Shocked

[Steph220]

Hi all

So I’m just about to turn 40 and got the news I’m type 2 diabetic (not the birthday present I was hoping for). I’m hoping I can reverse it by changing my diet. I haven’t been put on any medication yet as they think I can manage it without it. I’m trying to avoid sweets and crisps but finding it very hard. Any advice and tips would be greatly appreciated xx

 

[Tee G]

Hi @Steph220 Welcome! Its a big shock isnt it !, Im sure you have hundreds of question. You have come to the right place to learn all about it. There are many people on here with varied connections to Diabetes, all with hints and tips to help you get through these difficult few weeks. Loads of discussions and topics, external links too. It may be nice if you can tell us a little about what your levels were it will help others tailor a response. All I would say at this stage is dont panic, I know it can be overwhelming but nothing is going to happen to you today, take your time to read and learn all you can about the condition, Its actually a very interesting subject when you hear everyone's stories and I have learned loads already. Im sure you will find things that suit you, just remember there is not one size fits all, Diabetes is VERY personal to each of us. Whats food stuffs suit one person wont suit another, you will have to find your own way through with those things. Using a blood glucose monitor is you best friend in this instance. If you are not supplied with one (which T2 usually arent) you can purchase the equipment quite readily. You will see people give advice about those on here too. The forum has many informative people on here and you are absolutely free to ask us anything you like. We are all here to help each other, so pull up a chair, get a cup of tea and enjoy! You have recognised the need to aviod sweet things, and thats a start however all obvious sugars must go. Carbs are no good for T2 either, such as pasta, rice, bread & potatoes (its irrelevant if its brown or white). I have kept mine to an absolute minimum, and have found many ideas on here for alternative, and you will too im sure of it. I also eat loads more veg than i used to but only those that grow above ground (as I believe they are lighter in carbs than the below ground crops). I also checked my cupboards for hidden sugars in things like ketchup, sauces etc. Its surprising what you find. There's as good intro thread on here, you may want to read through, it was written some time ago, but it's still relevant and gives the basic info around the disease, so pull up a chair and get comfy.

 

[Tee G]

p.s. my go to snacks (for midnight munchies) these days are (in no particular order....) Mixed unsalted nuts and seeds. Boiled egg, celery sticks with cream cheese, slices of meats (anything i find in the fridge). sugar free jelly and a few berries. 3 small crackers loaded with cottage cheese & spring onion.

 

[Steph220]

Thanks for your reply. It’s a lot to take in and seems to be a lot to learn with it. My first blood was in late November it came out at 52 my second was just after Christmas and that was 51 my 3rd came in this week at 50. I was showing no symptoms and only went to the doctors on a routine checkup. I wasn’t supplied with a monitor but I think I may look into one. I invested in one of those portion control plates to see if that would make any difference and I think it has. The hidden sugars is really scaring me I was shocked at some of the amounts in everyday things. But I find reading labels confusing something I will get used to I’m sure. I guess in some ways this has been a huge wake up call for me in respect of my lifestyle.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I guess in some ways this has been a huge wake up call for me in respect of my lifestyle.

Yes you aren’t the first to feel that. Members often reflect after a while, that once the initial shock of the diagnosis had worn off, and they begin to make positive changes, that perhaps their diagnosis acted as a spark and a real catalyst to a newer healthier them. Plus they now have access to regular checks and monitoring so that any potential problems can be spotted sooner and action can be taken earlier. Some also discover how tired and under the weather they had been feeling for some time without really realising it - diabetes can be slow-moving and creep up on you. And that slow-moving nature can help in that you have time to adjust and make changes gradually. There is some evidence that this is much easier on the body too.

Diabetes is a serious condition, but it is also one that generally responds well to changes you make, and there are many treatments and options if your body needs a bit of extra support.

Good luck with it, and keep asking questions 🙂

 

[Tee G]

Hi again @Steph220 - You sound soooo like i was, I went to the Dr last April after my mother passed away, i thought i was ok with it as i knew it was 'her time' and she knew it too but i have had a very tough time emotionally over the last few years and i think I just cracked with it all, trying to put on a brave face for everyone all the time, and i was a wreck I just didnt feel well, a little shaky all the time. The Dr decided to do a full BT and i got a real shock when Diabetes was mentioned! That was the last thing I expected to hear. At level 51 i was given 3 months to see what could be done with diet alone, as as I said above - all obvious sugar went out the door, managed to bring the level down to 47 (and it wasnt that bad at all !) and we were both encouraged by this. You did REALLY well over Xmas, that was an achievement in itself with all the temptation around! I ruined it for myself at Xmas (bad girl i was). BUT it was a huge learning curve for me, and taught me a valuable lesson. Since then i have even more determination to succeed in keeping this thing away for as long as possible. So I made further adjustments, but the thing is, it needs to be view as if its for life. So whatever changes you make you need to prepare yourself for the long haul. With my mother and 2 brothers diabetic in their 50's and 60's i always felt it would come knocking on my door (it isnt always the case,but at least i felt i had some expectation!) Please do come back and ask questions as many times as you like, we're here for you. and it seems to me, looking at your levels you are doing fine, easy paced will bring lasting results. You'll see. All the best.

 

[DebbieC]

Thanks for your reply. It’s a lot to take in and seems to be a lot to learn with it. My first blood was in late November it came out at 52 my second was just after Christmas and that was 51 my 3rd came in this week at 50. I was showing no symptoms and only went to the doctors on a routine checkup. I wasn’t supplied with a monitor but I think I may look into one. I invested in one of those portion control plates to see if that would make any difference and I think it has. The hidden sugars is really scaring me I was shocked at some of the amounts in everyday things. But I find reading labels confusing something I will get used to I’m sure. I guess in some ways this has been a huge wake up call for me in respect of my lifestyle.

Hi I now study the labels of everything but tend to cook from scratch so avoid most processed stuff... I look at total carb content (I hope that’s correct) and remember to calculate per portion if given for 100g... try to keep to under 10g carb ie low carb bread per slice .. but avoid low fat and buy full fat Greek yoghurt for eg as this has lower carbs? I also reel in horror at carb content of some stuff used to have in cupboard. There’s a useful app or book called carbs and calories that helps too, good luck x

 

[Steph220]

Hi, Steph

The fact that you haven't been put on medication suggests that you are only just over the threshold for a Type 2 diagnosis, so you should be able to manage things through diet, exercise and (if necessary) weight loss. Dietary changes will have the most immediate impact on your blood glucose levels.

Yes, sweets and crisps need to go, along with cakes, biscuits, chocolate, ice cream, soft drinks (unless diet, and not much of those) - you get the picture. However, it isn't all about sugar - it's carbohydrates, in particular things like bread, pasta, pizza and potatoes.

If that sounds like most of your diet don't despair. Eat as much fresh meat and fish, salads and green veg as you like. Be careful with fruit as tropical varieties like pineapple and banana are high carb. Berries are usually best (strawberries, raspberries etc) and nuts make for a good snack.

You need to work out what suits you as we are all different, but there's loads of advice on the site and members will respond to any questions you have. Just ask.

Martin

 

[Andy HB]

Hello @Steph220 welcome to the forum.

Yep, I remember the shock when I was diagnosed too (ten years ago now). I spent the first couple of nights being extremely aware of my own mortality!

Anyway, take heart, when I was diagnosed my HbA1c was 113mmol/mol (or 12.5% in 'old money'). So you are in a pretty good position by comparison. Especially since within just a few months I was well on my way to reversing my symptoms. With a few changes to your diet (cut back on the carbs) and exercise (I went for a daily walk, eventually managing a 1hr brisk walk but any exercise will help) I hope you can get back to 'normal' readings too. 🙂

 

[Steph220]

Thanks all. I have started to work out most days to try and lose some weight. I’m pretty good diet wise during the week but I really struggle at the weekends. Eating out and being out with friends I find the hardest part I try to make good choices but it’s not always possible. I know this is a huge lifestyle change and I’m trying but old habits die hard. For example I was out last week for breakfast and ordered pancakes without even thinking about it. It wasn’t till they arrived that I went (nope this was not a good choice I should not have ordered these). I spent the rest of the day regretting this. I know that if I’m going to reverse this I need to be better. But I feel like I have to find a better balance so that I’m not feeling so deprived and end up beating myself up over one mistake. I hope this makes sense to someone x

 

[Drummer]

As you are not very old,and your Hba1c was not very high, with care most of the time the occasional higher carb meal should not do damage - though it might show you just how easily a few carbs stick to the hips (that was what I realised quite early on) I am sure that my low carb way of eating staved off the diagnosis of diabetes for a long time - not until I was pushed into a diet that was carbs carbs and more carbs - supposedly to reduce cholesterol (it didn't) was my Hba1c cranked up to 91.
Now I can eat carbs and my blood glucose doesn't shoot up, I just see the numbers are higher on the scale next morning.

 

[rebrascora]

Next time you go out for breakfast order an omelette or a full English instead of pancakes, minus beans and hash browns and toast and have a coffee with cream with it. No need to feel deprived. You just have to learn how to make enjoyable low carb choices.
It is also important to re-educate your palette and continuing to eat sweet stuff will not help that. I had a shockingly sweet tooth pre diagnosis. My levels were dangerously high, so there was no real choice for me and the sweet stuff had to go pronto but after a few weeks of going cold turkey I found that I enjoyed other flavours so much more, even sour or bitter things and I could detect sweetness in things I would never have considered sweet before. It was hard for a few weeks but then I adjusted and I would not want to go back to the way I ate before now.

 

[Steve75]

Hi Steph
I have been recently diagnosed with t2 with a reading of 51 so we’re quite similar in that way
The thing I find I have to avoid is potatoes which is sad as I love a roast on a Sunday ☹️

 

[chaoticcar]

Hi Steph
I have been recently diagnosed with t2 with a reading of 51 so we’re quite similar in that way
The thing I find I have to avoid is potatoes which is sad as I love a roast on a Sunday ☹️

Try roast celeriac or swede they are not as carby as spuds and you can cook them in chunks along with the spuds if you are feeding others
Carol

 

[Steve75]

Chaoticcar
That’s a great idea with swede I will try it today

 

[Tirnanog]

Can’t advice you I don’t know enough but I am new also so we are in the same boat. I wish you luck and the help you will get is wonderful
Tirnanog

 

[surdoux]

I was diagnosed at the end of January, I have a "desmond" meeting tomorrow, I had an Hba reading of 49, which I think with diet and more exercise, I can reduce considerably. Low carbs are now 'in', the sweets, bread, cakes, sugar etc are 'out' I've lost half a stone since diagnosis (My wife has been wonderful in the diet/cooking situation). Glad I've found this site, and look forward to sharing progress on a regular basis. Good luck with yours.

 

[Neens]

Welcome @Steph220 - good luck with all the changes, make a few at a time to avoid overwhelm. It is normal to feel shocked by the life changing news, but remember you are not alone.
The forum is a great place for advice & support.

 

[Deb RR]

Hi all

So I’m just about to turn 40 and got the news I’m type 2 diabetic (not the birthday present I was hoping for). I’m hoping I can reverse it by changing my diet. I haven’t been put on any medication yet as they think I can manage it without it. I’m trying to avoid sweets and crisps but finding it very hard. Any advice and tips would be greatly appreciated xx

Hi Steph.
Definitely not the birthday present anybody would want. Welcome to the group. I only joined yesterday and People have been so kind and helpful. This is definitely the place for you. I was diagnosed a week ago and my GP has given me the opportunity to diet to reduce my sugar level. My reading was 83 which freaked me out no end. In a week I have lost 2lb and I feel this is achievable.
I am cutting out all sugars, biscuits and treats as I have a very sweet tooth. I have stopped eating normal crisps but baked crisps and savoury items are a healthier option. I have accepted this is not one of my usual diet but now is a way of life for me and at the moment I am excited at the chance of losing a few pounds along the way.
I would love to follow your progress.
Good luck Steph.

 

[silentsquirrel]

Hi Steph.
Definitely not the birthday present anybody would want. Welcome to the group. I only joined yesterday and People have been so kind and helpful. This is definitely the place for you. I was diagnosed a week ago and my GP has given me the opportunity to diet to reduce my sugar level. My reading was 83 which freaked me out no end. In a week I have lost 2lb and I feel this is achievable.
I am cutting out all sugars, biscuits and treats as I have a very sweet tooth. I have stopped eating normal crisps but baked crisps and savoury items are a healthier option. I have accepted this is not one of my usual diet but now is a way of life for me and at the moment I am excited at the chance of losing a few pounds along the way.
I would love to follow your progress.
Good luck Steph.

Welcome to the forum @Deb RR and @Steph220 .

Deb, I would query your assertion that baked crisps are better than normal ones, I doubt if they are any lower carb, and it is the total carbs we need to reduce. I am also wondering what you mean by savoury items? Anything in pastry, the flour is the problem!