Hi Jules, welcome to the forum
🙂 It really annoys me when people get told that you don't need to test, as it really is the best method of finding out whether the changes you are making to your diet and activity levels are helping, and where you may need to make adjustments for certain foods. It's true that some people may not want to test and will rely on the doctor or nurse telling them every few months how they are doing, but if things get worse you may have no means of determining what it is that you are doing wrong! Some people are disheartened by seeing high numbers or struggling to get things under control, but on the other hand many people find that being able to test gives them a feeling of control over the condition - that they feel less helpless and in the dark, and are, of course, extremely motivated when they see things are improving! How does the nurse know which type of person you are? Grrr!!!
Be aware that, although it can be useful if you get a good dietician, it can sometimes be a waste of time as much information about diet is often outdated or too over-generalised to be of much use. By testing, you can discover what foods/meals need to be modified and what types you tolerate well. Diabetes is a very individual condition, so you need to gather information in order to keep your diet as flexible as you can whilst at the same time keeping it as appropriate as you can to maintain good blood sugar control. Starting a food diary and writing down the amounts of carbs in all you eat and drink (since all carbs will raise blood sugar levels to a greater or lesser extent, it's not just about sugar) will help you to assess areas where things might be improved.
Have a read of our
Useful links thread, and get yourself a copy of
Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker so you can gain a good understanding of what it all entails. Ask us any questions you may have - nothing is considered 'silly'!
🙂
And try not to worry. Diabetes is something that can be controlled well and may often lead to people becoming happier and healthier once the modifications to diet and exercise begin to benefit them. You've already made an excellent start by joining this forum!
🙂
Hope you get your referrals through soon, it varies so much up and down the country, but they should happen eventually.
