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Someone to talk to
- Thread starter chris5428
- Start Date
AM1874
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 1,383
- Location
- West Lancs
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Diet only
- Dislikes
- Not much
Hi @chris5428 .. and welcome
I was diagnosed T2 in early Feb .. a bit shocked with no information and no idea what was happening to me. Since joining this forum, though, the folks here have given me so much info, advice and support that I am now much more confident about the journey ahead. So ask your questions and be assured that you will receive the answers that you need .. It's still early for me but, in my experience, it gets easier .. very quickly ..
Managing and controlling your diabetes through exercise, diet and testing your Blood Glucose seems to be the best way forward. For me, committing to an LCHF (Low Carb High Fat) lifestyle and testing 3-5 times a day seems to be working and you'll find that there is a wealth of info, relevant advice and positive support about LCHF on the forum ..
I have tagged @daisy1 for you and I would suggest that you read up on the Low Carb Program in the information that she will soon be sending you. You might also find the discussion on the Low Carb Diet forum helpful .. and the following websites ...
Low Carb Intro and Information
Low Carbs in 60 Seconds
For testing, try the website at: https://homehealth-uk.com/product-category/blood-glucose/ for the SD Codefree meter or: http://spirit-healthcare.co.uk/product/tee2-blood-glucose-meter/ who distribute the TEE 2 meter, which is free. The costs of testing comes down to the ongoing charges for test strips and lancets. I'm testing 3-4 times a day which works out at around £10 to £12 per month for the two packages above but, more importantly, I now know what my BG levels are .. and I will be able to manage them
Hope this helps
I was diagnosed T2 in early Feb .. a bit shocked with no information and no idea what was happening to me. Since joining this forum, though, the folks here have given me so much info, advice and support that I am now much more confident about the journey ahead. So ask your questions and be assured that you will receive the answers that you need .. It's still early for me but, in my experience, it gets easier .. very quickly ..
Managing and controlling your diabetes through exercise, diet and testing your Blood Glucose seems to be the best way forward. For me, committing to an LCHF (Low Carb High Fat) lifestyle and testing 3-5 times a day seems to be working and you'll find that there is a wealth of info, relevant advice and positive support about LCHF on the forum ..
I have tagged @daisy1 for you and I would suggest that you read up on the Low Carb Program in the information that she will soon be sending you. You might also find the discussion on the Low Carb Diet forum helpful .. and the following websites ...
Low Carb Intro and Information
Low Carbs in 60 Seconds
For testing, try the website at: https://homehealth-uk.com/product-category/blood-glucose/ for the SD Codefree meter or: http://spirit-healthcare.co.uk/product/tee2-blood-glucose-meter/ who distribute the TEE 2 meter, which is free. The costs of testing comes down to the ongoing charges for test strips and lancets. I'm testing 3-4 times a day which works out at around £10 to £12 per month for the two packages above but, more importantly, I now know what my BG levels are .. and I will be able to manage them
Hope this helps
Hi @chris5428 and welcome. You've done the right thing coming here - you'll find everyone supportive and helpful.
I'm tagging @daisy1 who will send some useful information for newbies - suggest you have a read through that and come back with questions. Ask as many as you like!
Out of interest, do you know what your test results were on diagnosis and are you taking any medication? This information will help people to give you more tailored advice.
Edited to say cross posted with @AM1874
I'm tagging @daisy1 who will send some useful information for newbies - suggest you have a read through that and come back with questions. Ask as many as you like!
Out of interest, do you know what your test results were on diagnosis and are you taking any medication? This information will help people to give you more tailored advice.
Edited to say cross posted with @AM1874
welcome here chris5428 
this is a great place to ask all the questions and get support and share experience... you can get advice here that can make you get in total control again you just need to learn a few things of the foods you can eat... and how to prevent your bloods from spiking all the time...
here you can learn it all from other fellow diabetics that all have gotten this devastating shock but have gotten over it and gained healt and a new very fine way of living..
just change bit by bit along your learning...
this is a great place to ask all the questions and get support and share experience... you can get advice here that can make you get in total control again you just need to learn a few things of the foods you can eat... and how to prevent your bloods from spiking all the time...
here you can learn it all from other fellow diabetics that all have gotten this devastating shock but have gotten over it and gained healt and a new very fine way of living..
just change bit by bit along your learning...
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I was diagnosed just over three weeks ago. I have received such good support from this forum, I feel informed and with people who understand how scary it all is to begin with. You'll feel bombarded with information but it'll all be good advise. I already feel confident that I'm going to get this under control.
Totally get where you're coming from!
I got diagnosed with type 1 + pernicious anemia, right after a near death experience in the hospital ICU for kidney problems... now they're lining me up for more tests because they think they found lumps under my tongue and in my pancreas on a scan.
My advice - take it easy . There's no rush to know everything or change your whole life with these kinds of conditions. There's certainly no point worrying about the fact that you've got them.
Remember to enjoy life every day and just deal with it a little bit at a time.
I got diagnosed with type 1 + pernicious anemia, right after a near death experience in the hospital ICU for kidney problems... now they're lining me up for more tests because they think they found lumps under my tongue and in my pancreas on a scan.
My advice - take it easy
. There's no rush to know everything or change your whole life with these kinds of conditions. There's certainly no point worrying about the fact that you've got them.Remember to enjoy life every day and just deal with it a little bit at a time.
daisy1
Legend
- Messages
- 26,457
- Location
- Switzerland
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
- Dislikes
- Cruelty towards animals.
@chris5428
Hello Chris and welcome to the Forum Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope this will help you to worry less. Ask as many questions as you need to and someone will be able to help.
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 well over 235,000 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:
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
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.
Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a free 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.
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
Access to blood glucose test strips
The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:
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 blood glucose 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.
Take part in Diabetes.co.uk digital education programs and improve your understanding. They're all free.
Hello Chris and welcome to the Forum
Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope this will help you to worry less. Ask as many questions as you need to and someone will be able to help.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 well over 235,000 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
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
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.
Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a free 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.
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
- Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
- 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
- Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
- 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
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 blood glucose 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.
Take part in Diabetes.co.uk digital education programs and improve your understanding. They're all free.
- Low Carb Program - it's made front-page news of the New Scientist and The Times. Developed with 20,000 people with type 2 diabetes; 96% of people who take part recommend it... find out why
- Hypo Program - improve your understanding of hypos. There's a version for people with diabetes, parents/guardians of children with type 1, children with type 1 diabetes, teachers and HCPs.
ickihun
Master
Ask away Chris.
We've all been where you are. Me 15yrs ago.
It still feels the same. 15yrs ago advice was basic from nhs too.
This forum is a god send!
The understanding I've gained is helping me lose weight and keep my diabetes in good shape.
I've personally decided to do bariatric surgery as I'm hugely insulin resistant and my insulin injections are adding to my obesity.
You're lucky, you have great prospects!
Newly diagnosed diabetics can really change things around, for as long as you want it to be.
Stick with us and we'll help you discover a lot about YOUR metabolism.
We are all different.
Exploring YOUR body's needs is paramount!
No worries! Let us know how you get on too.
I don't know much about asthma, but I'm sure like diabetes, there are plenty of people living their dreams with good management.
I do know one guy who has pretty bad asthma, flies planes for a living - and I hear they're fairly strict about medical conditions.
I was diagnosed with asthma a couple of months before the diabetes, luckily my asthma is well under control now. I've been told that weight loss will help both. The low carb diet is doing that, I'm just counting carbs not calories and still enjoying my food while loosing weight quite easily.
chris5428
Member
- Messages
- 12
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
One problem was it felt like it was just me and felt a bit lonely and frightened. Thanks to people like yourself I don't feel that way as much. That's a good thing.
That's how I feel about this forum, I don't think I'd be anywhere near as confident in dealing with my diabetes, if I hadn't stumbled across it.
leslie10152
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 1,110
- Location
- Canberra ACT
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Insulin
- Dislikes
- Ignorance
I know the feeling. Don't let it faze you. All you need to know is available here so feel free to ask questions.
pleinster
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 1,631
- Location
- Scotland
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Diet only
- Dislikes
- ignorance
Hi @chris5428. Don't be too worried, mate. You soon will "have a clue" and you will soon develop an approach that helps you get in control of your blood sugar levels. It's all about self-testing before and a couple of hours after food to see what has most impact on you as an individual. It is also important to keep a note of the food you eat. I kept records at first...time...meter reading...food eaten...meter reading two hours later...any comments for later consideration. In no time at all, I had noticed the patterns and altered my diet. My levels dropped and kept dropping. I came off my medication (Gliclazide) and managed my levels purely through a low carb diet (like many others), which was not so difficult at all. I have relaxed that a little now, but feel fine. You'll do well if you can sustain a suitable approach. Don't hesitate to ask anything at all. This place can make a huge difference. Good luck.
raun01
Active Member
- Messages
- 31
Hey @chris5428 coming here is the right step forward, there are millions living with it. You only need to follow meds and include healthy option to diet. Hope you find good advice and help here
ickihun
Master
Did you say you have a meter? @chris5428 ?
@Liam1955 knows info about discounted meter and test strips if you havent obtained one yet.
@Liam1955 knows info about discounted meter and test strips if you havent obtained one yet.
Liam1955
Master
- Messages
- 10,964
- Location
- York, England, UK.
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Insulin
- Dislikes
- Anti-Gay People, Self Centre People, Two Faced People and Bad Language.
Hi @chris5428 and Welcome to the Forum .
Get yourself a Blood Glucose Meter and get testing.
@AM1874 has put all the relevant information on meters in his post to you, click on the links and have a good read, and the same applies to daisy1's information - have a good read.
Then start asking all those questions you have going round in your head.
.Get yourself a Blood Glucose Meter and get testing.
@AM1874 has put all the relevant information on meters in his post to you, click on the links and have a good read, and the same applies to daisy1's information - have a good read.
Then start asking all those questions you have going round in your head.
