So it’s official.

K

Katetype2

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Had my blood test on Friday - checked the NHS app and the results were already back by yesterday evening. Hba1c was 60 - so I am indeed diabetic.

I’ve had time over the last week or so to accept the situation. I’m feeling sad, but also positive that I can do something about this and put it in to remission.

I’ve started making diet changes and upping my physical activity. Got myself a new fitbit.

It’s now all down to me - which is why I’m scared because any lifestyle changes have always failed after 6 months. But this time they can’t. I have to do this and it has to be permanent.

Still have lots to learn so I’m making a point of spending a little time each day to research.

Onwards and upwards.
 
Hi @Katetype2 welcome to the forum. That gap between first and second test I spent hoping the first was a mistake but it wasn't to be. Like you though I accepted that this is my problem and I need to do something about it. As others on here will say, it is better to take small steps to get the point where they changes you have made address the problem while not stopping you from doing things you enjoy. To a point that has worked for me since my diagnosis end of September this year (HbA1c = 86).

I went low carb based on the advice on the forums and my diabetes nurse so no more than 130g of carbs a day and I make sure that I exercise at least 6 days out of 7 even if it means just a 20 min walk. My BG levels are now between 6 and 7 before meals and about 8 after meals. With red wine I can even keep it to just under 7 after a meal but don't see that as a sustainable control :D

Whether I can keep this up forever is still a matter of speculation but as things improve I will look at possibly easing back on some things while maintaining others and see if I can keep things in balance.

These forums and the Learning Zone are great for helping you get an understanding of the diabetes issue.
 
Last edited:
You can do it....
 
Hi @Katetype2 it’s good that you found the forum early in your journey it sounds like you’ve already started, it took some of us (like me) many years to accept change was needed and make the necessary steps to good control.
 
You are making a good start @Katetype2 and you will find plenty of ideas and support on the forum. The biggest issue I had to get my head around is that I can't go back to my old eating habits. The thought of dealing with diabetes complications keeps me motivated. I hope to be able to have the odd treat now and again without spiking my blood sugars.
My palate is adjusting to less carby foods. Fortunately I am not a fussy eater.
Keep us updated via the forum, share your good and bad days, especially as you reach the 6 month mark. Once that is behind you move onto your new goals. Remember living with diabetes is a marathon not a sprint. Many people are able to get their HbA1c levels so they move into remission.
As we say on here.... Onwards and downwards (blood sugars) !
 
JimmyBlue said:
Hi @Katetype2 welcome to the forum. That gap between first and second test I spent hoping the first was a mistake but it wasn't to be. Like you though I accepted that this is my problem and I need to do something about it. As others on here will say, it is better to take small steps to get the point where they changes you have made address the problem while not stopping you from doing things you enjoy. To a point that has worked for me since my diagnosis end of September this year (HbA1c = 86).

I went low carb based on the advice on the forums and my diabetes nurse so no more than 130g of carbs a day and I make sure that I exercise at least 6 days out of 7 even if it means just a 20 min walk. My BG levels are now between 6 and 7 before meals and about 8 after meals. With red wine I can even keep it to just under 7 after a meal but don't see that as a sustainable control :D

Whether I can keep this up forever is still a matter of speculation but as things improve I will look at possibly easing back on some things while maintaining others and see if I can keep things in balance.

These forums and the Learning Zone are great for helping you get an understanding of the diabetes issue.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your reply. Glad things are going good for you.
Yes, small changes are key - they add up to big results. I’ve just done my grocery shopping and my trolley has never looked so healthy! I know I can do low carb as I’ve done it before. I’m looking forward to feeling better, losing weight and getting my ac1 down.
 
goodybags said:
Hi @Katetype2 it’s good that you found the forum early in your journey it sounds like you’ve already started, it took some of us (like me) many years to accept change was needed and make the necessary steps to good control.
Click to expand...
I’ve ignored my health for the last few years and it shows. But now I’m determined to make good changes and claw back my health ☺️
 
silver minion said:
You are making a good start @Katetype2 and you will find plenty of ideas and support on the forum. The biggest issue I had to get my head around is that I can't go back to my old eating habits. The thought of dealing with diabetes complications keeps me motivated. I hope to be able to have the odd treat now and again without spiking my blood sugars.
My palate is adjusting to less carby foods. Fortunately I am not a fussy eater.
Keep us updated via the forum, share your good and bad days, especially as you reach the 6 month mark. Once that is behind you move onto your new goals. Remember living with diabetes is a marathon not a sprint. Many people are able to get their HbA1c levels so they move into remission.
As we say on here.... Onwards and downwards (blood sugars) !
Click to expand...
Thank you. Yes - this forum is going to be so important - there’s a whole wealth of experience to tap in to.
Yes - diabetes complications scare me. I’ve sadly had a friend pass away from liver disease (caused by alcohol not diabetes) - I don’t want to end up in the situation where my organs give up.
The permanency of it all is the scary part for me too. But, unlike other times I have tried to lose weight, there is a real motivator for me. I want to live with diabetes - not die of it.
 
Great to hear you’ve sprung into action, and are determined to make these positive changes sustainable and long-term.

Good to know that you’ve also had success with low carb in the past too, as that is a powerful and effective strategy on the forum 🙂

Good luck! And keep us posted 🙂
 
Katetype2 said:
Had my blood test on Friday - checked the NHS app and the results were already back by yesterday evening. Hba1c was 60 - so I am indeed diabetic.

I’ve had time over the last week or so to accept the situation. I’m feeling sad, but also positive that I can do something about this and put it in to remission.

I’ve started making diet changes and upping my physical activity. Got myself a new fitbit.

It’s now all down to me - which is why I’m scared because any lifestyle changes have always failed after 6 months. But this time they can’t. I have to do this and it has to be permanent.

Still have lots to learn so I’m making a point of spending a little time each day to research.

Onwards and upwards.
Click to expand...
Hello @Katetype2 like you I was recently diagnosed as Type 2 too (day 10 since I was diagnosed not that I am counting!) with a level of 129!

I have found this forum amazing support ❤️

Good luck on your journey! I was feeling so lost on day I was told and then I upped my activity none before due to life being too busy and me being lazy!). Since diagnosed I found reading on this forum walking is good so doing 12-15k steps a day. Ditched the car and walking everywhere
 
everydayupsanddowns said:
Great to hear you’ve sprung into action, and are determined to make these positive changes sustainable and long-term.

Good to know that you’ve also had success with low carb in the past too, as that is a powerful and effective strategy on the forum 🙂

Good luck! And keep us posted 🙂
Click to expand...
Many thanks!
 
Zaraah said:
Hello @Katetype2 like you I was recently diagnosed as Type 2 too (day 10 since I was diagnosed not that I am counting!) with a level of 129!

I have found this forum amazing support ❤️

Good luck on your journey! I was feeling so lost on day I was told and then I upped my activity none before due to life being too busy and me being lazy!). Since diagnosed I found reading on this forum walking is good so doing 12-15k steps a day. Ditched the car and walking everywhere
Click to expand...
Yes even though I was half expecting it, finding out was a huge shock. Turns out, I should have been told in March! So, I had 3 or 4 days of being in a daze. Then I’ve started to tackle it.
Great to hear that you are also making changes ☺️
 
Well done.
I'm type 1, but my Mother (who had lots of experience with diabetes, since I've been diabetic over 50 years, and my grandfather was one of the very first people to use insulin - he had been diagnosed type 1, before this became available!), developed type 2 about 15 years before her death. She had problems with arthritis, so took up regular swimming, cut down on her carbs, and managed to keep herself well under control. If the problem is caught early, it is surprising how many people do manage to control it. She did find cinnamon helped to control her blood sugar just a little, might be worth looking at. It just helped to lower the spikes after meals.
 
There are plenty of resources out there but I found the Freshwell approach was successful for me, I didn't follow the menu plans as such as I'm not that organised but they suit many people. If you haven't seen it here is the link https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
 
Katetype2 said:
Yes even though I was half expecting it, finding out was a huge shock. Turns out, I should have been told in March! So, I had 3 or 4 days of being in a daze. Then I’ve started to tackle it.
Great to hear that you are also making changes ☺️
Click to expand...
Good luck on your journey ❤️
 
Ttelmah said:
Well done.
I'm type 1, but my Mother (who had lots of experience with diabetes, since I've been diabetic over 50 years, and my grandfather was one of the very first people to use insulin - he had been diagnosed type 1, before this became available!), developed type 2 about 15 years before her death. She had problems with arthritis, so took up regular swimming, cut down on her carbs, and managed to keep herself well under control. If the problem is caught early, it is surprising how many people do manage to control it. She did find cinnamon helped to control her blood sugar just a little, might be worth looking at. It just helped to lower the spikes after meals.
Click to expand...
Just to say I have heard others say they use cinnamon so I have been adding cinnamon powder to my porridge every morning!
 
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