudden changes to blood glucose levels are harder on the fine blood vessels, and changing things more gently will give your body time to adapt. Diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint 🙂

If you‘d like to include exercise as part of your programme, but aren’t sure where to start you could join the live well, move more programme for some help and support to get you going and meet your goals.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

 

[Vonny]

Hi Christopher and welcome from me also. I was diagnosed last April and I too fantasised about going into remission. A year down the line and although not technically in remission (that needs to be 2 hba1c readings of < 42 and no medication) I have a new lease of life like @rebrascora.

Last night we went to a friend's 75th birthday party and I was playing with the daughter of some mutual friends. She is almost 4 and ran me ragged, but the point is I was able to keep up with doing dozens of bunny hops, some completely mad dancing and lots of racing and tag. I let her catch me but I could have won! Such a contrast to 12 months ago when I couldn't bunny hop to save my life!

This forum has really helped me keep focused and positive and I hope it does you too. @rebrascora has given you some cracking tips to start you on your journey, and I hope they are of help to you. Stay positive and smiling 🙂

 

[Christy]

Welcome Christopher! Many of us felt exactly like you at diagnosis. As others have said your positive attitude will take you far. You've been given great advice above which I totally agree with. Keep us updated on your progress 🙂

 

[SB2015]

Welcome to the forum @chamiltonemery , glad that you have found us.

Great read of your positive attitude and the benefits that you are identifying in the changes that you are already making. Keep in touch and keep asking questions. There is plenty of experience to tap into on here.

 

[adrian1der]

Welcome from me as well @chamiltonemery - good to have you onboard