Type 2 and feeling lost

[siren6214]

I went in for my annual physical last week, I have a family history of diabetes and always get it checked. My a1c was 7.3 and my doctor was very "non-sugar coated" when she finally got around to calling me back a day after I got my results. She told me to look up metformin and recommended a meter. She said I had to come back in this week for a 2nd test to confirm that I had diabetes but basically signed me up for dietician/diabetes clinic and gave no hope that it was a bad test. I realize that my choices put me in this position at just 30 years old, but last year when I had my test done I was told all was well. Two years before that my test showed pre-diabetes and it scared me half to death. When I went back to look at last year's results the a1c is missing, as in -- they just didn't do it and guessed that I was fine?? Now I feel totally lost because I don't know when I contracted this "disease" I have no idea what it has done to my body over the possible 4-years I've had it. I have no idea whether I need to be tested for Type 1 or Type 2. What the likelihood of developing blindness/kidney disease is at this point -- my friends and family are very underwhelmed usually saying "oh that's the one you can control you'll be fine" but the articles I read are very serious. I am terrified that because I've earned this horrible disease at the age of 26 - 30 that my body will burn out early so-to-speak -- whether it be physically or mentally. The hardest part I am struggling with is the guilt. I am the child of 2 notable athletes and was an athlete myself until after college. I now work a desk job on deadline and rarely see my husband let alone a treadmill -- I have completely done this to myself. I have damaged the most precious gift I was given, and it's irreversible -- and I cannot come to terms with that. I have days when I see children without the ability to walk, or hear about someone diagnosed with cancer and I think to myself -- what do you have to complain about?...Then I have other days when this disease consumes my dreams, my thoughts, my focus and I go home feeling like there's a monkey on my back that I cannot get off. I get angry seeing other people making the same food/exercise choices I did without the consequence of diabetes but then feel bad for going down that train of thought. I don't wish they had it, I just don't understand why only I do. I read things that tell me not to eat carbs, then I research kidney disease associated with diabetes and tells me that eating protein is dangerous. I guess I'll sort things out when I visit the dietician. I am just so bummed and very lost. In fact I just realized I signed up for the uk site somehow -- when I live in the states. It's just one of those weeks I guess.

 

[Bluetit1802]

Hello and welcome.

There is no longer any need to feel lost. You have arrived at the best place you can be for help, support and advice. Firstly, an A1c of 7.3% isn't drastic. Many on here were much, much higher than that on diagnosis. Secondly, it isn't a death sentence and your friends and family are right - you can control it. It is a serious disease, and blindness, amputations, organ damage can occur well down the line IF you don't control it. But you are here, and determined to do something about it, so please don't panic.

Diet is the key, so you will need to learn as much as you can about this. Your dietician may not be of much help. If the USA is anything like the UK you will be told to eat carbs with every meal and low fat. This is nonsense. All carbs convert to glucose once inside the system, so it makes sense not to eat too many. How many is up to you, but you must get a meter in order to help you learn which foods your body can or can't tolerate, which must be avoided, and which ones you can manage in small portions. We can't tell you this because all our bodies react differently to the same foods. Only a meter can tell you this. It is essential you get one. Testing before and after eating will show you how much your blood sugar levels have risen.

I'll tag @daisy1 to come along with great advice for new members, and meanwhile have a look at this thread, which may help you. http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/a-new-low-carb-guide-for-beginners.68695/ . Also read all round this forum and ask as many questions as you like.

PS. You will see many, many people here now have non-diabetic levels and low HbA1c's from a starting point higher than you.. It can be done.

 

[siren6214]

Wow Blue! Thank you so much. My husband and I did the Atkins diet a few times, so I am actually use to low carb lifestyle and am not a fan of most starches like potatoes, cereal, white flour. I did however love ice cream -- but I love my health more. My Mom says when I lose the weight and get my levels where they need to be that someday I can indulge in a sweet every now and then. But I don't think it would be enjoyable anymore because all I'd be thinking about is imminent kidney failure or blindness. My doctor prescribed a meter, but I am really not a fan of needles and the idea of pricking myself multiple times a day seems absolutely horrid. Why do people prick the finger, not the arm or leg? Fingertips are one of the most sensitive areas, and I am constantly typing at work so it seems counterproductive. My husband seemed to think there was a painless glucose monitor but I have not found any such thing. Regardless of my aversions, I will be picking up a meter this weekend so I can get learning.

I suppose I am in panic mode because I rarely hear of others diagnosed at my age -- and the one celebrity case I found, he didn't control it for 9-years and ended up needing a kidney transplant. I feel like my body is already breaking down at 30, and will be under fire by my own blood for the next 40+ years -- the data just seems stacked against me. If you bring your blood glucose to a "non-diabetic level" is damage still taking place in the background so-to-speak. When I asked my doctor -- if I get this under control will I be able to live a long normal life? She told me I will always have a disease and that because of that it should knock around 10-years off my life expectancy. She said she only has 1 patient who made it to 90. I still am going to do all I can to get my weight/sugar under control but needless to say I spent the entire day with tears in my eyes. Will continue reading other posts, it is comforting to be in the company of those who understand.

 

[Enclave]

And now step back and take a breath .... We have things happen for reasons ..you are very welcome in this uk site as it is open to all, finding us by mistake is going to be the best mistake you could have ever done !
We understand your panic as we have been there and got the T shirt ... Learn from us and take control of this condition.
Testing your blood sugars is the best way of seeing what foods affect you .. So for a little while you will need to test, then as time goes on you can just do random tests to make sure your still in the right place blood sugar wise ...
Weight loss if you are carrying a few extra pounds will also help ... As will low carb high fat way of eating.

2 years ago I was told everything you was told ..reading all the bad things that can happen ... Confused on what the dr told me and the people here were doing... So for three months I did as I was told by the diabetec nurse .. At the end of three months I was 2st heavier and my bs had shot through the roof ... So I took the advice from this site ..as a vegetarian I thought the LCHF way of eating would be difficult.. But 2 years on I have lost 5st and my blood sugars are in the normal range ... I can now eat more carbs than I could when I was carrying the extra weight. It's almost like I have out grown my pancreas ability to cope ..now I am lighter I appear to be fine ...

I have around 20 to 30g of carbs a day .. My fat and protein comes from nuts, coconut oil, olive oil, cheese and eggs ..

So the first thing you need to do is stand back and read the info from @daisy1 and come back to ask question ...

 

[Bluetit1802]

Wow Blue! Thank you so much. My husband and I did the Atkins diet a few times, so I am actually use to low carb lifestyle and am not a fan of most starches like potatoes, cereal, white flour. I did however love ice cream -- but I love my health more. My Mom says when I lose the weight and get my levels where they need to be that someday I can indulge in a sweet every now and then. But I don't think it would be enjoyable anymore because all I'd be thinking about is imminent kidney failure or blindness. My doctor prescribed a meter, but I am really not a fan of needles and the idea of pricking myself multiple times a day seems absolutely horrid. Why do people prick the finger, not the arm or leg? Fingertips are one of the most sensitive areas, and I am constantly typing at work so it seems counterproductive. My husband seemed to think there was a painless glucose monitor but I have not found any such thing. Regardless of my aversions, I will be picking up a meter this weekend so I can get learning.

I suppose I am in panic mode because I rarely hear of others diagnosed at my age -- and the one celebrity case I found, he didn't control it for 9-years and ended up needing a kidney transplant. I feel like my body is already breaking down at 30, and will be under fire by my own blood for the next 40+ years -- the data just seems stacked against me. If you bring your blood glucose to a "non-diabetic level" is damage still taking place in the background so-to-speak. When I asked my doctor -- if I get this under control will I be able to live a long normal life? She told me I will always have a disease and that because of that it should knock around 10-years off my life expectancy. She said she only has 1 patient who made it to 90. I still am going to do all I can to get my weight/sugar under control but needless to say I spent the entire day with tears in my eyes. Will continue reading other posts, it is comforting to be in the company of those who understand.

Diabetes has long been thought of as progressive, and a reduced life expectancy given to diabetics, but that is really not the case at all. Have a read of this http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14046702.php That whole website is well worth reading. (Blood Sugar 101)
You are very young, but even children are being diagnosed T2 these days, so you aren't exclusive.

Wipe your tears, get the meter, and start to take control.. You can do it. (and you soon get used to the finger pricking )

 

[Totto]

For some reason your fingertips get the BG message faster than arms but it is possible to test on your arm too. At least my Freestyle finger pricker has a separate thing to use on arms. And haven't I heard it's possible to use earlobes too? And you prick your fingers on the side. You'll soon get used to it and after a couple of pots of test strips you'll know quite a lot about what affects BG so don't have to test as often.

You didn't cause your diabetes. It's genetic or in some cases autoimmune or even a mix.

Ice cream might not be problem if you make it yourself. I have one of those ice creams makers and it's very handy. I must admit to having the occasional ice cream when out too, two or three a year so far but only when I really, really want one.

Bluetit gave you a few very good links, check them out. I only want to add http://www.dietdoctor.com/lchf.

 

[Roytaylorjasonfunglover]

Wow Blue! Thank you so much. My husband and I did the Atkins diet a few times, so I am actually use to low carb lifestyle and am not a fan of most starches like potatoes, cereal, white flour. I did however love ice cream -- but I love my health more. My Mom says when I lose the weight and get my levels where they need to be that someday I can indulge in a sweet every now and then. But I don't think it would be enjoyable anymore because all I'd be thinking about is imminent kidney failure or blindness. My doctor prescribed a meter, but I am really not a fan of needles and the idea of pricking myself multiple times a day seems absolutely horrid. Why do people prick the finger, not the arm or leg? Fingertips are one of the most sensitive areas, and I am constantly typing at work so it seems counterproductive. My husband seemed to think there was a painless glucose monitor but I have not found any such thing. Regardless of my aversions, I will be picking up a meter this weekend so I can get learning.

I suppose I am in panic mode because I rarely hear of others diagnosed at my age -- and the one celebrity case I found, he didn't control it for 9-years and ended up needing a kidney transplant. I feel like my body is already breaking down at 30, and will be under fire by my own blood for the next 40+ years -- the data just seems stacked against me. If you bring your blood glucose to a "non-diabetic level" is damage still taking place in the background so-to-speak. When I asked my doctor -- if I get this under control will I be able to live a long normal life? She told me I will always have a disease and that because of that it should knock around 10-years off my life expectancy. She said she only has 1 patient who made it to 90. I still am going to do all I can to get my weight/sugar under control but needless to say I spent the entire day with tears in my eyes. Will continue reading other posts, it is comforting to be in the company of those who understand.

Modern medicine is so wast and knowledge has grown so much, that not every doctor can know evertything.

New research has shown that diabetes is NOT a lifelong progressive disease.

Roy Taylor is a professor at the University of Newcastle UK. He has specialised himself in diabetes, and has dealt with the disease his whole life. He then performed some quite interesting experiments that shows that diabetes is totally reversible. The only bad thing is that you have to loose substantial amounts of weight. Losing weight is much more important than following a lowcarb diet. If you manage to lose so much that you can handle a normal amount of carbohydrates withouth your bloodsugar going berserk, than you will be cured, and you will NOT loose 10 years of your life. In short, your doctor is wrong, Roy Taylor is right. For the love of God, read everything on this site.
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/magres/research/diabetes/reversal.htm

 

[daisy1]

@siren6214

Hello and welcome to the forum It was a good thing that you ended up here by chance as you will get so much information from other members all sharing their experience with you. You will find it is nowhere near as bad as it seems to have diabetes - we just get on with it. As you have seen, there is lots of help available here from everyone and they all care about you. Ask as many questions as you need to and someone will be able to help. Here is the information we give to new members and I hope you will find it helpful.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you’ll find over 150,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.
There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:

• Reduce your carbohydrate intake
• Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates

Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

Another option is to replace ‘white carbohydrates’ (such as white bread, white rice, white flour etc) with whole grain varieties. The idea behind having whole grain varieties is that the carbohydrates get broken down slower than the white varieties –and these are said to have a lower glycaemic index.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/diabetes-and-whole-grains.html

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes

• Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l

Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)

• Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l

Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)

• Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l

However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:

• structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
• self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to bloodglucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.

 

[Daibell]

Hi and welcome. Yes, 7.3% isn't very bad so don't panic. Don't worry about proteins unless you know you have kidney disease. Have a low-carb diet and enough fats and protein plus veg to make you feel full. As others have said, beware dieticians in the UK & USA as they have an agenda about having lots of carbs. If your dietician suggests this and says low-fat everything, smile and leave! You are quite young to be T2. Can you let us know your BMI/weight to eliminate the small possibility of Late onset T1. There are some tests for T1 but the best indicator is being slim at diagnosis and having lost weight without trying. In summary, I'm sure you don't need to worry about any damage from the diabetes.

 

[siren6214]

I am 5'5" and hover between 195 - 220. Currently 214. The only time I lost weight was when I did atkins and exercise with my husband right before our wedding last year and I went down to 190. I am suppose to be 144 according to the BMI chart, I wasn't even that small in high school but if that's where I need to be then that's where I will get to. I was trying to lose a lot of weight this year anyhow, since my husband and I wanted to try for children. My doctor recommended Metformin to help me lose the weight but from what I have read it seems it can mess with my body and I am not a fan of taking pills especially if we will be trying for a child in a year or so. Thank you all so much for the kindness and reassurance. It is very awesome to know there is a well of support to pull from and that you are all much more educated and hopeful than those I've come into contact with so far this week.

 

[Bluetit1802]

You should find you lose weight on a low carb-increased fats diet. It's the carbs that pile on the weight, not the fats. Increase your fats enough to maintain energy levels. If you ditch any low fat products you have and eat the real thing, such as butter, cream, full fat yogurts, cheese, bacon and eggs, you should be fine, and excellent for BS control.

Metformin is an appetite suppressant so helps people with weight to lose. Some have nasty side effects, most of these disappear in a week or two. Others have no problems. There is a slow release version that is kinder on the tummy. I'm med free, so have no experience.

 

[Daibell]

Hi and thanks for the info. It looks like you are T2. Metformin is a very good, safe drug and for the majority the only side effect of note is bowel issues which the Slow Release version avoids. It can cause some taste disturbance for a while. It certainly doesn't mess with your body, It isn't a miracle cure but does help reduce insulin resistance.

 

[ButtterflyLady]

Welcome. There's no need to feel guilty about getting T2 at 30, because as the article at Blood Sugar 101 explains, scientific research has shown that you did not do this to yourself. Eating habits are a small part of how T2 develops. There's no need to feel pessimistic or hopeless either, because it is completely reversible and it's pretty easy to do that within say 3 months.

I was diagnosed at the age of 38 and thought my life was over. I lost 8 stone in a year and have had non diabetic blood sugar levels for 18 months. My T2 will probably stay reversed/in remission indefinitely. I'm 42.

I've read so many stories on this forum about people who have achieved remission within 3 months. Before long you will be telling your story about doing the same, I'm sure.

 

[tigerlily72]

Hello Please don't feel lost and try to beat yourself up and blame yourself for this. There are many "fit" people out there that develop health conditions such as diabetes and it's just "one of those things".

My Mum is Type 2 so I guess part of it is hereditary. Like you, I had a 2nd test and after the results of the first my GP said I did have diabetes and she doubted I would get a FBG of under 6 on the 2nd test.

I have had an annual test for the past 3-4 years and was told I was pre-diabetic in Dec 2014 although on reflection I think I was probably diabetic at this point. I also had a Dr who wasn't overly concerned and jaded but thankfully after his retirement earlier this year I have a great female Dr.

And, most importantly DON'T scare yourself senseless by all the things that diabetes could lead to like blindness etc. Unless I'm very wrong on this, if you can control it and manage it well you can live a normal life. I agree, there are good and bad days with this. I have been obsessed with what I can and shouldn't eat and then get angry with what my hubby can eat when I can't. But, you do adapt and get used to it. I never knew I'd enjoy greek yoghurt but I do now

Oh, and I noticed you're in the States but there are quite a few members on here that don't live in the UK. From my experience, everyone's welcome and we're a great supportive group of people, many with vast amounts of knowledge informing, supporting, comforting and advising others living with this.

Stay strong!

 

[TorqPenderloin]

The BloodSugar101 article people are referencing is a joke. It was written by a woman with zero medical/health credentials. Of note: that same author writes romance novels (that is not a joke).

I realize that statement will upset 90% of the forum, but I have a reason for saying it: you have no reason to place blame on yourself, but you absolutely have the ability to take control of your health. That article offers one thing: an excuse for people to call themselves a victim. In many ways it does more harm than good to the diabetes community.

Again, I say this with a point: you are in control. You can allow this disease to run your life, or you can take charge of your health starting today.

I truly wish you the best of luck, but you shouldn't need it if you're ready to make the necessary changes.

 

[Indy51]

So, the fact that she writes romance novels somehow invalidates everything else about her accomplishments in life?
Sheesh, what stereotypical nonsense

 

[Mike d]

It was written by a woman with zero medical/health credentials. Of note: that same author writes romance novels (that is not a joke).

So what? Utter nonsense. Don't relate one factor to another when they are completely divorced.

 

[ButtterflyLady]

The BloodSugar101 article people are referencing is a joke. It was written by a woman with zero medical/health credentials. Of note: that same author writes romance novels (that is not a joke).

I realize that statement will upset 90% of the forum, but I have a reason for saying it: you have no reason to place blame on yourself, but you absolutely have the ability to take control of your health. That article offers one thing: an excuse for people to call themselves a victim. In many ways it does more harm than good to the diabetes community.

Again, I say this with a point: you are in control. You can allow this disease to run your life, or you can take charge of your health starting today.

I truly wish you the best of luck, but you shouldn't need it if you're ready to make the necessary changes.

Actually Jenny Ruhl is all about people taking control and making changes. Her article is not about avoiding taking responsibility at all.

 

[seadragon]

The BloodSugar101 article people are referencing is a joke. It was written by a woman with zero medical/health credentials. Of note: that same author writes romance novels (that is not a joke).

I realize that statement will upset 90% of the forum, but I have a reason for saying it: you have no reason to place blame on yourself, but you absolutely have the ability to take control of your health. That article offers one thing: an excuse for people to call themselves a victim. In many ways it does more harm than good to the diabetes community.

Again, I say this with a point: you are in control. You can allow this disease to run your life, or you can take charge of your health starting today.

I truly wish you the best of luck, but you shouldn't need it if you're ready to make the necessary changes.

Just possibly the reason she was able to write the article was due to not being hamstrung by medical qualifications when those with medical qualifications are giving out what appears to be very bad advice to diabetics (As a pre-diabetic I was told by the nurse and the NHS Eatwell plate to eat starchy carbs with every meal which would have resulted in me greatly upping my intake of starchy carbs from previous levels and my blood sugar skyrocketing. I was told by the doctor to take statins which are proven to increase the likelihood of getting type 2 diabetes).
I understood she has collated a lot of medical information and information from diabetics themselves about what works. She greatly advocates taking control of your own health.

 

[Roytaylorjasonfunglover]

Actually Jenny Ruhl is all about people taking control and making changes. Her article is not about avoiding taking responsibility at all.

It depends on how you view it. Jenny Ruhl for instance thinks obesity is totally irrelevant when it comes to to type 2 diabetes, and for me that is totally irresponsible and goes against all research about diabetes. She also says there is no cure for diabetes type 2, its all genetics, you did not to cause it, and the ONLY way for you to control it, is to go on a lowcarb diet., but you cannot cure it.

I disagree with all of that really, compared to how I see the current scientific literature on diabetes type 2.

She also bashes Roy Taylor of Newcastle university a lot because he used to think that diabetes is a progressive disease, despite the best treatment given in a large scale uk study. Well now Roy Taylor thinks diabetes is curable http://www.ncl.ac.uk/magres/research/diabetes/reversal.htm

And Jenny Ruhl thinks its not http://diabetesupdate.blogspot.no/2011/06/idiotically-dangerous-diet-reverses.html

This for me illustrates how she never really updates her understanding of diabetes, and her webpage is really out of date as well.

Jenny Ruhl is also not a type 2 diabetic in the traditional sense, but got a rare genetic variant of the disease, so what works for her, is not really applicable for the average type 2.

In short diabetes type 2 is curable, but you have to lose weight in order do to it, and this is much more important than cutting carbs, but Jenny Ruhl just tells people that genes did this, they cant cure it, and lowcarb is the answer for everything, I think she is wrong, and people must be robust in opposing her, even if she spreads a message that is quite comfortable to hear.