New type 2 and bewildered!

[georglette]

Hi there,

My name's Georgina, I've just turned 28 and I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 5 weeks ago - I got really thirsty and thought I'd best get checked out. My doctor (who has distractingly swooshy hair) called me back urgently to discuss my blood test results, hmmm'd and haaa'd for a bit and said he thinks it's probably type 2 (he wasn't sure if it was type 1 as I'm pretty young for this so he went and called some guy, who confirmed it's type 2). He put me on Metformin right away and gave me a printout from the internet and said basically 'if it tastes sweet don't eat it'.

I've been back to the doctors surgery since then and they've done another blood test and checked my feet. The lady who took the blood asked me what my fasting blood sugar was (I bought myself one of the meter thingies so I know that much at least) - it fluctuates between 14 and 19 mmols. She tutted a lot and said (as I got up to leave) "by the way, just to warn you you will have to inject insulin at some point...bye"!

I have an appointment with the special diabetic nurse next Tuesday and I can't wait! For the last 5 weeks everyone I know (none of whom actually has diabetes or any experience of it) have been telling me what they think and giving me their advice (everyone's an expert it seems). Everyone says different things, mostly conflicting. I'm trying not to read too much on the internet (a little bit of information is a harmful thing). Someone told me they read that diabetes reduces your life expectancy by 30-50% and I don't know if that's true or not. I'm an emotional mess!!!!

Ok, I needed to get that off my chest. I'm pretty sensible usually, but I keep having moments of panic. Until next week I'll keep taking the tablets and avoiding anything that tastes sweet!

I look forward to perusing these boards and sharing experiences!! Nice to meet you all

Best regards,
George

 

[carty]

Hi Georgina
Sorry you have had a bad experience with your DB I know you have come to the right place here. I had a bad time at first with the health care profesionals! but the advice here from people who have diabetes is the best I am sure someone will post the advice for new ones soon
CAROL

 

[thebear]

Hi George,

Welcome to the forum, newly diagnosed type 2 here as well. quite frankly it's all a bit mental, but everyone is really friendly and helpful!

 

[valceramic]

Hi Georgina,
Just diagnosed type 2 too. Lost 75% of my eyesight overnight and my rt arm went numb. Very thirsty, but only on that day. My blood sugar was 35 (uk) and I didnt eat anything but cucumber and lettuce until it was down below 8. (5) days. Had the two fasting glucose blood tests, confirmed type 2.
Right! i'm a diabetes nurse...laughing my socks off all the way to the fridge.
I have started on one metformin slow release at night and a statin for high cholesterol. I'm following the 'low carb' diet (see forum for this) and my blood sugars are all, and I mean all, below 6. I have lost 6 kgs too. Bargain.
Your nurse was ****. I hope you find a better on at your next appointment.
Most Pcts dont advocate a low carb diet and certainly on the Education for life day, or whatever similar one your Pct will sponsor they will tell you to eat 1/3rd carbs on the plate.
Dont worry about it all, aim for lower blood sugars, get a free metre from your surgery and monitor all the time, before and after meals until you work out what food does what.
I love Alpro plain yogourt, it is carb free and fat free, I use it as a base for everything.
Val

 

[totsy]

hya george and welcome
try not to worry , diabetes isnt a life sentence and although a pain in the backside it can be managed with hard work, have a good look around and ask as many questions as u need to

 

[JohnEP]

Hi Georgina

Sorry to read about your diabolical treatment at your GP surgery. There are a lot of amateur diabetes specialists out there especially the ones who do not have diabetes and believe all they read in the 'red tops'!!

My surgery have been fairly good since I was eventually diagnosed with Type 2 but I have to say that most of my knowledge has come from being a member of Diabetes UK. Experience tells me that even some GPs get it wrong.............. The info that comes from Diabetes UK has been so helpful and therefore better armed when I visit my GP or Diabetes Nurse for my annual check up.

Please do not worry about being diagnosed. As long as you keep your sugars under control by whatever method suits you things will generally be ok. Diabetes in not necessarily a life sentence, all you have to do is be more aware of what you need to do, diet, exercise etc. to keep those sugars under control..... Just adjustments to your lifestyle

Take care and try not to worry too much
John

 

[Patch]

Welcome to the site, Georg. All the info you'll need (and more, unfortunately!) is available on this site. Have a good read, and then, when you're totally confused from all the conflicting information, start asking questions!

What works great for one person doesn't necessarily work well for another - unfortunately it's a case of trial and error. Lots of trial and error.

 

[noblehead]

Welcome to the forum Georgina!

Nigel

 

[daisy1]

Hi George - a warm welcome to the forum.

 

[Jordansmum]

Hi Georgina hope you are feeling a little better it's a shock to be told you have diabetes just coming to terms with it myself only found out on Tuesday .hope you get better help in the future.

 

[Myoung19]

Hi I was told on Friday and going to see GP on Tuesday. I am going to try and put my health first as I want to be able to spend more time with m family and so need to lose weight and eat better. It is scary but I think we must maintain a PMA

 

[4ratbags]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I will tag @daisy1 who will post you some great information to read. Its not an easy road but with the help and support from everyone here you wiĺl be fine. I too was told by my Dr, Youre doing well but youll end up on insulin one day. I changed Drs the next day.