- Messages
- 2
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
Hi all,
I was diagnosed with Type 2 just under 6 weeks as part of an overall health check based on a HbA1c reading of 63. It did come as a bit of a shock. I'm 52, 6'2" and was hovering just under 14 stone so a bit overweight but not drastically. BMI also just above the average range. I generally eat pretty well and exercise fairly regularly but had let it slip a bit recently and was definitely starting to get the pot belly often associated with male middle age. My dad (RIP) developed T2D in his late fifties but he put it down to lifelong steroid use due to a lung condition he had. With hindsight, perhaps not and I have it due to genetic disposition.
So it has basically been the kick up the bum I needed to get back into exercise a bit more and have basically tripled my running and do more cycling. I have also tried to cut down on carbs especially anything with sugar in and I am slowly working my way around what is good and what isn't but it is a bit of a minefield. I have bought a blood glucose monitor and can say my readings have been within the NICE guidelines (although toward the top end) for about 4 weeks now. I have also lost over 6lbs and the pot belly is definitely shrinking .
The one dilemma I have is regarding medication. The doctor who originally diagnosed T2D suggested that upping the exercise and changing the diet would be enough to reverse it and said I would probably not need to go on medication. However, at a follow-up with the GP, she wanted to put me on it straight away and seemed to disregard when I told her about my blood glucose readings on the basis that not being particularly overweight, I would struggle through diet and exercise alone. I am reluctant to go on medication unless absolutely necessary and feel from reading here that I shouldn't have to if I keep to my diet and exercise regime. On the other hand, if the side effects are small and it doesn't really affect my day-to-day life, then perhaps it would be a better idea?
Any experience or advice appreciated.
I was diagnosed with Type 2 just under 6 weeks as part of an overall health check based on a HbA1c reading of 63. It did come as a bit of a shock. I'm 52, 6'2" and was hovering just under 14 stone so a bit overweight but not drastically. BMI also just above the average range. I generally eat pretty well and exercise fairly regularly but had let it slip a bit recently and was definitely starting to get the pot belly often associated with male middle age. My dad (RIP) developed T2D in his late fifties but he put it down to lifelong steroid use due to a lung condition he had. With hindsight, perhaps not and I have it due to genetic disposition.
So it has basically been the kick up the bum I needed to get back into exercise a bit more and have basically tripled my running and do more cycling. I have also tried to cut down on carbs especially anything with sugar in and I am slowly working my way around what is good and what isn't but it is a bit of a minefield. I have bought a blood glucose monitor and can say my readings have been within the NICE guidelines (although toward the top end) for about 4 weeks now. I have also lost over 6lbs and the pot belly is definitely shrinking .
The one dilemma I have is regarding medication. The doctor who originally diagnosed T2D suggested that upping the exercise and changing the diet would be enough to reverse it and said I would probably not need to go on medication. However, at a follow-up with the GP, she wanted to put me on it straight away and seemed to disregard when I told her about my blood glucose readings on the basis that not being particularly overweight, I would struggle through diet and exercise alone. I am reluctant to go on medication unless absolutely necessary and feel from reading here that I shouldn't have to if I keep to my diet and exercise regime. On the other hand, if the side effects are small and it doesn't really affect my day-to-day life, then perhaps it would be a better idea?
Any experience or advice appreciated.