As a newly diagnosed type 2 only 2mths ago but straight onto metformin I'm worried after reading about others that I'm not testing blood sugar levels or have any targets but just trying to make lifestyle changes, I am over weight but within that time have lost a stone and a half
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- Thread starter Penny58
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Dave_Z1a
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Hi Penny, you have done great to lose a stone and a half in that time, so you are already on the case making changes that can only improve things for you with the huge plus that you have had other checks that are all normal. Its a lot to take in at once and its not a race, take step by step, we are all different of course. I was lucky and handed a meter by my db nurse, it really is useful and should be compulsory on the NHS. Without one its like driving a car with a blacked out windscreen! You can buy them quite cheaply and do a few tests before and after meals all at your own pace to guide you as to what spikes your levels, although this in my experience is pretty standard with most. Cut out or reduce sweet things, cakes, sweets, chocolate, fizzy drinks etc. pastry, cereals, most fruit, bread, rice, pasta and potatoes or anything made from them! Read the food labels, you soon remember whats what. Keep a diary of what you eat each day and when in association with meter readings, you will soon get the hang of whats what and need not use it so often. One of the biggest helps for me was to find something to replace potatoes and bread with, so with a roast I could have everything else but just swap potatoes with low carb bread. Finding this bread made lunches and breakfast so much easier, i.e. things on toast, sandwiches etc. Have a look at the seriously low carb food company site or some keto sites. loads of info on here on what to eat and suggested recipes as well, I must admit I pretty well eat the same as I always did, just swapping bread for potatoes and cauliflower rice for rice. Didn't eat much pasta, sweet stuff or cakes etc. Miss my cereal though! Oh exercise really helps, even if its just a daily walk, which is better gor you anyway as the body is going to be a bit shocked with all these changes, you will make food mistakes, your meter will tell you, a brisk walk sorts it out in no time. I promise you if you put a bit of effort in it will get better and you an get on with life, just needs a bit of work upfront to start!
TheClockworkDodo
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Hi @Penny58 and welcome to the forum 🙂 It sounds as though you have done really well to lose a stone and a half already.
If you want more information about why it's a good idea to test your blood sugar, there are some helpful links here with good advice and also suggestions of meters you could get - https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/board...for-people-new-to-diabetes.10406/#post-938458
The NHS often say it's not necessary for type 2s to test, but as we are all individuals and different foods effect us in different ways it can be a good idea just to find out how each meal you eat effects you (by testing before and then 2 hours after eating that meal). You might find there are things you've cut out of your diet which you could actually eat without problems - or that there are other things you're eating which you can't eat without a huge spike in your blood sugar. Or you might find that your current diet is perfect for you - but there's no way you'll know for sure without testing.
If you want more information about why it's a good idea to test your blood sugar, there are some helpful links here with good advice and also suggestions of meters you could get - https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/board...for-people-new-to-diabetes.10406/#post-938458
The NHS often say it's not necessary for type 2s to test, but as we are all individuals and different foods effect us in different ways it can be a good idea just to find out how each meal you eat effects you (by testing before and then 2 hours after eating that meal). You might find there are things you've cut out of your diet which you could actually eat without problems - or that there are other things you're eating which you can't eat without a huge spike in your blood sugar. Or you might find that your current diet is perfect for you - but there's no way you'll know for sure without testing.
Dominic DUK
Supporter Care Advisor
Hi there Penny and welcome to the online support forum! 🙂 we appreciate how overwhelming a new diagnosis of Diabetes can be. It isn't necessary for all people with Diabetes to self monitor and your healthcare team will let you know if this is something you should be doing. You can find the meters we have via our Shop here https://bit.ly/3uYRjvJ. It is amazing to hear about the stone and a half that you have lost! If you would like advice about lifestyle changes, feel free to contact our helpline on 0345 123 2399 or helpline@diabetes.org.uk 9am-6pm Mon-Fri 🙂
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
- Pronouns
- She/Her
There are a good selection of monitors via the Diabetes UK shop but if cost is a consideration then those available on line (Amazon or similar) are cheaper with cheaper test strips. The GlucoNavil is one which people find easy to use and is reliable at about £10 for the monitor and £13 per 100 for strips. The TEE2 is also one to consider.
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