Slightly baffled new type 2

[charliecarly]

Hi all,

Recently diagnosed with type 2 at the age of 31 with no risk factors I'm aware of. Picked up through routine tests when I joined a new GP surgery, which is great in theory however quite mad to just pop in one day to register and have a diagnosis of diabetes a week later. Been quite confusing as initially told by 2 hcps that it was prediabetes and then contacted by diabetes nurse to confirm actual diabetes. No meds currently just put on a low carb diet and told to exercise (which I hate but I do cycle to work 3 times a week, 40 mins each way). Find it quite odd that they can tell you to do these things without asking what you do already - no one asked what my diet was already like or how much I already exercise. Think I'm doing quite well with the low carb diet but struggling to find anything 'fun' to eat. Am also lactose intolerant so can't go too wild on dairy products.

Also quite overwhelming to think I'm only 31 and have to manage this for the rest of my life - trying not to think too much about possible related health conditions down the line!

Look forward to hearing from some of you 🙂

 

[Docb]

Hi @charliecarly. Only slightly baffled - you are one up on most who are totally baffled! Jokes aside, welcome to the forum and we will see what we can do to clear away some of the mist.

A couple of obvious things to think about and the first is do you know what your HbA1c result was? If you do not know what the Hba1c test is, then it is the blood test used to diagnose diabetes. Your surgery should give you the actual result and this then gives you your starting point.

Second point, you say no risk factors and from this i assume that your BMI is in the "normal" range. If that is the case then you join the noble band of slim type 2 diabetics - I consider myself one - where the blood glucose control system is underperforming for reasons other than an autoimmune condition (Type 1) or the presence of excess fatty tissue. As far as the medics are concerned, we get shoved into the type 2 box and get the sort of standard type 2 advice that you have been given by your surgery. The general principles apply but it gets very fuzzy round the edges.

Anyway, read around the forum and you will begin to get some idea of what diabetes is all about but above all, ask questions. Most of us have been where you are now and know how confusing things can be, so if the forum has one principle it is that there is no such thing as a silly question. Just ask away.

PS - low carb eating can be fun! Do you cook?

 

[Leadinglights]

It is a good idea to find out what your HbA1C is as it gives you an idea of how far into the diabetes zone you are and how much work you need to do, with a low carb approach it is very possible to get your blood glucose level back down to normal but even so diet will play an important part in keeping it there so having a dietary regime which is enjoyable and really become your new normal way of eating, but still allows treats.
I followed the principals of this low carb approach and do not feel deprived of anything as it is now just my normal way of eating. This link is full of information and ideas for modifying your diet. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
You may only need modest changes depending on how high your HbA1C is.
It really depends on what you mean by 'fun' foods as to whether you can have them or not.
People find sugarfreelondoner website has some good low carb recipes both sweet (cakes, biscuits etc) and savoury

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @charliecarly

Glad you have found us 🙂

Yes diabetes can be a befuddling business in the beginning, that’s for sure.

Sounds like you’ve not had a particularly personalised introduction to diabetes. That’s such a shame, but unfortunately not all that uncommon.

Well done on your cycling - that goes a long way towards meeting your recommended exercise quota 🙂

Has your diabetes come on quite suddenly? Do you have any diabetes in your close family? 31 is one of those in betweeny ages where some people later find their diabetes has to be reclassified, so it may be worth keeping an open mind if your BG management attempts seem not to respond in the way you might hope.

Asking for your HbA1c would be a handy nugget of info 🙂

 

[Sophie DUK]

Hi @charliecarly, welcome to the forum🙂

You're also more than welcome to give the Diabetes UK helpline team a call on 0345 123 2399, Mon to Fri, 9am to 6pm. And chat about your diagnosis, they're really lovely to speak with and will be more than happy to help