Sancho panza
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 465
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
Shell shocked
- Thread starter Sam72
- Start Date
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- 124
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
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- 21,889
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
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- Diet only
I'm arriving late to the welcome party, but did anyone tell you to get a blood glucose meter?
It was the single most helpful thing that I learned when I arrived on this forum.
Most doctors tell type 2 diabetics that they don't need to test their blood glucose, and don't supply a tester on prescription. It is always worth asking, but don't worry if you don't get one - you can always buy one yourself.
Lots of people on this forum use the Codefree meter, available at Amazon and eBay. It is the cheapest, which is why we use it. I was up and running with it for less than £25 - but you do need to restock with test strips occasionally, at around £6 for 50 test strips. Worth it's weight in gold!
Basically, once you have your meter, you test your blood sugar before and after meals using a simple, quick and almost painless finger prick test.
This means that you can work out what effect different foods have on your bloodglucose.
And if a food sends your blood glucose too high, you eat a smaller portion next time, and test to see what that does... so simple, and so profoundly helpful!
It was the single most helpful thing that I learned when I arrived on this forum.
Most doctors tell type 2 diabetics that they don't need to test their blood glucose, and don't supply a tester on prescription. It is always worth asking, but don't worry if you don't get one - you can always buy one yourself.
Lots of people on this forum use the Codefree meter, available at Amazon and eBay. It is the cheapest, which is why we use it. I was up and running with it for less than £25 - but you do need to restock with test strips occasionally, at around £6 for 50 test strips. Worth it's weight in gold!
Basically, once you have your meter, you test your blood sugar before and after meals using a simple, quick and almost painless finger prick test.
This means that you can work out what effect different foods have on your bloodglucose.
And if a food sends your blood glucose too high, you eat a smaller portion next time, and test to see what that does... so simple, and so profoundly helpful!
- Messages
- 21,889
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Diet only
Yes.
Lots of people find that they have to start slowly with metformin to avoid stomach upsets.
Read the enclosed leaflet carefully, and then start with 1 tablet for a few days, then two, then three. Some people take it half way through their meal, to 'bury' it in the food.
Not everyone has problems, and hopefully you won't. But if you do, and they last for more than a few days, go back to the doc and ask for the slow release version. It is more expensive, which is why it isn't offered at first, but it is much easier to tolerate..
- Messages
- 124
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
I have no idea whatsoever what my levels are. I'm having another blood test on Thursday so will ask what they are. Was just told they were high. It's hard- too much information today might have been overload but just a bit more would've been helpful.
Hi and welcome. You've had lots of good advice here so far. Yes, reduce the carbs and get a meter. Building-up the Metformin over a week or so can avoid bowel upsets and do ask for the Slow Release version if needed. Snacks are best avoided if you can, but nuts, cheese, berries, 85% Dark chocolate and so on are OK. You do get used to a lower level of carbs; honest!
- Messages
- 21,889
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Diet only
Don't worry.
It is impossible to take in the diagnosis, remember what is said AND ask questions at that first appt.
Surgeries will give you a printout of your test results, so you could ask at reception, next time you are there.
Bluetit1802
Legend
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- 25,216
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It is up to you whether to reduce carbs slowly or gradually. It can be done cold turkey or bit by bit. Personally I did it bit by bit and that worked well for me. However, you do need a meter to do this successfully.
- Messages
- 124
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
Thank you everyone for your advice. It's been an interesting day to say the least. I think I'm on info overload now for today. Felt ok about things earlier but now feel a bit emotional again.
It's just really dawned on me that life will now never be quite the same. A bit of an unwelcome reminder of my own mortality.
Knew the black humour wouldn't last!
It's just really dawned on me that life will now never be quite the same. A bit of an unwelcome reminder of my own mortality.
Knew the black humour wouldn't last!
Bluetit1802
Legend
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- 25,216
- Type of diabetes
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izzzi
Well-Known Member
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Good Idea to request copy Blood test reports etc; for you own reference, They usually charge £1.00p yet well worth it.
Bluetit1802
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Andy12345
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i remember that feeling so well, my head was spinning, i got to the point where i didnt want to learn about it any more i just wanted to curl up and cry, which is ok btw, but i promise it gets better, take it easy on yourself and try to give yourself a break from thinking about it, even if its only for 5 minutes, relax with a cuppa and clear your mind of all things diabetes, just for bit, itll help if you can manage it, sometimes i could sometimes not, but when i could it was great
Sancho panza
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 465
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
Unfortunately this seems to be what happens to most of us when we are first diagnosed here's a couple of leaflets take these tablets and carry on never mind that they have just dropped a bombshell into your life.
The best thing I did was find this forum it has been and still is a godsend.
As others have said the single most important thing you can do now is get a meter it literally will be a lifesaver never mind what the health professionals say.
And remember you are not alone in this there really are millions of us out there.
I was diagnosed Type 2 at the start of June and put on Metformin. Nurses took my blood glucose levels and I was at 21 mmol which they said was too high.Another nurse said "I dont know how you are functioning at these levels". I now understand what they meant by too high! Should be between 4 and 7! Doctor put me on Metformin and I went on holiday for 2 weeks. Was really good - no alcohol, no sugar, good healthy foods but blood glucose was running at 18-25mmol, felt really rough every day. Came back from holiday, spoke to Doctor who told me to carry on with the Metformin. After a couple of days, I was feeling worse so took the bull by the horns and paid to see a priavte specialist. Couldnt see him because he was so busy, but saw his assistant. When she saw how bad I was, she went to see him and he saw me immediately - told me at a 2nd appointment that he was extremely concerned about me and worried about how bad I was. Cut a long story short, I was thinking I was having a 30 min consultation about nutrition and energy, ended up 4 hours later, body scans and blood tests with a diagnosis of Late Onset Type 1 and injecting insulin. I started on 18 units once a day, over a couple of weeks this increased to 120 units (60 units twice a day) and I'm now down to 60 units a day (2x30 units) and am feeling 110% better after just 3 months - so much more energy, double vision has virtually gone, people are telling me I'm smiling again(!), working out at the gym is enjoyable - I'm back to doing 50 mins x-trainer, 4 months ago, I could only do 15 mins and I've started running again after my x-training. I've not had the energy to run for 2-3 years.
What is the moral of my story.
1. My specilaist felt I had been misdiagnosed by the NHS doctors and although they would have got to a Type 1 diagnosis, I urgently needed insulin and it would have taken them some time to get there. If the Metformin is not having an affect after 4 weeks, press for further tests - the NHS doc told me to wait another 2-3 weeks but I thought I was just being fobbed off. If you can afford it, see a private specialist even if its for just an hour. A couple of hundred pounds was well worth the investment for me.
2. Buy a blood glucose meter. As a diabetic you get free prescriptions now. I bought my meter (£15) but get the strips on the NHS. Some manufacturers give the meters away because they make money selling the test strips, your diabetic nurse at your GP should be able to get you one and then get the strips on the NHS. My GP told me I didnt need one, my Consultant was shocked he said that and said it was vital!. Ihad already bought one though which he was pleased about.
3. My Metformin was upsetting my stomach. The first thing my Consultant did was change my Metformin to slow release - he said the slow release is 10x the cost of the standard Metformin which is why its prescribed by the NHS but if its giving you side effects, then get it changed.
4. Monitor your blood at least 3-4 times a day and keep a record. This way you can see what your trend is and how things are working and what impacts your blood sugar levels.
5. Push yourself through the NHS system. I had my first appointment with the diabetic nurse at my Doctors practice booked for the end of June - the earliest they could see me. By the time I saw her, I was injecting insulin daily, feeling 100% better, changed my Metformin - all becuse I made some personal decisions and didnt rely on the NHS. Luckily I was in a position to be able to do this, but would certianly recommend this approach if you can afford it.
6. Change your diet. I've got a sweet tooth as well, but you do need to make life changing decisions. I cut out sugar, bread, rice, pasta for over 2 months. I went cold turkey pretty much and dealt with headaches etc with paracetomol, Its not ideal, but you can do without them just with some careful meal planning. The biggest issue for me was cordial in the evening with a meal. I changed to fizzy water with a lemon, orange or lime squeezed into it. Not the same, but certainly a lot better. Cauliflower rice is a good alternative for rice, and cutting out potatos with an evening meal! - just add more veg.
7. Take ownership and responibility for your own condition, dont leave it to others to run your life for you. I'm not trying to preach here, or make assertions, but if I had left my diabetes to the NHS, I would certainly have been a lot worse before I started to get better!
8. Make time to go to the gym. Find a personal trainer if you can afford it and find one who knows about diabetes, training and nutrition. If not, still go the gym and use their advice services to set up a training schedule.
9. Have a couple of small bottles or cans of Coke around, I also have Dextrose tablets. I had a couple of small hypos in the early days, but have had nothing for 6-7 weeks now. I'm carefully managing my blood sugars and food intake. Carry some in your car as well.
10. Inform the DVLA and your insurance company. I've still not heard back from the DVLA and my insurance company (Direct Line) said "thanks for telling us, it doesnt affect your policy if you are driving and havent been told by a doctor you cant" buts its best to have this on record.
11. If you need to fly, I had a work trip to Sri Lanka for a week a couple of weeks ago, then make sure you have enough supplies with you. I flew via Dubai and had more hassle with my iPad than I did with carrying insulin and small needles with me!
Good luck. Hope this is useful
What is the moral of my story.
1. My specilaist felt I had been misdiagnosed by the NHS doctors and although they would have got to a Type 1 diagnosis, I urgently needed insulin and it would have taken them some time to get there. If the Metformin is not having an affect after 4 weeks, press for further tests - the NHS doc told me to wait another 2-3 weeks but I thought I was just being fobbed off. If you can afford it, see a private specialist even if its for just an hour. A couple of hundred pounds was well worth the investment for me.
2. Buy a blood glucose meter. As a diabetic you get free prescriptions now. I bought my meter (£15) but get the strips on the NHS. Some manufacturers give the meters away because they make money selling the test strips, your diabetic nurse at your GP should be able to get you one and then get the strips on the NHS. My GP told me I didnt need one, my Consultant was shocked he said that and said it was vital!. Ihad already bought one though which he was pleased about.
3. My Metformin was upsetting my stomach. The first thing my Consultant did was change my Metformin to slow release - he said the slow release is 10x the cost of the standard Metformin which is why its prescribed by the NHS but if its giving you side effects, then get it changed.
4. Monitor your blood at least 3-4 times a day and keep a record. This way you can see what your trend is and how things are working and what impacts your blood sugar levels.
5. Push yourself through the NHS system. I had my first appointment with the diabetic nurse at my Doctors practice booked for the end of June - the earliest they could see me. By the time I saw her, I was injecting insulin daily, feeling 100% better, changed my Metformin - all becuse I made some personal decisions and didnt rely on the NHS. Luckily I was in a position to be able to do this, but would certianly recommend this approach if you can afford it.
6. Change your diet. I've got a sweet tooth as well, but you do need to make life changing decisions. I cut out sugar, bread, rice, pasta for over 2 months. I went cold turkey pretty much and dealt with headaches etc with paracetomol, Its not ideal, but you can do without them just with some careful meal planning. The biggest issue for me was cordial in the evening with a meal. I changed to fizzy water with a lemon, orange or lime squeezed into it. Not the same, but certainly a lot better. Cauliflower rice is a good alternative for rice, and cutting out potatos with an evening meal! - just add more veg.
7. Take ownership and responibility for your own condition, dont leave it to others to run your life for you. I'm not trying to preach here, or make assertions, but if I had left my diabetes to the NHS, I would certainly have been a lot worse before I started to get better!
8. Make time to go to the gym. Find a personal trainer if you can afford it and find one who knows about diabetes, training and nutrition. If not, still go the gym and use their advice services to set up a training schedule.
9. Have a couple of small bottles or cans of Coke around, I also have Dextrose tablets. I had a couple of small hypos in the early days, but have had nothing for 6-7 weeks now. I'm carefully managing my blood sugars and food intake. Carry some in your car as well.
10. Inform the DVLA and your insurance company. I've still not heard back from the DVLA
and my insurance company (Direct Line) said "thanks for telling us, it doesnt affect your policy if you are driving and havent been told by a doctor you cant" buts its best to have this on record.11. If you need to fly, I had a work trip to Sri Lanka for a week a couple of weeks ago, then make sure you have enough supplies with you. I flew via Dubai and had more hassle with my iPad than I did with carrying insulin and small needles with me!
Good luck. Hope this is useful
- Messages
- 124
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
Thanks again everyone!
@marcbray I really needed to hear your message about having control over your own health and making your own decisions. I have felt really down today - I feel rotten because of the metformin and like it's all my fault and that I've ruined the rest of my life. Illogical I know!
Add to that I've been constantly reading and looking up the best ways to eat. I now realise the docs advice to eat "healthy" meals was a bit misleading. Tried to cut carbs out pretty much today and prob feel headaches because of that too?
I just want to stick my head in the sand and hope it all goes away. I realise I can't and need to take control but can't quite find the energy to deal with it head on at the moment.
@marcbray I really needed to hear your message about having control over your own health and making your own decisions. I have felt really down today - I feel rotten because of the metformin and like it's all my fault and that I've ruined the rest of my life. Illogical I know!
Add to that I've been constantly reading and looking up the best ways to eat. I now realise the docs advice to eat "healthy" meals was a bit misleading. Tried to cut carbs out pretty much today and prob feel headaches because of that too?
I just want to stick my head in the sand and hope it all goes away. I realise I can't and need to take control but can't quite find the energy to deal with it head on at the moment.
jack412
Expert
- Messages
- 5,618
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
the first week with low carb is hard...carb flu..drink more water, a bit more salt and healthy fats/oils
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarb101/a/firstweek.htm
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarbliving/a/Food-Cravings.htm
http://www.dietdoctor.com/lchf
http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14045524.php
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarb101/a/firstweek.htm
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarbliving/a/Food-Cravings.htm
http://www.dietdoctor.com/lchf
http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14045524.php
Etty
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 367
- Type of diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Treatment type
- Diet only
Fatigue and headaches are both common symptoms of adapting to a very low carb diet. For the headaches, try taking some seasalt (I put a dab straight on my tongue). Salt your food well. When you stop eating carbs, you pass out a lot of water and some minerals go with it which the salt will replace. Magnesium tablets can also help. All these negative symptoms will typically pass after a few days or up to 6 weeks depending on your age and state of health. When that happens and you "plug in" to your fat supplies, you willl start to feel really a lot better and have lots of energy. Depression and anxiety are also common symptoms that will pass.
